At Home with the Lectionary

In this episode, we consider the readings for the Day of Pentecost (or Whitsunday), Year A in the Lectionary cycle: Acts 2:1-21 or Numbers 11:24-30; Psalm 104:25-37; 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 or Acts 2:1-21; John 20:19-23 or John 7:37-39.

We tackle all the reading choices for Pentecost! We consider Jesus' breathing on the disciples & giving them His Spirit and the authority to forgive or retain forgiveness as well as His invitation for the thirsty to come to Him. We discuss Paul's teaching about the way the Holy Spirit gifts the body and unifies them in purpose. We linger with the Psalm and the playful descriptions of creation. And we read the account of the Spirit falling on the 70 elders in the wilderness, including the two who stayed home that day. And we conclude, of course, with a look at Acts 2 and the events of Pentecost Day.

**Correction: we mention in passing that Pentecost is linked with  Sukkot, or the Feast of Booths—one of the Three Pilgrimage Festivals. This is incorrect. Pentecost occurs when people were making pilgrimage to celebrate Shavuot, or the Feast of Weeks.**

Notes:
--Dwell App
--Metrical Collect for Whit-Sunday

--Like Dew Your Youth: Growing Up With Your Teenager, by: Eugene Peterson

--Ascension Day is traditionally always on a Thursday, the fortieth day after the resurrection, though many churches will celebrate it on the Sunday following.

--We recommended Dcn. Jeremiah Webster's recent book Follow the Devil/Follow the Light a few episodes ago, and Goodreads is running a giveaway for it through June 15

The Bible Project
--Bible Project's video overview of Acts
--Bible Project's video overview of Pentecost
--Bible Project's video overview of Joel
--Bible Project discussion of the ascension of Jesus

6:12 Collect
6:52  John 20:19-23 or John 7:37-39
29:00  1 Corinthians 12:3b-13
45:44  Psalm 104:25-37
52:42  Numbers 11:24-30
1:03:34  Acts 2:1-21

Our outro music is an original song by our friend Dcn. Jeremiah Webster, a poet and professor whose giftedness is rivaled by his humbleness. You can find his published works, including After So Many Fires, with a quick Google.

In this episode, we consider the readings for the seventh Sunday of Easter, Year A in the Lectionary cycle: Acts 1:6-14; Psalm 68:1-10, 33-36; 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11; John 17:1-11.

We discuss Jesus' high priestly prayer, Peter's concluding instructions and benediction, the triumphal imagery in the Psalm, and the events of the ascension.

Notes:
--Dwell App
--Prayers of the People for 7th Sunday of Easter
--Metrical Collect for Sunday after Ascension Day

--While, I can't find a publication date for Dr. Bruce Waltke's forthcoming commentary on the Psalms, he does have a new book coming out 6/23 based on his lectures: How to Read and Understand the Psalms. You might also look into The Psalms as Christian Lament and The Psalms as Christian Worship.

--Ascension Day is traditionally always on a Thursday, the fortieth day after the resurrection, though many churches will celebrate it on the Sunday following.

--We recommended Dcn. Jeremiah Webster's recent book Follow the Devil/Follow the Light a few episodes ago, and Goodreads is running a giveaway for it through June 15

The Bible Project
--Bible Project's video overview of Acts
--Bible Project's video overview of 1 Peter
--Bible Project discussion of the ascension of Jesus

3:01 Collect
3:43 John 17:1-11.
20:19  1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11
35:56 Psalm 68:1-10, 33-36
46:28  Acts 1:6-14

Our outro music is an original song by our friend Dcn. Jeremiah Webster, a poet and professor whose giftedness is rivaled by his humbleness. You can find his published works, including After So Many Fires, with a quick Google.

In this episode, we consider the readings for the sixth Sunday of Easter, Year A in the Lectionary cycle: Acts 17:22-31; 1 Peter 3:13-22; Psalm 66:7-18; John 14:15-21.

We discuss Jesus' teaching that those who love Him will obey Him as well as His promise to send the Holy Spirit. We consider Peter's teaching about how to orient our lives and conduct around Christ such that we are equipped to live with integrity and answer those who are curious about our life and hope. We look at the Psalm's declaration of trust in the Lord as well. We conclude with Paul's gorgeous sermon in Athens that declares the sovereign care of God for all people.

Notes:
--Dwell App
--Prayers of the People for 6th Sunday of Easter
--Metrical Collect for Easter 6
--Follow the Devil/Follow the Light, by: Dr. Jeremiah Webster From the blurb: "Can the reality of Imago Dei eclipse the failings of a troubled protagonist? Can the Christian imagination speak to a generation captivated by Stranger Things, Squid Game, and the Marvel universe? Can the means of pop culture advance theological ends? These were just some of the questions I wrestled with during the creation of Follow the Devil / Follow the Light. What follows is a supposal, a work of fiction, a dark vision for dark times. There are fits of allegory throughout, but nothing to advance the tradition of Plato, Spencer, Bunyan, Hawthorne, etc. I have no unique access into the provinces of the hereafter: infernal or beatific. Fortunately, neither do my readers. This side of the veil, we can only speculate 'what dreams may come.'"

Goodreads giveaway for Dr. Webster's book: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/367458-follow-the-devil-follow-the-light

The Bible Project
--Bible Project's video overview of Acts
--Bible Project's video overview of 1 Peter

3:48 Collect
4:57 John 14:15-21.
24:24  1 Peter 3:13-22
54:05 Psalm 66:7-18
58:41  Acts 17:22-31

Our outro music is an original song by our friend Dcn. Jeremiah Webster, a poet and professor whose giftedness is rivaled by his humbleness. You can find his published works, including After So Many Fires, with a quick Google.

In this episode, we consider the readings for the fifth Sunday of Easter, Year A in the Lectionary cycle: Acts 7:55-60;  Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16; 1 Peter 2:2-10; John 14:1-14.

We discuss Jesus' words about preparing a place for His disciples and His unity with the Father, Peter's explanation that we are living stones made into a dwelling place for God, David's song about God Himself being our refuge and shelter, and the martyrdom of Stephen, who is received into the presence of Jesus.

Notes:
--Dwell App
--Prayers of the People for 5th Sunday of Easter
--Metrical Collect for Easter 5

The Bible Project
--Bible Project's video overview of Acts
--Bible Project's video overview of 1 Peter

1:39 Collect
2:31 John 14:1-14
26:35  1 Peter 2:2-10
38:59 Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16
46:35  Acts 7:55-60

Our outro music is an original song by our friend Dcn. Jeremiah Webster, a poet and professor whose giftedness is rivaled by his humbleness. You can find his published works, including After So Many Fires, with a quick Google.

In this episode, we consider the readings for the fourth Sunday of Easter, Year A in the Lectionary cycle: Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 23; 1 Peter 2:19-25; John 10:10-10.

We discuss Jesus' metaphor of the sheepfold and naming Himself as the gate and consider Peter's exhortation to follow Christ's example. We also reflect on how David, a shepherd and a king, drew from shepherding imagery to write of the Lord's goodness and faithful love, and note that the early church's communal life included fellowship, prayer, breaking bread, and receiving the apostles' teaching with glad and humble hearts.

Notes:
--Dwell App
--Song "I Shall Not Want" Psalm 23 (Marissa wanted to mention this in the Psalm 23 discussion)

--Prayers of the People for 4th Sunday of Easter
--Metrical Collect for Easter 4

The Bible Project
--Bible Project's video overview of Acts
--Bible Project's video overview of 1 Peter

4:18 Collect
5:05 John 10:10-10
27:15  1 Peter 2:19-25
50:25  Psalm 23
59:51  Acts 2:42-47

Our outro music is an original song by our friend Dcn. Jeremiah Webster, a poet and professor whose giftedness is rivaled by his humbleness. You can find his published works, including After So Many Fires, with a quick Google.

In this episode, we consider the readings for the third Sunday of Easter, Year A in the Lectionary cycle: Acts 2:14a, 36-41; Psalm 116:1-3, 10-17; 1 Peter 1:17-23; Luke 24:13-35.

We discuss Jesus' decision to appear to the pair on the Emmaus road, Peter's invitation to embrace the grace of obedience, the Psalmist's desperate plea for help and joy in the Lord's salvation, and the conclusion of Peter's Pentecost sermon. The Lord is risen, friends!

Notes:
--The Locust Effect: Why The End of Poverty Requires The End of Violence - by: Gary Haugen & Victor Boutros
--Dwell App
--Helpful discussion of ways for Christians to avoid implicit and explicit antisemitism in Holy Week liturgies

--Prayers of the People
--Metrical Collect for Easter 3

The Bible Project
--Bible Project's video overview of Acts
--Bible Project's video overview of 1 Peter

4:35 Collect
5:16 Luke 24:13-35
27:16  1 Peter 1:17-23
39:34  Psalm 116:1-3, 10-17
50:57  Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Our outro music is an original song by our friend Dcn. Jeremiah Webster, a poet and professor whose giftedness is rivaled by his humbleness. You can find his published works, including After So Many Fires, with a quick Google.

In this episode, we consider the readings for the second Sunday of Easter, Year A in the Lectionary cycle: Acts 2:1-14a, 22-32; Psalm 16; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31.

We discuss how Jesus is identifiable by His wounds and appears to Thomas so that he may believe, Peter's courageous faith and words of exhortation in Acts 2, and the way preaching and the accounts of Jesus are given to us, who haven't seen Him, in order that we may believe. The Lord is risen, friends!

Notes:
--Link to interview with Fleming Rutledge
--Fleming Rutledge's book The Crucifixion: Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ

--Prayers of the People for Easter 2
--Metrical Collect for Easter 2

The Bible Project
--Bible Project's video overview of Acts
--Bible Project's video overview of 1 Peter

5:43 Collect
6:20 John 20:19-31
25:36  1 Peter 1:3-9
41:15  Psalm 16
49:38  Acts 2:1-14a, 22-32

Our outro music is an original song by our friend Dcn. Jeremiah Webster, a poet and professor whose giftedness is rivaled by his humbleness. You can find his published works, including After So Many Fires, with a quick Google.

In this episode, we consider the readings for Easter Day, Year A in the Lectionary cycle: Acts 10:34-43 or Jeremiah 31:1-6; Colossians 3:1-4 or Acts 10:34-43; John 20:1-18 or Matthew 28:1-10; Psalm 118:102, 14-24.

We discuss the way the Lord's faithful, everlasting love is pictured in Jeremiah's earthy imagery of promised restoration and cultivation of the land. We read Peter's sermon to Cornelius' household and the accompanying pivotal reminder that the Gospel is Good News for everyone as well as Paul's exhortation to the Colossians to live in the reality of Christ's authoritative work in His death, resurrection, and ascension. We conclude with pondering the details Matthew includes of the Marys arriving at the tomb, encountering the angel, and then meeting Jesus Himself.

Notes:
--Written reflection sparked by our discussion of Matthew 28 re: The Women on Easter Morning 
--NT Wright's book Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church

--Prayers of the People for Easter Day
--Metrical Collect for Easter Sunday

The Bible Project
--Bible Project's video overview of Acts
--Bible Project's video on the resurrection of Jesus

3:14 Collect
5:49 Jeremiah 31:1-6;
16:27 Acts 10:34-43
32:21 Colossians 3:1-4
42:37 Matthew 28:1-10

Our outro music is an original song by our friend Dcn. Jeremiah Webster, a poet and professor whose giftedness is rivaled by his humbleness. You can find his published works, including After So Many Fires, with a quick Google.

In this episode, we discuss the readings for Palm Sunday, Year A in the Lectionary cycle: Matthew 21:1-11; Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29; Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11.

We discuss Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and the response of the crowd as well as the ways His action to clear the temple and heal people aligns with the prophetic nature of the Messiah's saving work in the Psalms. We consider Jesus' example of humility and the reality and companionship of His suffering.

We encourage you to listen to the Passion according to St. Matthew found in Matthew 26:14-27:66 through an audio Bible app such as Dwell.

You can also listen to our homespun pandemic-friendly two-part reader's theater version of the passion narrative according to St. Mark.

Notes:
--Fernando Ortega's album The Crucifixion of Jesus

--Tweet pitting pagan deities opposite Jesus. Text reads: "Real gods, like Zeus, are forms of the good: strength, power, beauty, health, virtue. Fake gods, like Jesus, are forms of the bad: weakness, powerlessness, humiliation, ugliness, emaciation.
Which gods we worship determines what we manifest.  Manifest the good.  Manifest Zeus."

--Guide for hour-long prayer vigil for Maundy Thursday/Good Friday

--Prayers of the People for Palm Sunday Year A
--Metrical Collect for Palm Sunday

The Bible Project
--Bible Project's video on the crucifixion of Jesus

9:03 Collect
9:46 Matthew 21:1-11
18:59 Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
26:42 Isaiah 50:4-9a
36:53 Psalm 31:9-16
47:28 Philippians 2:5-11

Our outro music is an original song by our friend Dcn. Jeremiah Webster, a poet and professor whose giftedness is rivaled by his humbleness. You can find his published works, including After So Many Fires, with a quick Google.

In this episode, we discuss the readings for the fifth Sunday in Lent, Year A in the Lectionary cycle: John 11:1-45; Romans 8:6-11; Psalm 130; Ezekiel 37:1-14.

We discuss the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, grief and bereavement, and Mary's and Martha's response. We consider Paul's words on living by the flesh and living by the Spirit and how legalism is contrary to Jesus' light and easy yoke. We look at Psalm 130 and the promised grace of forgiveness and conclude with the epic themes of the Valley of the Dry Bones.

**Clarification: in the podcast we name some harms of "nouthetic/biblical counseling," which is a specific subset of behavioristic teaching. "Nouthetic counseling" is different from "Christian counseling" or licensed professional counseling offered by Christian practitioners, which we heartily recommend.**  Please feel free to reach out if you'd like more clarification.
 
Notes:
--Clarissa Moll's book Beyond the Darkness: A Gentle Guide for Living With Grief and Thriving After Loss
--Letting Grief Come to Church from Surprised By Grief podcast
--Letting Grief Come to Church article, by: Clarissa Moll

--Out of the Tomb Marissa' blog post reflection on John 11
--Resurrection Power Marissa' blog post reflection on 2 Kings 13:21

--Prayers of the People for the season of Lent, Year A
--Metrical Collect for the 5th Sunday in Lent

The Bible Project
--Bible Project's overview of John
--Bible Project's overview of Romans
--Bible Project's overview of Ezekiel
--Bible Project's overview of the Psalms

3:56 Collect
5:02 John 11:1-45
30:01 Romans 8:6-11
45:57 Psalm 130
57:12 Ezekiel 37:1-14

Our outro music is an original song by our friend Dcn. Jeremiah Webster, a poet and professor whose giftedness is rivaled by his humbleness. You can find his published works, including After So Many Fires, with a quick Google.