Listen To the Bible! | King James Audio Bible | KJV | King James Version
There are times elsewhere in the Gospels when Jesus’ enemies accuse him of being possessed by a devil. In today’s very short Gospel reading, we listen to how Jesus’ friends are worried for him, to the point where they wish to save him from himself, thinking that he has gone out of his mind – that he is mad [ … ]
As they travel on the way to Jerusalem, Jesus throws his disciples into confusion by telling them about the suffering and death he must undergo. The disciples simply do not understand. For centuries, the Jews have awaited the coming of the Messiah, whom they envisaged as a glorious warrior king, not as one who would suffer and die the most ignominious of deaths, on a cross, of all things. A person condemned to die on a cross could not be the Messiah; rather, according to the Old Law, he had to be “cursed by God” (Deuteronomy 21: 22-23). The disciples cannot see the divine plan for our salvation, while the command for all who would be saved to ‘take up his cross and follow me’ must have seemed both strange and terrifying. To reassure his disciples, Jesus allows them to witness his glorious body through the transfiguration [ … ]
The story of Joseph begins within a family already marked by division. Genesis has traced generations shaped by rivalry, favouritism, deception and estrangement. The conflict between Cain and Abel established early the destructive force of jealousy between brothers. Later narratives repeat similar patterns in different forms: Isaac and Ishmael, Jacob and Esau, Leah and Rachel. By the time Joseph appears, the family of Jacob already carries deep instability within itself [ … ]
The Epistle To The Romans combines the occasional character of an early Christian letter with extended theological argument concerning law, the Law, covenant, sin, salvation, and the relation between Jews and Gentiles. Written probably in the late 50s AD, and during Paul’s stay in Corinth, the letter was addressed to Christian communities in Rome which Paul had not himself founded. Unlike several of his other letters, Romans was not written primarily in response to a specific local crisis already familiar to him. Instead, it functions partly as an introduction to his teaching and partly as an attempt to address tensions emerging within mixed Jewish / Gentile communities in the imperial capital [ … ]
This reading is drawn from one of the Festal Letters of Saint Athanasius of Alexandria (c. 296–373). Each year, the bishop of Alexandria would issue a letter announcing the date of Easter and offering reflections on its theological and spiritual meaning. These letters were deeply pastoral in tone and also rich in doctrinal teaching, reinforcing central truths of Christian faith [ … ]
In this meditation, Baldwin of Canterbury reflects on the enduring biblical phrase ‘Love is as strong as death’ (Song of Songs 8:6), drawing a sharp and deliberate contrast between two forces — one that ends life, and one that restores it. Death, in Baldwin’s view, is not simply the end of physical existence, but the boundary that love refuses to accept. The passage reveals a deep confidence in Christ’s power not only to endure death but to reverse its finality [ … ]
Saint Ambrose opens with a sweeping affirmation: though all of Scripture breathes God’s grace, the Book of Psalms possesses a distinctive attractiveness. This is not mere literary charm; it is the fruit of divine inspiration that speaks directly to the human heart. The Psalms do not merely record history or doctrine—they pray, praise, plead, and weep with the reader. They give voice to every spiritual state, forming what Ambrose calls a gymnasium for the soul, a place where each believer can exercise the virtues and train for heaven [ … ]
The presence of angels in the Gospels expressed incarnation of the divine in the person of Jesus Christ. Angels heralded Jesus’ coming, rejoicing in the birth of the Saviour. In the Gospel of Luke, an angel announced to the shepherds, ‘Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord’ (Luke 2:10-11, KJV) [ … ]
Unlike the Pauline letters, The Epistle To The Hebrews lacks a conventional opening associated with ancient correspondence and begins instead with sustained theological declaration. This resembles extended homily more than a letter, though concluding with epistolary features. Its author is unknown. There is remarkable confidence concerning the person of Christ, the meaning of Israel’s scriptures, and the nature of Christian faith [ … ]
Jesus exemplified meekness through his actions. Despite having immense power, Jesus chose to serve others, show compassion, and sacrifice for their well-being. Jesus demonstrated that genuine strength lies in selflessness and aligning oneself with a higher purpose [ … ]
Elizabeth – Mary’s cousin – and Zechariah are of noble ancestry. They have spiritual nobility also, following in all of the commandments and ordinances of the old Law in such a way that they are righteous before God. Zechariah is a priest, moreover. He serves God in the Temple, at the centre of Jewish society and faith. His son John the Baptist will go out to the wilderness to preach, but his journey starts here [ … ]
Psalm 53 reflects on faith and consequences of disbelief. The psalm echoes themes found in Psalm 14, offering a compelling exploration of the nature of human folly and the importance of seeking God [ … ]
Psalm 2 explores interaction between human desires and the authority of a higher power, shedding light on the tensions that can arise. Imagine leaders and nations pursuing their own plans, seemingly detached from divine considerations. This psalm paints a portrait of their ambitions and the contrast between their aspirations and the greater divine scheme [ … ]
The paralyzed man would not have been able to come to Jesus without the help of his friends. It is his friends’ faith, and their initiative and bravery, as well as his own that work together to find a way to come to Jesus. Jesus is touched by their faith and their friendship. We may think now as well about the help we give others and the help which we receive from others, in matters of faith and as we confess our sins and seek spiritual healing. Our sins can be like a form of spiritual paralysis, in which condition we may rely a great deal on our friends to bring us back to Jesus [ … ]
Jesus has fed the multitude, the multiplication of loaves and fish prefiguring the Eucharist, through which all share, in community, the body and blood of Christ, becoming one. Now Jesus sends his disciples ahead of him, to cross the Sea of Galilee to the pagan regions on the other side, where the evangelizing mission will continue. There is symbolism here, as the early Christians are called upon by Matthew’s Gospel to make transition from the old observances to the new Law of Jesus’ love. Jesus meanwhile takes time alone to pray [ … ]
On the Sabbath, the day of rest and prayer, the Jews would gather in synagogues to recite the Shema and the eighteen blessings, which would be followed by readings from the Book of the Law, the Pentateuch, and from the Prophets. In today’s Gospel verses, Jesus has returned home to Nazareth, where, in the synagogue, he volunteers to read [ … ]
Jesus’ public ministry begins as John the Baptist’s concludes, John being imprisoned by Herod for speaking out against the immorality of Herod’s sexual relationship with his brother’s wife. Mission comes with danger, and John the Baptist was not afraid. Nor now is Jesus. Indeed, Jesus begins to preach with the very same words with which John had warned the people to beware of their sins: Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand [ … ]
Jesus teaches us to be bold and to have faith and confidence in the light of persecutions. His listeners are told that, when they are accused, the Spirit will be with them, guiding their words such that they become a living testimony to Jesus. The Christians’ accusers will be unable to answer their words then – the force of their witness will be irresistible [ … ]
In the Garden of Gethsemane, the presence of the angel becomes a symbol of divine comfort and support during Jesus’ moment of utmost agony. As Jesus withdrew a stone’s cast away from his disciples and fell on the ground to pray, sweating blood, the world’s sins and crucifixion-horror pressed heavily upon him [ … ]
In teaching his parables, Jesus draws on a range of lived experience which would be familiar to his listeners. Often the parables describe work situations, reminding us that we are to root our Christian faith in a life that is useful to others, and that the whole texture of our lives should reflect our love of Jesus [ … ]
We are called as Christians not only to love God and to offer our days to Him, but also to shine as a living example to the people we meet each day. We are called to that apostolate which is a part of being a Christian, to proclaim the truth of Christ to the world. There are all sorts of ways in which we can approach this mission. There are those who feel called to preach the Gospel aloud in busy streets, asking passers by to pause for a moment and listen to the word of God. For others, it might seem a brave act to say to a person who might not know us very well, in the course of conversation: I am a Christian [ … ]
Jesus contrasts those who are ready in their hearts to receive the Word of God with those for whom the Word remains obscured. A body of disciples, followers and believers, has begun to form around Jesus. These are they who have understanding, not particularly in an intellectual fashion, but rather because they are lovingly receptive, whereas lack of love opens the door of the soul to the devil. Jesus’ disciples are disposed to conversion, to permit God’s grace to transform their lives. We understand in these verses a contrast between Christian faith and lack of faith [ … ]
Our prayer must be true to God. It is natural to petition God for what we need. It would indeed be arrogant to ‘go it alone’ and not humbly to share with God our needs and to ask Him for help, as if He were not our Father and we His children and creation. We are called by Jesus to acknowledge that all we have, we have through God. And we are called to develop our conversation with God through a life of prayer [ … ]
Jesus has come to break Satan’s hold – on the people of Jesus’ time and for all time. Accused by some of being a servant to Beelzebub, Jesus exposes the error and absurdity of what his accusers are saying. If Satan casts out Satan, then Satan is divided against himself and his house falls – he self-destructs [ … ]
In this deeply moving catechesis, St. John Chrysostom leads us into the mystery of Christ’s Passion, focusing our attention on the extraordinary power and significance of his blood. For Chrysostom, this blood is not just a historical detail or a symbol of suffering—it is life itself. It is protection, healing, rebirth, and nourishment. It is the very source from which the Church is born [ … ]
The sermon begins with a triumphant proclamation: ‘Christ is risen! He has burst open the gates of hell and let the dead go free.’ This dramatic image immediately places the Resurrection within the context of the Harrowing of Hell, a traditional doctrine in early Christianity that sees Christ descending into the realm of the dead to liberate the righteous. The Resurrection is not limited to the physical body of Jesus—it triggers a universal release and upward movement: the dead rise, the Church is renewed through baptism, and the doors of heaven are opened [ … ]
This reflection, drawn from Saint Cyril of Alexandria’s commentary on the Letter to the Romans, richly develops the theological significance of unity, divine mercy, and the universality of salvation. The passage resonates deeply with themes central to Eastertide: renewal, reconciliation, and the triumph of divine love through the risen Christ. St Cyril, a towering figure in patristic theology and a staunch defender of orthodoxy at the Council of Ephesus, here offers a profound meditation on the body of Christ and the universal scope of redemption [ … ]
This is the third day of Holy Week. Through these verses of John’s Gospel, Jesus experiences great emotion, great sorrow, as he prepares for his betrayal and passion. He has given everything to Judas. He has washed his feet along with those of the other disciples. He shares an intimate and important meal with him. Judas has been one of the closest with Jesus for three years. Even now he shows compassion and does not name his betrayer to the other disciples. Instead he says: ‘One of you shall betray me.’ [ … ]
In this deeply moving catechesis, St. John Chrysostom leads us into the mystery of Christ’s Passion, focusing our attention on the extraordinary power and significance of his blood. For Chrysostom, this blood is not just a historical detail or a symbol of suffering—it is life itself. It is protection, healing, rebirth, and nourishment. It is the very source from which the Church is born [ … ]
Mark’s Gospel, thought by many to be the earliest written, does not present an account of the birth of Christ. He begins with the proclamation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, leading into his baptism by John. Toward the end of the Gospel, when the crucified Christ dies, the centurion standing by him will affirm this, saying: ‘Truly this was the Son of God.’ Throughout this most fast paced of gospels, this is Mark’s message, to give his readers the knowledge that Christ is the Son of God [ … ]
Psalm 144 expresses themes of warfare, divine benevolence, human frailty, and societal well-being under the guidance of God. Traditionally held to be authored by David, a king and warrior deeply conscious of his reliance on divine support, the psalm unfolds as both a personal entreaty for victory and protection and a communal hymn envisioning a society flourishing under God’s favour [ … ]
We might imagine our gazing upon a breath-taking sunrise or a star-filled night sky. The opening lines of this psalm capture that moment, reminding us that the heavens declare the glory of God. The celestial display becomes a testament to divine craftsmanship, whispering its wisdom to all who observe it [ … ]
Psalm 47 is a joyful song of praise and celebration. The psalm exalts sovereignty of God as supreme King over all the earth and calls on all people to join in the triumphant chorus of worship. This psalm encapsulates themes of reverence, the universal rule of God, and the exuberant expression of devotion to the Divine [ … ]
The story of Joseph begins within a family already marked by division. Genesis has traced generations shaped by rivalry, favouritism, deception and estrangement. The conflict between Cain and Abel established early the destructive force of jealousy between brothers. Later narratives repeat similar patterns in different forms: Isaac and Ishmael, Jacob and Esau, Leah and Rachel. By the time Joseph appears, the family of Jacob already carries deep instability within itself [ … ]
The Book Of Exodus begins with a people who have become hidden beneath power. Descendants of Jacob remain in Egypt, yet the memory of Joseph has faded into distance. What once began in preservation has hardened into oppression. Pharaoh fears the increase of Israel because life itself appears threatening to a kingdom built upon control. Children of Israel are drawn into forced labour, their lives reduced to production and usefulness, their suffering absorbed into the order of empire [ … ]
The Mission: Bring Yourself To God is an invitation to rediscover the Bible as one unfolding story of God’s love for humanity. From the covenant with Abraham to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, from the call of Moses to the missionary journeys of Saint Paul, this richly illustrated volume traces the great drama of salvation history and reveals unity, which binds together Old and New Testaments [ … ]
The Epistle To The Romans combines the occasional character of an early Christian letter with extended theological argument concerning law, the Law, covenant, sin, salvation, and the relation between Jews and Gentiles. Written probably in the late 50s AD, and during Paul’s stay in Corinth, the letter was addressed to Christian communities in Rome which Paul had not himself founded. Unlike several of his other letters, Romans was not written primarily in response to a specific local crisis already familiar to him. Instead, it functions partly as an introduction to his teaching and partly as an attempt to address tensions emerging within mixed Jewish / Gentile communities in the imperial capital [ … ]
Unlike the Pauline letters, The Epistle To The Hebrews lacks a conventional opening associated with ancient correspondence and begins instead with sustained theological declaration. This resembles extended homily more than a letter, though concluding with epistolary features. Its author is unknown. There is remarkable confidence concerning the person of Christ, the meaning of Israel’s scriptures, and the nature of Christian faith [ … ]
Tomàs is in trouble. If truth is love and love is truth, then the Church is wrong. A time in seminary…
