The Bible as Literature

This week, Fr. Paul begins his discussion of Genesis 17, noting the significance of name changes in the Bible. (Episode 157) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Ancestor worship is as old as dirt. Whether we lift up our ancestors or condemn them, our true concern is how others see us and what our children will think of us. We pontificate about being on “the right side of history” because we want to be right, even as the Prophets announce the condemnation of history and the Law proclaims that all of us are wrong.  In Matthew, Jesus exposes the whole conver...

In this weeks episode, Fr. Paul concludes his discussion of Genesis 16, noting the appearance and subsequent itinerary of Beer-lahai-roi. (Episode 156) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In Ezekiel 13, the prophet warns against those who speak their own words, the inspiration of their own thoughts, from their own heart. Such prophets, Ezekiel warns, spread lies and build whitewashed walls; the Lord is against them, he warns, and the work of their hands will surely fall.  Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 23:25-28. Episode 366 Matthew 23:25-28; Music: Unnatural Situation by Kevi...

Elucidating the Hebrew scripture by means of his knowledge of Arabic and drawing upon the Latin text, this week Fr. Paul discusses the mistreatment of Hagar and the interesting play on Exodus in Genesis 16. (Episode 155) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

The benefit of following a lectionary is that it forces those in church to hear the assigned reading with no regard for who is present, how they sin, or what they prefer to hear. If they are present, the judgment of the reading applies to them. Period. Full stop.  When we deceive ourselves, picking and choosing the reading or the verse; when we attempt to discern what should be emphasized or what...

This week Fr. Paul reiterates that scripture calls all the nations to live in their cities as though they were sheep in the wilderness. (Episode 154) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Be they religious or philosophical, human systems of thought seek to discern what is good and what is evil. The Gospel of Matthew dynamites this approach by usurping human power structures and dismantling human ethics, replacing both with God’s divine judgment, firmly seated outside our control and beyond our understanding. Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 23:16-22. Episode 364 Matthew 23:16-2...

In today’s episode, Fr. Paul begins his discussion of Genesis 15 and the covenant with Abram. (Episode 153) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Following the Old Testament’s line, which sets Israel apart to demonstrate that Israel is no better, Matthew’s condemnation of the Scribes and Pharisees consolidates the Bible’s rejection of exceptionalism.  Where nations, religions, institutions, social groupings, and even families scramble to proclaim, “become like us,” resoundingly, the biblical writers warn everyone, “do not become like us!” R...

This week, Fr. Paul concludes his discussion of Genesis 14, noting the special meaning of Melchizedek’s name and the significance of the rare designation, priest of God Most High. (Episode 152) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

While American Christians fight for social relevance in the culture wars, the writers of the New Testament cancel themselves.  Enough said.  Richard and Fr. Marc discuss Matthew 23:5-12. Episode 362 Matthew 23:5-12; Music: Terminal by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4478-terminal License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In today’s episode, Fr. Paul kicks off the new year with a discussion of Genesis 14, noting that the people do not return to the so-called land of Canaan but to the heavenly Zion. (Episode 151)  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Blinded by extreme solipsism, it is practically impossible for Americans to recognize—let alone obey—correct words spoken on the lips of people we consider wrong or evil. Where God uses the hypocrisy of his followers to enlighten the world, we use the same to destroy it. Like childish teenagers reveling in stupidity and empty rebellion, we use the hypocrisy of others to avoid accountability for ou...

In this week’s episode, Fr. Paul explains that Genesis 13 provides the lexicon for the rest of the story. (Episode 150)  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

On this Christmas Eve, it is important to remember that the birth of Jesus is good news for the poor and the oppressed because it heralds the ascendancy of God’s Law over the tyranny of human authorities.  Beginning with David and then Caesar, even now, Jesus the Christ tramples underfoot every pretender to his Father’s throne.  “For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet; a...

In today’s program Fr. Paul notes that God continues his promise in spite of Abram, touching briefly on the Epistle for the Sunday before Christmas from St. Paul’s Letter to the Hebrews. (Episode 149) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

If any human ability can be said to manifest the power of God, it is our ability to speak. When we speak words, there are only two possibilities: 1. That we are saying something informed and useful, meaning we teach something, or, 2. That our speech is uninformed and unhelpful,  and therefore, destructive. For the biblical tradition, there is no middle ground on this point. When you speak, you are...

In today’s program, Fr. Paul concludes his discussion of Abram by touching on the covenant of circumcision. (Episode 148) ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

It is genuinely tragic that religion, intended to set our minds on heavenly things, is repeatedly debased by the preoccupation of religious people with worldly things. The biblical story calls us to look past human transience to the things that are eternal—“the things,” Jesus teaches, that pertain “to God.” Meanwhile, the fundamentalists in Matthew are debating property rights.  Richard and Fr. Ma...

This week Fr. Paul explains that Israel is chosen in Scripture, not because it is special, but in order to demonstrate that all the nations, including Israel, are the same. (Episode 147)  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

If you are happy with the way things are—if you own property, if your business is thriving, if existing social and religious institutions work in your favor, the last thing you want in your town is a prophet. A prophet brings news that God will bring an end to the current situation. A prophet warns of God’s wrath and judgment. In fulfillment of the prophets, Jesus proclaims this judgment in the Re...

Today, Fr. Paul concludes his discussion of the oaks, emphasizing the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.(Episode 146)  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In a parable seemingly written for our present historical moment, this week’s reading from Matthew dynamites any and all claims made by any and all people on social, moral, economic, civic, legal, or cultural dominance. Pharisees and Herodians—the would-be government of Jerusalem—want to take control away from Caesar's sitting government, itself a religion organized around a self-proclaimed “Son o...

In today’s program, Fr. Paul reminds us that the Bible is a totality, with all its stories written together, in tandem. (Episode 145)  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★