ANZAC DAY MEMORIAL – AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND. - - 25TH APRIL Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish - Mass – Podcast. (2024).

ANZAC DAY MEMORIAL – AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND. - - 25TH APRIL Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish - Mass – Podcast. (2024).

Image: Australian War Memorial Archive – Canberra. Photograph H06769. Claud Castleton VC, (1893-1916).
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Background image: Shutterstock Photo – licensed - ID: 2257654357 - Anzac background. Remembrance day, Memorial in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and Great Britain. Red poppies. Memorial armistice Day, Anzac day banner. Remember for Anzac, Historic war memory. Photo Contributor: Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB

LEST WE FORGET ANY OF OUR BRAVE.
Including -
Claud Castleton VC, (1893-1916)  -
Died aged just 23 years.
Photograph H06769
Service number           1352Ranks Held           Private, Sergeant
Service Australian Imperial Force
Units    •          2nd Australian Machine Gun Battalion
5th Australian Machine Gun Company
Conflict/Operation       First World War, 1914-1918

ANZAC DAY MEMORIAL – AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND. - - 25TH APRIL
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers, and reflections for Anzac Day, April 25th 2024, by clicking this link here:  https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-anzac-day-weekday-memorial-years-abc-episode-475/s-eB0MxPxlGEc

 

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Readings for ANZAC DAY

FIRST READING  **2024** Wis 3:1-9: He accepted them as a holocaust.
or 
Is 9:1-6 - Wide is the dominion of the Lord, in a peace that has no end.

PSALM: **2024** Ps 71:2–4, 7–8, 12–13, 17: Justice shall flourish in his time and fullness of peace forever.
Or
Ps 114:5–6, 115:10–11, 15–16 (p.851): R. I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the living.

SECOND READING  
**2024** Eph 2:13-18: He is our peace; destroying the hostility in your body.
or  
1 Cor 1:18-25 -: God's weakness is stronger than human strength.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION: **2024** Alleluia, alleluia! Happy are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labours for their good deeds go with them. Alleluia! (Rev 14:13)
or  
Alleluia, alleluia! Peace, I leave with you, says the Lord; my own peace I give you. Alleluia! (Jn 14:27)

GOSPEL –
**2024** John 12:23-28. "If a grain of wheat falls on the ground and dies, it yields a rich harvest."
Or
 John 14:23-29. The Holy Spirit will teach you everything and remind you of all I have said to you.

Image: Australian War Memorial Archive – Canberra. Photograph H06769. Claud Castleton VC, (1893-1916).
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Background image: Shutterstock Photo – licensed - ID: 2257654357 - Anzac background. Remembrance day, Memorial in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and Great Britain. Red poppies. Memorial armistice Day, Anzac day banner. Remember for Anzac, Historic war memory. Photo Contributor: Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB

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At dawn on this day in 1915, during World War I, soldiers from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landed at Gallipoli; this national day of remembrance honours the courage and the self-sacrifice of those who served in that campaign and that war and, indeed, all wars, and conflicts and peace-keeping operations. We particularly recognise the sacrifice of the fallen. We commend them to God's eternal care... and we also pray fervently that the peace and justice that they sought to defend and preserve will dwell richly in our land and in our world and that God's peace and reverence will make a home in the hearts of every person in this world.
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Many who returned from serving in the wars often did not speak of their experiences. They were so deep and indescribable. Today, we respect their silence, and we also respect their times of sharing whatever they feel is vital for us to know and to take to heart, never to forget, lest we forget, lest past history be repeated or core principles that were fought so hard and for so long could be lost.

Today and every year at this time we willingly and gratefully pause to remember and pray and give thanks for those countless men and women who served in time of war and who sacrificed everything for the sake of their families, their friends, their colleagues, their mates and their country and they sacrificed everything for the freedom, the love, the friendship and peace that lay behind their service and sacrifice.

Over many decades now there's been a conscious collecting of many recollections of those who lived through these times, to preserve their voices and their messages for future generations long after they have gone to God.

Claud Castleton (1893-1916) enlisted on March 1915 in Sydney. He served on Gallipoli with the 18th Battalion and in March 1916 transferred to the 5th Machine Gun Company.

Castleton was killed at Pozières on 29 July 1916 during an action for which he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.

During a night attack on enemy trenches, the infantry was driven back and then held down by intense enemy machine-gun fire. Many wounded men were left lying in no man's land, (and with his own assigned station disabled, Castleton - on two occasions went out in the face of enemy fire to bring in wounded men on his back. When he went out a third time, and while carrying a wounded soldier on his back, he himself was hit in the back and killed instantly. His body was later recovered and buried in the main British war cemetery at Pozières. Such bravery whilst repatriating wounded soldiers in the midst of battle.
We honour Claud and all who served valiantly in time of war….  Including all those whose acts of sacrifice and bravery are unknown or unsung.  God sees all and repays all, (in Heaven), for their bravery and sacrifice.

From a Christian perspective we hear from our Lord's own lips, no one has greater love, says the Lord, than those who lay down their lives for their friends. And today we commemorate the ultimate sacrifice of all who served in times of war and those who risked life and limb for those they loved and also those especially who lost their lives for those they loved. We can't help but notice the echo of Christ's death on the cross, in the death of all who gave up their irreplaceable lives, defending and protecting their loved ones from real and frightening dangers.

We remember the sacrifices and losses of war in order to respectfully remember those who paid that ultimate sacrifice of their lives and others paid the price of their health and peace of mind in the face of terrible aggression on true assaults on human dignity and freedom. Remembrance steals our commitment to peace and justice by reminding us of the alternative which always comes at too high a price. The world deeply wants to learn from the past violence and destruction in order to avoid future repeats.

We know that familiar ode so well, we know it by heart, age shall not weary them. That is, those men and women who have already lost their lives, lest we forget the reason they died, the horrors they saw and suffered, the horrors that they urgently fought to prevent if the aggressor were to get the upper hand, the loss of the values that underpin our very society. Also we remember the effects on those who are still with us and still need us.

There are many, many sacrifices that were made by those who served in times of war and those who serve now too. As well as the sacrifice of some people's lives, there's also their loss of their youth, their health and their emotional well-being. Those who did come back, came back injured in body, mind or spirit from their experiences.

Anyone in any way affected by the horrors of war and its aftermath, we remember them too with profound respect and gratitude. How can we repay them? The human cost of war, of people risking and often losing life for the defence of others, can never be adequately calculated and it cannot be repaid. Our prayer today and for the future is for that peace which only Christ can give the world.

 

A peace and a love that quenches the all-too-real hatred and misunderstanding that exists in the world and a peace that banishes all that leads to enmity and violence. We long for this. These are the ones who served and prayed and struggled for it.

We continue this prayer year after year, especially on this day and all days. May peace be in the hearts and minds of every person throughout the world, not just on this day but every day. May the peace of God's Kingdom one day soon put an end to all war and violence.

In remembering and acknowledging the human cost of war and the price beyond telling of those who served, we not only remember them but we commit ourselves to a world where the values they fought are cherished, protected and remembered. We pray that God's reign of peace, justice, dignity and love will all come in its fullness and that the values of those who struggled and suffered for us will always and everywhere be respected, preserved and built up ever stronger.

 

Today we recall the extraordinary poem, of which a paragraph has become immortalised as The Ode.

This poem, written by Laurence Binyon in 1914, now over a hundred years old but still deeply relevant today, captures the importance of remembering and commemorating this day. Elsewhere in that same poem, not used in The Ode, he writes a passage that echoes our belief that those who have made sacrifices in the service of others remain not only in our hearts and memories but, although hidden from sight, they live on in the everlasting life of God's Kingdom where there is true peace, no more suffering, no war, no pain.

 

Our constant prayer is that God's Kingdom come, not only in heaven, but that that peace and justice of God's Kingdom will take hold and express itself ever more here on earth and that the freedoms and values that our past generations have sacrificed everything for will be assured for all and forever.

And so Laurence Binyon's poem continues where it says,

"Where our desires are and our hopes profound,
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night;

As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain."**….

(We will remember them) ..

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- Reflection by Fr Paul Kelly

- Australian War Memorial Website - https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P11051710

 

https://www.abc.net.au/religion/what-must-we-remember-on-anzac-day-moral-reflection-without-mili/10094782


- ** Robert Laurence Binyon, (10 August 1869 – 10 March 1943). "For The Fallen", The Times, (London), 21 September 1914.

- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_history_of_Australia

Image: Australian War Memorial Archive – Canberra. Photograph H06769. Claud Castleton VC, (1893-1916)
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Background image: Shutterstock Photo – licensed - ID: 2257654357 - Anzac background. Remembrance day, Memorial in New Zealand, Australia, Canada and Great Britain. Red poppies. Memorial armistice Day, Anzac day banner. Remember for Anzac, Historic war memory. Photo Contributor: Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB
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ANZAC DAY MEMORIAL – AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND.  - 25TH APRIL..

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
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As we begin the Holy Eucharist, let us acknowledge our sinfulness, so as to worthily celebrate the sacred mysteries.

You raise the dead to life in the Spirit. Lord, have mercy//
You bring pardon and peace to the sinner. Christ, have mercy//
You bring light to those in darkness. Lord, have mercy//

May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
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Let us pray for peace in our world, and in our hearts and homes. Lord Hear Us.

Let us pray for all servicemen and women, who served our nation with bravery and honour. Lord Hear Us.

Let us pray for those men and women who died in the time of war, defending the freedom, the values and the people they love. Lord Hear Us.

Let us pray for all those who have been injured or in any way physically or emotionally affected by war. Lord Hear Us.

Let us pray for those who presently serve in armed forces, that they may be protected and strengthened. Lord Hear Us.

Let us pray that we will experience a deep sense of unity with God and with one another. Lord Hear Us.

Let us pray that the ANZAC spirit of self-sacrifice, bravery, and support may always live in the memories and hearts of all Australians. Lord Hear Us.

For people around the world - suffering the effects of war, violence and assaults on human dignity and rights. That they may be given peace and dignity and practical assistance in their suffering. And that God's peace will spur people to find every paths to peace and justice.
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Memorial Acclamation
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
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Preface: Christian death II
Eucharistic Prayer II
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Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.

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- Archive of homilies and reflections: http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
- To contact Fr. Paul, please email: paulwkelly68@gmail.com
- To listen to the weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here.
https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:

"Faith, Hope and Love - Christian worship and reflection" - Led by Rev Paul Kelly

Prayers and chants — Roman Missal, 3rd edition, © 2010, The International Commission on English in the liturgy. (ICEL)

Scriptures – Jerusalem Bible (1966)
"The Psalms" ©1963, 2009, The Grail - Collins publishers.

Prayers of the Faithful - " Together we pray" by Robert Borg'. E.J. Dwyer, Publishers, (1993) . (Sydney Australia).

{Sung "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" - by Jeffrey M. Ostrowski. The ….Gloria, copyright 2011 ccwatershed.org. }

"Today I Arise" - For Patricia Kelly. Original words and music by Paul W. Kelly. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

[ Production - KER - 2024]

May God bless and keep you.
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Fourth Sunday of Easter. -Year B - Sunday, 21 April 2024 (EPISODE:474)

Fourth Sunday of Easter. -Year B -  Sunday, 21 April 2024  (EPISODE:474)

Readings for Fourth Sunday of Easter.- Year B
FIRST READING: Acts 4:8-12
Psalm 118:1+8-9, 21-23, 26+21+29. "The stone rejected by the builders has become the corner stone."
SECOND READING: 1 John 3:1-2
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 10:14). Alleluia, alleluia! I am the good shepherd, says the Lord. I know my sheep and mine know me.
GOSPEL: John 10:11-18

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 2417373833 - Zermatt, Switzerland - September 23, 2023: Stained glass window with the image of the Christ, the Good Shepherd in the parish church of Saint Maurice in Zermatt. Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Taljat David
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Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Fourth Sunday of Easter. Year B - Sunday, 21 April 2024 - by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-fourth-sunday-of-easter-year-b-episode-474/s-0XjjU1WykJL  
(EPISODE:474)
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As disciples of Jesus, we're not trying to merely imitate God's actions, as commendable as that would be, nor are we merely trying to do what God in Jesus did, as far as any human beings could possibly imitate God made flesh, but rather we're ultimately striving to become more connected to the motivations that our Lord had that caused him to act the way he did, the reason and cause for all his actions, all his words, all his ministry, which at its core and centre is of course his identity as God and God's nature as infinite love. We're called to become instruments of God's love, servants of God's love, and to become the love of God inside and out for others. Here's the critical truth about our faith.

It's grounded in God's wondrous love for us and for all people. We may not feel worthy to be loved, we may even push that love away at times, but we cannot keep God from loving us. That's God's prerogative and that's God's very nature.

God is a Today we remember the truth that God always searches for the ones who are lost and who feel unworthy or unloved, and he carries them in his arms when he's found them, with joy. Anyone who would follow Jesus, the Good Shepherd, as a disciple in the vocations of priesthood or religious life, but in any vocation really, must be prepared to have the love of God's precious ones in their heart, after the example of the Good Shepherd himself. Jesus tells us he will lay down his life for us.

He's already died for us, but every day Jesus was willing to lay down his life for his people. Salvation is not something in the past, salvation is today and every day. The second reading from the first letter of Saint John is a wonderful prophecy of what heaven will be like.

We keep that wonderful vision in our minds as we think of all the loss during times of war, all the sacrifice. Saint John reminds us that in heaven we will be like him and we will see him as he is. So much of our life here on earth is spent trying to be like him, trying to live as he lived, trying to love as God loved in Jesus.

In heaven we shall be like him and we will love like him. That's the goal of all discipleship and all vocations, to love like God. If we love as God does, then all other things flow from it.

Jesus offers healing for us each and every day in so many different ways. True, sometimes we ask for help and healing in a certain specific way and we don't always get what we specifically ask for, but God promises us he always answers our prayers in one way or another. And even if God does not take all our burdens from our shoulders, we know that God loves us and God is faithful utterly to us and will never abandon us.(A).

God does not will any bad thing for us or anyone. God only wants to cherish us always, through the good times and through the terrible times. Let's rejoice and be glad.

Let's be still and listen and look for the signs of God's love and healing in our lives. Let's be aware of how much healing God has already done in our lives and continues to do. And may God keep transforming us into more and more effective instruments of his love and grace, that we might show God's love and care to every other person we meet and slowly but surely be transformed from hired workers into full shepherds after the Lord's heart, with love, divine love, which never ceases to give of itself at its very centre.
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References:

(A) MONASTERY OF CHRIST IN THE DESERT. ABBOT'S HOMILY. Abbot Philip, OSB

Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 2417373833 - Zermatt, Switzerland - September 23, 2023: Stained glass window with the image of the Christ, the Good Shepherd in the parish church of Saint Maurice in Zermatt. Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Taljat David

Fourth Sunday of Easter.  Year B  -(Sunday, 21 April 2024)  (EPISODE:474)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
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{{May God's Spirit of Knowledge and reverence}} welcome everyone, we gather -  Reflect upon the Holy Scriptures and the values of the Lord. On this Fourth Sunday of Easter.

As we prepare to celebrate the great Sacramental feast of Gods love, let us pause, recall our sins, and trust in Gods infinite mercy.
Lord Jesus, you raise us to new life: Lord, have mercy Lord Jesus, you forgive us our sins: Christ, have mercy Lord Jesus, you feed us with your body and blood: Lord, have mercy
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
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Memorial Acclamation
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
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Psalm 118:1+8-9, 21-23, 26+21+29. "The stone rejected by the builders has become the corner stone."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 10:14). ). Alleluia, alleluia! I am the good shepherd, says the Lord. I know my sheep and mine know me.
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PREFACE: Easter 3
Eucharistic Prayer various occasions 3
(theme variation: theme 1 )

(post version: v1-short)

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{8. Bless you all and May God's grace guide you each and every day of this week.}

1. Go forth; the Mass is ended.

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Archive of homilies and reflections:  http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email:  paulwkelly68@gmail.com

To listen to my weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here:  https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks


Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:

"Faith, Hope and Love - Christian worship and reflection" - Led by Rev Paul Kelly

Prayers and chants — Roman Missal, 3rd edition, © 2010, The International Commission on English in the liturgy. (ICEL)

Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989, and 2009 by the NCC-USA. (National Council of Churches of Christ - USA)

"The Psalms" ©1963, 2009, The Grail - Collins publishers.

Prayers of the Faithful - " Together we pray" by Robert Borg'. E.J. Dwyer, Publishers, (1993). (Sydney Australia).

Sung "Mass in Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" - By Jeffrey M. Ostrowski. The Gloria,  Copyright © 2011 ccwatershed.org.

"Today I Arise" - For Trisha J Kelly.  Original words and music by Paul W. Kelly. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer.  Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

"Quiet Time."  Instrumental Reflection music. Written by Paul W Kelly. 1988, 2007. & This arrangement: Stefan Kelk, 2020.

Sound Engineering and editing - P.W. Kelly.

Microphones: - Shure Motiv MV5 Digital Condenser. /  Rode Nt-1 + AI-1 Sound Mixer.

Editing equipment:    -- MixPad Multitrack Studio Recording Software v10.49 (NCH Software).

NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 17.63 (NCH Software)

Sound Processing:  iZotope RX 10 Audio Editor (Izotope Inc.)

[Production -  KER -  2024]

May God bless and keep you.
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Homily: Third Sunday of Easter. Year B - Sunday, 14 April 2024 - (EPISODE:473)

GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
Homily: Third Sunday of Easter.Year B - Sunday, 14 April 2024 -  (EPISODE:473)

Third Sunday of Easter. Year B - (EPISODE:473)

Readings for Third Sunday of Easter. Year B
FIRST READING: Acts 3: 13-15, 17-19
Ps 4: 2, 4, 7-8, 9. "Lord, let your face shine on us"
SECOND READING: 1 John 2: 1-5a
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Luke 24: 32). Alleluia, alleluia! Lord Jesus, make your word plain to us. Make our hearts burn with love when you speak.
GOSPEL: Luke 24: 35-48

{Image Credit: Shutterstock licensed stock vector ID: 254006194 . Jesus after his resurrection in triangles style By mashabr}
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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for the Third Sunday of Easter. Year B -, by clicking this link here:  https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-third-sunday-of-easter-year-b-episode-473  (EPISODE: 473)
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There's a story told after Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead, that some people who would still not believe the evidence of their own eyes, seeing Lazarus walking around alive and well again, stubbornly continued to try and score some points against our Lord. So they said to him, why do you have to call out Lazarus' name to make him rise again? Surely if you truly are the Son of God, your authority should be absolute. Surely he could just say, come out, and he would have.

But our Lord replied very wisely, if I didn't specifically name Lazarus, then everyone in the cemetery would have risen up at the command!

That's a wonderful story and it really expresses something fundamental and powerful and promising to each and every one of us. Our Lord's resurrection was a foretaste of the resurrection that he promises to everyone who trusts in his word.

Jesus' command to rise up and come out of the tomb is absolutely authoritative and will be utterly irresistible. This is the command we will all hear at the resurrection on the last day. This is what all who have gone before us will hear.

While Jesus was not initially recognised by his followers when they first met him, they quickly knew that it was him when he did the things that he had always done. His actions quickly reminded them of all that he was and still is. His actions represented all he valued and acted on in his life and they recognised his presence with certainty then.

Jesus in his earthly ministry was constantly at work bringing peace, healing, inclusion, forgiveness, and joy into people's lives and hearts. When the disciples met the risen Jesus, they experienced these things again and when the Holy Spirit fell on them at Pentecost and sent them out into the world, they continued Jesus' actions in their own lives and ministries too. When they did what Jesus did and spread the message of good news, as their master had done, people experienced Jesus really working through them.

When they carried the joy of friendship with God in their hearts, it radiates out to everyone else and people feel it too. Sometimes we meet people who just radiate the joy and peace of the good news and it's good for us to think, who are the people we know who always make us feel joy and happiness, or who can convey a sense of joy and peace whenever we meet them? We have many such people quietly and lovingly working away in our community, in our families, our schools, our parishes, our workplaces, and so many other places. Jesus commissions us all to be carriers of his light and joy into the world.

The true source of that joy and energy and peace is of course Jesus, who had that amazing ability to radiate his message, not only in words, but in actions and attitudes, and in deeply impressive, life-changing encounters with people. In the scripture passages of Easter, we hear that Jesus had risen from the dead and appeared to many different disciples in different incidences. We're told a few times in the scriptures that they did not always recognise him initially, something about him looked or seemed different, or as the scriptures put mysteriously, their eyes were kept from recognising him.

Plus it's understandable that if someone was not expecting to meet a person in this life again, because that person was known to have died, that person would literally be the last person we would expect to see again in this earth. But they did recognise Jesus instantly when he again spoke and acted as he had always done in the past, actions so associated with who he really is that it immediately caused realisation and recognition. Other times, such as this weekend's gospel, they know immediately it's Jesus, they recognise him as soon as he enters the room with them, but they find it really difficult to comprehend that Jesus was not merely a ghost or a spiritual vision, but alive in the flesh.

There's this charming moment today when Jesus tries to show them that he is indeed fully alive in his flesh and blood by asking for a delicious morsel of broiled fish and eating it in front of them. So, for Jesus, it was of course doing what he had done throughout his ministry, sharing a meal with his apostles and with all who will sit down with him, with an ever-increasing group of people who are now part of God's family. He broke bread with them, he opened up the scriptures to his people, he gave people peace, inclusion, joy, hope, healing, mercy.

It was the same Jesus, they knew it, they experienced it, he had risen, and he was not a ghost, he was real, just like before, and they could experience his presence and action amongst them again, they could touch him. What a profound gift that Jesus gives us, a gift Jesus continues to give us all these centuries later. In the breaking of the bread, at his word broken, open for us.

In Jesus' body and blood, broken and poured out for us. In the Eucharist, when we do this, we still encounter the risen Lord. The thing Jesus came to remind his followers in this encounter today in the Gospel is, yes, says Jesus, I am indeed the Messiah, but I never said the Messiah was going to come and make you all earthly princes, and make you rulers on earth and rich and powerful.

Look through the scriptures, he says, the Messiah is not the powerful rich king, he is a suffering servant. Do you not see, he teaches his listeners, that it was always necessary that I suffer, and it was by this foolishness of human weakness and apparent defeat that I need to show the world what really matters, what real power is, and that power, that real power is love, non-violence, inclusion, mercy, and justice, and practical sharing. Jesus says he has come to give life to us, and he asks us to give life to others in return.

There are so many ways we can give life to others, not the least of which is feeding those in need, who are hungry, physically, but also spiritually giving people things to bring life, nourishment, hope, and strength to them. All that Jesus asks us, in all the ways he appears to us in our daily lives, in and through the people and events of our life, is that we at least give him something, even a small morsel, like that morsel of fish, some practical action, some concrete response, something akin to a small loaf of bread offered, or a piece of fish. And with this, Christ has shown that when we entrust ourselves to him and give him something that we have to offer, he will take our humble actions and transform the world, and our lives, and the lives of others too, especially those most struggling.

He will transform us in his love and inclusion. He will lovingly reach out to anyone by making use of us as willing instruments of his grace, compassion, and justice. And everything he does will always be for the better.
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References:

HOMILY – Fr Paul Kelly

Abbot's Homily. Monastery of Christ in the Desert.

{Image Credit: Shutterstock licensed stock vector ID: 254006194 - Jesus after his resurrection; in triangles style  M By mashabr}

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Archive of homilies and reflections:  http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email:  paulwkelly68@gmail.com

To listen to my weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here:  https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks

You are welcome to subscribe to Fr Paul's homily mail-out by sending an email to this address:       Subscribe to mailing list to keep up-to-date

Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:
"Faith, Hope and Love - Christian worship and reflection"  - Led by Rev Paul Kelly

Prayers and chants  — Roman Missal, 3rd edition, © 2010, The International Commission on English in the liturgy. (ICEL)

Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989,  and 2009 by the NCC-USA. (National Council of Churches of Christ - USA)

"The Psalms" ©1963, 2009,  The Grail - Collins publishers.

Prayers of the Faithful -   " Together we pray" by Robert Borg'.   E.J. Dwyer, Publishers, (1993) . (Sydney Australia).

Sung "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" -  By Jeffrey M. Ostrowski. The Gloria,  Copyright © 2011 ccwatershed.org.

- "Today I Arise" - For Trisha J Kelly.  Original words and music by Paul W. Kelly. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer.  Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

 "Quiet Time."  Instrumental Reflection music. Written by Paul W Kelly. 1988, 2007. & This arrangement: Stefan Kelk, 2020.

Sound Engineering and editing -  P.W. Kelly.

Microphones: -      Shure MV5 Digital Condenser (USB) and also Rode Nt-1 + AI-1 sound mixer.

Editing equipment:    NCH software - MixPad Multitrack Studio Recording Software
NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 12.44

Sound Processing:  iZotope RX 6 Audio Editor

[Production -  KER -  2024]
May God bless and keep you.
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The ANNUNCIATION of the LORD - - (weekday Solemnity) 2024 – Within the Easter Season.

The ANNUNCIATION of the LORD - (weekday Solemnity)

Readings

FIRST READING: Isaiah 7:10-14,8:10;
PSALM 39:7-11. "Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will."
SECOND READING: Hebrews 10:4-10.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 1:14). Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ! The word of God became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw his glory. Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!
GOSPEL: Luke 1:26-38

Shutterstock Licensed Image stock photo ID: 341782814 ATHENS, GREECE - OCTOBER 8, 2015: The fresco of Annunciation on the facade of Metropolitan Cathedaral by B. Antoniasis (1895). By Renata Sedmakova
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the ANNUNCIATION of the LORD - by clicking this link here:  https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-the-solemnity-of-the-annunciation-of-the-lord-abc/s-IjK5m9lYhR8

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Today's feast of the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated, in a timely fashion (usually) exactly nine months to the day of Christmas. and three months before the feast of the birth of JOHN the Baptist. However, with Holy week overriding the traditional date of 25^th March this year, it has been moved to the first available date after the Easter Octave.

It is a feast of the Lord, commemorating the announcement to the Virgin Mary of the Word made flesh, Mary's acceptance of God's will, and the conception of Christ nine months before Christmas. This feast originated in the East during the sixth century and gained universal observance in the West during the eighth century. Its occurrence close to Easter links the incarnation with the whole mystery of human redemption in Christ.
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Homily:

Mary was of the house of David and was engaged to be married to Joseph, of the same royal family. She had, however, not yet entered the household of her spouse, but was still in her mother's house, perhaps working, over her dowry. (Bardenhewer, Maria Verk., 69).

And the angel having taken the figure and the form of a man came into the house and said to her: "Greetings, full of grace … the Lord is with you."

Mary having heard the greeting words did not speak; she was troubled in spirit since she knew not the angel, nor the cause of his coming, nor the meaning of the greeting. And the angel continued and said: "Fear not, Mary, for have found favour with God. Behold you shall conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Most-High, and the Lord God shall give to him the throne of David his father, and he shall reign in the house of Jacob forever. And of his kingdom, there shall be no end."

The Virgin understood that there was a question of the coming Redeemer. But, why should she be elected from amongst women for the splendid dignity of being the mother of the Messiah, having vowed her virginity to God? (St. Augustine). Therefore, not doubting the word of God like Zachary, but filled with fear and astonishment, she said: "How shall this be done, because I know not a man?" – this was not merely a present tense... This was akin to "I have made a perpetual vow of virginity to God, even as I plan to be married, so how can this be?" (Her question and confusion make no sense unless this is the clarification she seeks).

The angel, to remove Mary's anxiety and to reassure her resolve, answered: "The Holy Spirit shall come upon you and the power of the Most-High shall overshadow you. And therefore also the Holy One which shall be born of you shall be called the Son of God."

Mary, very likely, would not have yet fully understood the full meaning of the heavenly message and how the maternity might be reconciled with her vow of virginity, but clinging to the first words of the angel and trusting to the all-powerful faithfulness of God she said: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to thy word."

Many holy fathers (Sts. Jerome, Cyril, Ephrem, Augustine) say that the consent of Mary was essential to the redemption. It was the will of God, St. Thomas says (Summa III:30), that the redemption of mankind should depend upon the consent of the Virgin Mary. This does not mean that God in His plans was bound by the will of a creature, and that man would not have been redeemed if Mary had not consented. It only means that the consent of Mary was foreseen from all eternity, and therefore was received as essential into the design of God.

https://sarahclarkson.com/thoroughly-alive/2017/11/17/annunciation-a-poem-and-a-holy-provocation

Annunciation by Denise Levertov

We know the scene:

……Arrived on solemn grandeur of great wings, the angelic ambassador, standing or hovering, whom she acknowledges, a guest.

But we are told of meek obedience.
No one mentions courage. 
The engendering Spirit did not enter her without consent.
God waited.
She was free to accept or to refuse, choice integral to humanness.

Aren't there annunciations of one sort or another in most lives?
Some unwillingly undertake great destinies, enact them in sullen pride, uncomprehending.

More often those moments when roads of light and storm open from darkness in a man or woman, are turned away from in dread, in a wave of weakness, in despair and with relief.

Ordinary lives continue. 

God does not smite them. But the gates close, the pathway vanishes.

She had been a child who played, ate, slept like any other child–but unlike others,
wept only for pity, laughed in joy, not triumph.
Compassion and intelligence fused in her, indivisible.
Called to a destiny more momentous than any in all of Time, she did not quail,
only asked a simple, 'How can this be?' and gravely, courteously, took to heart the angel's reply, the astounding ministry she was offered:
To bear in her womb Infinite weight and lightness; to carry in hidden, finite inwardness, nine months of Eternity; to contain in slender vase of being, the sum of power–in narrow flesh, the sum of light. Then bring to the birth, ……. a child needing, like any other, milk and love– but who was God!

This was the moment no one speaks of when she could still refuse.
A breath un-breathed,
Spirit,
suspended,
waiting ....
She did object: 'I cannot. I am not worthy,'
Nor did she cry out: 'I have not the strength.'
She did not submit with gritted teeth, raging, coerced.
Bravest of all humans, consent illumined her.
The room filled with its light,
the lily glowed in it,
and the iridescent wings.

Consent,
courage unparalleled,
opened her utterly.
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

https://sarahclarkson.com/thoroughly-alive/2017/11/17/annunciation-a-poem-and-a-holy-provocation

Holweck, Frederick. "The Annunciation." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 1. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1907. 7 Feb. 2020 http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01541c.htm

Shutterstock Licensed Image stock photo ID: 341782814 ATHENS, GREECE - OCTOBER 8, 2015: The fresco of Annunciation on the facade of Metropolitan Cathedaral by B. Antoniasis (1895). By Renata Sedmakova
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The ANNUNCIATION of the LORD
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
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Lord Jesus, you are mighty God and Prince of Peace. Lord have mercy// You are Son of God and the Son of Mary. Christ have mercy// You are Word made flesh, the splendour of the Father. Lord have mercy.

May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
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Memorial Acclamation
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
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Preface of Annunciation //
EUCH II //.

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Go, and Announce the gospel of the Lord.
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Archive of homilies and reflections: http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email: paulwkelly68@gmail.com

To listen to my weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here.https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks

Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:
"Faith, Hope and Love - Christian worship and reflection" - Led by Rev Paul Kelly

Prayers and chants — Roman Missal, 3rd edition, © 2010, The International Commission on English in the liturgy. (ICEL)

Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989, and 2009 by the NCC-USA. (National Council of Churches of Christ - USA)

"The Psalms" ©1963, 2009, The Grail - Collins publishers.

Prayers of the Faithful - " Together we pray" by Robert Borg'. E.J. Dwyer, Publishers, (1993). (Sydney Australia).

Sung "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" - by Jeffrey M. Ostrowski. The ….Gloria, copyright 2011 ccwatershed.org}

Hymn – "Rainfall – Hail Holy Queen." Music by Paul W. Kelly. 1994, 2021. Words by Paul kelly, based on the Traditional Salve Regina Hymn. Arranged & with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2021. https://www.airgigs.com/user/stefankelk

Marian Hymn - "Salve Regina Mater Misericordiae." (Traditional 11th Century). Melody: Mainz (1712), Hymn #783 - Brébeuf Hymnal. From https://www.ccwatershed.org/hymn/

Marian Hymn – "Whom Earth and Sea and Sky Proclaim." Traditional 6th Century Hymn. Melody: Bartholomaus Gesius (d.1613). #376 - Brébeuf Hymnal. From https://www.ccwatershed.org/hymn/

[ Production - KER - 2024]

May God bless and keep you.

 

Second Sunday of Easter. Year B. Divine Mercy Sunday - Sunday, (EPISODE: 472)

Second Sunday of Easter. Year B. Divine Mercy Sunday - Sunday, (EPISODE: 472)

Image: Painting by Rodney Anthony – Gold Coast – 2024.

Second Sunday of Easter. Year B. Divine Mercy Sunday - 
(EPISODE:472)

Readings for Second Sunday of Easter. Year B. Divine Mercy Sunday
FIRST READING: Acts 4: 32-35
Ps 118: 2-4, 13-15, 22-24. "Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting."
SECOND READING: 1 John 5: 1-6
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 20: 29). Alleluia, alleluia! You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me; happy those who have not seen me, but still believe.
GOSPEL: John 20: 19-31


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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for the Second Sunday of Easter. Year B. Divine Mercy Sunday - Sunday, April 11, 2021, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-second-sunday-of-easter-and-of-divine-mercy-year-b-episode-472  
(EPISODE:472 )
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* (Prologue:  Fr Paul Kelly)
This Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday, where we recall the absolute mercy and love that Jesus has for all humanity.  

Today we know that Our Lord is certainly worth trusting in, and all His promises are true.  We can thank Thomas for Jesus confirming that for all future generations….  including us here and now….
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This weekend is Divine Mercy Sunday, and we recall on this Sunday the absolute mercy and love that Jesus has for all humanity. The world desperately needs to deepen its understanding and its experience of the depth and breadth of God's Divine Mercy and love for us, and for all the world. It is at the heart of God's nature, and at the heart of God's relationship with us, who are His beloved people, His sons and daughters.

We see our Lord's mercy and love at work in the Gospel this weekend. Thomas doubted, but our Lord did not punish him for his lack of faith. He instead sees deep into Thomas' heart, and sees the dedication of Thomas, his goodness of heart, the pain and loss and crushed hopes that caused Thomas to "not dare to believe" that the Lord could be risen as has been said.

Jesus meets Thomas where he is at, and leads him to see and believe, and this compassion, this love and mercy produce such astounding fruits. For Thomas, who so recently couldn't even bring himself to accept this wonderful news, is now the first to declare the complete truth of Christ's identity. He is not only our Lord, but He is our God. "My Lord and my God."

Today in the Gospel, the Risen Lord twice says these beautiful words, Peace be with you.

Jesus is offering us true peace, and it's something we desire very deeply. The world is crying out for this deep and abiding peace that only God can give us.

Jesus appears to His disciples to reassure them of the reality of the forgiveness that He has indeed won for us by His death and resurrection.

We can truly be at peace and trust in God's promise that He does indeed desire to free us from our burdens and forgive us our sins. This is a real promise, and it's God's deepest desire. Our Lord of astounding mercy does not want us to continue to be bowed down and burdened by our sins or past mistakes.

God doesn't want us to be stuck in our mistakes and sins, as we would surely be forever if not for His gracious, overwhelming compassion and mercy. His is a message of enormous hope. He implores us, doubt no longer, but believe.

Don't doubt in my love. Don't doubt in my desire to forgive you, and my ability to forgive you entirely. Believe that I do offer you the means and the real and lasting effect of my mercy, and my peace!

Jesus gently and lovingly chides Thomas. Jesus gently chides and invites us too.
"Do you doubt in my mercy? Are you actually daring to think yourself unforgivable and unforgiven when I have declared you absolved? Happy indeed are those who believe."

Also, the Gospel today ends with the writer of St. John saying, There are many things that happened in relation to Jesus, but they're not all written here. We, these many, many centuries after Jesus walked the earth, we too are witnesses to what Jesus continues to do in our world, even to this day.

We're called to be ministers of mercy, instruments of Christ's peace, agents of God's reconciliation and ministers of grace, ambassadors of Christ's love.

The importance of community cannot be understated either. In the first reading we hear of an ideal community.

The disciples pray together, they learn together, they share their resources, they help and support one another, especially those who are doing it tough. Our faith community exists so that we might assist and build up and strengthen each other, especially our brothers and sisters who are really struggling. Our Lord calls us to be a community of disciples, looking outward towards the world and ready to make a practical difference for others and for the good.

Our faith tradition tells us that to understand and believe in Christ, we must read the scriptures and meditate on them. We must also come to know other believers and listen to each other's experience with our hearts and minds open. Christianity is a religion that preaches Jesus crucified and risen, and still active in the community in and through those who believe in him.

Today, let us ask St Thomas to intercede for us, that we can believe more deeply in the great mystery of salvation. Let us be patient with our doubts and keep looking for the truth of Christ's presence amid the everyday events and people of our lives. Most of all, let's rejoice in the Lord who loves us so deeply and forgives our sins and invites us into deeper understanding of his mysteries.

May we continue to be built up by the risen Christ to be disciples who rejoice in being a community for the good of each other and the common good of all people. We are ministers of Jesus' graciousness and care. Jesus brings us peace, and having given us the gift of peace, he immediately commissions us and sends us out to put his message into action by acts of charity, love and support for everyone we meet.
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References:

Homily –Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image: Painting by Rodney Anthony – Gold Coast – 2024.
.

Second Sunday of Easter. Year B. Divine Mercy   (EPISODE:472  )
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
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{{peace and compassion  to you }} welcome everyone, we gather -  Reflection upon God's word, and encounter Christ's presence. 

My friends in Christ, to worthily celebrate the sacred mysteries, let us first acknowledge our sins. 
Lord Jesus, you raise us to new life: Lord, have mercy// //Lord Jesus, you forgive us our sins: Christ, have mercy//Lord Jesus, you feed us with your body and blood: Lord, have mercy//
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
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Memorial Acclamation
2. When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.
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Ps 118: 2-4, 13-15, 22-24. "Give thanks to the Lord for he is good,his love is everlasting."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 20: 29). Alleluia, alleluia! You believe in me, Thomas because you have seen me; happy those who have not seen me, but still believe.
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PREFACE: Easter I
EP II
(theme variation: 4 )

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{Many thanks for participating in this time of praise, worship and reflection upon our God's infinite love.}

Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.

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Archive of homilies and reflections:  http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email:  paulwkelly68@gmail.com

To listen to our weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here:  https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks

Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:

"Faith, Hope and Love - Christian worship and reflection"  - Led by Rev Paul Kelly

Prayers and chants  — Roman Missal, 3rd edition, © 2010, The International Commission on English in the liturgy. (ICEL)

Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989,  and 2009 by the NCC-USA. (National Council of Churches of Christ - USA)

"The Psalms" ©1963, 2009,  The Grail - Collins publishers.

Prayers of the Faithful -   " Together we pray" by Robert Borg'.   E.J. Dwyer, Publishers, (1993) . (Sydney Australia).

Sung "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" -  By Jeffrey M. Ostrowski. The Gloria, Copyright © 2011 ccwatershed.org.

- "Today I Arise" (Easter Theme) - - For Trisha J Kelly.  Original words and music by Paul W. Kelly. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer.  Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

"Quiet Time."  Instrumental Reflection music. Written by Paul W Kelly. 1988, 2007. & This arrangement: Stefan Kelk, 2020.

[ Production -  KER -  2024]

May God bless and keep you.
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