Sunday School; A Pillar Bible Study

Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they look ahead to the readings for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time— including a servant song in Isaiah, a Davidic psalm, and new creation in the Gospel of John.This episode is brought to you by 5 Stones, a trusted Catholic partner for apostolates who need help with mission-critical services like marketing, fulfillment, technology, or customer service.Learn more at weare5stones.com/pillar- Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 6:15Reading 1 - Isaiah 49: 3, 5-6Psalm 40: 2, 4, 7-10Reading 2 - 1 Corinthians 1: 1-3Gospel - John 1: 29-34 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 and Kate Olivera as they look ahead to the readings for the Baptism of the Lord— including the first of the servant songs in Isaiah, a turning point in the New Testament, and Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan river.Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 5:10Reading 1 - Isaiah 42: 1-4, 6-7Psalm 29: 1-4, 9-10Reading 2 - Acts 10:34-38Gospel - Matthew 3: 13-17 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 and Kate Olivera as they look ahead to the readings for the Epiphany of the Lord— including a psalm for the coronation of a wicked king, one of the Church’s first encyclicals, and the retelling of the magi’s search for Jesus.Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 5:56Reading 1 - Isaiah 60: 1-6Psalm 72: 1-2, 7-8, 10-13Reading 2 - Ephesians 3: 2-3a, 5-6Gospel - Matthew 2: 1-12 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 and Kate Olivera as they look ahead to the readings for the Feast of the Holy Family— including St. Paul’s heavily misunderstood words to Christians in Colossae about family structure, and the Holy Family’s flight to Egypt.Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 7:11Reading 1 - Sirach 3: 2-6, 12-14Psalm 128: 1-5Reading 2 - Colossians 3: 12-21Gospel - Mt 2:13-15, 19-23 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

Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera look ahead to the readings for the Christmas Vigil Mass— including St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, and the genealogy that launches the New Testament. If you like listening to Sunday School, consider becoming a paying subscriber to The Pillar. It’s just $8 a month, and it helps make this podcast possible. You can subscribe here: pillarcatholic.com/subscribeAlready read the readings? Skip ahead to 11:40Reading 1 - Isaiah 62:1-5Psalm 89: 4-5, 16-17, 27, 29Reading 2 - Acts 13: 16-17, 22-25Gospel - Matthew 1: 1-25-Listen to our episode for Christmas Mass During the Day here: The past days and the last days-Jingle Bells by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) 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 and Kate Olivera as they look ahead to the readings for the Fourth Sunday of Advent— including a royal narrative in Isaiah, St. Paul’s understanding of the word ‘gospel,’ and the angel’s appearance to St. Joseph. Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 4:25Reading 1 - Isaiah 7:10-14Psalm 24: 1-6Reading 2 - Romans 1:1-7Gospel - Matthew 1:18-24 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

Look ahead to the readings for the Third Sunday of Advent with Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn and Kate Olivera— including a poem from Isaiah about a wilderness in bloom, and St. John the Baptist asking Jesus about his identity. This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by the Aquinas Institute of Theology’s Doctor of Ministry in Preaching program.Become the kind of preacher the Church needs today.Learn more at ai.edu/DMin-Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 5:15Reading 1 - Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10Psalm 146: 6-10Reading 2 - James 5:7-10Gospel - Matthew 11:2-11 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

Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they look ahead to the readings for the Second Sunday of Advent— including the Isaiah prophecy that ushers in what Scott describes as the “long Advent of the Old Testament,” and the Gospel story of John the Baptist preaching repentance in the wilderness. This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by the Aquinas Institute of Theology’s Doctor of Ministry in Preaching program.Become the kind of preacher the Church needs today.Learn more at ai.edu/DMin-Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 6:51Reading 1 - Isaiah 11:1-10Psalm 72: 1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17Reading 2 - Romans 15: 4-9Gospel - Matthew 3:1-12 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 and Kate Olivera as they look ahead to the First Sunday of Advent— and the beginning of a new liturgical year— with readings from Isaiah, Romans and Matthew. This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by the Aquinas Institute of Theology’s Doctor of Ministry in Preaching program.Become the kind of preacher the Church needs today.Learn more at ai.edu/DMin-Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 6:45Reading 1 - Isaiah 2:1-5Psalm 122: 1-9Reading 2 - Romans 13:11-14Gospel - Matthew 24:37-44 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 Solemnity of Christ the King, a feast Dr. Scott Powell describes as an exclamation point to end this liturgical year.Join Scott, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they talk about David’s coronation, St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians, and the revolutionary’s recognition of Jesus’ kingship. This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by the Aquinas Institute of Theology’s Doctor of Ministry in Preaching program.Become the kind of preacher the Church needs today.Learn more at ai.edu/DMin-Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 7:55Reading 1 - 2 Samuel 5: 1-3Psalm 122: 1-5Reading 2 - Colossians 1: 12-20Gospel - Luke 23: 35-43 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

As we approach the end of the liturgical year, our Sunday readings are turning more intense and apocalyptic. Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they unpack the readings for the Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time— including God’s last words in the Old Testament and Jesus’ eschatological discourse in the Gospel of Luke. This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by the Aquinas Institute of Theology’s Doctor of Ministry in Preaching program.Become the kind of preacher the Church needs today.Learn more at ai.edu/DMin-Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 6:40.Reading 1 - Malachi 3:19-20aPsalm 98: 5-6, 7-8, 9Reading 2 - 2 Thessalonians 3: 7-12Gospel - Luke 21: 5-19 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

Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they unpack the readings for this week’s Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica— including Ezekiel’s eschatological vision of a temple and Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple. This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by the Aquinas Institute of Theology’s Doctor of Ministry in Preaching program, where you can become the kind of preacher the Church needs today.Learn more at ai.edu/DMin-Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 11:20Reading 1 - Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9, 12Psalm 46: 2-3, 5-6, 8-9Reading 2 - 1 Corinthians 3:9c-11, 16-17Gospel - John 2:13-22 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

Join Dr. Scott Powell and Kate Olivera as they look ahead to the readings for All Souls’ Day— including one of the very few Old Testament references to life after death, and Jesus’ cryptic message in the Gospel of John about doing the will of God.This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by SEEK 2026.Invite your parish to experience encounter, community, and transformation at SEEK 2026—January 1–5 in Columbus, OH • Fort Worth, TX • Denver, CO.Learn more at seek.focus.org-Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 5:35Reading 1 - Wisdom 3:1-9Psalm 23: 1-6Reading 2 - Romans 5:5-11Gospel - John 6:37-40-A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: The Old Testament by John Bergsma and Brant Pitre 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 unpack the readings for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time— including Jesus’ parable about a pharisee and a tax collector making offerings in the temple.This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by SEEK 2026.Invite your parish to experience encounter, community, and transformation at SEEK 2026—January 1–5 in Columbus, OH • Fort Worth, TX • Denver, CO.Learn more at seek.focus.org-Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 6:05.Reading 1 - Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18Psalm 34: 2-3, 17-19, 23Reading 2 - 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18Gospel - Luke 18:9-14 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 Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time! This week, Moses holds up his staff to secure victory in battle against the Amalekites. Then, St. Paul writes to Timothy about good governance and Jesus tells the parable of the arrogant judge.This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by SEEK 2026. Invite your parish to experience encounter, community, and transformation at SEEK 2026—January 1–5 in Columbus, OH • Fort Worth, TX • Denver, CO.To learn more, visit seek.focus.org-Bound for Freedom: The Book of Exodus in Jewish and Christian Traditions by Göran Larsson-Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 7:48.Reading 1 - Exodus 17:8-13Psalm 121: 1-8Reading 2 - 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2Gospel - Luke 18:1-8 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 Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time! Join Dr. Scott Powell and JD Flynn as they talk about the healing of Naaman, St. Paul’s final letter, and a Samaritan’s confession of faith in Jesus, the high priest.Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 4:45Reading 1 - 2 Kings 5:14-17Psalm 98: 1-4Reading 2 - 2 Timothy 2:8-13Gospel - Luke 17:11-19 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 Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn and Kate Olivera as they talk about this week’s readings— including God’s answer to Habakkuk’s question about pending suffering, St. Paul’s last letter, and Jesus’ words about the power of faith the size of a mustard seed.This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by Mission Ignite at The Mark 5:19 Project.We exist to foster thriving, apostolic parishes. Mission Ignite walks with your parish for 10 months to create a culture of evangelization and make Jesus’ name known and loved in your community.Find out more at mark519project.org/pillar-Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 5:37Reading 1 - Habakkuk 1: 2-3; 2:2-4Psalm 95: 1-2, 6-9Reading 2 - 2 Timothy 1: 6-8, 13-14Gospel - Luke 17: 5-10 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 Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they talk more about the minor prophet Amos’ warnings to the northern kingdom, an Allelujah psalm and St. Paul’s pastoral letter to Timothy.Then, Scott unpacks the Gospel parable about Lazarus and the rich man.-This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by FOCUS Retreats, offering deeply Catholic, low-lift retreats that ignite discipleship, transform lives, and multiply the mission of Jesus Christ in the modern world.To learn more, visit focus.org/retreats and schedule a quick call with the FOCUS Retreats team.-Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 6:20.Reading 1 - Amos 6: 1a, 4-7Psalm 146: 7-10Praise the Lord, my soul! (1b)Reading 2 - 1 Timothy 6: 11-16Gospel - Luke 16: 19-31-The Bible Timeline, by Ascension Press 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 Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Join Dr. Scott Powell and Kate Olivera as they talk about the minor prophet Amos, the Egyptian Hallel, and one of St. Paul’s pastoral letters. Then, Scott gives a helpful framework for approaching the confusing parable of the shrewd scoundrel. This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by the St. Paul Center. Priests, grow in your love for Christ and for your ministry through study, faith, and fellowship at a St. Paul Center Priest Conference.To learn more— or register to attend a St. Paul Center Priest Conference in 2026— visit stpaulcenter.com/priests-Already read the readings? Skip ahead to Reading 1 - Amos 8:4-7Psalm 113: 1-2, 4-6, 7-8Reading 2 - 1 Timothy 2: 1-8Gospel - Luke 16: 1-13-Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels by Kenneth Bailey 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 Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Join Dr. Scott Powell and Kate Olivera as they talk about how the Book of Numbers got its name, the importance of memory, and the kenotic hymn in Philippians. Then, Nicodemus has a dialogue with Jesus in the Gospel of John.This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by SEEK. Invite your parish to experience encounter, community, and transformation at SEEK 2026 January 1-5 in Columbus, OH; Fort Worth, TX; and Denver, CO.Learn more at seek.focus.org-Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 5:15Reading 1 - Numbers 21:4b-9Psalm 78: 1bc-2, 34-38Reading 2 - Philippians 2:6-11Gospel - John 3:13-17 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