All Episodes
A Desolate House
Heralding his Father’s Kingdom, Jesus bookends the conquest of Jerusalem in Matthew with the same words that announced his entrance: “Blessed is he who comes in the na...
Inclusive, Not Exclusive
In today’s program, Fr. Paul explains that circumcision was given to undermine Hellenistic culture. (Episode 158)
The Avenger
Whether fighting for your values or fighting for justice, Matthew’s gospel begs the question: who are you fighting? In human narratives—egotistical by nature—you are t...
Circumcision of the Heart
This week, Fr. Paul begins his discussion of Genesis 17, noting the significance of name changes in the Bible. (Episode 157)
A Light to the Nations
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 ...
Beer-lahai-roi
In this weeks episode, Fr. Paul concludes his discussion of Genesis 16, noting the appearance and subsequent itinerary of Beer-lahai-roi. (Episode 156)
False Prophets
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, sp...
Hagar
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 in...
Blind Guides
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 pref...
This is What Sheep Do
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)
Above the Heavens
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 h...
Covenant with Abram
In today’s episode, Fr. Paul begins his discussion of Genesis 15 and the covenant with Abram. (Episode 153)
Do Not Become Like Us
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 t...
King of Salem
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 Go...
Humiliation
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...
We Are Not It
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 he...
Do Not Lead by Example
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 ev...
Shepherd Lingo
In this week’s episode, Fr. Paul explains that Genesis 13 provides the lexicon for the rest of the story. (Episode 150)
Whose Son is He?
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 o...
In Spite of Abraham
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 Let...
Pecking Order
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...
The Covenant of Circumcision
In today’s program, Fr. Paul concludes his discussion of Abram by touching on the covenant of circumcision. (Episode 148)
All Earthly Cares
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....
Chosen But Not Special
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 ...
Of Course They Say That
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 ...
An Ominous Joke
Today, Fr. Paul concludes his discussion of the oaks, emphasizing the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.(Episode 146)
They Still Don’t Get It
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, m...