Audio Divina

All that Righteousness Demands: All Gospels record Jesus' Baptism; the moment he begins his public messianic ministry. Matthew alone records God has a plan, through Jesus' interactions with John the Baptist. Jesus' first words in Matthew's Gospel sets the agenda: God's will must be done so that all righteousness be fulfilled in Jesus' death and resurrection, the turning point of the ages. 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 Baptism of the Lord, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matt 3:13-17 This week’s readers are Rosa and Michael  Narrated by Michael Gartland Produced by Michael Gartland and Ashley Trethowan For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

A 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-renowned biblical scholar Rev. Professor Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Divina styled reflection on the gospel for The Epiphany of the Lord, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matt 2:1-12 This week’s readers are Jennifer and Issac Narrated by Michael Gartland Produced by Michael Gartland and Ashley Trethowan For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

The Man from Nazareth: The birth of Jesus was accompanied by the murder of innocent Jewish children and a return from Egypt, fulfilling a prophecy that once applied to Moses: "Out of Egypt I have called my Son." However, the family must soon flee once again, fulfilling all the prophecies of the Messiah. Jesus will be known as a Nazarene, the messianic root of David yet his kingdom will not be built in glory but constructed by a wandering and persecuted figure who will be with us till the end of time. 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 Holy Family, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matt 2:13-15, 19-23 This week’s readers are Ann-Maree and Michael Narrated by Michael Gartland Produced by Michael Gartland and Ashley Trethowan For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

The 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, Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Divina styled reflection on the gospel for Christmas Day, Year A. Gospel Reading: John 1:1-18 This week’s readers are Pauline and Dominic Narrated by Michael Gartland Produced by Michael Gartland and Ashley Trethowan For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

Swaddling Clothes 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 clothes, 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 Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Divina styled reflection on the gospel for Christmas Eve, Year A Gospel Reading: Luke 2:1-14 This week’s readers are Miranda and Luc Narrated by Michael Gartland Produced by Michael Gartland and Ashley Trethowan For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

Born of the Spirit, the Saviour and the Emmanuel: On this final Sunday of Advent we turn to the story of Jesus' birth; it contains a message full of wonderful promise. The puzzlement created by Mary's pregnancy is overcome by the angel's explanation because this child is “of the Spirit". Matthew's story of Jesus' first coming prepares us for a promise that the risen Jesus will make in the very last line of the Gospel: "I will be with you till the end of the ages". 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 Advent, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matt 1:18-24 This week’s readers are Alex and Laura Narrated by Michael Gartland Produced by Michael Gartland and Ashley Trethowan For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

Are you the one who is to come? From prison, John the Baptist asks an anxious question of Jesus: is he the one who is to come, or must we wait for another. Jesus responds by announcing that he is the fulfilment of the messianic prophecies. He then praises John the Baptist as the greatest figure to be born of a woman in the era before the coming of the Kingdom. Amazingly, he then points to the incredible dignity of those who have been blessed by entry into the kingdom. They are even greater that John the Baptist - This is indeed "good news." 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 3rd Sunday of Advent, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matt 11:2-11 This week’s readers are Bridie and Javier  Narrated by Michael Gartland Produced by Michael Gartland and Ashley Trethowan For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand: John the Baptist calls for conversion, and the acceptance of a ritual of baptism using the words that Jesus will also use, "The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand." But what John is doing is only a preparation for the fiery immersion into the Spirit-filled baptism that the Jesus will bring; for Jesus is the true master whose sandals John is not worthy to untie. 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 2nd Sunday of Advent, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matt 3:1-12 This week’s readers are Declan and Steph  Narrated by Michael  Produced by Michael Gartland and Ashley Trethowan For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

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 Christmas, yet watchful and awake as we wait for the second coming 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 1st Sunday of Advent, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matthew 24:37-44 This week’s readers are Romina and Tristan Narrated by Michael Gartland Produced by Br Jeff Miller SDB and Ashley Trethowan For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

A crucified King?  As Jesus predicts the destruction of the Temple, his disciples assume that he is speaking of the proximate end of the world. He corrects them by pointing to the long history of suffering and faithfulness that lies ahead of them, and explains that only God can determine the signs and times of the end of history. 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 Christ the King, Year C. Gospel Reading: Luke 23:35-43 This week’s readers are Christiaan and Jennifer  Narrated and Produced by Br Jeff Miller SDB For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

When will the end come?  As Jesus predicts the destruction of the Temple, his disciples assume that he is speaking of the proximate end of the world. He corrects them by pointing to the long history of suffering and faithfulness that lies ahead of them, and explains that only God can determine the signs and times of the end of history. 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 third Sunday of the Year, Year C. Gospel Reading: Luke 21:5-19 This week’s readers are Rose and Michael Narrated and Produced by Br Jeff Miller SDB For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

The Sadducees strike back: Having arrived in Jerusalem, Jesus preaches in the Temple. The Sadducees attempt to discredit his teaching, based on their understanding of the Law. Jesus shows them that they neither understand the power of the resurrection, nor the Word of God. 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 second Sunday of the Year, Year C. Gospel Reading: Luke 20:27-38 This week’s readers are Jennifer and Dominic Narrated and Produced by Br Jeff Miller SDB For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

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: Luke 19:1-10 This week’s readers are Carmel and Ashley Narrated and Produced by Br Jeff Miller SDB For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

The Pharisee and the tax collector: Jesus tells his famous parable about a Pharisee who thinks he is a good person, and a tax-collector who is aware of his failures. This situation endures today. We are all called to approach God humbly in prayer, to be given the good gifts that only God can give. 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 Thirtieth Sunday of the Year, Year C. Gospel Reading: Luke 18:9-14 This week’s readers are Bronwyn and Jack Narrated and Produced by Br Jeff Miller SDB For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

Faith and prayer:  Wicked and unjust judges can be persuaded to render justice if it serves their own ends, so how much more would our gracious God give hope and satisfaction to those who turn to him? But we must believe that God actually cares for us. When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth? 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 Twenty-Ninth Sunday of the Year, Year C. Gospel Reading: Luke 18:1-8 This week’s readers are Br. Christian and Jacqui Narrated and Produced by Br Jeff Miller SDB For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

The faith of a Samaritan: Jesus' journey to Jerusalem goes on, and he encounters ten lepers. Asked to fulfill the legal requirements to re-enter Jewish society through the approval of the priest, they set off, only to find that they have been cured while on their journey. But only one "turns back" to 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 Twenty-eighth Sunday of the Year, Year C. Gospel Reading: Luke 17:1-9 This week’s readers are Matt and Jess Narrated and Produced by Br Jeff Miller SDB For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

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 reflection on the gospel for the twenty-seventh Sunday of the Year, Year C. Gospel Reading: Luke 17:5-10 This week’s readers are Steph and John Narrated and Produced by Br Jeff Miller SDB For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

What if someone should rise from the dead?  Jesus' parable of the rich man and Lazarus is told entirely in the light of Jewish folk-lore. As their situations are reversed, the rich man speaks to Abraham, seeking comfort for himself, and light for his brothers. Abraham refuses both these requests. The gulf between Lazarus, in the bosom of Abraham, and the rich man "in the earth," cannot be crossed. As the parable ends, the challenge of the Christian Gospel emerges: not even someone who rises from the dead can convince those who do not see the sufferings of the poor at their door. 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 Twenty-sixth Sunday of the Year, Year C. Gospel Reading: Luke 16:19-31 This week’s readers are Georgina and Michael Narrated and Produced by Br Jeff Miller SDB For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

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 the Kingdom. 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 Twenty-fifth Sunday of the Year, Year C. Gospel Reading: Luke 16:1-13 This week’s readers are Sandy and Duc Narrated and Produced by Br Jeff Miller SDB For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

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 Nazareth. Everything he has is ours. 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 Twenty-fourth Sunday of the Year, Year C. Gospel Reading: Luke15:1-32 This week’s readers are Issac and Miranda Narrated and Produced by Br Jeff Miller SDB For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina