First Reading

First Reading

By Rev. Rachel Wrenn, PhD; Rosy Kandathil, JD; Paul Essah, MDiv; Tim McNinch, PhDReligion & SpiritualityChristianity
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First Reading episodes

  • Luke 4:21–30
    Jesus and Elijah

    Lectionary Date: January 30, 2022 [4th Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C]

    Rachel drops the first reading to pick up OT references in the Gospel reading this week.

    13 min
  • Isaiah 62:1–5
    My Delight is in Her

    Lectionary Date: January 16, 2022 [2nd Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C]

    Sometimes we just need to hear that God sees us and loves us.

    17 min
  • Isaiah 43:1–7
    Go Baptism!

    Lectionary Date: January 9, 2022 [1st Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C]

    Why go to the Old Testament for "Baptism of our Lord" Sunday?

    15 min
  • Psalm 147:12–20
    God Delights in You

    Lectionary Date: January 2, 2022 [2nd Sunday after Christmas Day, Year C]

    A dip into Hebrew poetry for this first Sunday of 2022.

    17 min
  • 1 Samuel 2:1–10, 18–20, 26
    Hannah's Roar

    Lectionary Date: December 26, 2021 [1st Sunday after Christmas Day, Year C]

    It's a party episode! --> All 3 First Reading co-hosts together to chat about Hannah's song!

    33 min
  • Luke 1:39–55
    Mary and Consent

    Lectionary Date: December 19, 2021 [4th Sunday of Advent, Year C]

    Rachel rounds out Advent this year with a reflection on the problem of consent in Mary's story.

    18 min
  • Zephaniah 3:14–20
    "Pure" Grace

    Lectionary Date: December 12, 2021 [3rd Sunday of Advent, Year C]

    Rachel starts in the Gospel and works back to the Good News in the Old Testament.

    9 min
  • Malachi 3:1–4
    The Medium is the Messenger

    Lectionary Date: December 5, 2021 [2nd Sunday of Advent, Year C]

    Rachel highlights the power of the covenant this Advent.

    9 min
  • Psalm 25:1–10
    To You, I Lift My... Throat?

    Lectionary Date: November 28, 2021 [1st Sunday of Advent, Year C]

    Rachel introduces Advent with an extended reflection on (surprise, surprise) the "nefesh."

    9 min

About First Reading

From the publisher's feed

First Reading offers exegetical resources for the Old Testament Lectionary reading each week. Dr. Rachel Wrenn is Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies at Trinity Lutheran Seminary (Capital…