Audio Divina

The Birth of Easter Faith: The empty tomb does not generate belief in Jesus as the Risen One for Mary Magdalene, nor for the two disciples, Simon Peter and the Beloved Disciple. But they are drawn to the tomb. There they see that God has been victorious over death. The clothes of death have been emptied. Even though he does not "see" the Risen Jesus, the Beloved Disciples sees God's victory, and believes. Easter faith has been born. 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 7th Sunday of the Year, Year A. Gospel Reading: John 20:1-9 Gospel read by Bronwyn and John Narrated by Michael Gartland Produced by Michael Gartland and Jeff Miller For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

The Risen Jesus Promises a New Era in Galilee: Matthew has already  reported earth-shattering events such as an earthquake, splitting of rocks and the resurrection of the dead at Jesus' death. He does the same in his account of the resurrection, marking the turning point of the ages. The women only find an empty tomb, are told to announce Jesus' resurrection and his future meeting with them all in Galilee. Because of Jesus' death and resurrection, nothing can be the same again. We gather as brothers and sisters of Jesus to form the new family of the Risen Lord. 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 Vigil, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matthew 28:1-10 Gospel read by Miranda and Joseph Narrated by Michael Gartland Produced by Michael Gartland and Jeff Miller For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

The death of Jesus, and the birth of a new era: John's story of Jesus' passion is unique. Jesus is in control at all times in the Garden, before Jewish authorities, before Pilate, on the Cross, and is buried as a king. At the centre of the story, Pilate proclaims him as a King, and on the Cross he comes to his final glory, perfecting the task given to him by his Father. In dying, he pours down the Spirit on the infant Church of his Mother and the Beloved Disciple. The blood and water of Eucharist and Baptism flow from his pierced side. 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 A. Gospel Reading: John 18:1-19:42 Reading by Jennifer and Chris Narrated by Michael Gartland Produced by Jeff Miller and Jeff Miller For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

The Foot Washing: 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 A. Gospel Reading: John 13:1-15 Read by Paige and Michael Narrated by Michael Gartland Produced by Jeff Miller and Ashley Trethowan For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

The Death of Jesus, and the Birth of a New Era:  Matthew's passion narrative tells the story of Jesus' last night with his disciples, his arrest, trials, and eventual execution. Through this account of Jesus' unjust and violent death Matthew has insinuated a message central to his understanding of what God has done for us in and through Jesus: he has opened the way to God for all nations as all the signs of the end of the world accompany his death. Heaven and earth pass away, but after he has been raised, the Gospel will be preached 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 for Passion Sunday, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matthew 26:14-27:66 This week's reading performed by volunteers from the Salesian Youth Movement Narrated by Michael Gartland Produced by Michael Gartland and Ashley Trethowan For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

Do you believe this? Instruction on true faith continues. The sickness and death of Lazarus is not "unto death," but to manifest the glory of God and set in motion the glorification of Jesus, the Son of God. The disciples, Martha, Mary, and the Jewish people all struggle to cope with Jesus' claim to be the resurrection and the life. His restoration of Lazarus to life is a sign that his claim is true, but doubt and rejection surround his insistence that we see the life-giving power of his death and resurrection: Do you believe this? Many do not. 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 5th Sunday of Lent, Year A. Gospel Reading: John 11:1-45 This week’s readers are Lauren and Xavier  Narrated by Michael Gartland Produced by Michael Gartland and Ashley Trethowan For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

From blindness to sight - from sight to blindness: The story of the man born blind leads us further in our understanding of true faith. The man begins totally without sight. Gradually he comes to confess that "the man called Jesus" is a "prophet," possibly "from God," and falls before Jesus confessing that he is "the Son of Man." He has journeyed from blindness to sight. Another story is also told. It is of the gradual and increasing blindness of the Jewish leaders who begin by accepting that Jesus is a miracle worker, but who finish by rejecting Jesus as a sinner. They are judged to be blind. 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 4th Sunday of Lent, Year A. Gospel Reading: John 9:1-41 This week’s readers are Michael and Maria Narrated by Michael Gartland Produced by Michael Gartland and Ashley Trethowan For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

The Saviour of the World: Over the next weeks those to be baptised at Easter, and those of us already baptised, will be instructed on the nature of true Christian faith. The Samaritan woman is led by Jesus from total inability to accept his offer of waters that will produce eternal life, through the hope that he might be the Messiah. Summoned by their kinswoman, the Samaritan villagers come to Jesus, welcome them into their midst and go beyond the limited faith of the woman: Jesus is acclaimed as the saviour of the 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 3rd Sunday of Lent, Year A. Gospel Reading: John 4:5-42 This week’s readers are Jeff and Rose Narrated by Michael Gartland Produced by Michael Gartland and Ashley Trethowan For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

No Place to Pitch a Tent: Today's Gospel reminds us who it is that we are following to a cross. The transfiguration indicates that the suffering Son of Man is also the Messiah, the Son of God. Chosen disciples are witness to this truth, and they would like to bring Jesus' journey to death to an end by making tents,to hold this moment. Christian life cannot just "pitch a tent" - the journey to Jerusalem, and to the glory of death and resurrection must be completed. 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 Lent, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matthew 17:1-9 This week’s readers are Michael and Georgina Narrated by Michael Gartland Produced by Michael Gartland and Ashley Trethowan For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

The testing of God's Son: Our Lenten Gospels begin with Matthew's account of Jesus' temptation by Satan. Immediately prior to this passage, a voice from heaven cried out that Jesus is God's beloved Son so Satan tests whether or not this is true. Using Israel's Scriptures, he challenges Jesus: "If you are the Son of God ..." but Jesus rejects the temptations by using the Scriptures against Satan, driving him away. 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 1st Sunday of Lent, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matthew 4:1-11 This week’s readers are Christina and Matt    Narrated by Michael Gartland Produced by Michael Gartland and Ashley Trethowan For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

Ash 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 Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 This week’s readers are Julia and Dino Narrated and Produced by Michael Gartland  For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

To be perfect as our Father is perfect: Jesus ends the pattern of teaching the Law of Moses, (perfected by his deeper reasons for obedience to God) the end-point is a vocation to love. The practice of vengeance must be replaced with unconditional love for all. As God loves us unconditionally, Jesus asks his followers to love their fellows unconditionally. This is the most difficult law of all, but its practice will make us perfect, as our heavenly Father is perfect. 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 7th Sunday of the Year, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:38-48 This week’s readers are Ines and Finnian    Narrated by Michael Gartland Produced by Michael Gartland and Ashley Trethowan For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

Until heaven and earth disappear: Jesus continues to reflect upon the Laws by reminding everyone of them. He interprets that law with the words, "But I say to you." On the authority of his own person and word he does not deny the value of the Law of Israel, but he asks we look deeper into the reasons for our obedience to God. The Law of Israel calls us to right living, and Jesus' interpretation of that Law brings it to perfection, by asking that we adopt a higher righteousness. 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 6th Sunday of the Year, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:17-37 This week’s readers are Sharon and Edward   Narrated by Michael Gartland Produced by Michael Gartland and Ashley Trethowan For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

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 Francis J. Moloney SDB AM, Audio Divina, is a Lectio-Divina styled reflection on the gospel for 5th Sunday of the Year, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:13-16 This week’s readers are Jacqui and Carlos   Narrated by Michael Gartland Produced by Michael Gartland and Ashley Trethowan For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

Salvation for all the Nations: Obedient to the Law of Israel, Jesus' parents present him in the Jerusalem Temple where Simeon, directed by the Spirit proclaims that a new age has arrived. All that Israels Scriptures expected has arrived: light for both Jew and Gentile yet there is more. This child will cause division, and even his Mother will feel the pain as his ministry leads to suffering and death. She does not withdraw from her mission; she treasures these things in her heart, waiting for God's plan for humankind to unfold. 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 Presentation of the Lord, Year A. Gospel Reading: Luke 2:22-40 This week’s readers are Karen and Tony Narrated by Michael Gartland Produced by Michael Gartland and Ashley Trethowan For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina  

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-Divina styled reflection on the gospel for 3rd Sunday of the Year, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matthew 4:12-23 This week’s readers are Sandy and Duc   Narrated by Michael Gartland Produced by Michael Gartland and Ashley Trethowan For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina  

The Lamb of God and Son of God: Year A briefly turns away from Matthew’s gospel to indicate the importance of John the Baptist in the revelation of Jesus to the world. John the Baptist sees Jesus passing but as the most reliable witness to Jesus, he can look upon Jesus and proclaim that he is the Lamb of God. He perfects the Jewish tradition of an expiatory lamb, making his own the task of freeing God's people from their sins. Such a universal saving action is only possible because of Jesus' oneness with God; he establishes God's way, among us. 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 the Lord, Year A. Gospel Reading: John 1:19-34 This week’s readers are Sarah and Pat   Narrated by Michael Gartland Produced by Michael Gartland and Ashley Trethowan For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

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