All Episodes
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...
The Oaks
In today’s program, Fr. Paul reminds us that the Bible is a totality, with all its stories written together, in tandem. (Episode 145)
Jesus Doesn’t Need Friends
In the year of our Lord 2020, Matthew’s warning that we are not to judge our neighbor draws a scowl from those who hear it, even as Christians themselves dismiss it. N...
The Story of Abram
In today’s program Fr. Paul touches on the importance of God’s blessings and curses at the beginning of Genesis 12. (Episode 144)
We Are All Guests
In Matthew’s gospel, the notion of a guest is a useful metaphor. A guest owns nothing, controls nothing, provides nothing, and can do nothing when the host asks them t...
Nahor
In today’s program, Fr. Paul returns to his general commentary on the book of Genesis with a discussion of the literary hinge or turning point at the end of Genesis 11...
Hope in Destruction
When human beings seek security and safety, they base their defense on brick and mortar buttressed by a fierce criticism of those they deem unrighteous. What to do whe...
He Does Whatever He Pleases
This week, Fr. Paul concludes his series on the Itinerant word in Genesis 1-11 noting the centrality of divine judgment and the folly of human ethics. (Episode 142)
Running Out of Chances
When Matthew—or any other gospel—applies a text from the Old Testament, that’s exactly what it is: an application of something old to a new situation. The original tea...
Decoding Genesis 1-11
Exactly fifty years ago on Monday, October 26 1970, Fr. Paul gave his first lecture at Balamand Seminary in Lebanon, marking the beginning of his incredible academic c...
Talk Is Cheap
When anyone gathers to accomplish a task, there are plenty of people who express a willingness to help and no shortage of expert opinions about the work itself and how...
Thou Hast Diminished Him
This week, Fr. Paul begins his discussion of Psalm 82 and Psalm 8 as they relate to Genesis 1-11. (Episode 140)
Consigned to Ignorance
In Matthew 13, Jesus invokes the prophecy of Isaiah against those unable to grasp his teaching because of their ignorance of Scripture: “Therefore I speak to them ...