In these readings for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, the Israelites finally acknowledge their sins and Jesus declares a Jubilee Year.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 7:35

Reading 1 - Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10

Psalm cf John 6:63c Psalm 19: 8-10, 14

Reading 2 - 1 Corinthians 12:12-30

Gospel - Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21

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It’s the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time! This week, Dr. Scott Powell talks about ancient Israel’s understanding of a jubilee year. He also shares a few reasons the wedding at Cana is more than just a magic trick precursor to Jesus’ other miracles.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 5:15

Reading 1 - Isaiah 62:1-5

Psalm 96: 1-3, 7-10

Reading 2 - 1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Gospel - John 2:1-11

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It’s the start of a new season of Sunday School— and a new liturgical year! But the readings this week are not exactly celebrating.

Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn and Kate Olivera as they talk about the readings we will hear at Mass for the First Sunday of Advent.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 3:30

Reading 1 - Jer 33:14-16

Psalm - Ps 25: 4-5, 8-9, 10, 14

Reading 2 - 1 Thes 3:12—4:2

Gospel - Lk 21: 25-28, 34-36

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Sunday School is back in session! This podcast will feature the same great teaching from biblical scholar Dr. Scott Powell and a brand new weekly format focused on the readings we will hear at Sunday Mass.

Watch for our first episode on Wednesday, all about the First Sunday of Advent, Year C.

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Sunday School is free for now, but soon it will be available only to The Pillar’s paying subscribers.

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In Chapter 13, we find what Scott characterizes as one of America’s great “prop Bible verses.” St. Paul talks about respecting authority, and emphasizes that God is in control. 

Nostra aetate

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St. Paul attempts to define Israel and address the issue of those in the Jewish community who have not accepted the Messiah. Scott warns that these chapters of St. Paul’s letter to the Romans have been at the root of antisemitism. 

The Spirit of the Liturgy by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger

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We’re opening the comments for each episode of this season of Sunday School.

Please, share with us any questions you may have about St. Paul and his letter to the Romans. We’ll bring a few of your questions to Scott in the final episode of this season.

If you have a question you would rather not share publicly, please email our producer Kate Olivera at kolivera@pillarcatholic.com

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Scott continues to address JD’s questions about Romans 5:20— and the relationship between law and sin. 

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In these chapters, St. Paul continues to build his argument about God’s faithfulness, using the stories of Abraham and the Exodus. He presents Abraham as a shared father in faith— to both Jewish Christians and the Gentiles. St. Paul also writes that Jesus Christ restores our proper relationship with God, ourselves, our neighbor and creation.

JD wrestles with Romans 5:20, and St. Paul’s reflection on the relationship between law and sin.

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Venerable Pierre Toussaint

Camp Wojtyla

An Environmental Ethic for the End of the World: An Ecological Midrash on Romans 8:19-22

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Scott talks with JD and Kate about the first chapters of St. Paul’s letter to the Romans, in which Paul writes about the universality of sin and the wrath of God.

- The Apostle Paul, c. 1657 Rembrandt

Righteousness of God = God’s faithfulness to his covenant promises— not only to Abraham, Moses and Israel, but to the whole of creation

Works of the Law (Works) = All the markers that, under the Mosaic covenant, designated membership in God’s covenant family (e.g, circumcision, kosher/dietary laws, Old Testament feasts, Sabbath observances) In short, the book of Deuteronomy. 

Faith = baptism

Salvation = being a part of the covenant family

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Scott begins this new season about St. Paul’s letter to the Romans at the very end— chapters 14-16. In these “so what?” chapters, St. Paul answers the question at the heart of the letter— can God be trusted? 

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Reading Romans Backwards: A Gospel of Peace in the Midst of Empire by Scott McKnight

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JD Flynn and Scott Powell are back in the classroom— with special guest, Pillar producer Kate Olivera— to talk about the Book of Romans. This week, Scott talks about St. Paul and the nature of letters. 

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The lives of the Twelve Caesars by Suetonius

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JD asks some follow-up questions after going through the readings for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Year C. We’re trying this out— give us feedback in the comments below!

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In this final episode of our season about the psalms, Scott and JD talk about Book V— the “Now What?” psalms. In Book V, Israel praises God and reflects on the symbols of its identity. 

The symbols of Israel include land (Psalms 107-109), the Davidic king (Psalms 108-110, 118 and 138-145), the Torah (119) and the Temple (120-137). 

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In Book IV of the Psalms, Israel reflects on the Exodus as they continue to wrestle with the loss of the kingdom and what that loss means for God’s kingship. 

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Scott talks with JD about Book III of the Psalms. In Book III, Israel reckons with the loss of the kingdom. 

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Scott suggests the following psalms of lament: 74, 77, 79, 80, 88

Scott references the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 2778

Numbers: An Introduction and Commentary by Gordon J. Wenham 

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Scott talks with JD about the dramatic imagery of the psalms, the relationship between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of Israel and how we can approach psalms about vengeance. 

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Reflections on the Psalms by C.S. Lewis

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Scott and JD dive into Book I of the Psalms. Scott explores the themes of lament and praise, faith and hope. He also talks about the terms ‘Torah’ and ‘messiah.’

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The Red Wheelbarrow by William Carlos Williams

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Join JD Flynn and Scott Powell for this new season of Sunday School, all about the Book of Psalms. In this episode, Scott talks about the function of the psalms— and their place in Scripture.

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Show notes:

Answering God: The Psalms as Tools for Prayer by Eugene Peterson

Click here for a transcript of this episode.

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Scott and JD talk about the Presentation, the Magi and the role of prophets.

The readings for this episode are Luke 2: 22-40.

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Scott and JD talk about the Visitation, the Annunciation and the circumstances of the birth of Jesus.

The readings for this episode are Luke 1: 26-56 and Luke 2: 1-21.

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Scott and JD kick off this three-episode Advent miniseries with the story of Zachariah and Elizabeth, from the Gospel of Luke.

The readings for this episode are Luke 1: 5-23, 57-80.

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Scott talks about the woman at Bethany, the Last Supper and one of the lesser known feasts in Judaism in this final episode about the Gospel of Mark.

Join us in learning all about the infancy narratives in Season 2 of Sunday School, releasing this Advent!

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It’s the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord! Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn and Kate Olivera as they unpack the first of the ’servant songs’ found in Isaiah— and link it to the creation story in Genesis. Scott talks about Acts 10, the turning point of the New Testament.

Then, he makes some really cool connections about water.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 6:20

Reading 1 - Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7

Psalm 29: 1-4, 9-10

Reading 2 - Acts 10: 34-38

Gospel - Luke 3: 15-16, 21-22

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Scott talks with JD about the Transfiguration, Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and the eschatological discourse.

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Scott talks about bread, deafness and blindness, and clean and unclean.

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Scott takes a deep dive into Mark: 3-5 and 6: 1-30, including the parable of the sower and the seed and a reflection on Mary.

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Scott talks with JD about the first two chapters of the Gospel of Mark, including Jesus’ baptism, the temptation in the wilderness and something called the messianic secret.

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Scott gives an introduction to the Gospel of Mark, which is the focus of the first season of Sunday School.

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Sunday School is a new Catholic bible study podcast, presented by The Pillar. Join Pillar Editor-in-Chief JD Flynn as he learns about Scripture with Biblical Scholar Dr. Scott Powell.

Season 1 will focus on The Gospel of Mark.

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Happy Feast of the Epiphany! This week, Dr. Scott Powell gives his take on the tradition of the Three Kings— and reflects on the return of the glory of God.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 7:00

Reading 1 - Isaiah 60:1-6

Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13

Reading 2 - Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6

Gospel - Matthew 2:1-12

Watch: The Star of Bethlehem

Listen: The Psalms season of Sunday School

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It’s the Feast of the Holy Family! Join Dr. Scott Powell and Kate Olivera as they unpack one of Scott’s favorite stories from Scripture, St. Paul’s letter of encouragement to Colossia and that time Mary and Joseph lost Jesus.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 7:40

Reading 1 - 1 Sm 1:20-22, 24-28

Ps 128: 1-5

Reading 2 - Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17

Gospel - Lk 2:41-52

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Merry Christmas, everyone! In reflecting on the readings for Christmas Mass During the Day, Year C, Dr. Scott Powell talks about the importance of context in defining the word “gospel.”

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 6:27

Reading 1 - Is 52: 7-10

Ps 98: 1-6

Reading 2 - Heb 1:1-6

Gospel - Jn 1:1-18

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This episode has been re-published after it failed to populate podcast apps. Our apologies!

Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn and Kate Olivera as they unpack the readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year C— including the Visitation and the minor prophet Micah’s warnings to a prosperous Israel.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 5:50

Reading 1 - Mi 5:1-4a

Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19

Reading 2 - Heb 10:5-10

Gospel - Lk 1:39-45

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Shout for joy, everyone! It’s Gaudete Sunday. Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn and Kate Olivera talk about the readings for the Third Sunday of Advent. 

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 4:25

Reading 1 - Zep 3:14-18a

Is 12:2-6

Reading 2 - Phil 4:4-7

Gospel - Lk 3:10-18

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This week, Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn and Kate Olivera talk about the readings for the Second Sunday of Advent, Year C— more bright moments in the midst of darkness. 

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 5:10. 

Reading I - Bar 5:1-9

Psalm - Ps 126: 1-6

Reading II - Phil 1: 4-6, 8-11

Gospel - Lk 3: 1-6

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Join Dr. Scott Powell and Kate Olivera as they talk about the purpose of ordinary time, why God allows bad things to happen, and Jesus’ appointment of 72 to go ahead of him on the way to Jerusalem.

Check out Scott’s book here: Walking with Christ: A Journey Through the Gospel of Luke

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 7:00.

Reading 1 - Isaiah 66:10-14c

Psalm 66: 1-7, 16, 20

Reading 2 - Galatians 6:14-18

Gospel - Luke 10:1-12, 17-20

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It’s the Solemnity of Ss. Peter and Paul! Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera to talk about St. Peter’s exodus from prison on the Feast of Unleavened Bread, St. Paul’s final letter, and Jesus’ giving the keys of the kingdom to St. Peter.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 6:52.

Reading 1 - Acts 12: 1-11

Psalm 34: 2-9

Reading 2 - 2 Timothy 4: 6-8, 17-18

Gospel - Matthew 16: 13-19

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It’s the Second Sunday of Easter— Divine Mercy Sunday. This week, Dr. Scott Powell talks with JD Flynn and Kate Olivera about the structure of Acts of the Apostles, the ancient idiom that contextualizes the book of Revelation, and Jesus’ healing of Thomas.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 7:00

Reading 1 - Acts 5:12-16

Psalm 118: 2-4, 13-15, 22-24

Reading 2 - Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19

Gospel - John 20:19-31

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This week, Dr. Scott Powell approaches the readings for Easter Sunday in reverse. Join Dr. Powell, JD Flynn and Kate Olivera as we learn how Jesus’ resurrection interacts with a frequently misunderstood Jewish feast day. Then, Scott shares what he considers to be the turning point of the entire New Testament.

And don’t miss Dr. Powell’s latest book— Walking with Christ: A Journey Through the Gospel of Luke

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 5:40

Reading 1 - Acts 10:34a, 37-43

Psalm 118: 1-2, 16-17, 22-23

Reading 2 - Colossians 3:1-4

Gospel - John 20:1-9

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It’s Palm Sunday, everybody. Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn and Kate Olivera as they unpack this Holy Week overture— including St. Paul’s kenotic hymn, the meaning of Jesus’ last words on the cross and the choice we make each Palm Sunday.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 21:30

Reading during palm procession - Luke 19:28-40

Reading 1 - Isaiah 50:4-7

Psalm 22: 8-9, 17-20, 23-24

Reading 2 - Philippians 2:6-11

Gospel - Luke 22:14—23:56

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It’s the Fifth Sunday of Lent. Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn and Kate Olivera as they explore themes of water and dust— and reconsider the Gospel story of the woman caught in adultery.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 4:45

Reading 1 - Isaiah 43:16-21

Psalm 126: 1-6

Reading 2 - Philippians 3:8-14

Gospel - John 8:1-11

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Rejoice, everyone— it’s Laetare Sunday! In our first reading, Joshua leads a new generation into the promised land. Then, Dr. Scott Powell suggests it might be time for some of us to rethink how we approach parables.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 6:50

Reading 1 - Joshua 5:9a, 10-12

Psalm 34: 2-7

Reading 2 - 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Gospel - Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

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It’s the Third Sunday of Lent! This week, Moses has his first encounter with God, Christians in Corinth wrestle with interacting with society as Christians and Jesus offers a straightforward warning.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 8:45

Reading 1 - Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15

Psalm 103: 1-4, 6-7, 8, 11

Reading 2 - 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12

Gospel - Luke 13:1-9

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Join JD and Ed in Rome this December for The Pillar Pilgrimage! Learn more here.

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In these readings for the Second Sunday of Lent, Abram asks God for something tangible and Jesus undergoes the Transfiguration.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 5:55

Reading 1 - Genesis 15: 5-12, 17-18

Psalm 27: 1, 7-9, 13-14

Reading 2 - Philippians 3:17—4:1

Gospel - Luke 9:28b-36

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It’s the First Sunday of Lent! Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn and Kate Olivera as they explore a more robust definition of the Exodus and talk about the testing of Jesus.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 6:45

Reading 1 - Deuteronomy 26:4-10

Psalm 91: 1-2, 10-15

Reading 2 - Romans 10: 8-13

Gospel - Luke 4: 1-13

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It’s the Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time! Join Dr. Scott Powell as he unpacks the readings— including an uncommon reading from Sirach.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 4:45

Reading 1 - Sirach 27:4-7

Psalm 92: 2-3, 13-16

Reading 2 - 1 Corinthians 15:54-58

Gospel - Luke 6:39-45

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It’s the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time! Join Dr. Scott Powell as he shares a story of David at his finest and helps JD Flynn and Kate Olivera reconsider a familiar Gospel reading.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 5:50

Reading 1 - 1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23

Psalm 103: 1-4, 8, 10, 12-13

Reading 2 - 1 Corinthians 15:45-49

Gospel - Luke 6:27-38

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It’s time to celebrate Corpus Christi! Join Dr. Scott Powell, Kate Olivera, and JD Flynn as they explore the identity of the mysterious Melchizedek, and the connection between the priesthood and the feeding of the 5,000 in the Gospel.

Reading 1 - Genesis 14: 18-20

Psalm 110: 1-4

Reading 2 - 1 Corinthians 11: 23-26

Gospel - Luke 9: 11b-17

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Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn and Kate Olivera as they discuss the readings for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time— and ask what it actually means to be blessed by God?

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 4:02

Reading 1 - Jeremiah 17:5-8

Psalm 1:1-4 & 6

Reading 2 - 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20

Gospel - Luke 6:17, 20-26

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