Explore every episode of the podcast Sunday School; A Pillar Bible Study

Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera for a Pardon the Interruption-style Easter Vigil episode of Sunday School.

Are you planning to preach or attend Mass of Easter Day? You can find our episode about those readings here: Sunday School - Mass of Easter Day

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to the time in bold after each reading.

Reading I - Genesis 1:1—2:2 (8:35)

Reading II - Genesis 22:1-18 (15:05)

Reading III - Exodus 14:15—15:1 (23:50)

Reading IV - Isaiah 54:5-14 (29:00)

Reading V - Isaiah 55:1-11 (34:15)

Reading VI - Baruch 3:9-15, 32 4:4 (41:00)

Reading VII - Ezekiel 36:16-17a, 18-28 (46:35)

Psalm 42:3, 5; 43:3, 4 (50:40)

Epistle - Romans 6: 3-11 (54:20)

Psalm 118: 1-2, 16-17, 22-23 (58:20)

Gospel - Matthew 28: 1-10 (1:02:30)

Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they look ahead to the readings for Palm Sunday— including the Kenotic Hymn, and Matthew’s account of the Passion.

This episode is brought to you by Catholic International University, supporting Catholic priests through online MA and Graduate Certificate programs in Ecclesial Administration & Management.

Learn more at catholiciu.edu/pillar

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 22:00.

Gospel with Palm Procession: Matthew 21:1-11

Reading 1 - Isaiah 50:4-7

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

Reading 2 - Philippians 2:6-11

Gospel - Matthew 26:14—27:66

Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they look ahead to the Fifth Sunday of Lent— including a prophecy of hope in Ezekiel and Jesus’ raising of Lazarus from the dead.

This episode is brought to you by the 2026 Amazing Parish Leadership Summit, Aug. 3-5 in Houston, TX.

The 2026 Amazing Parish Leadership Summit will inspire and equip you to lead renewal in the part of the Church entrusted to you.

Register today at amazingparish.org/houston2026

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 9:30

Reading 1 - Ezekiel 37:12-14

Psalm 130: 1-8

Reading 2 - Romans 8:8-11

Gospel - John 11:1-45

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Show notes:

Learn more about Venerable Pierre Toussaint

Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera look ahead to the readings for the Fourth Sunday of Lent— including Samuel’s secret anointing of David, an excerpt of what could be an encyclical by St. Paul, and Jesus’ healing of a man born blind.

This episode is brought to you by the Institute for Liturgical Formation at Christendom College Graduate School of Theology.

This summer, consider spending four weeks immersed in reverent liturgy and rigorous academics at the Institute for Liturgical Formation.

Learn more at christendom.edu/liturgy

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 10:00.

Reading 1 - 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a

Psalm 23: 1-6

Reading 2 - Ephesians 5: 8-14

Gospel - John 9: 1-41

Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera look ahead to the readings for the Third Sunday of Lent— including the Israelites grumbling because of thirst, and John’s account of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well.

This episode is brought to you by Catholic International University. Supporting Catholic priests through online MA and Graduate Certificate programs in Ecclesial Administration & Management.

Learn more at catholiciu.edu/pillar

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 9:00.

Reading 1 - Exodus 17: 3-7

Psalm 95: 1-2, 6-9

Reading 2 - Romans 5: 1-2, 5-8

Gospel - John 4: 5-42

Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera look ahead to the readings for the Second Sunday of Lent— including God’s calling of Abram, St. Paul’s last letter before his martyrdom, and Matthew’s telling of the Transfiguration.

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Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 4:32

Reading 1 - Genesis 12:1-4a

Psalm 33: 4-5, 18-20, 22

Reading 2 - 2 Timothy 1:8b-10

Gospel - Matthew 17:1-9

Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera look ahead to the readings for the First Sunday of Lent— including the second creation story in Genesis and Jesus’ testing in the wilderness.

This episode is brought to you by Catholic International University, supporting Catholic priests through online MA and Graduate Certificate programs in Ecclesial Administration and Management.

Learn more at catholiciu.edu/pillar

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 7:55.

Reading 1 - Genesis 2: 7-9; 3: 1-7

Psalm 51: 3-6, 12-13, 17

Reading 2 - Romans 5: 12-19

Gospel - Matthew 4: 1-11

JD Flynn and Kate Olivera talk about the readings for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Special appearance by Dr. Scott Powell.

This episode is brought to you by the Institute for Liturgical Formation at Christendom College Graduate School of Theology.

This summer, consider spending four weeks immersed in reverent liturgy and rigorous academics at the Institute for Liturgical Formation.

To learn more, visit christendom.edu/liturgy

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 8:20.

Reading 1 - Sirach 15: 15-20

Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34

Reading 2 - 1 Corinthians 2: 6-10

Gospel - Matthew 5: 17-37

Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera look ahead to the readings for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time— including an ill-fated Yom Kippur detailed in Isaiah and Jesus’ words in the Gospel of Matthew about the salt of the earth.

This episode is brought to you by Catholic International University, supporting Catholic priests through online MA and Graduate Certificate programs in Ecclesial Administration & Management.

Learn more at www.catholiciu.edu/pillar

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Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 4:10

Reading 1 - Isaiah 58: 7-10

Psalm 112: 4-9

Reading 2 - 1 Corinthians 2: 1-5

Gospel - Matthew 5: 13-16

It’s Beatitude Week! Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they unpack the readings for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time— including a reading from Zephaniah about the day of the Lord and the beatitudes in the Gospel of Matthew.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 4:50

Reading 1 - Zephaniah 2: 3; 3:12-13

Psalm 146: 6-10

Reading 2 - 1 Corinthians 1: 26-31

Gospel - Matthew 5: 1-12a

Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera look ahead at the readings for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time— including an Advent-y passage from Isaiah, St. Paul’s strong message about unity to the church in Corinth, and Jesus’ withdrawal to Galilee.

This episode is brought to you by the Institute for Liturgical Formation at Christendom College’s Graduate School of Theology.

This summer, consider spending four weeks at the Institute for Liturgical Formation— immersed in reverent liturgy and rigorous academics.

To learn more, visit christendom.edu/liturgy

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 6:50

Reading 1 - Isaiah 8: 23—9:3

Psalm 27: 1, 4, 13-14

Reading 2 - 1 Corinthians 1: 10-13, 17

Gospel - Matthew 4: 12-23

Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they look ahead to the readings for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time— including a servant song in Isaiah, a Davidic psalm, and new creation in the Gospel of John.

This episode is brought to you by 5 Stones, a trusted Catholic partner for apostolates who need help with mission-critical services like marketing, fulfillment, technology, or customer service.

Learn more at weare5stones.com/pillar

- Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 6:15

Reading 1 - Isaiah 49: 3, 5-6

Psalm 40: 2, 4, 7-10

Reading 2 - 1 Corinthians 1: 1-3

Gospel - John 1: 29-34

Join Dr. Scott Powell and Kate Olivera as they look ahead to the readings for the Baptism of the Lord— including the first of the servant songs in Isaiah, a turning point in the New Testament, and Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan river.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 5:10

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

Psalm 29: 1-4, 9-10

Reading 2 - Acts 10:34-38

Gospel - Matthew 3: 13-17

Join Dr. Scott Powell and Kate Olivera as they look ahead to the readings for the Epiphany of the Lord— including a psalm for the coronation of a wicked king, one of the Church’s first encyclicals, and the retelling of the magi’s search for Jesus.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 5:56

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

Join Dr. Scott Powell and Kate Olivera as they look ahead to the readings for the Feast of the Holy Family— including St. Paul’s heavily misunderstood words to Christians in Colossae about family structure, and the Holy Family’s flight to Egypt.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 7:11

Reading 1 - Sirach 3: 2-6, 12-14

Psalm 128: 1-5

Reading 2 - Colossians 3: 12-21

Gospel - Mt 2:13-15, 19-23

Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera look ahead to the readings for the Christmas Vigil Mass— including St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, and the genealogy that launches the New Testament.

If you like listening to Sunday School, consider becoming a paying subscriber to The Pillar. It’s just $8 a month, and it helps make this podcast possible. You can subscribe here: pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 11:40

Reading 1 - Isaiah 62:1-5

Psalm 89: 4-5, 16-17, 27, 29

Reading 2 - Acts 13: 16-17, 22-25

Gospel - Matthew 1: 1-25

-Listen to our episode for Christmas Mass During the Day here: The past days and the last days

-Jingle Bells by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0)

Join Dr. Scott Powell and Kate Olivera as they look ahead to the readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent— including a royal narrative in Isaiah, St. Paul’s understanding of the word ‘gospel,’ and the angel’s appearance to St. Joseph.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 4:25

Reading 1 - Isaiah 7:10-14

Psalm 24: 1-6

Reading 2 - Romans 1:1-7

Gospel - Matthew 1:18-24

Look ahead to the readings for the Third Sunday of Advent with Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn and Kate Olivera— including a poem from Isaiah about a wilderness in bloom, and St. John the Baptist asking Jesus about his identity.

This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by the Aquinas Institute of Theology’s Doctor of Ministry in Preaching program.

Become the kind of preacher the Church needs today.

Learn more at ai.edu/DMin

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Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 5:15

Reading 1 - Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10

Psalm 146: 6-10

Reading 2 - James 5:7-10

Gospel - Matthew 11:2-11

Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they look ahead to the readings for the Second Sunday of Advent— including the Isaiah prophecy that ushers in what Scott describes as the “long Advent of the Old Testament,” and the Gospel story of John the Baptist preaching repentance in the wilderness.

This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by the Aquinas Institute of Theology’s Doctor of Ministry in Preaching program.

Become the kind of preacher the Church needs today.

Learn more at ai.edu/DMin

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Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 6:51

Reading 1 - Isaiah 11:1-10

Psalm 72: 1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17

Reading 2 - Romans 15: 4-9

Gospel - Matthew 3:1-12

Join Dr. Scott Powell and Kate Olivera as they look ahead to the First Sunday of Advent— and the beginning of a new liturgical year— with readings from Isaiah, Romans and Matthew.

This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by the Aquinas Institute of Theology’s Doctor of Ministry in Preaching program.

Become the kind of preacher the Church needs today.

Learn more at ai.edu/DMin

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Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 6:45

Reading 1 - Isaiah 2:1-5

Psalm 122: 1-9

Reading 2 - Romans 13:11-14

Gospel - Matthew 24:37-44

It’s the Solemnity of Christ the King, a feast Dr. Scott Powell describes as an exclamation point to end this liturgical year.

Join Scott, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they talk about David’s coronation, St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians, and the revolutionary’s recognition of Jesus’ kingship.

This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by the Aquinas Institute of Theology’s Doctor of Ministry in Preaching program.

Become the kind of preacher the Church needs today.

Learn more at ai.edu/DMin

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Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 7:55

Reading 1 - 2 Samuel 5: 1-3

Psalm 122: 1-5

Reading 2 - Colossians 1: 12-20

Gospel - Luke 23: 35-43

As we approach the end of the liturgical year, our Sunday readings are turning more intense and apocalyptic. Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they unpack the readings for the Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time— including God’s last words in the Old Testament and Jesus’ eschatological discourse in the Gospel of Luke.

This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by the Aquinas Institute of Theology’s Doctor of Ministry in Preaching program.

Become the kind of preacher the Church needs today.

Learn more at ai.edu/DMin

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Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 6:40.

Reading 1 - Malachi 3:19-20a

Psalm 98: 5-6, 7-8, 9

Reading 2 - 2 Thessalonians 3: 7-12

Gospel - Luke 21: 5-19

Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they unpack the readings for this week’s Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica— including Ezekiel’s eschatological vision of a temple and Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple.

This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by the Aquinas Institute of Theology’s Doctor of Ministry in Preaching program, where you can become the kind of preacher the Church needs today.

Learn more at ai.edu/DMin

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Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 11:20

Reading 1 - Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12

Psalm 46: 2-3, 5-6, 8-9

Reading 2 - 1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17

Gospel - John 2:13-22

Join Dr. Scott Powell and Kate Olivera as they look ahead to the readings for All Souls’ Day— including one of the very few Old Testament references to life after death, and Jesus’ cryptic message in the Gospel of John about doing the will of God.

This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by SEEK 2026.

Invite your parish to experience encounter, community, and transformation at SEEK 2026—January 1–5 in Columbus, OH • Fort Worth, TX • Denver, CO.

Learn more at seek.focus.org

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Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 5:35

Reading 1 - Wisdom 3:1-9

Psalm 23: 1-6

Reading 2 - Romans 5:5-11

Gospel - John 6:37-40

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A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: The Old Testament by John Bergsma and Brant Pitre

Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they unpack the readings for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time— including Jesus’ parable about a pharisee and a tax collector making offerings in the temple.

This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by SEEK 2026.

Invite your parish to experience encounter, community, and transformation at SEEK 2026—January 1–5 in Columbus, OH • Fort Worth, TX • Denver, CO.

Learn more at seek.focus.org

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Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 6:05.

Reading 1 - Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18

Psalm 34: 2-3, 17-19, 23

Reading 2 - 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

Gospel - Luke 18:9-14

It’s the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time! This week, Moses holds up his staff to secure victory in battle against the Amalekites. Then, St. Paul writes to Timothy about good governance and Jesus tells the parable of the arrogant judge.

This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by SEEK 2026. Invite your parish to experience encounter, community, and transformation at SEEK 2026—January 1–5 in Columbus, OH • Fort Worth, TX • Denver, CO.

To learn more, visit seek.focus.org

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Bound for Freedom: The Book of Exodus in Jewish and Christian Traditions by Göran Larsson

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Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 7:48.

Reading 1 - Exodus 17:8-13

Psalm 121: 1-8

Reading 2 - 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2

Gospel - Luke 18:1-8

It’s the Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time! Join Dr. Scott Powell and JD Flynn as they talk about the healing of Naaman, St. Paul’s final letter, and a Samaritan’s confession of faith in Jesus, the high priest.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 4:45

Reading 1 - 2 Kings 5:14-17

Psalm 98: 1-4

Reading 2 - 2 Timothy 2:8-13

Gospel - Luke 17:11-19

It’s the Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn and Kate Olivera as they talk about this week’s readings— including God’s answer to Habakkuk’s question about pending suffering, St. Paul’s last letter, and Jesus’ words about the power of faith the size of a mustard seed.

This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by Mission Ignite at The Mark 5:19 Project.

We exist to foster thriving, apostolic parishes. Mission Ignite walks with your parish for 10 months to create a culture of evangelization and make Jesus’ name known and loved in your community.

Find out more at mark519project.org/pillar

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Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 5:37

Reading 1 - Habakkuk 1: 2-3; 2:2-4

Psalm 95: 1-2, 6-9

Reading 2 - 2 Timothy 1: 6-8, 13-14

Gospel - Luke 17: 5-10

It’s the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they talk more about the minor prophet Amos’ warnings to the northern kingdom, an Allelujah psalm and St. Paul’s pastoral letter to Timothy.

Then, Scott unpacks the Gospel parable about Lazarus and the rich man.

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This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by FOCUS Retreats, offering deeply Catholic, low-lift retreats that ignite discipleship, transform lives, and multiply the mission of Jesus Christ in the modern world.

To learn more, visit focus.org/retreats and schedule a quick call with the FOCUS Retreats team.

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Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 6:20.

Reading 1 - Amos 6: 1a, 4-7

Psalm 146: 7-10

Praise the Lord, my soul! (1b)

Reading 2 - 1 Timothy 6: 11-16

Gospel - Luke 16: 19-31

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The Bible Timeline, by Ascension Press

It’s the Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Join Dr. Scott Powell and Kate Olivera as they talk about the minor prophet Amos, the Egyptian Hallel, and one of St. Paul’s pastoral letters. Then, Scott gives a helpful framework for approaching the confusing parable of the shrewd scoundrel.

This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by the St. Paul Center. Priests, grow in your love for Christ and for your ministry through study, faith, and fellowship at a St. Paul Center Priest Conference.

To learn more— or register to attend a St. Paul Center Priest Conference in 2026— visit stpaulcenter.com/priests

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Already read the readings? Skip ahead to

Reading 1 - Amos 8:4-7

Psalm 113: 1-2, 4-6, 7-8

Reading 2 - 1 Timothy 2: 1-8

Gospel - Luke 16: 1-13

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Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels by Kenneth Bailey

It’s the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Join Dr. Scott Powell and Kate Olivera as they talk about how the Book of Numbers got its name, the importance of memory, and the kenotic hymn in Philippians. Then, Nicodemus has a dialogue with Jesus in the Gospel of John.

This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by SEEK. Invite your parish to experience encounter, community, and transformation at SEEK 2026 January 1-5 in Columbus, OH; Fort Worth, TX; and Denver, CO.

Learn more at seek.focus.org

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Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 5:15

Reading 1 - Numbers 21:4b-9

Psalm 78: 1bc-2, 34-38

Reading 2 - Philippians 2:6-11

Gospel - John 3:13-17

It’s the Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time! Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they talk about one of the greatest stories in the Bible. But first, we’ll hear from the Book of Wisdom and a rare psalm attributed to Moses. Then, in the Gospel of Luke Jesus shares two confusing mini-parables.

This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by the St. Paul Biblical Center.

Priests, grow your love for Christ and for your ministry through study, faith and fellowship at a St. Paul Center Priest Conference.

To learn more, visit stpaulcenter.com/priests

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Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 5:25

Reading 1 - Wisdom 9: 13-18b

Psalm 90, 1, 3-6, 12-14, 17

Reading 2 - Philemon 9-10, 12-17

Gospel - Luke 14: 25-33

It’s the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time! Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they talk about Sirach and its place within Wisdom literature. Then, they talk about a call to humility in Hebrews and a Gospel parable about guests and seats of honor.

This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by FOCUS Retreats, empowering parishes and leaders to offer deeply Catholic, low-lift retreats that ignite discipleship, transform lives, and multiply the mission of Jesus Christ in the modern world.

To learn more, visit focus.org/retreats/ to schedule a quick call with the retreats team at FOCUS.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 5:30

Reading 1 - Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29

Psalm 68: 4-7, 10-11

Reading 2 - Hebrews 12: 18-19, 22-24a

Gospel - Luke 14: 1, 7-14

It’s the Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time! Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn and Kate Olivera as they talk about the cyclical nature of the Old Testament, and parenting imagery in this week’s readings from Isaiah and Hebrews.

Then, Jesus responds to the question “Who will be saved?” in the Gospel of Luke.

This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by FOCUS Retreats, empowering parishes and leaders to offer deeply Catholic, low-lift retreats that ignite discipleship, transform lives, and multiply the mission of Jesus Christ in the modern world.

To learn more, visit focus.org/retreats/ to schedule a 30-minute call with the retreats team at FOCUS.

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Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 7:50

Reading 1 - Isaiah 66: 18-21

Psalm 117: 1, 2 & Mk 16:15

Reading 2 - Hebrews 12: 5-7, 11-13

Gospel - Luke 13:22-30

It’s the Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Join Dr. Scott Powell and Kate Olivera as they explore the context for the book of Jeremiah, and talk about why exactly Jesus comes "to set the earth on fire."

This episode of Sunday School was brought to you by the St. Paul Center.

Priests, grow your love for Christ and for your ministry through study, faith and fellowship at a St. Paul Center Priest Conference.

To learn more, visit stpaulcenter.com/priests

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Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 18:00

Reading 1 - Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10

Psalm 40: 2-4, 18

Reading 2 - Hebrews 12:1-4

Gospel - Luke 12:49-53

To learn more about the social and political context around the time of Jesus, Scott recommends Jesus and the Victory of God by N.T. Wright.

To learn more about the mindset of Jews in the time of Jesus, Scott recommends the Oxford Annotated Mishnah, The Legends of the Jews by Louis Ginzberg, and Eerdman’s Dictionary of Early Judaism.

It’s the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, and our readings are filled with little riddles. Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn and Kate Olivera as they talk about what it means that the Passover was “known beforehand to our fathers.”

Then, Scott gives the context of the Letter to the Hebrews and suggests Jesus’ Gospel parable about the master returning home at an unknown hour should evoke feelings of excitement rather than anxiety.

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This episode of Sunday School is brought to you by the St. Paul Center. Priests, grow your love for Christ and for your ministry through study, faith and fellowship at a St. Paul Center Priest Conference.

Learn more at stpaulcenter.com/priests

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A Catholic Introduction to the Bible by John Bergsma and Brant Pitre

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Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 7:07

Reading 1 - Wisdom 18:6-9

Psalm 33: 1, 12, 18-22

Reading 2 - Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19

Gospel - Luke 12:32-48

It’s the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, and we’re back in Wisdom literature for our first reading. Dr. Scott Powell explores the meaning of the Hebrew word ‘hevel,' which most modern English-language bibles translate as ‘vanity.’

Then, Scott unpacks St. Paul’s challenge of Ecclesiastes in his letter to the Colossians, and Jesus’ parable in response to a man demanding justice in the distribution of his inheritance.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 6:06.

Reading 1 - Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23

Psalm 90: 3-6, 12-14, 17

Reading 2 - Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11

Gospel - Luke 12:13-21

This episode contains discussion of sexual violence and may not be suitable for children.

Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they unpack the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, and discuss how it could be connected to this week’s other readings from the Psalms and Colossians. Then, Scott makes the argument the Our Father is all about the Exodus.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 7:17.

Reading 1 - Genesis 18:20-32

Psalm 138: 1-3, 6-8

Reading 2 - Colossians 2:12-14

Gospel - Luke 11:1-13

It’s the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time! Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they explore the temptation to make idols in the Old Testament, and the connection between Old Testament blessings and curses and the corporal works of mercy Catholics practice today.

Then, Scott provides some context for the well-known Gospel story of Martha and Mary.

You can find Scott’s book here: Walking with Christ: A Journey Through the Gospel of Luke

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 5:11.

Reading 1 - Genesis 18:1-10a

Psalm 15: 2-5

Reading 2 - Colossians 1:24-28

Gospel - Luke 10:38-42

It’s the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time! Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they wrestle with the paradox of the Mosaic law and the parable of the Good Samaritan.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 6:06.

Reading 1 - Deuteronomy 30: 10-14

Psalm 69: 14, 17, 30-31, 33-34, 36, 37

Reading 2 - Colossians 1: 15-20

Gospel - Luke 10: 25-37

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

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

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

It’s Trinity Sunday! Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they wrestle with chokmah, St. Paul’s Christological reshaping of chokmah in his letter to the Romans, and Jesus’ farewell discourse at the Last Supper.

Reading 1 - Proverbs 8:22-31

Psalm 8: 2a, 4-9

Reading 2 - Romans 5:1-5

Gospel - John 16:12-15

Interested in advertising on Sunday School? Email Michelle at mlarosa@pillarcatholic.com

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A history of Catholic slaps, punches, and all-out brawls

Come, Holy Spirit! It’s Pentecost Sunday, and Dr. Scott Powell is here to share some of the biblical language that gives context to these readings.

Reading 1 - Acts 2:1-11

Psalm 104: 1, 24, 29-31, 34

Reading 2 - Romans 8: 8-17

Gospel - John 20:19-23

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This episode of Sunday School was brought to you by Amazing Parish.

Amazing Parish coaches hundreds of Catholic pastors across the United States each year— to reinvigorate and transform their vocations and their parishes.

Learn more today at amazingparish.org

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If you’re interested in advertising on Sunday School, reach out to Michelle at mlarosa@pillarcatholic.com

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God's Grandeur by Gerard Manley Hopkins

This Sunday— in most dioceses— we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord. Dr. Scott Powell explains why the Ascension is actually the pinnacle of the Easter season and the connection between these readings and the often misunderstood parable of the ten virgins.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 7:50

Reading 1 - Acts 1: 1-11

Psalm 47: 2-3, 6-7, 8-9

Reading 2 - Ephesians 1:17-23

Gospel - Luke 24: 46-53

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In these readings for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, we hear about the Council of Jerusalem and Jesus’ last discourse to his apostles.

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Reading 1 - Acts 15 :1-2, 22-29

Psalm 67: 2-3, 5, 6, 8

Reading 2 - Revelation 21:10-14, 22-23

Gospel - John 14:23-29

It’s the Fifth Sunday of Easter! Join Dr. Scott Powell and Kate Olivera as they talk about a chiasm in Acts of the Apostles and reflect on the betrayal of Judas.

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Reading 1 - Acts 14:21-27

Psalm 145: 1, 8-13

Reading 2 - Revelation 21:1-5a

Gospel - John 13:31-33a, 34-35

This episode of Sunday School was brought to you by Amazing Parish.

Amazing Parish coaches hundreds of Catholic pastors across the U.S each year— to reinvigorate and transform their vocations and their parishes.

Learn more by visiting amazingparish.org

It’s Good Shepherd Sunday! Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn and Kate Olivera as they talk about St. Paul and Barnabas’ disruption at a synogogue in Antioch, the 144,000 sealed in Revelation and Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

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Reading 1 - Acts 13:14, 43-52

Psalm 100: 1-2, 3, 5

Reading 2 - Revelation 7:9, 14b-17

Gospel - John 10:27-30

Dr. Scott Powell breaks down the readings for the Third Sunday of Easter— including a deep dive into the Sanhedrin, the Pharisees and the Sadducees. He also explores some possible deeper meanings behind Peter’s first conversation with the Risen Christ.

Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 7:50

Reading 1 - Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41

Psalm 30: 2, 4-6, 11-13

Reading 2 - Revelation 5:11-14

Gospel - John 21:1-19