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Palm Sunday (Year B) - 3/24/24

Palm Sunday has to do a lot of heavy lifting. To help, most services are divided into the liturgy of the palms and the liturgy of the passion. This isn't true historically, however. Now, most people cannot (or will not) come to church on Good Friday, Palm Sunday has to link Jesus' triumphal entry with his crucifixion and lead into Easter.

Luckily for us, podcasts don't suffer that problem. People can listen whenever, so this episode focuses only on the triumphal entry. We have more, short, sweet episodes coming on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Easter's episode follows the usual rhythm.

Edit: This episode should have gone live on Monday (3/18), but some guy who looks, sounds, thinks, and acts like Seth made a mistake with the upload date. He apologizes!

The Fifth Sunday in Lent (Year B) - 3/17/24

"What happens when it breaks?" asks Jonathan. In this Sunday's readings, covenants break and Jesus' Spirit seems broken too. Jonathan and Seth discuss how God responds to brokenness, why a theology of brokenness matters today, and what the Gospel has to say to those of us whose hearts may be broken. These passages, perhaps more than any other Lenten ones, are dark and reflective. They'll lead us to the (momentary) joy of Palm Sunday.

We're glad you're with us! We'd love it if you'd review us on whatever podcast platform you use; it helps others find the show.

The Fourth Sunday in Lent (Year B) - 3/10/24

The contrast between light and darkness often appears in Scripture, particularly in the appointed passages for Lent 4. These texts and this theme, however, have been used historically to praise whiteness and to denigrate those with dark skin. Jonathan and Seth discuss that pitfall, how it encourages binary thinking, how darkness can be seen as positive, and how God deigns to work with people rather than alone.

As always, we're glad you're with us!

The Third Sunday in Lent (Year B) - 3/3/24

The Old Testament reading for this Sunday is the 10 Commandments. The appointed Psalm extolls the God's law. In the Gospel reading, Jesus sees money changers and sellers using the temple-goers as profit-makers. Upset, Jesus drives them out of the temple. Jonathan and Seth discuss the law, and why Jesus might be so upset at this longstanding temple practice of selling goods and services inside the temple. They pray to close the episode.

We're glad you're with us and hope you're having a meaningful Lenten journey.

The Second Sundayin Lent (Year B) - 2/25/24

In this quick episode, Jonathan and Seth discuss the classic question: When is it appropriate to tell someone to take up their cross? Who should be encouraged to suffer on behalf of tier faith? And do these lectionary texts have a common thread?

This episode airs Monday (2/19) and is about the following Sunday (2/25). We hope to use that format moving forward so we’re more helpful for those creating material. As always, we’re glad you’re with us! 

The First Sunday in Lent (Year B) - 2/18/24

There’s water everywhere in this Sunday’s texts: the flood, to 1 Peter describing baptism, and, finally, to Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River. Jonathan and Seth discuss this theme, but also how these texts evidence God’s gracious love for us and why that’s particularly important during our Lenten journey.

Look for another episode next Monday (2/19) as we settle into a consistent schedule. As always, we’re glad you’re with us.

Ash Wednesday (Year B)

Ash Wednesday, of course, falls on Valentine’s Day this year. The celebration of love coincides with the reminder that “you are dust and to dust you shall return.” Jonathan and Seth give an overview of the appointed lectionary texts for the day. They discuss how the Gospel’s admonition not to flaunt one’s piety might fit with the practice of putting ashes on one’s forehead, and end, as always, with a prayer. 

Be on the lookout for more episodes in the coming days. We’re glad you’re with us. 

Reboot Teaser

Jonathan and Seth reboot with a new format, new episodes, and new questions. Starting Ash Wednesday, and continuing every Sunday, they’ll discuss the appointed lectionary texts and raise questions that someone could address in a sermon or a Bible study or may want to meditate on. The new format should be shorter and more relevant for those in ministry settings, and equally engaging for those who don't 'do' church professionally.

Look for more ways to get involved soon; we’re glad you’re with us again or for the first time.

Easter: Matthew 28:1-10

Resurrection has an impact on the entire universe. It will involve Jesus, human beings, and all of creation. What will the future of creation look like? What small but visible resurrections are taking place in nature right now? Jonathan and Seth discuss these issues. Jonathan fails the final quiz of our series, possibly for the first time in his life!

We hope your Easter is joyful and that you, too, can experience a resurrection.

Good Friday: Psalm 22

Hanging on the cross, Jesus cries out the opening line of Psalm 22. The poem starts with deep pain, punctuated by statements of trust in God's presence. A savior who utters these words offers a helpline to those suffering too, who feel abandoned, but are never alone. Jonathan and Seth explore how this psalm - and Jesus' use of it - affects how we connect to people in pain. And, appropriately for Good Friday, they sit in the tension this psalm and a crucified God create.