All Episodes
The Bible Interprets Itself
When we refer to an interpretation or discuss interpretation theories, we do so to claim authority over the text or to avoid accountability. A written text in any lang...
Put in His Place
This week, Fr. Paul concludes Genesis 18 noting the self-righteousness of Abraham. (Episode 161)
Inscribed on Your Brain
It’s tempting to think that the study of literature—the discipline of hearing and understanding the written word—is more accessible than the so-called “hard sciences.”...
A Whirling Graveyard
It is practically impossible for human beings to consider any question without worrying about what’s in it for them. Unfortunately (or fortunately) for us, the Lord’s ...
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)