Sunday School; A Pillar Bible Study

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 7:50Reading 1 - Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41Psalm 30: 2, 4-6, 11-13Reading 2 - Revelation 5:11-14Gospel - John 21:1-19 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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 7:00Reading 1 - Acts 5:12-16Psalm 118: 2-4, 13-15, 22-24Reading 2 - Revelation 1:9-11a, 12-13, 17-19Gospel - John 20:19-31 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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 5:40Reading 1 - Acts 10:34a, 37-43Psalm 118: 1-2, 16-17, 22-23Reading 2 - Colossians 3:1-4Gospel - John 20:1-9 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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 21:30Reading during palm procession - Luke 19:28-40Reading 1 - Isaiah 50:4-7Psalm 22: 8-9, 17-20, 23-24Reading 2 - Philippians 2:6-11Gospel - Luke 22:14—23:56 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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 4:45Reading 1 - Isaiah 43:16-21Psalm 126: 1-6Reading 2 - Philippians 3:8-14Gospel - John 8:1-11 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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 6:50Reading 1 - Joshua 5:9a, 10-12Psalm 34: 2-7Reading 2 - 2 Corinthians 5:17-21Gospel - Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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 8:45Reading 1 - Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15Psalm 103: 1-4, 6-7, 8, 11Reading 2 - 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12Gospel - Luke 13:1-9-Join JD and Ed in Rome this December for The Pillar Pilgrimage! Learn more here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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 5:55Reading 1 - Genesis 15: 5-12, 17-18Psalm 27: 1, 7-9, 13-14Reading 2 - Philippians 3:17—4:1Gospel - Luke 9:28b-36 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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 6:45Reading 1 - Deuteronomy 26:4-10Psalm 91: 1-2, 10-15Reading 2 - Romans 10: 8-13Gospel - Luke 4: 1-13 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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 4:45Reading 1 - Sirach 27:4-7Psalm 92: 2-3, 13-16Reading 2 - 1 Corinthians 15:54-58Gospel - Luke 6:39-45 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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 5:50Reading 1 - 1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-23Psalm 103: 1-4, 8, 10, 12-13Reading 2 - 1 Corinthians 15:45-49Gospel - Luke 6:27-38 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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 4:02Reading 1 - Jeremiah 17:5-8Psalm 1:1-4 & 6Reading 2 - 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20Gospel - Luke 6:17, 20-26 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

It's the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time! Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn and Kate Olivera as they unpack the callings of Isaiah and Simon Peter.Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 6:55Reading 1 - Isaiah 6:1-2a, 3-8Psalm 138 1-5, 7-8Reading 2 - 1 Corinthians 15:1-11Gospel - Luke 5:1-11 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

This week, we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation and the readings are all about the priesthood. Hear Malachi give a prophecy about God's return that is parallel to Isaiah's own prophecy about God's return. Then, Dr. Scott Powell explains the context of the Presentation.Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 7:20Reading 1 - Malachi 3:1-4Psalm 24: 7-10Reading 2 - Hebrews 2:14-18Gospel - Luke 2: 22-40 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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 7:35Reading 1 - Nehemiah 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10Psalm cf John 6:63c Psalm 19: 8-10, 14Reading 2 - 1 Corinthians 12:12-30Gospel - Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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 5:15Reading 1 - Isaiah 62:1-5Psalm 96: 1-3, 7-10Reading 2 - 1 Corinthians 12:4-11Gospel - John 2:1-11 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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 6:20Reading 1 - Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7Psalm 29: 1-4, 9-10Reading 2 - Acts 10: 34-38Gospel - Luke 3: 15-16, 21-22 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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 7:00Reading 1 - Isaiah 60:1-6Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13Reading 2 - Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6Gospel - Matthew 2:1-12Watch: The Star of BethlehemListen: The Psalms season of Sunday School This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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 7:40Reading 1 - 1 Sm 1:20-22, 24-28Ps 128: 1-5Reading 2 - Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17Gospel - Lk 2:41-52 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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 6:27Reading 1 - Is 52: 7-10Ps 98: 1-6Reading 2 - Heb 1:1-6Gospel - Jn 1:1-18 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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 5:50Reading 1 - Mi 5:1-4aPs 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19Reading 2 - Heb 10:5-10Gospel - Lk 1:39-45 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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 4:25Reading 1 - Zep 3:14-18aIs 12:2-6Reading 2 - Phil 4:4-7Gospel - Lk 3:10-18 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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 5:1-9Psalm - Ps 126: 1-6Reading II - Phil 1: 4-6, 8-11Gospel - Lk 3: 1-6 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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 33:14-16Psalm - Ps 25: 4-5, 8-9, 10, 14Reading 2 - 1 Thes 3:12—4:2Gospel - Lk 21: 25-28, 34-36 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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.-Sunday School is free for now, but soon it will be available only to The Pillar's paying subscribers. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Scott continues to address JD's questions about Romans 5:20— and the relationship between law and sin.  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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. -Venerable Pierre ToussaintCamp WojtylaAn Environmental Ethic for the End of the World: An Ecological Midrash on Romans 8:19-22 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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 RembrandtRighteousness of God = God's faithfulness to his covenant promises— not only to Abraham, Moses and Israel, but to the whole of creationWorks 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 = baptismSalvation = being a part of the covenant family This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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? -Reading Romans Backwards: A Gospel of Peace in the Midst of Empire by Scott McKnight This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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. -The lives of the Twelve Caesars by Suetonius This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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).  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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.  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Scott talks with JD about Book III of the Psalms. In Book III, Israel reckons with the loss of the kingdom. -Scott suggests the following psalms of lament: 74, 77, 79, 80, 88Scott references the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 2778Numbers: An Introduction and Commentary by Gordon J. Wenham  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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. -Reflections on the Psalms by C.S. Lewis This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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.'-The Red Wheelbarrow by William Carlos Williams This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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. -Show notes: Answering God: The Psalms as Tools for Prayer by Eugene Peterson This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Scott and JD talk about the Presentation, the Magi and the role of prophets.The readings for this episode are Luke 2: 22-40. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Scott talks with JD about the Transfiguration, Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and the eschatological discourse. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Scott talks about bread, deafness and blindness, and clean and unclean. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

Scott gives an introduction to the Gospel of Mark, which is the focus of the first season of Sunday School. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe

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. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.pillarcatholic.com/subscribe