Sunday School; A Pillar Bible Study

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

It’s the Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time! Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they talk about one of the greatest stories in the Bible. But first, we’ll hear from the Book of Wisdom and a rare psalm attributed to Moses. Then, in the Gospel of Luke Jesus shares two confusing mini-parables. This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by the St. Paul Biblical Center.Priests, grow your love for Christ and for your ministry through study, faith and fellowship at a St. Paul Center Priest Conference.To learn more, visit stpaulcenter.com/priests-Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 5:25Reading 1 - Wisdom 9: 13-18bPsalm 90, 1, 3-6, 12-14, 17Reading 2 - Philemon 9-10, 12-17Gospel - Luke 14: 25-33 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-second Sunday in Ordinary Time! Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they talk about Sirach and its place within Wisdom literature. Then, they talk about a call to humility in Hebrews and a Gospel parable about guests and seats of honor.This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by FOCUS Retreats, empowering parishes and leaders to offer 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/ to schedule a quick call with the retreats team at FOCUS.Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 5:30Reading 1 - Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29Psalm 68: 4-7, 10-11Reading 2 - Hebrews 12: 18-19, 22-24aGospel - Luke 14: 1, 7-14 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-first Sunday in Ordinary Time! Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn and Kate Olivera as they talk about the cyclical nature of the Old Testament, and parenting imagery in this week’s readings from Isaiah and Hebrews.Then, Jesus responds to the question “Who will be saved?” in the Gospel of Luke.This episode of Sunday School is sponsored by FOCUS Retreats, empowering parishes and leaders to offer 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/ to schedule a 30-minute call with the retreats team at FOCUS.-Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 7:50Reading 1 - Isaiah 66: 18-21Psalm 117: 1, 2 & Mk 16:15Reading 2 - Hebrews 12: 5-7, 11-13Gospel - Luke 13:22-30 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 Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Join Dr. Scott Powell and Kate Olivera as they explore the context for the book of Jeremiah, and talk about why exactly Jesus comes "to set the earth on fire."This episode of Sunday School was brought to you by the St. Paul Center.Priests, grow your love for Christ and for your ministry through study, faith and fellowship at a St. Paul Center Priest Conference.To learn more, visit stpaulcenter.com/priests-Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 18:00Reading 1 - Jeremiah 38:4-6, 8-10Psalm 40: 2-4, 18Reading 2 - Hebrews 12:1-4Gospel - Luke 12:49-53To learn more about the social and political context around the time of Jesus, Scott recommends Jesus and the Victory of God by N.T. Wright.To learn more about the mindset of Jews in the time of Jesus, Scott recommends the Oxford Annotated Mishnah, The Legends of the Jews by Louis Ginzberg, and Eerdman’s Dictionary of Early Judaism. 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 Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, and our readings are filled with little riddles. Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn and Kate Olivera as they talk about what it means that the Passover was “known beforehand to our fathers.” Then, Scott gives the context of the Letter to the Hebrews and suggests Jesus’ Gospel parable about the master returning home at an unknown hour should evoke feelings of excitement rather than anxiety.-This episode of Sunday School is brought to you by the St. Paul Center. Priests, grow your love for Christ and for your ministry through study, faith and fellowship at a St. Paul Center Priest Conference.Learn more at stpaulcenter.com/priests-A Catholic Introduction to the Bible by John Bergsma and Brant Pitre-Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 7:07Reading 1 - Wisdom 18:6-9Psalm 33: 1, 12, 18-22Reading 2 - Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19Gospel - Luke 12:32-48 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 Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, and we’re back in Wisdom literature for our first reading. Dr. Scott Powell explores the meaning of the Hebrew word ‘hevel,' which most modern English-language bibles translate as ‘vanity.’Then, Scott unpacks St. Paul’s challenge of Ecclesiastes in his letter to the Colossians, and Jesus’ parable in response to a man demanding justice in the distribution of his inheritance.Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 6:06.Reading 1 - Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23Psalm 90: 3-6, 12-14, 17Reading 2 - Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11Gospel - Luke 12:13-21 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

This episode contains discussion of sexual violence and may not be suitable for children.Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they unpack the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, and discuss how it could be connected to this week’s other readings from the Psalms and Colossians. Then, Scott makes the argument the Our Father is all about the Exodus. Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 7:17.Reading 1 - Genesis 18:20-32Psalm 138: 1-3, 6-8Reading 2 - Colossians 2:12-14Gospel - Luke 11:1-13 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 Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time! Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they explore the temptation to make idols in the Old Testament, and the connection between Old Testament blessings and curses and the corporal works of mercy Catholics practice today. Then, Scott provides some context for the well-known Gospel story of Martha and Mary.You can find Scott’s book here: Walking with Christ: A Journey Through the Gospel of LukeAlready read the readings? Skip ahead to 5:11.Reading 1 - Genesis 18:1-10aPsalm 15: 2-5Reading 2 - Colossians 1:24-28Gospel - Luke 10:38-42 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 Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time! Join Dr. Scott Powell, JD Flynn, and Kate Olivera as they wrestle with the paradox of the Mosaic law and the parable of the Good Samaritan.Already read the readings? Skip ahead to 6:06.Reading 1 - Deuteronomy 30: 10-14Psalm 69: 14, 17, 30-31, 33-34, 36, 37Reading 2 - Colossians 1: 15-20Gospel - Luke 10: 25-37 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