The SOLEMNITY of the Nativity of the Lord. [Year ABC]- - December 25 -

The SOLEMNITY of the Nativity of the Lord. [Year ABC]- - December 25 -

https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/WAutWg0Ci6rCrMjveAw4?ru=Paul-Evangelion

 

Readings for All Christmas Masses will be the Readings for Mass during the Night (as follows):
FIRST READING: Isa 9:1-6
Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 11-12, 13. "Today is born our saviour, Christ the Lord."
SECOND READING: Titus 2:11-14
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 2:10-11). Alleluia, alleluia! Good news and great joy to all the world. Today is born our Saviour, Christ the Lord.
GOSPEL: Luke 2:1-14
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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers, and homily), for the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord. - December 25 - by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-christmas/s-LW0yGIPc2AZ

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To listen to the Christmas Mass (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) -  If the Mass for Christmas is not yet published, please re-visit regularly a day or so before Christmas 

https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks    

Also found at -   https://tinyurl.com/FHLpwk  

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My brothers and sisters in Jesus, whose birth saved the whole world and brought true hope to our hearts. As we gather at this Christmas at Mass, and as we move through the community at this time, it's wonderful to see the smiling faces of family and friends, the wonder in the eyes of children, and the warmth that fills our hearts. Christmas is indeed a very special time of joy.

 

Time for shared meals, catch-ups, laughter, and even tears. It's a moment when we reconnect, not just with those nearby, but also with those who may be far away, yet close in spirit and close to our hearts. This season reminds us of God's peace, love and kindness, which we can carry with us throughout the whole of the coming year.

 

It's a time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the baby, God the Son, who came to dwell among us. He is the embodiment of hope, born into a world that often seems far from hope, chaotic and uncertain. At Christmas we proclaim peace on earth, but as we look around the world and even at times closer to home, we can ask, where is this peace? When will it be fulfilled? That's indeed a good question.

 

It feels like the world has hardly ever seemed less peaceful. But then we remember peace isn't a thing. It's not a concept.

 

Peace is a person. It is the person and presence of Christ. Jesus is our peace.

 

United to Christ, God's Son, who became human to share our condition and be with us always, He is our peace. United to Him, He lives in our hearts, minds and actions. Jesus is our way through the darkness.

 

He's our truth in a world clogged with contradictions and lies, our hope when we need it the most. The way He lived, in His earthly ministry, the values He embodies, the priorities He made, this is our faith, hope and love. He wants to stay with us and guide us by joining His life to ours forever.

 

He and His life and all His teachings and compassion, His mercy, love and justice is a true light shining out in the darkness to illuminate our path, to show us the way. This fills us with hope and peace in every situation, come what may. We know that today celebrates that the eternal Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us.

 

I came across a beautiful poem by British writer Godfrey Rust, which speaks about this idea of the Word made flesh. It's entitled The Word. Sometimes words are not enough for everything we have to say.

 

Words can't beat like a heart. A verb won't sweat or bleed. A noun doesn't get thirsty.

 

An adjective cannot feel pain. Something gets lost in the translation into words. So when God needed to express a love deeper than words, He used body language of a kind not known on earth before.

 

How beautifully put. So this Word, this living Word, became flesh and blood and shared life with us and in us. This Word was living and active and has saved us.

 

Think back to that first Christmas night over 2,000 years ago when Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph faced tremendous difficulties. No place to stay, no warm room for the birth of their child.

 

They found refuge in a stable, a humble beginning for the King of all creation. This was not a mere accident. It was part of God's divine plan from the outset.

 

Amid the worry and strife, God chose to enter our world, reminding us that His love is not dependent on perfect circumstances. Just as the birth of any baby will not wait for ideal conditions, God's love does not wait either. God enters our lives, messy and complicated as they may be, offering us hope and salvation and companionship along the journey.

 

We often forget that the first announcement of Jesus' birth was made to shepherds, those who were marginalized and looked down upon in that society. Yes, it was to these simple, humble workers that God revealed His greatest gift. These shepherds were likely tending the flocks destined for sacrifice in the temple.

 

These were the first to witness the Lamb of God. Isn't it beautiful to think that those charged with caring for the sacrificial lambs were the first to meet the ultimate sacrificial Lamb, Christ our Savior? And let us not overlook the heavenly choir that welcomed Jesus into the world. Since there was no earthly music to welcome this King of the Universe, the angels stepped in and sang a glorious hymn, better than any hymn could ever be sung, to celebrate His birth.

 

This reminds us that in our lives, when earthly joy seems absent, God provides His own beautiful music, His very presence, to lift our spirits and to give us the strength we need to keep going. As we reflect on the story of Christmas, let us remember that Jesus came not in grandeur, but in humility. He did not choose a palace to reveal Himself as a King, but a stable.

 

And this shows us that true greatness lies not in trappings of power and symbols of great wealth, but in love, compassion, and being present with one another in our struggles, as well as our joys. God's message is very clear. He wants to dwell in our hearts, always.

 

Yet, like the innkeepers at Bethlehem, we often find ourselves too busy or too preoccupied to make room for Him. This Christmas, let us open our hearts wide and our lives wider to Christ. As 18th century poet Alexander Pope wrote, what does it profit me if Jesus is born in thousands of Christmas cribs all around the world, but not in my own heart? Let us create a great space for Jesus.

 

Let Him be born in our own hearts too, the stable of our own heart. Let us open wide our heart to His peace, His love, and His transformative power of compassion and mercy. As we celebrate Christmas, let's also commit ourselves to following His example.

 

Let us be bearers of His love and peace in a world that desperately needs, perhaps more than ever before, this peace. Let us choose to be part of the solution and not the problem. Finally, I want to share a heartfelt thought from a parishioner who sent me a Christmas message.

 

It beautifully encapsulates the essence of our celebration. God, in His immense love, chose to be with us, to walk alongside us, and to share in our lives, in our joys and sorrows, our graces and temptations. This is the profound truth of Christmas.

 

God is with us always. And so this beautiful Christmas message that I received, and I pass on to you.

 

May you have the spirit of Christmas, which is peace.

May you have the gladness of Christmas, which is hope.

And may you have the heart of Christmas, which is love.

 

May we carry this message in our hearts and share it with everyone, embodying the love we celebrate today.

 

Merry Christmas to you all, and may the joy of this season utterly fill your lives with love and peace of mind, now and also throughout every day of the coming year.

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References:

 

Fr Paul Kelly

 

Alain de Botton. "The Course of Love -By: ISBN: 9781501134517 - Penguin Books: 20th June 2017. P112-113}

 

https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/WAutWg0Ci6rCrMjveAw4?ru=Paul-Evangelion

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The SOLEMNITY of the Nativity of the Lord. [Year ABC] - December 25 -

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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On this Feast day of The Birth of Our Lord, Heaven has been joined to earth. God has become flesh and dwelt among us.
A blessed, happy and peaceful Christmas to everyone.
 

My brothers and sisters, we have gathered to celebrate the Holy Eucharist on this wonderful Solemnity of the Birth of Our Lord. So let us pause and reflect upon our sins to rejoice in God's loving mercy.

Lord Jesus, you came into the world to give us eternal life. Lord have mercy.

You are the eternal light, who shines in the darkness. Christ have mercy.

You are the word made flesh, to make us all children of the light. Lord have mercy. 

May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.

GLORIA - SUNG   
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COLLECT- (The Feast of the Nativity of the Lord)

Let us pray,
O God, who have made this most sacred (night/day) radiant with the splendour of the true light, grant, we pray, that we, who have known the mysteries of his light on earth, may also delight in his gladness in heaven. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
Amen.

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Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 11-12, 13. "Today is born our saviour, Christ the Lord."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 2:10-11). Alleluia, alleluia! Good news and great joy to all the world. Today is born our Saviour, Christ the Lord.
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Memorial Acclamation
When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.
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Nativity I

Eucharistic Prayer II

(pre+post variation: v1-long)

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Prayer after Communion- (The Feast of the Nativity of the Lord)

Let us pray.
Grant us, we pray, O Lord our God, that we, who are gladdened by participation in the feast of our Redeemer's Nativity,
may through an honourable way of life become worthy of union with him, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
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I pray that you have a truly blessed and joyous Christmas and that Our Lord's love and peace will completely fill your hearts and minds, //and safe travelling to and from your destinations …
 
God bless.


(Solemn Blessing)
The Lord be with you.

(Let us bow our heads and pray for God's blessing)

May the God of infinite goodness,
who by the Incarnation of his Son has driven darkness from the world, and by that glorious Birth has illumined this most holy (night/day),
drive far from you the darkness of vice
and illumine your hearts with the light of virtue.
Amen.

May God, who willed that the great joy
of his Son's saving Birth be announced to shepherds by the Angel,
fill your minds with the gladness he gives
and make you heralds of his Gospel. Amen.
And may God, who by the Incarnation,
brought together the earthly and heavenly realm,
fill you with the gift of his peace and favour
and make you sharers with the Church in heaven.
Amen.

And may the blessing of almighty God,
the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit
come down on you and remain with you forever.
Amen.

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 the 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

Roman Missal, 3rd edition, 2010, (ICEL)

Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989, and 2009 by the NCC-USA.

"The Psalms" by The Grail - 1963, 2009.

Prayers of the Faithful - Robert Borg "Together we pray" - (1993).

St. Ralph Sherwin Gloria  - written and sung By Jeffrey M. Ostrowski.  2011 ccwatershed.org.

Christmas Hymn - "Word Made Flesh" by Paul W. Kelly. Based upon: John's Gospel 1:14,  1 John 4:9, & Isaiah 9:2, 6, 7. (Written on 1988, 8/5/20; 10/9/20).  Arranged and sung by Stefan Kelk, with adjusted lyrics.  2020. https://www.airgigs.com/user/stefankelk

Traditional hymns:
O Holy Night (Vocal Duet),
Joy to the World (Choir),
Away in a Manger (Choir), performed by the Bobby Cole Chamber Choir, licensed via Shockwave-Sound.com
(https://www.shockwave-sound.com)

 [ Production - KER - 2024]

May God bless and keep you.
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Mass – Readings, prayers and homily, for the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Year C - Sunday, December 22, 2024, (Episode 510)

Mass – Readings, prayers and homily, for the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Year C - Sunday, December 22, 2024, (Episode 510)

https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/YfADCBmLQxU50eGDo2f5?ru=Paul-Evangelion

  

GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND. (Episode 510)

 

Readings for Sunday, December 22, 2024 - Fourth Sunday of Advent. Year C

FIRST READING: Micah  5:2-5a

Psalm 80:1ab+2, 14-15, 17-18. "Lord make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved"

SECOND READING: Hebrews 10:5-10

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 1:39-45). Alleluia, alleluia! I am the servant of the Lord. May his will for me be done.

GOSPEL: Luke 1:39-45

 

Image Credit: https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/YfADCBmLQxU50eGDo2f5?ru=Paul-Evangelion

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Please listen to the audio recording of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Year C - Sunday, December 22, 2024, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-advent-3/s-PlMiVzVnbPt  - (Episode 510)

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Homily: Fourth Sunday Advent. Year C - Sunday, 22 December 2024

*Prologue
"Yes, truly blessed is she who believed that the promise made to her by the Lord would be fulfilled" – And blessed are we, when we hope and trust and believe that the lord will be faithful to us and fulfil the promises, he made to us.

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Mary and Elizabeth meet with an unspoken bond, born of their shared condition. They're each expecting a baby. They know they cannot face this alone.

 

And they also know that God has no intention of letting them face this alone. God is with them, really with them. This yes from these two ladies will need an ongoing commitment.

 

It will need care, time, and of course, God's sustaining grace. They know they are God's partners in bringing to birth hope and life in a very real way. This beautiful gospel today illustrates the importance of giving thanks and expressly naming our blessings.

 

I remember hearing a story about a man who would always write down the significant things that happened to him. He had two methods of writing these things that happened to him in his life. He said he would write in the sand, all the list of hurts that he had received.

 

But he also would carve in stone, all the blessings he received. When he was asked, why do you do this? And why do it differently? He said, I inscribed the hurts and wrongs in sand, so that the winds of forgiveness and love can eventually erase them after a time. But just as importantly, I remember to carve all my blessings and graces in stone, so that time, busyness, or even misfortune or circumstance will be unable to erase those memories.

 

Carving our blessings in stone. What a wonderful thing!

It serves as a constant reminder to all of us of the things for which we are eternally grateful and ought to remember always.

 

Why do I suspect that for many of us, including myself, we do things the other way around. We write the countless acts of kindness, love, generosity and grace and blessedness on shifting sands of memories, whilst carving in stone all the hurts and grudges and bad memories and misfortunes and the list of our own and others' sins and weaknesses. And that doesn't do us any good at all.

 

The Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Elizabeth are wonderful examples of faithful discipleship. They notice the graciousness of God happening all around them and within them. They both delight in praising God and in thanksgiving.

 

They make a deliberate and vocal decision to name those blessings of God and to give voice to the presence of God. It is truly an inspiring moment, a moment of true and abiding praise and thanksgiving. The other thing that strikes me about this well-known passage today is the importance of family, including extended family, our family of faith, our parish, our friends, our colleagues and the wider community as well.

 

The Virgin Mother must have been daunted and filled with awe by what she knew was happening to her and what her future would be. Not everyone would understand what God was doing in her life. Not everyone would be happy and certainly not everyone would have goodwill towards her and assume that the Holy Spirit was at work in this extraordinary event.

 

Mary went to visit Elizabeth. Together they meet in great joy and affection. They gain enormous support from each other.

 

How very important is the support and encouragement we give to one another in times of joy and times of trial. This weekend, as Advent comes very quickly to a close, let's take some time to carve a few things in stone. Let's look back.

 

Who are some of the people we need to give thanks for from this past year and all past years for that matter? Let's recall in our hearts and minds every act of kindness and love that we could possibly think of. So many people have shown us these acts of kindness and love daily and let's remember the people, the many people, through whom we have experienced Christ's graced presence, his love, compassion and mercy, his kindness. Let us remember and give thanks for all these people and all the blessings in our hearts and minds and show this gratitude in our words and in our actions.

 

And let us take time to be aware that in the very midst of our busy preparations for the celebration of Christ's birth in ancient Bethlehem, Christ is reborn each year and each day in the Bethlehem of our homes and in our daily lives and in our hearts. Let us take time, slow down, be still, be awake to the divine mystery that looks so common and so ordinary yet is so wonderfully present. Let's seek out people like Elizabeth and the Blessed Virgin Mary who have grateful remembering hearts, who focus on the positives and show us the world in all its goodness for us to build our lives upon. People who don't dwell on negatives and who do not get us more and more upset or downcast by focusing on everything that is wrong.

 

Let's be attentive to the ways in which God is present to us, especially God's abiding presence in action in the people with whom we socialise, work and live.

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References:

Fr Paul W. Kelly

 

(A)    Alice Camille, 2009:  A Book of Grace-filled Days).

 

https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/YfADCBmLQxU50eGDo2f5?ru=Paul-Evangelion

   

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Fourth Sunday of Advent. Year C  (Sunday, December 22, 2024)  (Episode 510)
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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{{Peace and greetings to you all.}}
INTRODUCTION

 

In the Name of the Father (+) and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

 

We continue our Advent journey. We now light the fourth Advent Candle. The "Angel's Candle" Reminding us of the message of the angels: "Peace on earth, to people of goodwill. .

 

(The Presider/helper, lights the fourth candle)

 

O Rising Sun, you are the splendour of eternal light and the sun of justice. O come and enlighten those who yearn for you. Lord Have mercy.

 

O King of all, Come and save humanity, whom you formed from the clay. Christ Have mercy.

 

O Emmanuel, Lord our God, Come and save us. Lord Have mercy.

 

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(no Gloria in Advent)

 

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Psalm 80:1ab+2, 14-15, 17-18. "Lord make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved"

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 1:39-45). Alleluia, alleluia! I am the servant of the Lord. May his will for me be done.

Memorial Acclamation
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
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PREFACE: Advent II
EP II
Communion side.  pwk:  RH

(theme variation: v3 )

(pre+post variation: v2-lonjg)
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{Thank you for giving generously of your time and prayer.}

Go in peace.(glorifying the Lord by your life)

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Archive of homilies and reflections: 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.
NB - It is often a week or so Ahead: 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

"O Come. Lord. (Advent) " - In Memory of Paolo Mario (Paul) Giacomantonio (1968-2020).
By Paul W. Kelly. Based on the Ancient church "O Antiphons " of Advent.
Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics, By Stefan Kelk, 2020.

[ Production - KER - 2024]

May God bless and keep you.

{extra text : unspoken for Advent -

Roman Missal, 3rd edition, 2010, (ICEL)

Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989, and 2009 by the NCC-USA.

"The Psalms " by The Grail - 1963, 2009.

Prayers of the Faithful - Robert Borg "Together we pray " - (1993) }

Sound Engineering and editing - P.W. Kelly.

Microphones: - SHURE MOTIV MV5

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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Readings for Sunday, December 15, 2024 - Third Sunday of Advent. Year C (EPISODE: 509)

Readings for Sunday, December 15, 2024 - Third Sunday of Advent. Year C (EPISODE: 509)
FIRST READING: Zephaniah 3:14-18a
Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6. "Cry Out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and holy one of Israel"
SECOND READING: Philippians 4:4-7
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 3:10-18). Alleluia, alleluia! The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he sent me to bring the Good news to the poor. Alleluia!
GOSPEL: Luke 3:10-18

Image Credit- https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/rJPira9rQSynlXriMSQp?ru=Paul-Evangelion 

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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Third Sunday of Advent. Year C - Sunday, December 15, 2024, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-advent-2/s-fQ65pViw6Ij  (EPISODE: 509)
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There's something really reassuring and pleasant about today's Gospel. In the readings this weekend, the tone of Advent lightens, particularly. There's a theme of gladness in the air.

 

The readings speak of rejoicing. The approaching birth of the Lord brings joy. Even the name for this Sunday of Advent is traditionally known as "Rejoice Sunday."

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In this time of Advent reflection, there's building excitement for the imminent celebration of the birth of our Lord. When we look at the readings, it's interesting to note that the reason why we should rejoice and be glad is not that everything is going well, although good fortune and success are even further causes for joy and thanksgiving, but in the Scripture, we rejoice and are glad because God is near. No matter what is happening, success or failure, sickness or health, freedom or oppression, God is near to us.

 

God is always with us, very, very near to us. In our hearts and minds, our God comes to us to sustain us, save us and grant us forgiveness and hope. Also, God gives us peace in answer to our prayers.

 

Saint Paul refers to this when he writes, don't worry, but if you need anything at all, ask for it and God will grant you his peace. That's really important. The first response God offers us, no matter what our prayers or requests is, God gives us peace.

 

And by implication, God's peace is everything we need to cope with whatever is happening. The mark of a civilised nation is surely to be found in how it cares for and protects its most vulnerable members. I'm thinking of children, the young and all vulnerable adults, the elderly, the frail.

 

Let's continue to build a safer and non-violent society that particularly and absolutely values life and protects all its members, especially the young and vulnerable. So let's continue to pray for people suffering the effects of hatred, violence, destruction and war. May those who die from senseless acts of violence be taken to the place of peace and rest in the compassionate arms of our Lord.

 

Let's pray and work together, inspired by these prayers, that the world will find new and better ways to put an end to this kind of violence and devastation and bring peace and safety to all people's lives. It's their right. It's what they need.

 

It's what God desires for them. The world has been blessed by God's gift of inspiration and genius to so many people of goodwill, to so many people of love who are working constantly to create a better world, who are reaching out to those especially in need. God has lovingly inspired people who desire to fill in the valleys of prejudice and hatred, to level the mountains of ignorance, selfishness and pride, and to straighten the paths of hatred and violence.

 

So, let us pray that these minds and hearts of love and peace will prevail. John the Baptist today is getting everyone prepared for the coming of the Messiah. He tells everyone, repent of your sins, turn around, change your ways, because the Lord is near.

 

And the people of all different vocations and stations in life all ask some natural questions in response to this. Okay, if we are to change, what must we do? This is a question we all ask. Lord, show us what we have to do to make the changes you desire in our lives.

 

John shows us those changes. He says, share your food and material goods with those who have nothing. Act fairly, justly and honestly with others.

 

Never act with intimidation or threat. Avoid disgruntlement, envy, dissatisfaction, jealousy and criticism or negativity. And we could add so many other wonderful practical actions and attitudes that show the reverence we have to our God of justice and mercy, of love and kindness and practical charity.

 

And all of these beautiful things flow through to how we treat one another. God our Father knows that we're not perfect and that only with his grace can we respond daily to his love. Every new day our Father raises us up and invites us to again trust in him, to seek his help, so that we can grow deeper in practical ways in faithfulness and love.

 

I think of Mary, the mother of God, who although she doesn't feature expressly in today's gospel, she does feature in the readings over the coming week. Mary treasured all these things in her heart. Mary treasured or pondered the things that were happening to her, even when some of those events that were occurring were not exactly happy times.

 

Mary treasured things in her heart that were confusing and alarming, disorientating, all sorts of things. She treasured everything because she utterly trusted in God's love and care and treasured and pondered on everything that was happening in her life. Mary constantly pondered the fact that God was near to her and was faithful to her.

 

Let's rejoice and take heart that the nearness of the Lord always, particularly at his coming at Christmastime, will sustain and strengthen us in good times and in bad. We're promised peace from God. We're promised that God is near to us as we stay attentive to God's ways and active in justice and compassion.

 

God's inner peace does not necessarily promise that everything's going to go well in our environment or our world, but God's inner peace will sustain us and guide us in times of both tranquility and also, just as importantly, this peace will guide us and sustain us in times of outer turmoil. God's peace will be given to us in our constant combination of prayer and thanksgiving. God's grace will lift us up in times of joy and celebration and also God's grace will sustain us and help us and carry us through in times of trouble.

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References:

Homily by Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image Credit:

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Third Sunday of Advent. Year C (Sunday, December 15, 2024) (EPISODE: 509)
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
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{{Good wishes to you all.}}
In the Name of the Father (+) and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Lord be with you.

We continue on our Advent journey. We now light the third Advent candle. The "Shepherd's Candle" - reminding us of the Joy the world experienced at the birth of Christ.

(The Presider/helper lights the third candle)

O Lord and leader of Israel. Come and save us with your mighty power. Lord Have mercy.

O Stock of Jesse, Come to deliver us, without delay. Christ, Have mercy.

O Key of David and sceptre of Israel, Come to free those who sit in the valley and shadow of death. Lord, Have mercy.

*(no Gloria in Advent)*

COLLECT:
 Let us pray,
O God, who see how your people
faithfully await the feast of the Lord's Nativity,
enable us, we pray,
to attain the joys of so great a salvation
and to celebrate them always
with solemn worship and glad rejoicing.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit. God, forever and ever.

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Prayer after Communion

Let us pray, 
We implore your mercy, Lord,
that this divine sustenance may cleanse us of our faults
and prepare us for the coming feasts.
Through Christ our Lord.

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DISMISSAL:
Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.
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Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6. "Cry Out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and holy one of Israel"

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 3:10-18). Alleluia, alleluia! The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he sent me to bring the Good news to the poor. Alleluia!

Memorial Acclamation
3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PREFACE: Advent II
EP III
Communion side. pwk: LH
(theme variation: v2 )
(pre+post variation: v1-lshort)
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{May God's grace strengthen your love and hope and faith, and may God's love surprise you even in the trials and challenges of the week.}

Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.

++++++++
Archive of homilies and reflections: 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.
NB - It is often a week or so Ahead: soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks 

You are welcome to subscribe to Fr Paul's homily mail-out by sending an email to this address: paulkellyreflections+subscribe@googlegroups.com

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

"O Come. Lord. (Advent) " - In Memory of Paolo Mario (Paul) Giacomantonio (1968-2020).
By Paul W. Kelly. Based on the Ancient church "O Antiphons " of Advent.
Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics, By Stefan Kelk, 2020.

[ Production - KER - 2024]

May God bless and keep you.

{extra text : unspoken for Advent -

Roman Missal, 3rd edition, 2010, (ICEL)

Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989, and 2009 by the NCC-USA.

"The Psalms " by The Grail - 1963, 2009.

Prayers of the Faithful - Robert Borg "Together we pray " - (1993) }

Sound Engineering and editing - P.W. Kelly.

Microphones: - SHURE MOTIV MV5

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.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Weekday - Solemnity of The Immaculate Conception - This year is December 9th. (Years ABC)

Weekday - Solemnity of The Immaculate Conception - This year is December 9th. .(Years ABC)

Weekday - Solemnity of The Immaculate Conception - This year is December 9th. .(Years ABC)

Genesis 3:9-15, 20
Psalm 97:1-4. "Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvellous deeds."
Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12
Gospel Acclamation: cf Luke 1:28. Alleluia, alleluia! Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women. Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed ID: 628121756 Blessed Virgin Mary with baby Jesus. Artistic abstract modern colorful design. Digital illustration made without reference image. By Thoom
++++
To listen to the audio recording of the readings, prayers and reflections for this feast of The Immaculate Conception - This year is December 9th.  , please click this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-the-2/s-T2fYkt97Qm4  

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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
{{Joy and peace to everyone}}

On this special (feast of) Feast Of The Immaculate Conception
Coming together as Gods family, let us call to mind our sins.

Lord jesus, you humble the proud and exalt the lowly. Lord have mercy.

You fill the hungry with good things, and The self-sufficient you send away empty. Christ have mercy.

Your mercy reaches from age to age for those who revere you. Lord have mercy.

May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

(Gloria)

Collect (Immaculate Conception)

Let us pray.
(that we too will be admitted to the presence of God)

O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin
prepared a worthy dwelling for your Son,
grant, we pray,
that, as you preserved her from every stain
by virtue of the Death of your Son, which you foresaw,
so, through her intercession,
we, too, may be cleansed and admitted to your presence.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Memorial Acclamation
3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PREFACE: Immaculate conception.
Euch .Prayer: 3
(PROPOSED THEME Marian hymns)
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{Thank you, everyone, for participating in this superb feast of the immaculate conception… and for giving generously to god and to our christian community, of your time and prayerfulness.}

Dismissal:
go and announce the gospel of the lord..
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HOMILY:
The Immaculate Conception
(8 December) (this year only, it is moved to Monday December 9^th)
Prologue: This feast had its origin in the East as the "Conception of Mary by Saint Anne". It spread through the West during the Middle Ages as the "Immaculate Conception" and was extended to the entire Western Church in the eighteenth century. The feast celebrates Mary, preserved from sin from the moment of conception; she is the first fruits of her Son's redemption and a prophetic model of what the Church is called to be.
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Although this is a very special feast celebrating Mary's life, this feast, as all feasts and solemnities are, is really about God and what God has achieved through the wonderful grace and blessings God has showered upon his beloved children, and on this occasion the superb and wondrous plan of God that envisaged and made a reality through the first moment of the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Whenever we pause to turn our attention to contemplate Mary and praise God and celebrate the life of Mary, this first and most perfect disciple of Christ always humbly points us, in turn, towards her beloved Son, God's Son, who is the reason and cause of all our joy and hope. Mary, although fully human, was conceived without sin and remained sinless throughout her life.

 

By this feast we remember the earliest beginnings of Mary's existence, and also contemplate our own earliest beginning, and the love at the very heart of our origins. Ultimately, we all belong to God, a God of the most profound and overflowing love and generosity. God's plans of love and inclusion for his children began well before time began.

 

We were imagined by God long before we came to be. We were all lovingly brought into existence, created by God, through God's loving grace, that same source of love that brought the whole of creation into existence. God's love claims Mary's entire existence.

 

We too seek to allow God to envelop our whole selves, now and always. The Immaculate Conception which we're celebrating today is defined like this. To become the mother of our Saviour, Mary was enriched by God, with gifts appropriate to such a role.

 

That is, God gave her the graces and gifts needed to allow God to achieve his plan for the salvation of humanity through her cooperation. The angel Gabriel at the moment of the Annunciation salutes her as full of grace. In fact, in order for Mary to be able to give the free ascent of her faith to the announcement of her vocation, it was necessary that she be wholly born by God's grace.

 

Through the centuries, the Church has become ever more aware that Mary, full of grace through God, was redeemed from the moment of her conception, as Pope Pius IX officially proclaimed in 1854. The Most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and the privilege from Almighty God, and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Saviour of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin. The splendor of entirely unique holiness by which Mary is enriched from the first instant of her conception comes wholly from Christ.

 

She is redeemed, in a more exalted fashion, by reason of the merits of her Son. The Father blessed Mary more than any other created person, in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, and chose her, in Christ, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless before him in love. There's a nice quote from scripture scholar and theologian Gustavo Gutierrez.

 

Mary is aware of all the implications of her accepting God's will. And she says, here I am, the servant of the Lord, let it be with me according to your word. In the Canticle of the Magnificat, Mary will again call herself a servant.

 

Luke's Gospel has in mind the meaning of the Hebrew's word, which we translate by servant. It means, I belong completely to God. Servants are those who announce the Lord's message completely, and those who receive a mission.

 

Belonging to God is expressed by our total availability, by our welcoming his plan for our lives and our world. Mary does not ask for a sign from the angel Gabriel, in the way that Zechariah had demanded and doubted in earlier Luke's Gospel. She shows her complete trust and confidence in the will of God.

 

Mary makes God's will her own, in her entire selfhood, in her whole life and in her body. We're called to do the same. The reading from the Ephesians today shows the deep meaning of our human existence.

 

We've come into this world for the purpose of fully realizing our full calling to be daughters and sons of God. Being God's children is not something added from outside the human condition. Instead, it's our very reason for being.

 

The grace of God's love is the first and the last word upon everything. However, we cannot accept God's plan of love and peace if we don't first incarnate God's plan. That is to say, to make God's plan a concrete reality in our lives.

 

To enflesh God's word. To make it a tangible part of our daily lives and existence. In order to achieve this, we first need to get rid of any selfishness and willfulness, and we must trust and rely and act upon the grace and vision of God, as Mary did so perfectly, and take risks in the strength of this trust and obedience, again as Mary did so wonderfully.

 

All praise and blessing to our beautiful and loving God for the wonderful things God has achieved through his extraordinary plan to utilize the full and free cooperation of the all people. Praised indeed be to God, whose wonderful and astounding plan of salvation for the whole world, including his loving and freely cooperative plan for Mary's life, which began before her conception and anticipated the salvation that Christ would later achieve by his death and resurrection to save us all.

O Mary, The Immaculate Conception. Pray for us.
+++++
References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

1. Quote from a pamphlet: "Mary: God's radical daughter." Published by CATHOLIC ENQUIRY CENTRE. Copyright: The Australian Episcopal Conference of the Roman Catholic Church, 1994
2. Vatican.va. (2019). Catechism of the Catholic Church - "Conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary". [online] Available at: http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p122a3p2.htm [Accessed 12 Nov. 2019]).

3. Gutiérrez, G. and Dees, C. (1997). Sharing the Word through the liturgical year. 1st ed. Maryknoll: Orbis Books. pp 280-281.

4. Prologue from Liturgy Brisbane Resource.

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed ID: 628121756 Blessed Virgin Mary with baby Jesus. Artistic abstract modern colorful design. Digital illustration made without reference image. By Thoom
++++++++
Archive of homilies and reflections: http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email: paulwkelly68@gmail.com
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++
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.
NB - It is often a week or so Ahead: 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: paulkellyreflections+subscribe@googlegroups.com

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 .

Marian 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

Reflection Hymn post communion - Salve Regina (tono simple) 450 voces coro virtual Música Católica. https://cantocatolico.org/salve-regina/

Magnificat (Praise and sing to God)- (July 2021) -Music by Paul W. Kelly. (1985, 2010, 2021), Lyrics inspired by Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55). Music arranged, with adapted lyrics by Stefan de Freyne Kelk. [https://www.airgigs.com/user/stefankelk ] July 1, 2021.


[ Production - KER -2024]

May God bless and keep you.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Second Sunday of Advent. Year C - Sunday, December 8, 2024 (EPISODE: 508)

Second Sunday of Advent. Year C - Sunday, December 8, 2024 (EPISODE: 508)

Image Credit- https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/gQQpUXVEFLwU5UXtmIeC?ru=Paul-Evangelion

Readings for Sunday, December 8, 2024 - Second Sunday of Advent. Year C
FIRST READING: Baruch 5:1-9
Psalm 126:1-2a, 2b-3, 4-5, 6. "The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy."
SECOND READING: Philippians 1:3-6, 8-11
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 3:1-6). Alleluia, alleluia! Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: all people shall see the salvation of God. Alleluia!
GOSPEL: Luke 3:1-6

(Image Credit- https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/gQQpUXVEFLwU5UXtmIeC?ru=Paul-Evangelion   )
++++
Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for the Second Sunday of Advent. Year C - Sunday, December 8, 2024, by clicking this link here:    https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-advent-1/s-2rQS8N9VbJ1    

(EPISODE: 508)
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*John the Baptist boldly proclaims that the Messiah's arrival (long foretold and expected for generations), was now imminent.

The image of roads being straightened, and mountains levelled is a great image about a journey. All humans are on a lifelong journey towards God's house where we are all invited to be members of God's family. The straight paths, the flattened mountains, the filled-in valleys also make it quite clear that all people are called and invited, people of every race, nation and language. The paths must be straight to allow people to approach and to allow us to approach God.

"men and women who are more equal and more respectful of others' dignity are the best way for God's salvation to come." [II]

It is TIME.

Time to get ready for the arrival of the Son of Man; the Lamb of God who will take away the sins of the world. It is time to prepare the way, and level the mountains, and straighten the pathways. It is TIME, to repent of our sins and be ready to welcome God's chosen one and his Kingdom.

It is one thing to repent of our sins out of fear – fear of God's punishment or anger. But it is quite another to repent of our sins and wrongdoing because we are so sorry that our sin has grieved God's heart and worked against the values of the Kingdom. There is nothing quite so devastating as seeing a parent disappointed and let down by our actions. That cuts deeper than anything. God's disappointment can spur us on to love more closely according to God's vision, than merely doing the right thing out of a sense of duty.

We want to repent and be better, more loving, more just and more forgiving, faithful children of God, not because we fear God's anger and punishment but because we love God, and God loves us infinitely. And we cannot bear to cause God grief and disappointment when we may not have lived up to the ways that God lovingly calls us to live.

The readings give us some food for thought. There are a few really beautiful lines of Scripture: The Lord will grant us "Peace through integrity, and honour through devotion" -- This is the way of true peace from God: by walking in the ways of integrity and doing what is right, come what may. Despite the storms and shocks of life, God's peace is attained from being united with Christ, and walking in his ways of justice and love. God's peace will sustain and guide us.

Our conscientiousness and devotion to the Word of God, and to prayer and good works will give us fulfilment in a way that nothing else could.
 
And the wonderful words of St Paul from the second reading, (it is one of the most beautiful and touching passages in the Scriptures): "My prayer is that your love for each other may increase more and more, and never stop improving your knowledge and deepening your perception so that you can always recognise what is best."

May we always do what is best by an increase of knowledge and perception that can only come from a deepening (day by day) of our love. That theme of ever-deepening love and practical kindness has been flowing through the Scriptures of late, and rightly so. It reminds me of that other quote from Scripture. "By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another." (John 13:35).

The central trait and quality of a true Christian, (a disciple of Christ, and friend of Jesus), is not first and foremost a merely visible keeping of every rule and regulation, not first of all their bold and unbending speaking out against all that is wrong and bad in the world. Our discipleship is not primarily about the eloquence, length or frequency of one's daily prayers, (for as St Paul said elsewhere: "if I did all those things but did them without love, it would do me NO GOOD whatsoever!!" Being a more loving, compassionate, merciful and reverent person, and deepening our love that derives from God who is love, and having the fruits of that love show in our words, our actions and our priorities and choices … now THAT is something .. in fact, that is everything…

In this coming week, let us ask God to show us the paths that need straightening. the barriers that need lowering… For this is the time and season for intense and urgent preparation and conversion so that we might love more deeply, as Christ does, and so that everything we do may flow from and find its source and destination in God, who is LOVE.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
References:

HOMILY BY Fr Paul W. Kelly

ACTION 2000 – PRAYING SCRIPTURE IN A CONTEMPORARY WAY. YEAR C. BY MARK LINK S.J.

[ii] SHARING THE WORD THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR. GUSTAVO GUTIERREZ.

Image Credit- https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/gQQpUXVEFLwU5UXtmIeC?ru=Paul-Evangelion

Second Sunday of Advent. Year C  (Sunday, December 8, 2024) 
(EPISODE: 508)
+++++++++++++
{{hello everyone}}
In the Name of the Father (+) and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

The Lord be with you.

 

We continue on our Advent journey. We now light the second Advent candle. The "Bethlehem Candle" - symbolizes the journey of Faith. Reminding us of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem.

 

{The Presider/helper lights the second candle}

 

Presider: Lord Jesus. You call us to prepare your way, making the paths straight. Lord have mercy.

 

Presider: You promise to bring to completion the good work you have begun in us.  Christ Have mercy.

 

Presider: O Wisdom, Come to teach us the way of truth.. Lord Have mercy.

 

**(no Gloria in Advent)

 

COLLECT:

 

Let us pray,

Almighty and merciful God,

may no earthly undertaking hinder those

who set out in haste to meet your Son,

but may our learning of heavenly wisdom

gain us admittance to his company.

Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit. God, forever and ever.

 ++

 

Prayer after Communion

 

Let us pray,  

Replenished by the food of spiritual nourishment,

We humbly beseech you, O Lord, that, through our partaking in this mystery, you may teach us to judge wisely the things of earth and hold firm to the things of heaven.

Through Christ our Lord.

 

+++++++++++++++++++++
Psalm 126:1-2a, 2b-3, 4-5, 6. "The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 3:1-6). Alleluia, alleluia! Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: all people shall see the salvation of God. Alleluia!

Memorial Acclamation
2. When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PREFACE: Advent I
EP II
Communion side.  pwk:  RH
(theme variation: v1 )
(pre+post variation: v2-short)
++++
{Cheers and thanks everyone for this time of prayer and reflection - I hope you have a blessed week.}

+++++++

DISMISSAL:

Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord

++++++++
++++++++
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.
NB - It is often a week or so Ahead:  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: paulkellyreflections+subscribe@googlegroups.com

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

 "O Come. Lord. (Advent) " - In Memory of Paolo Mario (Paul) Giacomantonio (1968-2020).
By Paul W. Kelly. Based on the Ancient church "O Antiphons " of Advent.
Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics, By Stefan Kelk, 2020.

 [ Production - KER - 2021]

May God bless and keep you.

{extra text: unspoken for Advent -

 Roman Missal, 3rd edition, 2010, (ICEL)

 Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989, and 2009 by the NCC-USA.

  "The Psalms " by The Grail - 1963, 2009.

 Prayers of the Faithful - Robert Borg "Together we pray " - (1993) }

Sound Engineering and editing -  P.W. Kelly.

Microphones: -      SHURE MOTIV MV5

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.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++