This week we read Psalm 50 (MT 51) in the light of 2 Kingdoms/2 Samuel 11-12 and Romans 5:12-17. This famous confession leads us to explore what some consider poetical theological hyperbole, and the question of ancestral sin.

In this first episode of the series, we consider the Readable Books (aka Deuterocanonical, Apocryphal) in general, and how they are esteemed by Orthodox, and then read the poignant prayer of Azariah (Daniel 3:25-36), seeing it in the light of Genesis 15, Psalm 79, Romans 3:4, and Rev 16:7.

We read the rest of Azariah’s prayer, followed by a short narrative, found in Daniel 3:37-50, with the help of Psalm 50/51 and Ezra (in the OSB, 2 Ezra) 8:71-87. Azariah’s utter honesty and trust in the philanthropic LORD leads to God’s answer—His presence with them in the furnace, as Azariah and his friends offer the fruit of their lips.

In this episode, we enter into Daniel 3:51-90, in which the three youths give voice to the whole of creation, which praises God. We also wonder at the appearance of the glorious Man, who prefigures the humility and love of our Lord, descending to the depths to save us from death and sin ( 1 Peter 3:18-20). Listeners are encouraged to read the entire song, which is prominent in our Paschal liturgy and has been sung for centuries by the Church.

This week we read the story of Susanna, found either in the prologue of Daniel or Daniel 13 (dependent upon the version used). Susanna is an excellent example of the charms and depth of the Readable Books, adding to doctrine and morals an appreciation for the domestic life and the spunkiness of its heroine, whose story is here analyzed with reference to Daniel 3:17-18, Romans 4, and Psalm 3:1-4.

This week we read the three episodes of Bel and the Dragon (found at the end of the book of Daniel), appreciating the story’s ancient pedigree, its humor, and its sharp reminder to worship God alone. We are helped by comparing its words to Jeremiah 50:2 (LXX 27:2), Jeremiah 51:44 (LXX 28:44), Habakkuk 2:4, and 1 Cor 10:19-20.

This week we consider the structure of LXX Esther in general, and hone in on its introductory and concluding vision and Interpretation (,Esther 1:1a-1l; 10:3a-3k) which put the agency of God front and center for us to praise! We are helped by considering parallels and differences with Job 40-41; Daniel 1, 7-8, Luke 1:46-55, Rev. 12, and Psalm 15 LXX/16MT: 5-7.

In this episode, we read Esther 4: 4:17a-x, which contains the remarkable prayers of Mordecai and Esther. We see these in the context of salvation history by reference to Psalm 1, Psalm 150-151, Daniel 3:2-45; 2 Kings/4 Kingdoms 19:14-19, Nehemiah 1:5-11, and the instruction of ancient theologians.

In this episode we read Esther 3:13a-g, 5:1-13 LXX, and 8:12a-I, considering the royal decrees of the king, the dramatic scene where Esther enters his presence without invitation, and the misinformation about the Jewish people which he finally rejects. We are helped in seeing the significance of these fascinating scenes by recourse to Psalm 85/6, Phil 2:5-11, and 1 Timothy 2:1-2

This week we do an overview of the delightful story of Tobit, concentrating on its supporting characters, and stressing God’s unexpected provisions for us on the natural level.

In this second reading of Tobit, we see its connection with Amos 8:10, Daniel 3:51-90, Revelation 21:18-21, and notice how the prophecies and prayers of the book both accompany its action, and speak in times of distress today.

Bearing the Saint, Chapter four, by Donna Farley (Conciliar Press, 2010).

Bearing the Saint, Chapter five, by Donna Farley (Conciliar Press, 2010).

Bearing the Saint, Chapter six, by Donna Farley (Conciliar Press, 2010).

Bearing the Saint, Chapter seven, by Donna Farley (Conciliar Press, 2010)

Bearing the Saint, Chapter eight, by Donna Farley (Conciliar Press, 2010).

Bearing the Saint, Chapter nine, by Donna Farley (Conciliar Press, 2010).

Bearing the Saint, Chapter ten, by Donna Farley (Conciliar Press, 2010).

Bearing the Saint, Chapter eleven, by Donna Farley (Conciliar Press, 2010).

Bearing the Saint, Chapter twelve, by Donna Farley (Conciliar Press, 2010).

Bearing the Saint, Chapter thirteen, by Donna Farley (Conciliar Press, 2010).

Bearing the Saint, Chapter fourteen, by Donna Farley (Conciliar Press, 2010).

Bearing the Saint, Chapter fifteen, by Donna Farley (Conciliar Press, 2010).

Bearing the Saint, Chapter sixteen, by Donna Farley (Conciliar Press, 2010).

Bearing the Saint, Chapter seventeen, by Donna Farley (Conciliar Press, 2010).

Bearing the Saint, Chapter eighteen, by Donna Farley (Conciliar Press, 2010).

Bearing the Saint, Chapter nineteen, by Donna Farley (Conciliar Press, 2010).

Bearing the Saint, Chapter twenty, by Donna Farley (Conciliar Press, 2010)

Bearing the Saint, Chapter twenty-one, by Donna Farley (Conciliar Press, 2010)

Bearing the Saint, Chapter twenty-two ,by Donna Farley (Conciliar Press, 2010)

Bearing the Saint, Chapter twenty-three, by Donna Farley (Conciliar Press, 2010)

Bearing the Saint, Chapter twenty-four, by Donna Farley (Conciliar Press, 2010)

Bearing the Saint, Chapter twenty-five, by Donna Farley (Conciliar Press, 2010)

Bearing the Saint, Conclusion, by Donna Farley (Conciliar Press, 2010)

Children's Bible Reader, part two, 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "Adam and Eve turn away from God" "Cain and Abel" "The wickedness of people destroys the earth"

Children’s Bible Reader, part three. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "People continue to sadden God" "A shepherd trusts in God" "Abraham and Sarah have a son"

Children’s Bible Reader, part four. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "Isaac marries Rebecca" "Two different brothers"

Children’s Bible Reader, part five. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "Jacob has a strange dream" "Jacob marries Rachel" "Jacob leaves Laban"

Children’s Bible Reader, part six. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "Jacob wrestles with God" "The two brothers reconcile" "Joseph and his brothers"

Children’s Bible Reader, part seven. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "Joseph is sold by his brothers" "Joseph arrives in Egypt" "Joseph interprets dreams"

Children’s Bible Reader, part eight. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "Joseph and Pharaoh" "Joseph's brothers come to Egypt"

Children’s Bible Reader, part nine. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "Joseph's brothers return to Canaan" "Joseph welcomes his brothers"

Children’s Bible Reader, part ten. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "The silver cup" "Joseph forgives his brothers"

Children’s Bible Reader, part eleven. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "The people of Israel suffer in Egypt" "A mother saves her son" "Moses must leave"

Children’s Bible Reader, part twelve. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "God calls Moses" "Moses returns to Egypt" "Moses and Aaron go to Pharaoh"

Children’s Bible Reader, part thirteen. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "God sends disasters to Egypt" "God sends the worst plague of all"

Children’s Bible Reader, part fourteen, 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "The Israelites leave Egypt" "The Israelites cross the Red Sea" "God provides for His people"

Children’s Bible Reader, part fifteen, 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "Water from the rock" "Moses on Mount Sinai" "The Ten Commandments" "The golden calf"

Children’s Bible Reader, part sixteen. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "Moses speaks again with God" "The tent of meeting and the Ark of the Covenant" "Aaron and his sons become priests"

Children’s Bible Reader, part seventeen. 2006, Greek Bible Society, Scripture Quotations taken from Contemporary English Version, Copyright 1995, American Bible Society. Used by permission. Illustrations by Martha Kapetanakou-Xinopoulou. "Moses is near Canaan" "Forty years in the desert" "The healing snake" "Moses dies"