B144 – Pentecost 22 (Proper 25)
Sean and Fran explore the final episode in the book of Job (42:1-6; 10-17), noting the ‘happily ever after’ narrative resolution, the pastoral minefield that this poses in preaching, and the apparent theological inconsistency that Job’s blessing represents. We emphasise the vulnerability Job displays in his story and how counter cultural that is for wealthy,…
Read MoreB143 – Pentecost 21 (Proper 24)
Fran and Sean continue the conversation on Job for Pentecost 21, namely on Job 38:1-7 (34-41) when God recounts the wonders of her creation to Job. God reminds Job of his creatureliness. We discuss the comfort amidst suffering that might be derived for Job, and us, to be reminded of God’s care at every juncture…
Read MoreB 142 – Pentecost 20 (Proper 23)
For Pentecost 20 Fran and Sean focus on Job’s profound sense of God’s absence in Job 23:1-9; 16-17. We note that Job has loudly rejected the theology of his friends, who all assert that Job’s suffering is the result of his sin. Job’s is a bold and courageous stance is to defy them, and to…
Read MoreB139 – Pentecost 17 (Proper 20)
This week Sean Winter and Sally Douglas continue to explore texts from Proverbs, James, and Mark. Proverbs 31:10–31 invites reflections on the ways that a portrayal of the ideal wife might point the reader to the figure of Lady Wisdom, and the character of God. James 3:13–4:3, 7–8a offers practical advice as to what wisdom…
Read MoreB 137 – Pentecost 15 (Proper 18)
Sean Winter joins the co- host chair for Pentecost 15 where we focus on the nature of wisdom literature in Proverbs (Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23) and the way this tradition is developed christologically by the writer of James (James 2:1-10 (11-13), 14-17). Both readings deal with partiality and favouritism; cautioning the faithful against favouring those…
Read MoreA145 – Bonus Episode: Philippians with Sean Winter
Sean Winter, Head of Pilgrim Theological College and Pauline scholar, sits down with Robyn to discuss the themes and setting of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. After some general overview we discuss possible preaching themes in each of the four weeks that Philippians appears in the Year A lectionary – Phil 1:21-30; 2:1-13; 3:4b-14; and…
Read MoreA124 – Easter 3: Holiness in 1 Peter 1:17-23
Sean Winter joins us this week to continue our focus on 1 Peter, specifically 1 Peter 1:17-23 set for Easter 3. We talk about the nature of holiness as Peter conceives it; the way holiness refers not to individual moral perfection, but to a community’s identity as a consequence of what God has done for…
Read MoreA102 – Advent 2: Isaiah 11:1-10 with Sean Winter
Sean Winter joins Fran and Robyn to discuss the shoot that springs from the “stump of Jesse” passage in Isaiah 11:1-10. Isaiah here offers a vision of a promised, righteous king from the Davidic line; a passage that would be later be applied to Jesus. We discuss the use of Isaiah’s arboreal images as picked…
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