Scripture and Tradition With Fr. Mitch Pacwa

Fr. Mitch looks at the second part of the “Isaiah Apocalypse” in chapters 26-27, where the children of Israel returning after their exile, to a rebuilt but unfortified Jerusalem.

Fr. Mitch looks at Isaiah 25, the middle of what is known as the “Isaiah Apocalypse” and the song of praise to the Lord in response to Him freeing His people from exile in Babylon.

Fr. Mitch examines the “Isaiah Apocalypse” which speaks of the destruction of the world, judgment of all nations, the redemption of Israel, and the resurrection of the dead.

Fr. Mitch looks at why the Lord commanded the exiled children of Israel to prepare themselves to hear God’s proclamation of salvation and institution of a new covenant with them.

Fr. Mitch looks at the Lord’s promises to not abandon His people, even though they were consistently unfaithful to Him as they worshipped false gods.

Fr. Mitch explores the Fourth Song of the Servant of the Lord found in Isaiah 52-53, describing the Suffering Servant who represents God’s suffering and sacrifice for humanity.

Fr. Mitch examines the lack of benefits the Egyptians, Assyrians and Babylonians gained from the subjugation and exile of the people of Israel, and to what this is testimony.

Fr. Mitch dives into Isaiah 51 and 52, examining the Lord’s commands to, “Listen to me!” along with pleas from Israel to the Lord to awaken and arise to his children’s defense.

Fr. Mitch points out the Lord’s answer to the children of Israel as they complained about exile in Babylon, while also discussing the third servant song in Isaiah 50.

In his LIVE, interactive Bible study, Fr. Mitch begins looking at the second servant song in Isaiah 49, describing the Messiah’s mission, glory, divine origin, and purpose

Fr. Mitch discusses one of the most influential Old Testament books in the history of the Church, Isaiah, noting Saint Jerome’s famous line that references this important book.

Fr. Mitch discusses how Isaiah 47 and 48 exposes Babylon’s shame and humiliation, and what punishment follows their sinful arrogance of loving pleasure and making divine claims.

Fr. Mitch discusses how the Lord confronts Israel as they bristle at His decision to position a Gentile, King Cyrus, as Israel’s “Messiah”, to set them free from the Babylonians.

Fr. Mitch discusses a Middle Eastern King’s use of camels in battle and also looks at a shocking announcement in Isaiah 44 and 45 surrounding a Gentile, Jerusalem, and the Temple.

Fr. Mitch studies Isaiah, chapter 44, as the Lord assures the exiled people of Israel of their future salvation and gives a strong critique of the foolish worship of pagan idols.

Fr. Mitch studies the ways the Lord’s prophet declares the Lord is the only God who will defeat the Chaldeans of Babylon and save the spiritually blind and deaf people of Israel.

Fr. Mitch studies the prophetic hymn of praise in Isaiah 42, while also commenting on how God deals with idolatry and how the Lord makes His truths clear for the deaf and blind.

Fr. Mitch looks at the first Servant of the Lord Song in Isaiah 42, making the distinction between it and the oracle of vocation which follows in Isaiah.

Fr. Mitch takes an in depth look at Isaiah chapter 41, where God puts the nations and their Gods on trial in order to demonstrate which deity is true, the Lord or their pagan gods.

Fr. Mitch looks at Deutero-Isaiah, or “second Isaiah,” which takes us back to Babylon of the late 540s BC, where the Lord summons Isaiah to be a prophet to the exiles.

Fr. Mitch breaks from his current study of Isaiah to connect with viewers by answering questions sent in via email to scriptureandtradition@ewtn.com

Fr. Mitch continues looking at the “Deuteronomistic History” found in Isaiah, and examines how King Hezekiah found goodness in suffering because it led him to repent of his sins.

Fr. Mitch continues his study of the historical narratives in Isaiah 37, namely the attack on Judah by the Assyrians and the events leading up to the siege of Jerusalem.

Fr. Mitch presents Isaiah 36-39, known as the “Deuteronomistic History,” one written at least 170 years after Isiah’s lifetime and also details his interaction with King Hezekiah.