First Reading

Advent is here!!!Lectionary Date: December 15, 2024 [3rd Sunday of Advent, Year C]For the 3rd week of Advent, Rachel takes us to the lesser-known prophet Zephaniah, who introduces a new aspect of God's profile.

Advent is here!!!Lectionary Date: December 8, 2024 [2nd Sunday of Advent, Year C]For the 2nd Sunday in Advent, Rosy highlights the tension in the coming of God's "messenger." We're coming to you from our conference in San Diego!

Advent is here!!!Lectionary Date: December 1, 2024 [1st Sunday of Advent, Year C]Advent is here! And First Reading has you covered, with episodes recorded in person at our professional convention in San Diego. For Advent 1, Tim looks at the prophet Jeremiah's claim that God will hold unfaithful leaders to account.

First Reading Episode #300!!!Lectionary Date: November 24, 2024 [Reign of Christ Sunday, Year B]It's a special party episode of First Reading, as we celebrate our 300th episode! All four hosts take a few minutes to share what has been meaningful to them about this podcasting journey. Then, we dive into some analysis and preaching tips for the first reading: 2 Samuel 23, David's "last words."

Birth Pangs of a New RealityLectionary Date: November 17, 2024 [26th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]Rosy opens up the story of Hannah in conversation with Jesus's "little apocalypse" in Mark.

Uncovering and CoveringLectionary Date: November 10, 2024 [25th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]Paul explores the theological impact of Ruth's vulnerability and its redemptive power.

A Migrant InvasionLectionary Date: November 3, 2024 [24th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]Rosy encourages us to preach the story of a migrant family facing discrimination, as these themes also swirl in our own political moment.

Peace in the Midst of Mysterious SufferingLectionary Date: October 27, 2024 [23rd Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]Paul and Rosy pick up our ongoing conversation in the book of Job this lectionary season. This week, Paul highlights Job's shift in tone after an overwhelming barrage of divine questions.

Party Episode! God's (Non)Answer to JobLectionary Date: October 20, 2024 [22nd Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]In this party episode, all four First Reading hosts wrestle with God's enigmatic response to Job out of the whirlwind.

Honest to GodLectionary Date: October 13, 2024 [21st Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]Rachel ventures cautiously into the book of Job. It's a tricky book, but Rachel discovers a model for being honest to God. We recorded this before Hurricane Helene—our prayers are with all who are suffering in the aftermath of the storm. Hopefully, this episode gives an opening for a kind of honest prayer in a context of disaster.

God's Finger-workLectionary Date: October 6, 2024 [20th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]This week, Tim explores the context, language, and imagery of a classic psalm!

Rooted in the WordLectionary Date: September 22, 2024 [18th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]We're back with a brand new episode! This week, Rachel walks us through "one of her favorite psalms"—for real this time... This psalm has accompanied her through some challenging times.

Recycled Episode: The Tongue of a LearnerLectionary Date: September 15, 2024 [17th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B]We'll be back with new material next week! In the meantime, Tim sets his face like flint to offer a nonviolent interpretation of this famous text!

Party Episode! A Place for God's Name Lectionary Date: August 25, 2024 [14th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] All four hosts are back from Summer Break for a Party Episode looking at Solomon's temple dedication scene (as well as Psalm 84, a temple psalm).

Recycled Episode: A Listening Heart Lectionary Date: August 18, 2024 [13th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] We're getting ready for a "Party Episode" next week, so this time around we're recycling a fascinating post from the FR vault: Tim's reflection on King Solomon's request for "wisdom"... or "a listening heart," from the last time this text came up in the lectionary (2021).

First Reading "Summer Shorts"! Lectionary Date: August 11, 2024 [12th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] This summer, we're trying something new: a series of video shorts with one key takeaway from the semi-continuous first reading in the RCL. This week, Rosy reflects on the sad story of the collapse of David's family and his failures as a parent.

First Reading "Summer Shorts"! Lectionary Date: August 4, 2024 [11th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] This summer, we're trying something new: a series of video shorts with one key takeaway from the semi-continuous first reading in the RCL. This week, Paul considers how David's abuse of power has parallels in today's world.

First Reading "Summer Shorts"! Lectionary Date: July 28, 2024 [10th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] This summer, we're trying something new: a series of video shorts with one key takeaway from the semi-continuous first reading in the RCL. This week, Rachel takes a careful listen to Bathsheba's voice.

First Reading "Summer Shorts"! Lectionary Date: July 21, 2024 [9th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] This summer, we're trying something new: a series of video shorts with one key takeaway from the semi-continuous first reading in the RCL. This week, Tim explores the kind of "place" that King David's leadership makes.

First Reading "Summer Shorts"! Lectionary Date: July 14, 2024 [8th Sunday after Pentecost, Year B] This summer, we're trying something new: a series of video shorts with one key takeaway from the semi-continuous first reading in the RCL. This week, Rosy considers how we might embody a bit more joy in our worship this summer.