All Episodes
Blind Guides
The benefit of following a lectionary is that it forces those in church to hear the assigned reading with no regard for who is present, how they sin, or what they pref...
This is What Sheep Do
This week Fr. Paul reiterates that scripture calls all the nations to live in their cities as though they were sheep in the wilderness. (Episode 154)
Above the Heavens
Be they religious or philosophical, human systems of thought seek to discern what is good and what is evil. The Gospel of Matthew dynamites this approach by usurping h...
Covenant with Abram
In today’s episode, Fr. Paul begins his discussion of Genesis 15 and the covenant with Abram. (Episode 153)
Do Not Become Like Us
Following the Old Testament’s line, which sets Israel apart to demonstrate that Israel is no better, Matthew’s condemnation of the Scribes and Pharisees consolidates t...
King of Salem
This week, Fr. Paul concludes his discussion of Genesis 14, noting the special meaning of Melchizedek’s name and the significance of the rare designation, priest of Go...
Humiliation
While American Christians fight for social relevance in the culture wars, the writers of the New Testament cancel themselves. Enough said. Richard and Fr. Marc...
We Are Not It
In today’s episode, Fr. Paul kicks off the new year with a discussion of Genesis 14, noting that the people do not return to the so-called land of Canaan but to the he...
Do Not Lead by Example
Blinded by extreme solipsism, it is practically impossible for Americans to recognize—let alone obey—correct words spoken on the lips of people we consider wrong or ev...
Shepherd Lingo
In this week’s episode, Fr. Paul explains that Genesis 13 provides the lexicon for the rest of the story. (Episode 150)
Whose Son is He?
On this Christmas Eve, it is important to remember that the birth of Jesus is good news for the poor and the oppressed because it heralds the ascendancy of God’s Law o...
In Spite of Abraham
In today’s program Fr. Paul notes that God continues his promise in spite of Abram, touching briefly on the Epistle for the Sunday before Christmas from St. Paul’s Let...
Pecking Order
If any human ability can be said to manifest the power of God, it is our ability to speak. When we speak words, there are only two possibilities: 1. That we are saying...
The Covenant of Circumcision
In today’s program, Fr. Paul concludes his discussion of Abram by touching on the covenant of circumcision. (Episode 148)
All Earthly Cares
It is genuinely tragic that religion, intended to set our minds on heavenly things, is repeatedly debased by the preoccupation of religious people with worldly things....
Chosen But Not Special
This week Fr. Paul explains that Israel is chosen in Scripture, not because it is special, but in order to demonstrate that all the nations, including Israel, are the ...
Of Course They Say That
If you are happy with the way things are—if you own property, if your business is thriving, if existing social and religious institutions work in your favor, the last ...
An Ominous Joke
Today, Fr. Paul concludes his discussion of the oaks, emphasizing the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.(Episode 146)
They Still Don’t Get It
In a parable seemingly written for our present historical moment, this week’s reading from Matthew dynamites any and all claims made by any and all people on social, m...
The Oaks
In today’s program, Fr. Paul reminds us that the Bible is a totality, with all its stories written together, in tandem. (Episode 145)
Jesus Doesn’t Need Friends
In the year of our Lord 2020, Matthew’s warning that we are not to judge our neighbor draws a scowl from those who hear it, even as Christians themselves dismiss it. N...
The Story of Abram
In today’s program Fr. Paul touches on the importance of God’s blessings and curses at the beginning of Genesis 12. (Episode 144)
We Are All Guests
In Matthew’s gospel, the notion of a guest is a useful metaphor. A guest owns nothing, controls nothing, provides nothing, and can do nothing when the host asks them t...
Nahor
In today’s program, Fr. Paul returns to his general commentary on the book of Genesis with a discussion of the literary hinge or turning point at the end of Genesis 11...
Hope in Destruction
When human beings seek security and safety, they base their defense on brick and mortar buttressed by a fierce criticism of those they deem unrighteous. What to do whe...
He Does Whatever He Pleases
This week, Fr. Paul concludes his series on the Itinerant word in Genesis 1-11 noting the centrality of divine judgment and the folly of human ethics. (Episode 142)
Running Out of Chances
When Matthew—or any other gospel—applies a text from the Old Testament, that’s exactly what it is: an application of something old to a new situation. The original tea...
Decoding Genesis 1-11
Exactly fifty years ago on Monday, October 26 1970, Fr. Paul gave his first lecture at Balamand Seminary in Lebanon, marking the beginning of his incredible academic c...