Audio Divina

Decisions are made

Decisions are made: Jesus' teaching comes to an end, but many disciples find it too hard and leave him. Only the Twelve, led by Peter, confess their faith in him, but even among them there was one who would fail. 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 17th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B. Gospel Reading: John 6:60-69 This week’s readers are John and Miranda Narrate...

"The Mother of My Lord"

"The Mother of My Lord": Immediately prior to this encounter in Luke's gospel tells of the annunciation of John the Baptist to Zechariah, and the annunciation of Jesus to Mary. Now the two mothers meet. The mother of John the Baptist salutes the mother of Jesus as "the Mother of my Lord." Mary's response is to cry out: "He  who is mighty has done great things for me, holy is his name." This Feast asks that we recognise the unique role of Mary in the history of our salvation, but also to foll...

Solemnity of Saint Mary of the Cross (McKillop)

Solemnity of Saint Mary of the Cross (McKillop): To celebrate the Feast of St Mary McKillop, the Church has wisely chosen a Gospel text from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. It is perfect. It touches on the aspect of Mary’s life that led her to sanctity. In the face of many challenges, she recognised that all beauty and goodness comes from an unfailing trust in God. There can only be one place for one’s heart. Nothing should lead us away from that place.  Presented by world-renowned biblical sc...

The search for the true bread from heaven

The search for the true bread from heaven: Reunited at Capernum, the people still seek bread. But it is a bread that perishes, like the bread given in the desert during the Exodus. Jesus offers the true bread from heaven, true access to God. But he shocks them as he reveals: "I am the bread of life." 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 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Ye...

A gift of bread at Passover time

A gift of bread at Passover time: Jesus gathers his disciples on a mountain by the Sea of Galilee at Passover, and many come because they have seen Jesus' miracles. He nourishes them in a meal that is a symbol of the celebration of the Eucharist, still available in the 12 baskets of broken pieces of bread. But the crowd continues to misunderstand. Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Divina styled reflection on the...

The missionaries return, but need further guidance

The missionaries return, but need further guidance: While the disciples are on mission, John the Baptist is slain. They return, unaware that their mission will cost them everything. Jesus takes them aside for further guidance, only to be disturbed by the needs of the sheep without a shepherd. 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 16th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B. ...

The disciples are sent out on their first mission

The disciples are sent out on their first mission: Already called, Jesus now sends out his disciples to continue his mission, instructing them to depend only upon God, and to live what they preach. 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 15th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B. Gospel Reading: Mark 6:7-13 This week’s readers are John and Rose Narrated and Produced by B...

A prophet is despised only in his own country

A prophet is despised only in his own country: Jesus' wisdom and powerful miracles generate wonder when he comes home to his village. But his own people cannot see beyond his parents and his family. They refuse to accept him. Jesus suffers rejected, and is amazed. 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 14th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B. Gospel Reading: Mark 6:1-6 ...

Two women are given life by Jesus' touch

Two women are given life by Jesus' touch: The daughter of Jairus and the woman with a flow of blood experience new life because of the touch of Jesus. 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 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B. Gospel Reading: Mark 5:21-43 This week’s readers are Julia and Dino Narrated and Produced by Br Jeff Miller SDB For more information visi...

Jesus Controls the Storm

Jesus teaches his new family about the Kingdom

Jesus teaches his new family about the Kingdom: Having established his new family, in the midst of rejection and opposition, Jesus begins to teach in parables, and the explain the mystery of the Kingdom of God to his disciples, the new family. 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 11th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year B. Gospel Reading: Mark 4:26-34 This week’s readers...

Do This In Memory of Me

Body 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.

Trinity 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

Pentecost 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

The 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

Sixth 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

Fifth 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

I 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

Third 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...

The Gift of the Now and the Promise of the Not Yet

The 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

A 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 stone rejected by the builders that is the keystone - 27th Sunday of the Year, Year A

The stone rejected by the builders that is the keystone: Jesus continues to challenge the leaders of Israel. Adopting the symbol of a Vineyard for God's chosen people, he accuses those who have been entrusted to care for it. They are only interested in themselves. When harvest time comes they refuse to deliver its fruits to the Master. Instead, they slay his messengers the prophets, and even slay his son and throw him out of the vineyard. But those who rejected the son will, in turn, be reje...

Putting our lives where our words are. - 26th Sunday of the Year, Year A

Putting our lives where our words are: Jesus has now entered Jerusalem, and driven out those who would make the Temple into a robbers' den. He resumes conflict with the leaders of Israel: "the chief priests and the elders of the people." They are forced to admit that it is not so much what you say that matters, but what you do. True religion, as it has been lived by John the Baptist and the tax-collectors and prostitutes cannot be measured by words. Our convictions must be reflected in the w...

The Kingdom of Heaven is different! - 25th Sunday of the Year, Year A

The Kingdom of Heaven is different: Jesus' final moment teaching his disciples is dedicated to increasing their understanding of the strangeness of God. The payment of a denarius is agreed between the Master of the vineyard and the workers at the beginning of the day. No further agreement is made. We can understand, and even sympathise with these workers as they see those who arrived late receiving a denarius, only to find that is also their reward. God surprises us. The Master is not being ...

Be compassionate as I am compassionate - 24th Sunday of the Year, Year A

Be compassionate as I am compassionate: Peter thinks that we can put a number on the people whom we forgive. Jesus continues to insist on the radical nature of Christian forgiveness with his parable on the behaviour of the two servants. Forgiveness must be practised everywhere and always. Compassion leads the Master to forgive incredible debt; anger and violence is used to deny forgiveness to another. The Master returns, and the angry servant who has been forgiven is punished. God's forgiven...

See how they love one another - 23rd Sunday of the Year, Year A

See how they love one another: Today's Gospel comes from Matthew's description of to Jesus' formation of disciples. He delivers a discourse on how the Christian community is to behave in a hostile world. Jesus' teaching that we do our best to resolve conflicts among ourselves is challenging. We are to reach out endlessly, so that the community will be unified. Alone, we cannot do this. Thus, as our Gospel reading comes to an end, Jesus insists that we remain close to God in prayer. That is w...

You give them something to eat - 18th Sunday of the Year, Year A

You give them something to eat: The multiplication of the loaves and fishes at the lake is a foretaste of the Eucharist, but it is more. Jesus heals the crowds who seek him eagerly, but they must be nourished. The disciples want to send them away, but Jesus takes from their poor quality of loaves and fish, blesses it, and gives it back to them to feed the crowds. Then there are twelve baskets of remnants. The meal that Jesus gives for the nourishment of his people. But we disciples must acce...

The Necessary Yoke and Burden

The 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...

Salt of the earth and light of the world - 5th Sunday of the Year

Salt of the earth and light of the world: As Jesus begins his famous sermon on the mount, he insists that Christian life must flow from deep internal faith and conviction. When that is the case, the lives of Christians will continue and perfect the function of the Law in Israel. Christian life will bring God's promises to perfection, shining forth like a city on a hill. It will give light and nourishment to the whole world. Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Franci...

Jesus ' ministry begins with power - 3rd Sunday of the Year, Year A

Jesus ' ministry begins with power: The ministry of Jesus opens as that of John the Baptist comes to a close. His presence in Galilee recalls the promise of the Prophet Isaiah that light now dawns for both Israel and the Gentiles. Jesus proclaims the arrival of God's Kingdom, and shows the irresistible power of the Kingdom as he calls disciples and heals sickness and disease. Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Di...

Jesus ' ministry begins with power

Jesus ' ministry begins with power: The ministry of Jesus opens as that of John the Baptist comes to a close. His presence in Galilee recalls the promise of the Prophet Isaiah that light now dawns for both Israel and the Gentiles. Jesus proclaims the arrival of God's Kingdom, and shows the irresistible power of the Kingdom as he calls disciples and heals sickness and disease. Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Di...

The Two Advents of Jesus

The Two Advents of Jesus Christmas celebrates the "first coming" of Jesus, in the incarnation of the Son of God. But the Advent Season also focusses upon the second coming of Jesus at the end of time. Advent is a time when we recognise that we live between the two comings of Jesus Christ. Towards the end of Matthew's Gospel, Jesus uses the story of Noah to teach us that the ordinary things go on as we live our Christian lives, rejoicing in what we were given at the first coming of Jesus at C...

Jesus and the tax-collector

Jesus and the tax-collector: As Jesus passes through Jericho, nearing Jerusalem, a tax-collector is prepared to make a fool of himself to see him. Lovingly welcomed by Jesus, everyone is shocked that a religious figure like Jesus would share his table with such a sinner. 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 thirty first Sunday of the Year, Year C. Gospel Reading: Luk...

Jesus and the tax-collector - - 31st Sunday of the Year, Year C

Jesus and the tax-collector: As Jesus passes through Jericho, nearing Jerusalem, a tax-collector is prepared to make a fool of himself to see him. Lovingly welcomed by Jesus, everyone is shocked that a religious figure like Jesus would share his table with such a sinner. 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 thirty first Sunday of the Year, Year C. Gospel Reading: Luk...

The faith of a servant - 27th Sunday of the Year - Year C

The faith of a servant: As Jesus' instruction of his disciples nears the end, he focuses upon the need for faith. Jesus instructs them that even with very little faith, they will work miracles. Faithful servants receive everything they have as a gift from God and we are called to administer these gifts as servants and in this way, we will have only done our duty. Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Divina styled r...

Jesus praises the cunning steward - 25th Sunday of the Year - Year C

Jesus praises the cunning steward: Today's Gospel is puzzling. The rich man's steward seems to be a thief, yet Jesus praises him. The Jewish law against making interest on a loan lies behind the steward's actions, and the master must praise him for his cunning ability to make friends through his actions. Jesus then turns to his followers and instructs them on the need to use the material possessions of this world honestly in order to be part of the friendship of the children of the light in ...

There was a man who had two sons - 24th Sunday of the Year - C

There was a father who had two sons: The God who brings fire on earth in and through Jesus, who sends us to the broken, and asks that we place first things first may seem demanding. But that same God is the Father who gives his children the freedom to make mistakes, and who welcomes them back when they fail. The parable of the father with the two sons ends with the Father out in the dark, trying to save his second lost son. This is the God of compassion made known to us by his son, Jesus of ...

The Cost of Discipleship

The Cost of Discipleship: Jesus' challenging words on discipleship now seem to become more than challenging: they are harsh. Anyone who wishes to be a disciple much reckon their deepest and most intimate relationships, and all their possessions, as lesser than their following of Jesus and the gift of God's reigning presence among us. But as we plan for our ultimate future, it is crucial that we put first things first. Jesus' own life, teaching, death and resurrection show us the way. Prese...

Whoever exalts himself will be humbled - 22nd Sunday of the Year. C

Whoever exalts himself will be humbled: Within the setting of one of Luke's favourite scenes, a meal-table, Jesus turns the value-system and the way of judging one another on its head. We expect honours and privileges to be given to the significant people in out society. As Jesus has shown in his loving self-gift for us, this is not the way things work in the kingdom of God. Seeking the lower places will lead to our advancement, and sharing with those who are most in need leads to the greate...

Fire on earth - 20th Sunday of the Year

Fire on earth: A fire burnt in the life of Jesus, his unconditional acceptance of what his Father asked of him, and it dominated his life- to the Cross. The same fire burns in all of us who follow him. However, as we know, the passionate living of a Christian life of love and self giving, or care and goodness to others, directed by the Word of God and nourished by the Church and our fellow Christians, brings a fire that the world we live in does not want in its midst. We are called to be pas...

Servants of the Servant Messiah - 19th Sunday of the Year

Servants of the Servant Messiah: Jesus instructs his disciples on the need for them to be servants, ready for the return of their servant Messiah, so that he may serve them yet again. We only know that this moment will come. We do not know when that will be. Peter asks to whom this message is directed. Jesus responds by describing the qualities of the good and faithful servant, and the failure of the disciple who forgets to serve as the Master does not return. Those who have received so much...

Storing up treasure - 18th Sunday of the Year

Storing up treasure: Jesus will not enter into a debate over who owns what. He insists that such concerns miss the point. It is important that we be good stewards of the treasures that come to us through our hard work, and our care for others. But the danger is that we come to thing that our lives are made secure by what we own. We know that this is not true, but we live as if it were. The parable of the unwise rich man drives this point home. Jesus' assessment of those who think and act lik...

Teach us to pray

Teach us to pray: Our reflection on Luke's Gospel has instructed us to care for others, and to learn from the word of Jesus. Today's Gospel tells us how to respond to our God, who is our Father, as Jesus responded to his Father. This much loved prayer calls us to place God's name and God's kingdom first. How hard that can be. It also asks that we be forgiven as we forgive others. That is risky indeed. Yet Jesus' parables, that follow his teaching the disciples how to pray, promise us that ou...

Who is my neighbour?

Who is my neighbour?  A lawyer wishes to get the better of Jesus. Is Jesus able to give one Law that gives eternal life? He provides that law of love of God and neighbor, but the lawyer insists - who is my neighbour? Jesus shatters his confidence with the parable of the Good Samaritan. The Samaritan is the neighbour who cares, and the lawyer must do likewise. He must behave like a Samaritan, someone whom political correctness tells him he should despise. Presented by world-renowned biblica...

Living the in-between-time

6th Sunday of Easter: As Jesus moves further into his Last Discourse with his disciples before his passion, death, and resurrection, he tells them that he must depart from them. But he will come back to them, and dwell with them. There will, however, be a time of absence. In that in-between time, the disciples are instructed on the need to live by the word of Jesus, and promised that they will be supported and guided by the Spirit-Paraclete. Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev...

Loving as Jesus loved in the in-between time

5th Sunday of Easter: As Judas departs, Jesus cries out in triumph. His moment of glory, his loving self-gift on the cross is at hand. But he will soon be leaving his disciples. They must now face a time when he is no longer with them as he was during his ministry. They must continue his presence by following the new commandment: loving as he has loved. Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divina is a Lectio-Divina styled reflection o...

Listening to the voice of the Good Shepherd

Listening to the voice of the Good Shepherd: Within the context of the Jewish celebration of the Feast of the Dedication, marking the return of the Jerusalem Temple to its proper place as a way to God, Jesus presents himself, his word, and his way of life as an authoritative way to God. He has such authority as there no longer need to go to a Temple to find Good; the Father and Jesus are one! Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divin...

Practise what you preach - 8th Sunday of the Year

Practise what you preach: Called to live a radical questioning of the establishment compassionately, Jesus closes his Sermon on the Plain by asking that we be authentic, the we be what we are, genuine Christians who try to live and love as Jesus Christ. By practising what we preach, we show that the true disciple is always like her or his teacher. Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Divina styled reflection on the...

My words will not pass away - 33rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

My words will not pass away: We hear words from the Jesus of the Gospel of Mark for the last time in Year B. Writing to Christians who thought that the end was near, he insists that before that happens, the Gospel must be preached to the ends of the earth. But the end will come. We must be able to read the signs of the times, not knowing when it will take place, but certain that it will take place. Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio...

Eating and Drinking at the Table of the Lord

20th Sunday of Ordinary Time: After introducing the theme of eating the flesh of the Son of Man and drinking his blood, Jesus no longer tells the crowd to belief in him if they wish to have eternal life. Their belief must be shown as they accept that the broken body and the split blood of Jesus can be encountered at the Table of the Eucharist Presented by world-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Divina styled reflection on the gosp...