Readings from the Cheap Seats

In our latest episode of "Readings from the Cheap Seats," we explore the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll discover:

The significance of Jesus' baptism and its impact on identity and mission. Insights from Isaiah, Psalms, and Acts on servitude and justice. How baptism calls us to live as part of a larger family and embrace our beloved status in God's eyes.

Join us for a thoughtful journey into the heart of Christian life and the radical call to gentleness in a worl...

This episode delves into the themes of Epiphany, highlighting the universal kingship of Jesus and the significance of the Magi's visit. It explores readings from Isaiah, the Psalms, Ephesians, and Matthew emphasizing the universality of God's grace and the challenge of radical mercy.

Keywords

Epiphany, Jesus, Universal King, Magi, Radical Mercy, Inclusion, Worship, Transformation, Faith Journey, Scripture

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction and Theme of Epiphany

00:00:00 The Magi and Universal Kingship

00:00:00 Inclusivity and Radical Mercy

00:00:00 Transformative Power of Grace

00:00:01 Conclusion and Reflection

Finding Holiness in Family Life: Lessons from the Holy Family

In this Christmas episode, we explore the Feast of the Holy Family and how God's plan often unfolds within ordinary, imperfect family life. Through reflections on Scripture, we discuss honoring imperfect parents, caring for the elderly, practicing virtues such as compassion and kindness, and understanding the true meaning of familial roles and responsibilities. Featuring insightful commentary on passages from Sirach, Psalms, Colossians, and the Gospel of Matthew, this episode gets into practical ways to embrace holiness in daily family interactions. Join us as we find...

This episode explores the Advent theme of 'God-with-us' through the readings of Isaiah 7:10–14, Psalm 24:1–7, Romans 1:1–7, and Matthew 1:18–24. The host underscores how God fulfills His promises in unexpected ways through the obedience of Mary and Joseph. It delves into the importance of viewing the Old and New Testaments in light of each other and encourages listeners to prepare for the second coming of Christ by living their faith genuinely and practically. Key insights include the political crisis faced by King Ahaz, the spiritual significance of Psalm 24, Paul's introduction in Romans, and Joseph’s quiet but crucial role in the nativity story. Pra...

Keywords:

Gaudete Sunday, joyful hope, spiritual deserts, patience, faith, John the Baptist, joy, Advent, God, church

Summary

In this episode, we explore the themes of Gaudete Sunday, emphasizing the importance of joy in the midst of life's challenges. He discusses the readings from Isaiah, Psalm 146, and the letter of James, highlighting the call to rejoice even in spiritual deserts and the need for patience in waiting for God's promises. The conversation also reflects on the role of John the Baptist and the nature of true joy as...

Stumps, Shoots, and Second Chances

This week's episode of 'Readings from the Cheap Seats' I delve into the texts for the Second Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 11:1-10, Psalm 72, Romans 15:4-9, and Matthew 3:1-12.

Discover the essence of Advent’s 'double vision'—both future-facing and reflecting on Christ’s first coming. Explore the themes of justice, peace, hope, and repentance as we prepare for Christmas. Join in asking key questions to transform stumps in our lives into new shoots of faith. Let's prepare spiritually for the coming of the King. #Advent #SundayReadings #FaithJourney

This episode walks through the readings for the First Sunday of Advent (Isaiah 2:1–5, Psalm 122, Romans 13:11–14, Matthew 24:37–44). Instead of treating Advent as just a countdown to Christmas, we talk about it as a season of holy wakefulness: a time to trade swords for plowshares, anxiety for hope, and spiritual autopilot for a real relationship with Christ.

We move from Isaiah’s vision of swords turned into plowshares, to the joy of going “up to the house of the Lord” in Psalm 122, to Paul’s call to throw off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Then we...