Sunday School; A Pillar Bible Study (The Pillar Podcast)

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.

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

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

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. 

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). 

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 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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