Audio Divina
204 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago -Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Divina styled reflection on the upcoming Sunday's gospel, presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM.
The podcast offers a fantastic resource to those who are studying, or simply hunger for the gift that comes from listening and understanding the Word of God.
Presented in a medium easily accessible to all ages in the modern world, it is a perfect example of Don Bosco's teaching that ministry must be presented to the young in a realm and a method that they can understand.
New episodes will be released each Wednesday of the week reflection on the coming Sunday's gospel.
Produced and Published by the Salesians of Don Bosco - Australia-Pacific
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Episodes
Do This In Memory of Me
May 29, 2024 00:00 - 13 minutes - 18.9 MBBody and Blood of Christ: The account of Jesus' final supper with his disciples, a Passover meal, challenges all Christians to celebrate Eucharist in his memory, and to be a Eucharistic people. Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Divina styled reflection on the gospel for the Body and Blood of Christ Sunday, Year B. Gospel Reading: Mark 14:12-16, 22-26 This week’s readers are Lauren and Peter Narrated and Pr...
In the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit.
May 21, 2024 23:00 - 13 minutes - 19 MBTrinity Sunday: The final words of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew introduce something entirely new into the message of God's saving presence among us: a Father, a Son, and a Holy Spirit. Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Divina styled reflection on the gospel for Trinity Sunday, Year B. Gospel Reading: Matthew 28:16-20 This week’s readers are Maleah and Ben Narrated and Produced by Br Jeff Miller SDB For...
The gift of the Spirit and our Mission
May 14, 2024 23:00 - 12 minutes - 17.3 MBPentecost Sunday: The Gospel of John tells of the gift of the Spirit on two occasions: at the Cross and at the Resurrection. One founds the Church, the other sends it forth in mission. Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Divina styled reflection on the gospel for Pentecost Sunday, Year B. Gospel Reading: John 20:19-23 This week’s readers are Ashley and Andree Narrated and Produced by Br Jeff Miller SDB For...
Living the in-between-time. - The Ascension of the Lord
May 07, 2024 23:00 - 11 minutes - 16.3 MBThe Ascension of the Lord: Early Christians found the fearful flight of the women that ended Mark's Gospel (Easter Night) hard to accept. They thus added a longer ending, telling of the ongoing presence of Jesus among his disciples. In his company they repeat his ministry and his mission "to the whole world." Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Divina styled reflection on the gospel for Ascension Sunday, Year B. ...
The love commandment - Sixth Sunday of Easter
April 30, 2024 23:00 - 13 minutes - 22.3 MBSixth Sunday of Easter: Continuing the theme of abiding in the true vine from last Sunday, Jesus issues the command to love. Christians are to love as Jesus loves. He has chosen them, they did not choose him. But now we are the friends of Jesus, members of his intimate circles, no longer his servants. Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Divina styled reflection on the gospel for the Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year B....
I am the true vine - Fifth Sunday of Easter
April 23, 2024 23:00 - 15 minutes - 23.3 MBFifth Sunday of Easter: Jesus continues to identify himself with images that come from Israel's history. Israel was seen as God's vine. But Jesus is the "true vine." Only through dwelling in Jesus does the disciple receive life, and bring life and fruitfulness to others. Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Divina styled reflection on the gospel for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year B. Gospel Reading: John 15:1-8 ...
I am the Good Shepherd - Fourth Sunday of Easter
April 16, 2024 23:00 - 14 minutes - 22.8 MBI am the Good Shepherd: Catching up a theme dear to Israel, the Messiah as a shepherd, that comes from the story of King David, Jesus makes it known that he is not just the shepherd Messiah, but the "Good Shepherd," who lays down his life for his sheep, only to take it up again. Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Divina styled reflection on the gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year B. Gospel Reading: Joh...
Witnesses of repentance and forgiveness of sins - Third Sunday of Easter
April 10, 2024 00:00 - 16 minutes - 25.4 MBThird Sunday of Easter: In a way that repeats what happened to the disciples walking to Emmaus, Jesus is present to his disciples, offering them peace, joy and sharing a meal with them. Then he commissions these disciples, who have themselves experienced repentance and forgiveness, that they are to witness their experienes to all nations. Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Divina styled reflection on the gospel f...
Faith is born in the earliest Church - Second Sunday of Easter
April 02, 2024 23:00 - 16 minutes - 26.1 MBSecond Sunday of Easter: Today’s reading focuses upon The risen Jesus’ gift of peace and to frightened disciples. Most importantly, it blesses all subsequent disciples who, unlike the first disciples and Thomas, believe without seeing. John wrote his Gospel for them. Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Divina styled reflection on the gospel for the Second Sunday of Easter, Year B. Gospel Reading: John 20:1-9 ...
We do not know where they have put him - Easter Sunday
March 29, 2024 10:33 - 12 minutes - 20.9 MBEaster Sunday: Neither Mary Magdalene or the two disciples recognise that Jesus has been raised, even though the see the emptiness of the tomb and the burial cloths. But the Beloved Disciples, even though he does not see Jesus, believes. “Blessed are those who do not see and believe.” Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Divina styled reflection on the gospel for Easter Morning, Year B. Gospel Reading: John 20:...
Early in the first day - Easter Vigil
March 29, 2024 10:31 - 12 minutes - 20.4 MBEaster Vigil: The women who have been at the Cross and seen the burial have no idea of a resurrection. But an empty tomb and the Easter message announce that Jesus has been raised and a failed discipleship will be restored. Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Divina styled reflection on the gospel for Good Friday, Year B. Gospel Reading: Mark 16:1-7 This week’s readers are Alex and Rosa Narrated and Produce...
A crucified King - Good Friday
March 25, 2024 23:00 - 28 minutes - 41.9 MBGood Friday: A story of Jesus' lifting up and enthronement as King on the Cross. Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Divina styled reflection on the gospel for Good Friday, Year B. Gospel Reading: John 18-19 This week’s readers are Carlos and Jacqui Narrated and Produced by Br Jeff Miller SDB For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina
I give you an example - Holy Thursday
March 24, 2024 23:00 - 15 minutes - 24.9 MBHoly Thursday: Jesus symbolically shows his limitless love for his own in his self-gift for “his own.” His loving care for others is the way all his disciples are called to follow. Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Divina styled reflection on the gospel for Holy Thursday, Year B. Gospel Reading: John 13:1-15 This week’s readers are Paige and Michael Narrated and Produced by Br Jeff Miller SDB For more in...
My God, why have you abandoned me? - Passion Sunday
March 19, 2024 23:00 - 21 minutes - 32.4 MBPassion Sunday: The passion account of the Gospel of Mark is full of violence and pain. But in his suffering he shares bread and wine with those who deny, betray and flee, and exercises his Messianic role on the Cross. He cannot “come down from the Cross.” That would be failure. Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Divina styled reflection on the gospel for the 4th Sunday of Lent, Year B. Gospel Reading: Mark 15...
The hour has come - Fifth Sunday of Lent
March 12, 2024 23:00 - 16 minutes - 25.2 MBFifth Sunday of Lent: With the arrival of non-Jews who wish to see Jesus, he recognises that the hour of his lifting up and glorification on the Cross has come. Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Divina styled reflection on the gospel for the 4th Sunday of Lent, Year B. Gospel Reading: John 12:20-33 This week’s readers are John and Rose Narrated and Produced by Br Jeff Miller SDB For more information vis...
God so loved the world - Fourth Sunday of Lent
March 05, 2024 23:00 - 14 minutes - 23.2 MBFourth Sunday of Lent: The heart of the message of the Gospel of John: the reason why God sent his Son into the world: to love, and not to judge. Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Divina styled reflection on the gospel for the 4th Sunday of Lent, Year B. Gospel Reading: John 3:14-21 This week’s readers are Laura and Trezur Narrated and Produced by Br Jeff Miller SDB For more information visit: www.sal...
Destroy this Temple - Third Sunday of Lent
February 27, 2024 23:00 - 13 minutes - 20.7 MBThird Sunday of Lent: John uses the traditional account of Jesus’ purifying presence in the Temple to place his whole ministry under the shadow of the Cross and resurrection. Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Divina styled reflection on the gospel for the 3rd Sunday of Lent, Year B. Gospel Reading: John 2:13-22 This week’s readers are Steph and Michael Narrated and Produced by Br Jeff Miller SDB For mo...
Listen to him! - Second Sunday of Lent
February 20, 2024 23:00 - 14 minutes - 22.8 MBSecond Sunday of Lent: As Jesus calls disciples, his transfiguration shows and tells who he is, and why all who claim to follow him must listen to him. Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Divina styled reflection on the gospel for the 2nd Sunday of Lent, Year B. Gospel Reading: Mark 9:2-10 This week’s readers are Dino and Julia Narrated and Produced by Br Jeff Miller SDB For more information visit: www.sa...
He was with the wild beasts - First Sunday of Lent
February 13, 2024 23:00 - 16 minutes - 25.6 MBFirst Sunday of Lent: Mark’s very brief account of Jesus’ temptation tells of his re-establishing God’s original created design. Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Divina styled reflection on the gospel for Ash Wednesday. Gospel Reading: Mark 1:12-15 This week’s readers are Bridie and Declan Narrated and mixed by Br Jeff Miller SDB For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina www...
Reward from your Father in Heaven - Ash Wednesday, Year B
February 11, 2024 23:00 - 15 minutes - 23.1 MBAsh Wednesday: Jesus instructs his disciples to focus upon the God who makes sense of life and love, rather than themselves and their glory. Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Divina styled reflection on the gospel for Ash Wednesday.
"If you want to... Of course I want to!" - 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B
February 06, 2024 23:00 - 11 minutes - 16.4 MB"If you want to... Of course I want to!" The opening cycle of Jesus' miracles comes to a close in this encounter with a leper, who is ostracised from society and regarded as ritually impure. The sick man recognises Jesus' authority, convinced that Jesus can heal him. Jesus' response breaks through the evil of ill-health and of man-made taboos. Jesus does not want to be known simply as the local miracle worker from Capernaum - he came to break down divisions, to bring joy, health, goodn...
The Kingdom of God Must Go Elsewhere - 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B
January 30, 2024 22:00 - 13 minutes - 18.3 MBThe Kingdom of God Must Go Elsewhere: Jesus remains closely associated with the town of Capernaum as the goodness and healing of the Kingdom of God that comes in his words and deeds impact upon Simon Peter's mother-in-law. Taking her by the hand, and allowing her to serve a meal not only restores her to health, but breaks through the many socially determined taboos associated with women at that time. Miracles multiply, and those possessed by demons are freed. Jesus' authority sweeps al...
An Authoritative Teaching That is New - 4th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B
January 23, 2024 23:00 - 13 minutes - 18.6 MBAn Authoritative Teaching That is New: No longer alone, Jesus teaches in the Synagogue in Capernaum. All wonder at the newness and authority of his teaching. Then he teaches in a different way. He overcomes the presence of evil in the demon possessed man, reducing the demon to silence, even though the demon knows that Jesus is "the Christ of God." The people recognise that this is also a "new teaching." Jesus shows that he is bringing in the Kingdom of God by overcoming the power of evil m...
A Vocation that Costs no Less than Everything - 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B
January 16, 2024 23:00 - 13 minutes - 18 MBA Vocation that Costs no Less than Everything: Bursting onto the scene alone, Jesus announces that the Kingdom of God is at hand. His first action is to call others to follow him. As he journeys towards a destiny that only God can determine, he asks that others join him as followers. They must come after him. Leaving all that their peers would regard as the sign of their great success as fishermen at the Lake of Galilee, they will be associated with Jesus in bringing the Word of God and the ...
What is it that you expect from Jesus? - 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B
January 09, 2024 23:00 - 12 minutes - 18 MBWhat is it that You Expect from Jesus?: Like all the Gospels, John opens with the call of the first disciples. The Baptist points away from himself, directing his disciples to the Lamb of God. The first disciples seek him out, and he asks them what they are looking for in him. They have their own answers and expectations. They are not wrong, but they still have a long way to go in their journey as disciples. Jesus will not be the Messiah they expect, but the one who has come to do the will...
My Son, the Beloved - The Baptism of the Lord, Year B
January 03, 2024 23:00 - 14 minutes - 19.6 MBMy Son The Beloved: The Baptism of Jesus leads us from our celebration of the incarnation of God in the person of Jesus, to reflection upon the ministry among us that lies ahead of him. The Baptist introduces Jesus, who has not yet appeared in the story, as the more powerful one who baptises in the Spirit. At the baptism the heavens open and a voice announces who Jesus is. The divine communicates with the human: Jesus is the beloved Son of God. Someone from God will exercise his messianic mi...
A Child Reveals God to the World - The Epiphany of the Lord, Year B
January 02, 2024 23:00 - 15 minutes - 21.5 MBA Child Reveals God to the World: Within the Christmas cycle we meet the wise men from the East who are not Jews but know that a King has been born. Their obedient journey brings them to Jerusalem, where they learn that the Scripture says the child will be born in Bethlehem. The wise men represent the world outside Israel who enter God's design, recognise and honour the newborn King. Obedience to the ways of God leads to the revelation of God to the whole world. Presented by world-renowne...
Unshakable Trust in the Ways of God - The Holy Family, Year B
December 26, 2023 22:00 - 14 minutes - 20.1 MBUnshakable Trust in the Ways of God: Mary and Joseph respond without question to the Law of Israel as they present their first-born in the Temple. They are told that their child brings Israel's story to a turning point, bringing salvation to Israel and all other nations. However, suffering lies ahead. A sword will pierce Mary's heart, and Jesus' life and ministry will lead to the rise and fall of many in Israel. This family is not able to understand what all this might mean, but they do ...
The Word Became Flesh - Christmas Day Year B
December 25, 2023 23:56 - 14 minutes - 19.8 MBThe Word became Flesh: The Prologue to the Gospel of John is among the most profound passages in the Bible. It tells of the pre-existent union of love between God and the Word, the Word's saving gifts of light and life, and our ambiguous response. But the Word is Jesus Christ who dwelt among us, showing us the wonderful presence of God's saving truth. Those who accept that truth become children of God. Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, A...
Swaddling Cloths and a Manger on the Road - Christmas Night, Year B
December 25, 2023 23:50 - 14 minutes - 19.8 MBSwaddling cloths and a manger on the road: Luke's account of a birth of Jesus, as with the appearance of John the Baptist, is fixed in a given time and place. But it is surrounded by the symbols of swaddling cloths, only used for a king, a manger, from which Israel should be nourished, recognition by the simplest of people, the Shepherds, and the heavenly proclamation of God's glory. Jesus is born on a journey, for a journey. Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Fran...
Accepting the Word of God - 4th Sunday of Advent, Year B
December 25, 2023 23:00 - 14 minutes - 20.1 MBAccepting the Word of God: The final Sunday of Advent points toward Christmas Day with a Gospel reflection on the Annunciation to Mary of Nazareth. One of the most beloved Christian images of Mary, we need to recognise that she struggles to accept what God is asking of her. In the first moment she is dumbfounded, wondering what this might mean. Then she asks a perfectly logical question - how can this be? Only when she recognises God's active presence, making the impossible take place, ...
I am not the Christ - 3rd Sunday of Advent, Year B
December 12, 2023 23:00 - 14 minutes - 19.6 MBI am not the Christ: The Roman liturgy devotes two Sundays to the figure of John the Baptist to help us prepare for Christmas. In the Gospel of John he is presented as being "sent by God", the only character in the Gospel who has this status and thus renders authentic witness to Jesus. He does it negatively, by refusing to accept the messianic roles that the leaders of Israel would like to pin on him: the Christ, Elijah, the Prophet. He insists: "I am not"! In this way he prepares for...
The Witness of John the Baptist - 2nd Sunday of Advent, Year B
December 05, 2023 23:00 - 14 minutes - 20 MBThe Witness of John the Baptist: The opening page of the Gospel of Mark presents two amazing witnesses to the coming of Jesus. First of all, the voice of God calls out, through the prophecy of Isaiah, promising someone who will prepare the way of the Lord. God is coming to us in "the Lord," and his messenger will go before him. The second witness is John the Baptist who also uses images and language to tell us that the divine is entering our story: the mightier one, someone who will b...
The Two Advents of Jesus - 1st Sunday of Advent, Year B
November 28, 2023 23:00 - 12 minutes - 17.7 MBThe Two Advents of Jesus: Today’s Gospel reading comes from the end of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Mark, repeating much of what we encountered in the final weeks of our reflections on Matthew. Advent opens with a parable about a Master who leaves his servants to administer his household while he is away. The servants know their Master as they wait for his return. Advent is about the two comings of Jesus. He is already among us because of the incarnation, the coming we celebrate ...
Recognising Jesus in the Least of his Brethren - Christ the King, Year A
November 21, 2023 23:00 - 16 minutes - 22.6 MBRecognising Jesus in the Least of his Brethren: Closing our year of reflection upon the Gospel of Matthew, we hear of Jesus’ Lordship over the good and the evil. In a remarkable account, we are told that we will not be judged by our achievements but by the way we have treated the least of the brethren of Jesus – those who are in most need. The parable of the talents that we reflected on last week told us that we have been greatly gifted and our final encounter with the Word of God fro...
Living the In-Between-Time - 33rd Sunday of the Year, Year A
November 14, 2023 23:00 - 14 minutes - 19.8 MBLiving the In-Between-Time : Jesus instructs us on the seriousness of our commitment to the in-between-time. The Master leaves for a distant land and gives his servants a large sum of money. Some use it well but one of them digs a hole and hides it, out of fear of the Master. God showers abundant gifts upon us and we are to receive them gladly, using them as we make our contribution to the world and society. We are not to dig a hole to hide our gifts, waiting for the return of an angr...
The Gift of the Now and the Promise of the Not Yet - Thirty-Second Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A
November 08, 2023 10:57 - 14 minutes - 20.5 MBThe Gift of the Now and the Promise of the Not Yet: As Jesus' life-story comes to an end, he focusses his attention upon the end of all history, and God's final judgment. With the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, he instructs on the importance of both our current Christian experience, and the end-time that lies in the future. The parable presents the virgins who will welcome the bridegroom and his bride with lighted lamps. Some are not prepared for a possible delay and are subseq...
A Program for Holiness - All Saints Day, Year A
October 31, 2023 23:00 - 13 minutes - 18.1 MBA Program for Holiness: We pause our reading of the final pages of Matthew to go back to the beginning of Jesus' ministry in his sermon on the mount, where a new and perfect Moses gives us a new and perfect Law. We celebrate the "saints," those who have not been raised to the altars, but whom we know in our hearts are "saints," by recalling the gifts God gives us that make us holy. This program for holiness places the Christian somewhat at odds with a secular world, but there is much t...
The greatest commandment - 30th Sunday of the Year, Year A
October 25, 2023 13:18 - 13 minutes - 19.4 MBThe greatest commandment: Bringing the conflict between Jesus and the leaders of Israel to an end, Jesus astounds them as they attempt to trap him in a debate over the most important law in Israel. He responds by taking them back to their Law, reminding them that Moses instructed that that they must love God (Deuteronomy 6) and love their neighbour (Leviticus 6). These laws have always been with them. But for the first time in history, Jesus brings them together. To love God calls for love o...
Give to God what belongs to God - 29th Sunday of the Year, Year A
October 17, 2023 22:02 - 13 minutes - 18.9 MBGive to God what belongs to God: The leaders of Israel take the initiative, sending representatives of the Pharisees and some Herodians to trap Jesus. Righteous Religion - the Pharisees - and political convenience - the Herodians - join to pose a question where whatever Jesus answers will be wrong. He will support the Roman tax, and thus offend the Pharisees, or reject it, and thus offend the Herodians. But he asks them for a coin that bears the effigy of Caesar. There are matters that belon...
Invitation to a wedding feast - 28th Sunday of the Year, Year A
October 11, 2023 03:27 - 15 minutes - 21.7 MBInvitation to a wedding feast: Through the parable of the wedding feast, Jesus continues his questioning of Israel's leadership. But this is no ordinary wedding. It is the wedding feast the king is giving for his son. Continuing the theme of last week's parable, the vineyard becomes a wedding feast. Those invited to the feast reject and even murder those who invite them to the wedding. The king slays them, and turns elsewhere: the good and the bad are invited from the highways and the byways...
The challenge of being a disciple of the Son of Man - Twenty-Second Sunday of the Year, Year A
August 30, 2023 00:47 - 14 minutes - 20.1 MBThe challenge of being a disciple of the Son of Man: The faith-filled Peter, the rock upon whom the Church is built, today becomes another rock: a stone, a stumbling block. Jesus must overcome this as he journeys to death and resurrection in Jerusalem. Peter is happy that Jesus is the Christ and the Son of the living God. But he has not accepted all the implications of Jesus' being the Son of Man. The disciple must follow Jesus, not tell him what to do. Jesus turns to all disciples, instruct...
The Gift of True Faith in Jesus - Twenty-First Sunday of the Year, Year A
August 22, 2023 23:55 - 14 minutes - 21.2 MBThe gift of true faith in Jesus: We have seen Peter's little faith in the storm. Today he responds well - on behalf of all believing disciples - to Jesus' question, "Who do you say that I am?" But his confession that Jesus is the Son of Man, the Christ, the Son of God - a faith that we all share - is not something he has arrived at through his own virtue and intelligence. It has been given to him by God. He is blessed because he is open to the reception of that gift. Openness to the truth ab...
Scraps from the Master's Table - 20th Sunday of the Year, Year A
August 16, 2023 00:19 - 14 minutes - 20.9 MBScraps from the Master's Table: Jesus has fed Israel from his table. But they prefer their own ways to his gifts. A Canaanite woman highlights their weakness, and point out the way of true faith to all of us. Aware that she brings nothing to the encounter with Jesus, all she asks is that he fills her emptiness with scraps from the Master's table. Her faith exceeds anything he has met in Israel, and brings healing to her daughter. She teaches us to bring our nothingness to Jesus that we might...
Jesus' presence to those of little faith - 19th Sunday of the Year, Year A
August 09, 2023 00:05 - 14 minutes - 21.1 MBJesus' presence to those of little faith: One of the most evocative Gospel stories follows immediately upon the multiplication of the loaves and fish. Jesus, after a moment with his Father, alone on the mountain, comes out of the darkness to his disciples who struggle with the stormy sea but they do not recognise him.After he reveals himself, Peter responds to his summons to come across the sea, but he falters. Peter has faith, but only a little. He needs to be held and saved by Jesus, who i...
Treasures both old and new - 17th Sunday of the Year, Year A
July 26, 2023 02:44 - 14 minutes - 20.8 MBTreasures both old and new: Jesus has spoken of the inevitable victory of the Kingdom, and the fact that it is gathered from a mixed bag of believers and non-believers. Today Jesus pauses to reflect upon the wonder of the Kingdom but we must not think the Kingdom is a treasure or a pearl. Jesus says we should be prepared to give all we have and can do in order to possess it. But we don't, so he adds the further parable about the dragnet, containing a good and a useless catch. Where do we fit...
Growth in the midst of challenges - 16th Sunday of the Year, Year A
July 19, 2023 00:01 - 17 minutes - 24.1 MBGrowth in the midst of challenges: Jesus continues to teach in parables, so that he might unveil "what has been hidden since the foundation of the world." The presence of God's Kingdom and the presence of evil must always co-exist in our society. What was tiny grows into a great tree, a pinch of yeast produces a beautiful loaf of bread. We must accept that Christian lives have always lived in a mixed situation. Ultimate trust must be placed in the God and Father of Jesus. The wheat and the d...
Seed is sown. Will it bear fruit? - 15th Sunday of the Year, Year A
July 12, 2023 00:22 - 18 minutes - 26.6 MBSeed is sown. Will it bear fruit?: Jesus begins to tell a series of parables that will be received by some and rejected by others. The leaders of Israel remain "outside" the Kingdom because their hearts are hardened and yet, the seed is sown, and whatever its reception, an abundant harvest will follow. The growth and spread of the Kingdom cannot be stopped. Turning to his disciples, he explains that the seed is also the word that must be accepted joyfully and fruitfully. God's word surrounds...
The Necessary Yoke and Burden - 14th Sunday of the Year - Year A
July 05, 2023 01:30 - 13 minutes - 19.2 MBThe necessary yoke and burden: As the Gospel of Matthew moves away from the description of Jesus as a preacher and a healer, he will begin to encounter opposition. Before that begins, we are told that Jesus is so crucial because only He can make God known to those who are open and receptive to his teaching. Once members of his family, we must take on the family discipline: a yoke and a burden that is unlike any other. The burdens that will come our way as followers of Jesus must be borne, bu...
The costs and rewards of discipleship - 13th Sunday of the Year - Year A
June 28, 2023 00:44 - 12 minutes - 18.3 MBThe costs and rewards of discipleship: Today's Gospel is dominated by the expression "anyone." That means all of us! We are first challenged by need to put the love of Jesus Christ before all loves, without playing down the centrality of love in our families and elsewhere. Then we are told that there is only one way to find true life, and that is by giving it away. The Gospel closes with examples of this self-gift, welcoming others and helping those in need. When we do these, we welcome no l...