664: Lent 4A (3/15/2026)

664: Lent 4A (3/15/2026)

Author: Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler March 9, 2026 Duration: 1:02:30

Notes

  1. John 9: 1-41
  2. 1 Samuel 16:1-13
  3. Ephesians 5:8-14

Summary

This episode explores the profound themes of sight, blindness, and community in John 9, alongside insights from 1 Samuel 16 and Ephesians 5. Join us as we unpack the spiritual and social implications of these passages, emphasizing justice, love, and God's call to see beyond appearances.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast
01:52 Survey Results and Community Engagement
04:28 Exploring John 9: The Healing of the Blind Man
09:05 Understanding the Johannine Community's Struggles
12:00 The Significance of Jesus' Healing
17:47 Reframing Disability and Divine Works
22:03 The Blindness of the Pharisees
25:53 Community and the Fear of Expulsion
29:50 Judgment and Illness in Modern Contexts
32:10 The Blind Beggar: A Community's Responsibility
34:07 God's Mighty Works: Embracing Diversity and Inclusion
37:05 Anointing: Seeing Beyond Appearance
40:45 The Power of Anointing in Worship
42:51 Chosen for Responsibility: The Weight of Anointing
45:47 Grief and Moving Forward: A Call to Action
49:54 Living as Children of Light: Justice and Truth
54:12 The Call to Speak Truth: Justice vs. Judgment

Takeaways

  • God's mighty works can be displayed through our differences and disabilities.
  • Community responses to healing reveal deeper issues of justice and acceptance.
  • Seeing with the heart is more important than physical sight in biblical faith.
  • The story of David's anointing teaches us about God's choice beyond appearances.
  • Living as children of light involves actively producing goodness, justice, and truth.

 


Every week, Reverend Robb McCoy and Reverend Eric Fistler sit down for a conversation that feels more like a thoughtful chat between friends than a formal sermon. Their Pulpit Fiction Podcast uses the weekly Revised Common Lectionary readings as a starting point, but the discussion quickly branches into the unexpected. You’ll hear them draw connections between ancient scripture and contemporary movies, television, and headlines, creating a space where faith feels immediately relevant. This approach makes the podcast an invaluable resource for pastors and laypeople crafting a Sunday message, but its real appeal is much broader. It’s for anyone who appreciates a deep, critical, and often humorous dive into the Bible without pretense. Listening feels like being included in a genuine dialogue where curiosity is welcomed, and hard questions are met with intellectual honesty and pastoral care. The hosts’ dynamic brings both scholarly insight and everyday practicality, ensuring that each episode offers not just interpretation, but meaningful application. Whether you’re deeply rooted in Christian tradition or simply exploring spiritual ideas, this podcast provides a unique blend of theological reflection and cultural commentary that challenges and enriches.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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