Sunday Setup

Our First Reading from Ezekiel needs an extra amount of set-up--but it tells a remarkable story involving two eagles, a branch, and a temperamental vine! Ezekiel 17:22-24 / 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 / Mark 4:26-34

All three readings have a common theme this weekend: blood... which is most appropriate given our celebration. Exodus 24:3-8 / Hebrews 9:11-15 / Mark 14:12-16, 22-26

Among other insights, we're taking up two big debates about the conclusion of Matthew's Gospel in this episode! Deuteronomy 4:32-34, 39-40 / Romans 8:14-17 / Matthew 28:16-20

Come, Holy Spirit! Acts 2:1-11 / Galatians 5:16-25 / John 15:26-27, 16:12-15

Learn about The Short Ending, The Long Ending, and so much more as we celebrate the Ascension! Acts 1:1-11 / Eph 4:1-13 / Mark 16:15-20

What can the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry teach us about our First Reading this Sunday? Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48 / 1 John 4:7-10 / John 15:9-17

Jesus calls himself the "true vine" in this weekend's Gospel, but did you know that Isaiah (5:1), Jeremiah (2:21), Hosea (10:1), and Ezekiel (15:2, 19:10) all  also  used the metaphor of Israel as a "vine?" Acts 9:26-31 / 1 John 3:18-24 / John 15:1-8

A generous donation from Thiago and Natalie has provided an upgrade to our recording equipment at Sunday Setup; listen to the difference for this week's episode! Acts 4:8-12 / 1 John 3:1-2 / John 10:11-18

Learn all about the παράκλητος ( parakletos ) and more on this Easter season episode! Acts 3:13-15, 17-19 / 1 John 2:1-5a / Luke 24:35-48

Learn about the surprising background behind the phrase "my Lord and my God" (and much more) in this new episode of Sunday Set-up! Acts 4:32-35 / 1 John 5:1-6 / John 20:19-31

Happy Easter from all of us here at Sunday Set-up! Acts 10:34a, 37-43 / Colossians 3:1-4 / John 20:1-9

Since the Passion account is so lengthy, I'll omit any background on it; instead, hear about The Great Donkey Debate and other insights into this weekend's readings!

Reading intestines, praising Tom Brady, and lifting up the Son of Man: it all happens on this latest episode of Sunday Set-up! Jeremiah 31:31-34 / Hebrews 5:7-9 / John 12:20-33

Did a farm have a sabbath in ancient Israel? Did St. Paul interrupt the lyrics of a Christian hymn? And did Jesus himself say "For God so loved the world that He gave his only son?" The answers in this episode! 2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23 / Ephesians 2:4-10 / John 3:14-21

When Jesus becomes angry in this weekend's Gospel, why were there a bunch of animals and money changers hanging around the temple in the first place? The answer and much more in this episode. Exodus 20:1-17 / 1 Corinthians 1:22-25 / John 2:13-25

We explore excerpts from Genesis, Romans, and Mark in this latest episode. If Sunday Setup helps you better prepare for Sunday Mass, be sure to share this podcast! Genesis 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18 / Romans 8:31b-34 / Mark 9:2-10

The Book of Genesis has a part to play in all three readings this weekend as we begin the season of Lent. Genesis 9:8-15 / 1 Peter 3:18-22 / Mark 1:12-15

What should a first-century Christian do if he finds out the meat he's eating was previously sacrificed to an idol? That and much more in this episode! Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46 / 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1 / Mark 1:40-45

Job's metaphors, Paul's payment, and Jesus's Day in the Life are all described as we look ahead to this weekend's readings at Mass. Job 7:1-4, 6-7 / 1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23 / Mark 1:29-39

How can we know if a prophet is really a prophet? What did Paul think about marriage? And just what  was  a "scribe" at the time of Jesus? The answers are contained within this latest episode! Deuteronomy 18:15-20 / 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 / Mark 1:21-28

What can the movie Groundhog Day teach us about our First Reading this weekend? Find out that and much more on this latest episode! Jonah 3:1-5, 10 / 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 / Mark 1:14-20

Word play and double meaning abound in our readings this weekend: learn more with Sunday Set-up! 1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19 / 1 Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20 / John 1:35-42

Get your feet wet with the context behind this weekend's readings! Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7 / Acts 10:34-38 / Mark 1:7-11

The readings for Epiphany Sunday remain the same each year! Learn more about them in this episode. Isaiah 60:1-6 / Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6 / Matthew 2:1-12

Did you know that Israelite sons never really "left home," the Colossians were known for making clothes, and that all Jewish firstborns had to be "bought back" from God? All that and more on this weekend's Sunday Set-up! [As a note, the first option for each reading is used] Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 / Colossians 3:12-21 / Luke 2:22-40.