Audio Divina

Give 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 belong to Caesar. His questioners are looking after that, as is obvious from their possession of the Roman coin. But they are to render to God what belongs to God. They are called to recognise the presence of God's Son among them. In this, they continue to 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 29th Sunday of the year, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matthew 22:15-21 Gospel read by Bridie and Declan Narrated by

Invitation 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. But even among the multitudes who are now invited to the wedding, there is one who does not respond to the invitation. Greeted as "friend," he refuses to be part of the celebration. We have all been invited to God's banquet. Today's Gospel urges us to take that invitation seriously. 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 28th Sunday of the year, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matthew 22:1-14 Gospel read by Ro

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 rejected. The son will become the bedrock upon which a new people of God will be built, a new vineyard that will not be destroyed. How easy it can be, even in our own time, to forget that we are servants in the vineyard, and that our Lord is the rejected Son. 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 27th Sunday of the year, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matthew 21:33-43 Gospel read by Alex and Sharon Narrated by Mic

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 way we live. We practising Christians are urged to make our mark in contemporary society by putting our lives where our words are. 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 26th Sunday of the year, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matthew 21:28-32 Gospel read by John and Laura Narrated by Michael Gartland For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

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 unfair. He is being amazingly generous. Who are we to question God's generosity? We must allow God to be God, and administer his Kingdom in God's surprising way. 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 25th Sunday of the year, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matthew 20:1-16 Gospel read by Gerard and Rose Narrated by Michael Gartland For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

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 forgiveness, rooted in his compassion, is endless. But it is conditional. We must be compassionate as our Father is compassionate. Otherwise, we cannot bank on his merciful forgiveness. 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 24th Sunday of the year, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matthew 18:21-35 Gospel read by Maria and Thomas Narrated by Michael Gartland For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivi

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 where we receive our wisdom and strength ... and Jesus is there in our midst. 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 23rd Sunday of the year, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matthew 18:15-20 Gospel read by Christina and Christian Narrated by Michael Gartland For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

The 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, instructing them that the way to glory is through following Jesus, our suffering servant, through the cross to the glory of resurrection and 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 22nd Sunday of the year, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matthew 16:21-27 Gospel read by Michael and Georgina Narrated by Michael Gartland For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

The 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 about Jesus necessarily leads to blessing. 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 21st Sunday of the year, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matthew 16:13-20 Gospel read by Jennifer and Br David Narrated by Michael Gartland For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

Scraps 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 be empowered. 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 20th Sunday of the year, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matthew 15:21-28 Gospel read by Jennifer and Joseph  Narrated by Michael Gartland For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina    

"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 follow her in seeing the many blessings in our lives as signs that he who is mighty has done great things for 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 the Solemnity of The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Year B. Gospel Reading: Luke 1:39-56 This week's readers are Michael and Bridie Narrated and Produced by Br Jeff Miller SDB For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

Jesus' 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 is indeed the Son of God. This experience is part of Christian experience across the centuries. We are called to him, but can only make that journey when he takes us by the hand. 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 19th Sunday of the year, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matthew 14:22-33 Gospel read by Michael and Sara  Narrated by Michael Gartland For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodiv

No Place to Pitch a Tent:  The celebration of the Feast of the Transfiguration breaks into the celebrations of the Ordinary Sundays of the year. Disciples have a moment when they experience Jesus as God's messianic son. They would like to stay in that moment forever. But they must come down from the mountain, and follow Jesus on his journey to death and resurrection. Jesus' journey of to glory cannot be paused. 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 First Sunday of Lent, Year C. Gospel Reading: Matthew 17:1-9 This week's readers are Michael and Georgina Narrated and Produced by Michael Gartland For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

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 accept the responsibility of bringing that nourishment by being a eucharistic people, never hesitating, never hoping that those in need will go away, and look after themselves. 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 the year, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matthew 14:13-21 Gospel read by Paige and Isaac  Narrated by Michael Gartland For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

Treasures 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? Matthew adds his signature. He brings out of his treasure things both new and old ... and so do we. 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 the year, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matthew 13:44-52 Gospel read by Dominic and Julia  Narrated by Michael Gartland For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

Growth 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 darnel must mature together, but only the wheat will be gathered at the final harvest. All else will be destined for destruction. 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 the year, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matthew 13:24-33 Gospel read by Bronwyn and Alex  Narrated by Michael Gartland For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

Seed 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 us, if we are open enough to see it, hear it and pass it on 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 15th Sunday of the year, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matthew 13:1-23 Gospel read by Promise and Ed  Narrated by Michael Gartland For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

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, but they bring rest for our souls. 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 the year, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matthew 11:25-30 Gospel read by Jeff and Carmel  Narrated by Michael Gartland For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

The 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 less a figure than Jesus himself. 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 the year, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matthew 10:37-42 Gospel read by James and Raqael Narrated by Michael Gartland For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina

Do not be afraid: Sent out as missionaries of Jesus, he instructs us that we must not fear. There will be difficulties, but we are to trust in God, who cares for the smallest and simplest creature. But we must be prepared to courageously witness to Jesus in society. He will then speak up for us when we come to meet our heavenly Father. Sisters and brothers of Jesus, we must show our preparedness to be loyal to him and to his word, so that he might stand by us before his - and our - Father. 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 twelfth Sunday of the year, Year A. Gospel Reading: Matthew 10:26-33 Gospel read by Rosa and Tony Narrated by Michael Gartland For more information visit: www.salesians.org.au/info/audiodivina