The Amplified Word: Recent Episodes
Christ Episcopal Church, Dayton, OH
The Amplified Word is a podcast by Christ Episcopal Church in Dayton, Ohio, to accompany each week’s lessons from the new lectionary, beginning in Advent. Episodes will focus on lifting up the stories, highlighting particular themes or changes that Dr. Gafney makes in her translation, and connecting the readings to our lives.Each episode is preceded by a bonus episode with a reading of the weekly lessons by a female or nonbinary member of the Christ Church community.
Hosea 11:1-4 | Psalm 131:5-6; 132:1-3 | 2 Peter 1:16-18 | Matthew 28:16-20
This Week is our Final Episode of the Amplified Word. We are looking at Trinity Sunday, the celebration of the Triune God.
- What names for the Trinity speak to you?
- How do we use names for God to help us understand the mystery of God?
To learn more about the Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church by Dr. Wil Gafney and our yearlong programming, Women of the Word, visit daytonchristepiscopal.com
Acts 2:1-18 | Psalm 104:1-4, 10-15, 27-30 | Romans 8:14-27 | John 14:8-17
In this week's episode we are talking about the Feast of Pentecost! The celebration of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, and the commissioning to go forth and preach the Gospel in all lands and to all peoples.
- How are you listening to the Holy Spirit in your life?
- What does Evangelism mean to you?
- When we feel the call to serve God and others, how do we respond?
To learn more about the Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church by Dr. Wil Gafney, and our yearlong programming Women of the Word, visit our website daytonchristepiscopal.com
Acts 1:1-11 | Psalm 24 | Revelation 3:20-22 | Luke 24:46-53
This week's episode is about the Feast of the Ascension, Jesus Ascending into Heaven.
- What do we do in the liminal spaces "between" times?
- How do we allow ourselves to be guided in these liminal spaces, or spaces of transition?
To learn more about the Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church, by Dr. Wil Gafney, and our yearlong programming, Women of the Word, visit daytonchristepiscopal.com
Sirach 14:20-27 | Psalm 19:7-10 | Philippians 3:7-11 | Matthew 27:45-54
To follow along with the readings, click here.
Sirach 14:20-27 | Psalm 19:7-10 | Philippians 3:7-11 | Matthew 27:45-54
In this week's episode we are talking about Wisdom, Sophia, which is often personified and given beautiful imagery for us to understand. The Holy Spirit, often connected to Wisdom, works in our life, and brings forth all that is Good.
- What imagery for Wisdom speaks to you?
- How do we participate in Wisdom transforming the world?
- When we are touched by the power of Wisdom, how do we share that with others?
To learn more about the Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church, by Dr. Wil Gafney, and our yearlong programming, Women of the Word, visit our website.
Wisdom 6:12-19 | Psalm 63:1-8 | 1 Peter 1:3-9 | John 11:17-27
In this week's episode we are talking about the testimony of Women. In particular the powerful testimony, however simple, of Martha in Bethany after the death of Lazarus.
- What voices are we missing when we tell the story of Jesus? Have we captured and spent time with all of the witnesses?
- What is our own testimony?
- What do we know to be true about Jesus, and how do we share that Good News with others?
To learn more about the Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church by Dr. Wil Gafney, and our yearlong programming, Women of the Word, visit daytonchristepiscopal.com
Wisdom 6:12-19 |Psalm 63:1-8 | 1 Peter 1:3-9 | John 11:17-27
To follow along with the lessons, click here.
Sirach 15:1-6 | Psalm 119:97-103 | Romans 6:5-11 | Matthew 22:23-33
This week we are looking at what Resurrection looks like and how we can imagine it while existing in this world.
- What are good questions? How can we ask good questions that invite us into deeper understanding of God, Resurrection, and one another?
- Do our questions have the best intentions? Are our questions grounded in experience and reality, as well as compassion?
- How do we work to uncover the experience of others, and lift up the voices of the marginalized with Wisdom?
To learn more about the Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church, by Dr. Wil Gafney, and our yearlong programming Women of the Word, visit our website at daytonchristepiscopal.com
Sirach 4:11-16 | Psalm 34:1-14 | Hebrews 5:7-14 | John 5:25-29
In this week's episode we take a look at what exactly resurrection means?
- How do we imagine the resurrection of the body, which we profess and which Jesus teaches of in the Gospel lesson?
- How do space and time, and theoretical physics help us to open our mind about the resurrection?
- What does judgment of right and wrong in the new world have to do with a womanist lectionary?
To learn more about the Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church, by Dr. Wil Gafney, and our yearlong programming, Women of the Word, visit our website at daytonchristepiscopal.com
Sirach 1:14-20 | Psalm 111 | 1 John 5:1-6 | John 20:19-31
This week's episode takes a look at the slow work of believing in the Resurrection.
- What does it mean to believe what we do not understand?
- How do we live in resurrection for 50 days?
To learn more about The Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church, by Dr. Wil Gafney, and our yearlong programming, Women of the Word, visit daytonchristepiscopal.com
Sirach 1:14-20 | Psalm 111 | 1 John 5:1-6 | John 20:19-31
To follow along with the lessons, click here.
Isaiah 49:1-13 | Psalm 18:2-11, 16-19 | Hebrews 11:1-2, 23-24, 28-39 | John 20:1-18
Alleluia! Christ is Risen! The Lord is Risen, indeed! Alleluia! It's Easter, and in this week's episode we are talking about Resurrection and sharing the story of God's promise of new life with the world.
- Where can you see Resurrection in the world around you? How do you carry Resurrection with you during times of challenge or difficulty?
- Who is proclaiming the Good News of Resurrection to us in Scripture, and in our life?
- How can we be like Mary Magdalene and the other women at the Resurrection who carry the message of Jesus Christ's Resurrection to others?
To learn more about the Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church by Dr. Wil Gafney, and our yearlong programming Women of the Word, visit daytonchristepiscopal.com
Exodus 15:11-21 | Psalm 136:1-16 | Hebrews 11:23-28 | Matthew 26:17-56
It's Holy Week! We have 2 special episodes taking a look at the lessons for the liturgies of the highest days in the Church.
In this episode we are talking about Maundy Thursday, which commemorates the Last Supper, the institution of the Eucharist and the Washing of the Feet by Jesus.
- What does God's faithful love mean to you?
- What is forgiveness? How do we receive forgiveness from those whom we have wronged? How do we offer true forgiveness to those who have wronged us?
To learn more about the Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church by Dr. Wil Gafney, and our yearlong programming Women of the Word, visit our website at daytonchristepiscopal.com
Judges 11:29-40 | Psalm 22 | Hebrews 12:1-4 | Luke 22:14-23:56
To follow along with the lessons, click here.
Judges 11:29-40 | Psalm 22 | Hebrews 12:1-4 | Luke 22:14-23:56
It's Holy Week! We have 2 special episodes taking a look at the lessons for the liturgies of the highest days in the Church.
In this episode we are talking about Good Friday, which commemorates the Passion and Crucifixion of Jesus on the cross.
- What does it mean that God is dead?
- How can we make sense of some of the pain and suffering around us, without minimizing it?
- How do we tell the stories of those who suffer?
To learn more about the Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church by Dr. Wil Gafney, and our yearlong programming Women of the Word, visit our website at daytonchristepiscopal.com
Exodus 15:11-21 | Psalm 136:1-16 | Hebrews 11:23-28 | Matthew 26:17-56
To follow along with the lessons, click here.
Isaiah 49:5-16 | Psalm 22:1-11 | Galatians 3:23-4:7 | Mark 14:32-15:47
To follow along with the readings, click here
Isaiah 49:5-16 | Psalm 22:1-11 | Galatians 3:23-4:7 | Mark 14:32-15:47
In this week's episode we are looking at Palm Sunday. This is the first day in Holy Week, which culminates with the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.
- How are we accomapying those who are suffering, as the women accompany Jesus on the Way of the Cross?
- What is the power of calling out to God in our suffering? Where do we see it today?
On behalf of all of us at Christ Episcopal Church we wish you a Blessed Holy Week.
To learn more about the Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church by Dr. Wil Gafney, and our yearlong programming, Women of the Word, click here.
Isaiah 40:9-11 | Psalm 68:4-11 | Romans 16:1-16 | Matthew 26:6-13
To follow along with the readings, click here
Isaiah 40:9-11 | Psalm 68:4-11 | Romans 16:1-16 | Matthew 26:6-13
In this week's episode we talk about the archetypes of women both in Scripture and in our world.
- What happens if we don't look past the archetype of women? Which stories do we miss out on?
- What can we learn from the emphasis that Jesus places on the silent work the Woman at Bethany does?
- Who is called to serve Christ? Who is called to serve others?
- How are we emphasizing the stories of others?
To learn more about the Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church by Dr. Wil Gafney, and our yearlong programming Women of the Word, visit daytonchristepiscopal.com
Genesis 31:25-27, 43-50 | Psalm 144:3-4, 12-15 | 1 John 4:13-21 | Matthew 12:46-50
In today's episode, we are talking about relationships of respect and honoring God in each person.
- What can we do to honor God in one another when challenged by disagreement, hurt, or confusion?
- What does a community look like when we recognize the value of each person, simply for who they are (not for what they can do for us) and when we seek to protect and nurture others?
To learn more about the Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church by Dr. Wil Gafney, and our yearlong programming, Women of the Word, visit our website at daytonchristepiscopal.com
Genesis 31:25-27, 43-50 | Psalm 144:3-4, 12-15 | 1 John 4:13-21 | Matthew 12:46-50
To follow along with the readings, click here.
In today's episode we look at the power and role of prayer. We are looking at the work of justice, the transformation of the world in the name of life for all, not only preventing murder. In particular highlighting the epistle of James and the Gospel of Matthew, and our responsibility within community.
- How are we closer to living in community with one another, using prayer and action to transform the world?
- What is a good confession? How can we participate in what the Christ is doing in this world?
- Thou shall not murder; are we creating a more just world where everyone can live well, are we tearing down oppressive systems, are we striving to lift up those who are killed in our world
To learn more about the Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church by Dr. Wil Gafney, and our yearlong programming, Women of the Word, visit our website at daytonchristepiscopal.com
Numbers 5:5-10 | Psalm 32:1-7 | James 5:13-18 | Matthew 5:21-26
To follow along with the readings, click here.
1 Kings 17:8-16 | Psalm 111:2-10 | 2 Corinthians 9:6-13 | Matthew 14: 13-21
To follow along with the readings, click here.
1 Kings 17:8-16 | 111:2-10 | 2 Corinthians 9:6-13 | Matthew 14: 13-21
In today's episdoe we examine privilege, and the impact that being in a position of privilege and having privilege in certain contexts can have on our faith life.
- What does it mean to use our privilege in service of others, and in service of the Church?
- Can someone with some part of privilege also suffer? Where do we see that in the Gospels?
- What does it mean that God loves the poor, and stands with the marginalized?
To learn more about the Woman's Lectionary for the Whole Church by Dr. Wil Gafney, and our yearlong programming, Women of the Word, visit our website at daytonchristepiscopal.com
Genesis 2:7-9, 15-17, 3:1-7 | Psalm 51 | Revelation 22:1-5, 16-17 | Matthew 3:1-6
To follow along with the readings, click here
Genesis 2:7-9, 15-17, 3:1-7 | Psalm 51 | Revelation 22:1-5, 16-17 | Matthew 3:1-6
Content Warning: This episode includes some discussion about sexual violence. We encourage you to think through how you can care for yourselves when things are both important to know and difficult to listen to. And, as always, practice safe and healthy listening.
Today's episode takes a look at the readings for the start of Lent, in particular the power dynamics at play in the stories told, and how gender can play a role in the way we understand sin in our world today.
- Which stories are left untold or told only in part? How does knowing the full story change your understanding of things?
- Are we able to see the brokenness of systems around us, even ones we benefit from? Do we have the courage to dismantle them in order to lift up the voice and experience of others?
To learn more about the Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church by Wil Gafney, and the yearlong programming, Women of the Word, visit our website at daytonchristepiscopal.com
Joel 2:1, 12-17, 21-22 | Psalm 90:1-10, 12 | 1 Corinthians 15:45-49 | Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
To follow along with the readings, click here
Joel 2:1, 12-17, 21-22 | Psalm 90:1-10, 12 | 1 Corinthians 15:45-49 | Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18
In today's episode we are talking about the Season of Lent. Lent is the 40 (ish) days of preparation before the Holiest of days, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday. The lessons for Ash Wednesday, the prayers, and the general tone of the service remind us of our mortality, of the death in this world, and of the need for God's persistent mercy and compassion.
- How are we turning towards God?
- What can we do this Lent to be remade, to be refashioned, and to deepen our relationship with God?
- What are our prayers, which we make in the depths of our heart, for ourselves, our community, and our world this season?
To learn more about the Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church by Wil Gafney, and the yearlong programming, Women of the Word, visit our website at daytonchristepiscopal.com
Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 | Psalm 77:13-20 | Romans 12:1-13 | Matthew 17:1-9
In today's episode we are talking about the Feast of the Transfiguration. Jesus is made dazzling white while Moses and Elijah appear with Him, and God speaks to say that this is God's Son "with whom I am well-pleased."
- How are we being called to be tranformed or transfigured?
- When we come down the mountain after such a beautiful revelation, how are be called to go to work?
To learn more about the Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church by Wil Gafney, and the yearlong programming, Women of the Word, visit our website at daytonchristepiscopal.com
Isaiah 62:1-7, 12 | Psalm 146 | Revelation 12:1-6, 13-17 | Matthew 11:7-19
In today's episode we are talking about our own challenges with accepting the messengers and prophets that God sends us. In particular we are taking a look at Absalom Jones, and how his story is similar to the Gospel passage for this Sunday.
- How are our societal expectations challenged by how a prophet or messenger appear in our world?
- What can we do to receive the Gospel when are distracted by how or who is delivering the message?
To learn more about the Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church by Wil Gafney, and our yearlong programming Women of the Word, visit
daytonchristepiscopal.com
This special 10th Episode of the Amplified Word takes a look at the lessons for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. The Feast of the Presentation is traditionally celebrated on February 2nd, and in the Orthodox Church marks the end of Christmastide. It is also referred to as Candlemas in some cultures.
Leviticus 12:1-8 | Psalm 48:1-3, 9-14 | 1 John 5:1-5 | Luke 2:22-38
2 Kings 5:1-4, 9-14 | Psalm 30 | Acts 16:16-24 | Matthew 9:18-26
To follow along with the readings, click here
2 Kings 5:1-4, 9-14 | 30 | Acts 16:16-24 | Matthew 9:18-26
In today's episode we talk about Womanist Theology. which is born out of the particular history and experience of Black Women in the United States.
- Where do we see oppression in the Scriptures? What voices are overlooked or ignored?
- What can each of us do to sit in the uncomfortable space of listening to someone's pain as people of privilege? What can we do to Become Beloved Community?
To learn more about the Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church by Wil Gafney, and our yearlong programming Women of the Word, visit daytonchristepiscopal.com
Isaiah 42:1-5, 10-16 | Psalm 107:1-9, 19-22 | James 1:17-21 | Matthew 8:14-22
In this episode we are talking about who God is and how that can be broadened by the language we use to talk about and to God.
- How do we know God as we do now?
- How do we speak about God? What are some other names that we can imagine? Why do they matter?
- As we expand our language for God, how do the perspectives in our community help to lift up other names for God?
Isaiah 42:1-5, 10-16 | Psalm 107:1-9, 19-22 | James 1:17-21 | Matthew 8:14-22
To follow along with the readings, click here.
Tobit 13:11-17 | 22:23-31 | 1 Timothy 3:14-16 | Matthew 4:18-25
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Tobit 13:11-17 | Psalm 22:23-31 | 1 Timothy 3:14-16 | Matthew 4:18-25
In today's episode we talk about the power of names.
- Each of us is called by God, by our own name, to the life of discipleship.
- Throughout Scripture we read many names, but who isn't named? And, what can that teach us about our own world where many go unnamed?
- What is the power of being named and of naming others?
To learn more about the Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church by Wil Gafney, and our yearlong programming Women of the Word, visit daytonchristepiscopal.com
Isaiah 2:1-5 | Psalm 57 | 2 Peter 1:16-21 | Matthew 3:1-17
To follow along with the readings, click here
Isaiah 2:1-5 | Psalm 57 | 2 Peter 1:16-21 | Matthew 3:1-17
In today's episode we talk about the Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan, and of our own participation in the work for justice and peace.
- What does it mean to be baptized? What must we do to live into our Baptismal promises throughout our life?
- To whom does the work of peace belong? How are we called to bring about the reign of peace described in Isaiah?
To learn more about the Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church by Wil Gafney, and our yearlong programming Women of the Word, visit daytonchristepiscopal.com
Isaiah 60:1-6 | Psalm 67 | 2 Timothy 1:5-10 | Matthew 2:1-12
To follow along with the readings, click here.
Isaiah 60:1-6 | Psalm 67 | 2 Timothy 1:5-10 | Matthew 2:1-12
In this week's episode we talk about the season of Epiphany.
- What is Epiphany Sunday, and how does it set up the season of Epiphany?
- Who does God reveal Godself to, and what can we learn from the epiphanies of the marginalized
To learn more about the Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church by Wil Gafney, and our yearlong programming Women of the Word, visit daytonchristepiscopal.com
Susanna 31-44 | Psalm 34:1-9 | Titus 3:4-7 | Matthew 1:18-25
In this week's episode we talk about bold acts of faith. And the questions of how to support others who find themselves in the difficult place of making hard decisions.
- Susanna, how does this woman respond when men abuse their authority after she refuses them?
- Matthew 1, what is at stake for Mary, and how much does Joseph's response impact her future?
- What about the risks faced by pregnant women today? (CW: today's episode includes discussion about pregnancy loss, maternal risk, and death)
To learn more about the Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church by Wil Gafney, and our yearlong programming Women of the Word, visit daytonchristepiscopal.com
Susanna 31-44 | 34:1-9 | Titus 3:4-7 | Matthew 1:18-25
To follow along with the readings, click here.
Ruth 4:11-17 | Psalm 78:1-8 | Galatians 4:1-7 | Matthew 1:1-16
In this week's episode we talk about the unheard stories and unknown names in God's story and the story of God's people.
- Generations of women who have trusted in God's plan and played a crucial role in the story we tell today.
- Gospel of Matthew: A new compilation of the genealogy of Jesus, which outlines the lineage of Jesus through the names of women.
To learn more about the Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church by Wil Gafney, and our yearlong programming Women of the Word, visit http://daytonchristepiscopal.com
Ruth 4:11-17 | Psalm 78:1-8 | Galatians 4:1-7 | Matthew 1:1-16
To follow along with the readings, click here.
Isaiah 54:1-8 | Psalm 113 | Hebrews 11:8-13 | Luke 1:5-17, 24-25
In this week's episode we talk about the role women play in the salvation of God's people. And what the diverse experiences of women can tell us about God's love for God's people.
- Luke 1, Elizabeth and Zechariah, people of great faith who will participate in a particular and unique way in the story of Jesus
To learn more about the Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church by Wil Gafney, and our yearlong programming Women of the Word, visit http://daytonchristepiscopal.com
Isaiah 54:1-8 | Psalm 113 | Hebrews 11:8-13 | Luke 1:5-17, 24-25
To follow along with the readings, click here.
Genesis 1:1-5 | Psalm 8 | Romans 8:18-25 | Matthew 24:32-44
To follow along with the readings, click here