Jeremy Thompson

Category: Lectionary Readings

  • Crying Abba – Inspired by Romans 8.15 (Part 1)

    Update – I am adding a note from an academic perspective from James McGrath “‘Abba’ is the ordinary Aramaic word for father in the absolute state, and not child-talk or “daddy” as some have at times wrongly claimed.”  But, please enjoy the cute videos anyway. Today’s New Testament lectionary reading is from Romans 8 including…

  • Listening for Psalm 24

    Here is some listening for today’s responsorial Psalm, which was Psalm 24.  Many people may not realize that the song “Give us Clean Hands” is taken almost entirely from this text:

  • Video Illustration for Psalm 124

    Psalm 124:7 “We escaped with our lives like a bird from the fowler’s snare; the snare was broken and we escaped.” Thought he had one … but it got away.

  • Isaiah 53:11 – An Important Textual Variant

    The Old Testament lectionary reading for yesterday was Isaiah 53:10-11.  Verse 11 contains an interesting textual variant revolving around whether or not the word “light” is a part of the text.  It is one of those text critical issues where it really is a tough call.  An older manuscript contains the word light; however, the…

  • Romans 1.17 – As it is Written Where?

    Today’s first reading is Romans 1.16-25.  Verse 17 of this chapter is one of the most significant verses in the history of Christian theology.  It reads as follows: For in it (the gospel) the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, “The one who is righteous will live by…

  • Replaced by Romans

    Well, the daily Old Testament lectionary readings have been replaced by Romans.  As if someone can understand Romans without having an understanding of the Old Testament.  Oh well, back to randomness for a little while.

  • The Valley of Jehoshaphat

    In Joel 4.12 (or 3.2 dependent on your translation), there is a reference to the “Valley of Jehoshaphat.”  Here’s the comment from the The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament (which if you didn’t know by now, I love): There is no valley with this name known in Israel from the Bible or from other…

  • John Collins on the Day of the Lord

    Today’s reading is from Joel 1 and 2.  The theme of “the day of the Lord” plays prominently in the passage as well as in many other prophetic texts.  I remembered reading quite a long time ago a helpful passage in Collins’ Introduction to the Hebrew Bible.  It explains why all of the talk of…

  • What a Contrast – Malachi 3 and Psalm 1

    The Old Testament lectionary reading today was from Malachi 3 and the responsorial Psalm was Psalm 1.  When you read these two passages together, there is an amazing contrast and I wonder if it was purposeful.  First, read Psalm 1 (NAB): 1 Happy those who do not follow the counsel of the wicked, Nor go…

  • Saying Something Positive about Jonah

    Today’s Old Testament reading is from Jonah 4.  This is a continuation of the previous two days, which were from Jonah 1 and 3, respectively.  And, throughout the book Jonah is depicted very negatively.  But, today I thought I would try to say something positive about him.  At least Jonah is honest and open.  Notice…