5th Sunday of Easter, Year A

20th April, 2008      5th Sunday of Easter, Year A

 

(P Save a tree. Don't print this e-mail unless it's really necessary)

 

****(At this point I will ask our collectors to please take up the ordinary first collection for support of the Priests of the Archdiocese. The special Archbishop's appeal will be at the 'preparation of the gifts' time). ****

As this first collection is being taken up I will say a few words about the appeal and the scriptures today…. which are very fitting, especially the first reading. In the "Acts of the apostles," we see that the early Christian community becomes aware of its need to offer practical assistance to people in need….  to help those who are struggling… so they established the ministry of deacons to help the poor and the widows and the orphans… the church has continued to set up organisations and resources so at to meet its practical needs of people – and in this archdiocese one of these 'arms of the local church's ministry of service and assistance' are the Centacare ministries….. 

hence, this weekend's "Archbishop's centacare appeal." There are four official archdiocesan appeals in a year, and this is the first of them for a major outreach arm of the archdiocese – Centacare ministries. There are seven Centacare Pastoral Ministries that offer faithful and faith filled services to a wide range of disadvantaged and marginalised people across the Brisbane Archdiocese. Your contributions to the Archbishop's Centacare Appeal enable these ministries to continue meeting the needs of our community. In the most down to earth settings, from hospital wards to prison cells, in Indigenous communities and aboard ships, in Catholic, Private & Independent schools and the courts, growing numbers of people in desperate need, are served by Centacare's Seven Pastoral Ministries. Every year over 150,000 individuals and families are assisted by Centacare. Financial support is provided by several Government agencies but more and more the gap between what is provided from Government sources and what is needed is widening. In following Catholic social teaching, Centacare continues to provide support for individuals or families who need assistance irrespective of social, religious or financial background.  Centacare reflects the face of Jesus in today's world.  Centacare cares for those people in our community that are suffering the effects of youth homelessness, poverty, depression, family breakdowns, unemployment, drug and alcohol addictions, child abuse, loneliness and many other social evils that are all too common in our world today.  No one is refused assistance!

In 2007 the Archbishop's Centacare Appeal raised $441,287 but the constant and increasing demand for the services provided by these seven ministries means that expenditure for the next 12 months is going to be well in excess of this amount.

-         there are envelopes in the pews for you to use, donations $2 or more are tax deductible. IF you like, you are invited to take an envelope home and bring it back with you next week if you aren't able to donate this week.

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The second reading and the gospel speak about HOUSES… but these are not houses built in dead stone…. but we are called to be living stones, built up into a spiritual house…..   built upon Jesus Christ who is the living stone that the builders rejected.  Wonderful images…..    elsewhere in the scriptures we are reminded that "in vain does the labourer toil if it is not God that does the building." 

 

We are called to be built up into a Spiritual house… and God gives us very special gifts, spiritual materials in order to become living stones, building up God's house….   Jesus sends us the Holy Spirit who gives life and effectiveness to everything we do…..    and this Spirit gives us special gifts to help us to achieve what God is wanting to build in our lives and our world.

 

In our sacraments, there is a special sign of the giving and descending of the Spirit upon us and that is the sign of the 'laying of hands.'  where the priest or bishop holds his hands over the person or object to be blessed and prays that the Spirit may come down upon them to give them the effectiveness to do what they need to do, the become what they are called to be….   

 

Each sacrament of the church has this sign of the 'laying of hands, and the calling down of the spirit, and I do invite the young people to watch for when these signs occur in our prayers….    in confirmation, Bishop Finnigan will place his hands on your head… and pray that the Holy Spirit be poured down upon you, and give you special gifts… spiritual building blocks to help you live as good disciples of Jesus….    traditionally, the church sees that there are seven gifts of the holy spirit, and the young ones preparing for confirmation and first holy communion are learning about them:

the spirit gives the gift of : 

wisdom - the gift of being able to see things the way God sees them. To accept my life from God and be able to learn and grow through all that happens to me.

 

understanding  - the gift of being able to capture the meaning of God's message. To listen, to think things through and to be able to put myself in others' shoes

 

right judgement - the ability to see what to do in a given situation. to be able to choose and act for what is right and good and true.

 

courage - the ability to be able to keep doing something we know to be right and good even when it is difficult. to accept difficulties and challenges in my life cheerfully and firmly and strongly.

 

knowledge - the gift of knowing that God is the Father and that Jesus is his son,  and knowing about what God teaches us. to willingly learn about and develop my relationship with God and other people.

 

 

reverence - a deep respect, gentleness and care shown towards God, God's creation and people.. To have respect and care for myself, all people and all things of our world.

 

wonder and awe in God's presence. Gift of being able to appreciate and enjoy and be aware of all the amazing beauty that is in our world and the ability to see that God is at work still in our world.. to be deeply impressed and in amazement about all the wonders God has done for me, and for others and for the world and for the things that happen in life, big and small.

May we all be open to the gifts of the Holy spirit, and say 'yes' to God building us up into living stones in God's house of kindness, practical action and love…

****(Distribute sashes to the Young people who are preparing for their Confirmation, First Holy Communion). ****

 

 

(Description of the seven gifts of the Spirit, adapted from a couple of different sources).

 

WEEKDAY REFLECTIONS:

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Fifth Sunday of Easter

The view from here

People say the darnedest things when someone dies. They say, "God took him from us" or "God must've had a reason." But according to our faith, Jesus promised to rescue us from death. When, because of age or illness or injury, our mortal bodies can no longer sustain God's precious gift of life, Jesus promised to "come again" and snatch us from the jaws of death. The Bible says, "In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died" (Wisdom 3:2). God had a reason for giving us life. And Jesus has a reason for saving us from death. Death is not part of God's plan for us. Only life.

Today's readings: Acts 6:1-7; 1 Peter 2:4-9; John 14:1-12

"I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also."

 

Monday, April 21 
Easter weekday; Feast of Anselm, bishop, doctor of the church

Faith seeking understanding

Anselm of Canterbury, one of the few to be called a doctor of the church, was influential in rejuvenating the philosophical rigor of Catholic thought in the Middle Ages. Though Anselm's scholastic approach toward Christianity suffered criticism from those who felt he tried to replace faith with reason, the bishop always held that his inquiries into the nature of God sprung from an abiding love and desire for God. Anselm said, "I do not seek to understand in order that I might believe, but seek to understand because I believe." That's what people in love do. They ponder all the rare and unique qualities of their love for the sheer joy of the exercise. Follow Anselm's lead and devote your thoughts to God today.

Today's readings: Acts 14:5-18; John 14:21-26

"The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send, will teach you everything."

21: ANSELM

On a day the readings speak of manifestations of God and Jesus' dwelling with those who believe in him, the church celebrates Saint Anselm, the medieval archbishop of Canterbury and theologian, who wrote, "Lord, I do not presume to fathom the depths of your truths, for my understanding is not equal to the task. Nevertheless, I desire to learn your truths in some measure—those truths that I believe and love. I do not seek to gain knowledge so that I can believe; rather, I believe so that I may gain knowledge."

Apr. 21 Isn't it lovely?

(285) Acts 14:5-18; John 14:21-26

LOVE IS THE BEST and only genuine catalyst for faithfulness, whether to another person, a cause, or a set of beliefs. No other motive will see us through for the long haul. In Jesus' final meal with his disciples, he talks at length about love. "Those who love me will keep my word," he says matter-of-factly. Love has a power to inspire a level of faithfulness that coercion or mandates never could. We comply and fulfill what is asked of us by the Lord not because we are forced to but because we want to, with all our hearts. Such is the power of love and why it is at the center of the two greatest commandments, to love our God and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

 

Tuesday, April 22 

Easter weekday

Look for the open door

Saint Paul had reason to suspect his attempt to bring Christ's good news to the Greeks was ill-fated. Even after making a cripple walk again and astounding the crowds, the Jews stoned Paul and left him for dead. All we are told at that point is that he simply stood on his feet and proceeded into the city of Derbe to continue preaching. Perplexingly, when Paul and Barnabas then return to the church in Antioch, they celebrate the door of faith now open to the Gentiles. That is a peculiar "open door" indeed that leaves one stoned and left for dead! But when failure appeared nearest at hand, Paul found opportunity. Today, find in each of your failures and misfortunes an opportunity for God's grace to fill in.

Today's readings: Acts 14:19-28; John 14:27-31a

"Paul and Barnabas called the church together and related how God had opened a door of faith for the Gentiles."

Apr. 22 A new policy

(286) Acts 14:19-28; John 14:27-31a

WE TAKE OUT insurance policies on everything from cars to homes to our livelihoods because everything in this world is at risk. Anything we possess can be stolen. Anything we buy can be repossessed. Anything given to us can be lost. So it goes with the treasures of this world but not with the gifts of God. "I do not give as the world gives," Jesus promises, assuring us that the peace he gives will not be stolen, lost, or repossessed. When it comes to interior peace, Jesus' Word is all the assurance—or insurance—we need.

 

Wednesday, April 23 

Feast of George, martyr

The original dragon-slayer

Old maps would indicate the end of the known world with the phrase, "There be dragons here." It was a way of saying, "It's probably not a good idea to go there." In a legend of Saint George, he did not shy away from doing battle with a dragon. In the only story of a canonized saint fighting such a creature, he not only killed this menacing animal an army could not slay but also saved a princess, preached to the grateful people, distributed his reward money to the poor, and went on his way. Not a bad day's work.

            What dragons of the unknown—of ignorance and the fear that accompanies it—can you slay? What good word or gift can you pass along as you go your way?

Today's readings: Acts 15:1-6; John 15:1-8

"Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing."

23: GEORGE; ADALBERT

Saint Adalbert became bishop of Prague in 983 while not yet 30 years old. He met opposition from the Prague nobility, went into exile, and eventually became a missionary in Poland, Hungary, Russia, and Prussia, where he was martyred. "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples."

            While much of the story of the fourth-century Saint George is from legend, he did exist, and the Greek church venerates him as the greatest of martyrs.

Apr. 23 Branch out

(287) Acts 15:1-6; John 15:1-8

THERE IS NO WAY around it: Spiritual growth is often painful. It involves a process of letting go, particularly of those aspects of our life and personality that hold us back—the attitudes, behaviors, and habits that are less than wholesome. These are the "branches" that bear no fruit and must be pruned away in order for us to grow and flourish and bear good fruit. Though the process is painful, we have a gardener we can trust. And if we are attentive to the words and ways of Jesus, maybe some of our less-than-healthy branches will fall off of their own accord.

Thursday, April 24 
Feast of Fidelis of Sigmaringen, priest, martyr

A bono idea

Fidelis of Sigmaringen (1577-1622) was martyred during a time of great strife between Calvinists and Catholics in Switzerland. Fidelis had a special love of the poor, often giving away his warm clothing in winter. He studied law and was known as "advocate for the poor" because he took on the cases of people who had no one else to represent them. The "pro bono" tradition of free legal aid continues to this day. Legal aid societies in many communities help needy clients find lawyers who will represent them without charge. Consider supporting such a worthy cause in your community, in the name of Fidelis. Visit www.findlegalhelp.org, a website of the American Bar Association, for more information.

Today's readings: Acts 15:7-21; John 15:9-11

"As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love."

24: FIDELIS OF SIGMARINGEN

Turning from being a tutor of nobility and a law career, in which he gained a reputation as an advocate of the poor, Saint Fidelis joined his brother in the Capuchin Franciscan community. He preached in Switzerland against the Zwinglian reformers and was martyred for his efforts in 1622.Apr. 24 A room with a view

(288) Acts 15:7-21; John 15:9-11

ABIDE" IS A LOVELY VERB, filled with warmth, comfort, trust. It is the perfect word to describe the kind of love Jesus shared with his disciples, and it perfectly describes God's constant, loving presence in each of our lives. Abiding in God's love is like having a warm and secure dwelling place prepared for us wherever we go in this world. God's love is a shelter from every storm, and there is room at every inn, no matter where our life journey takes us. A room has already been prepared for each of us, the door stands open—we simply need to enter.

Friday, April 25  (Australians and New zealanders remember the ultimate sacrifice of our servicemen and women on this anzac day).

No Greater love has a person than to lay down their life for a friend.

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Saturday, April 26 

St Mark

For Mark, "proclaim the gospel to every creature" meant emphasizing a Jesus who asked his disciples—who didn't always see him at first for who he was—to follow him, care for the suffering, and realize that such caring may itself involve suffering. Yet Mark's gospel also said, if disciples will stay close to Jesus in this way, he would stay close to them.

No worries

Worry: It's one of the hallmarks of the human condition. We worry about money and our jobs and whether our children will grow up to be happy, faith-filled adults. Or maybe we're anxious about a war, or the economy, or what's happening in the developing world. We know worry never helped a thing. It has never changed the course of events or averted a disaster or benefited our children. Why do we bother? "Habit" is one answer. "If we don't, who will?" is another.

            We have to admit that there really are no good reasons to worry. Today, let's consider Peter's suggestion to "Cast all your worries upon [God] because he cares for you." Hmm. What would our day be like if we did just that?

Today's readings: 1 Peter 5:5b-14; Mark 16:15-20

"Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you."

Apr. 25 Be creative

(555) 1 Pet. 5:5b-14; Mark 16:15-20

PROCLAIM THE GOOD NEWS to the whole creation," we hear in today's gospel. In a literal sense, our call to witness to the good news extends beyond the human community to all of creation. In practical terms, we might ask how we are supposed to proclaim the gospel to other creatures. We can begin by ensuring that they have the means and the habitat they need in order to survive and thrive. As species disappear at an alarming rate and global warming threatens the very future of life on the planet, being good stewards of creation is indeed a gospel value.

 

 

Popularity can be fatal

While it's nice to hear that this country is a Christian country, for Jesus' face to be on the cover of Time or Newsweek occasionally, for a film about his passion to be a hit—all of these things are ultimately superficial. For a while the crowds pursued Jesus like we pursue rock stars today, but religious and political intrigue and jealousy turned that same popularity against him. Jesus says the world will hate us, too, if we are clearly his disciples who take the part of the excluded, challenging power, speaking out against violence, and standing with those who have no one to speak for them. Feeling a little too much love? Maybe I'm headed in the wrong direction.

Today's readings: Acts 16:1-10; John 15:18-21

"If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you."

Apr. 26 Enthusiastic support

(290) Acts 16:1-10; John 15:18-21

WHAT DOES IT MEAN for the world to "hate" you? Does it mean you can expect a streak of really bad luck or perhaps public flogging and humiliation? More likely Jesus is referring to the vague sensation most of us feel of not quite belonging, fitting in, feeling at home. We turn on the evening news or pick up the daily paper and the world seems mostly to be filled with violence, betrayal, greed. Of course there is more, but it can make us a bit world-weary. Fortunately, we have another source to turn to, one who brings hope, energy, and enthusiasm—the last word literally meaning "in God." Whenever the affairs of the world leave you weary, turn to the Source for regeneration.

 

©2008 by TrueQuest Communications, L.L.C. Phone: 800-942-2811; e-mail: mail@takefiveforfaith.com; website: www.TakeFiveForFaith.com. Licensed for noncommercial use. All rights reserved. Scripture quotes come from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible.

Contributors: Father Paul Boudreau, Alice Camille, Daniel Grippo, Father Larry Janowski, Ann O'Connor, Sean Reynolds, Joel Schorn, and Patrice J. Tuohy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4th Sunday of Easter, Year A

13th April, 2008      4th Sunday of Easter, Year A

 

I have to smile at a rather amusing, but all-too-true Latin proverb that goes something like this: 

 

“It is the role of a good shepherd to shear their flock, not to fleece them!!” (Latin proverb, adapted).

 

We hear all too many examples of examples of poor leadership…. where people in positions of influence seem to be ‘in it for their own personal gain or prestige’ and do not seem to have the best interests of the people they are called to serve…..   History is littered with more examples of bad leadership than good…..    

 

surely, most Good leaders are not born that way, but rather, they are formed that way………// True, they may have some unique and priceless personal qualities that are inherent in their personality….  but even so, these qualities are honed to good, or to ill, by attitudes and values learnt from people of wisdom and goodwill….

 

Responsible, servant-leaders are formed, By God’s grace, (mediated in and through the community), by the wisdom of family, friends, school, parish, and other positive influences and the wider community.  the ways of ensuring good leadership, whether it be in the church, civic society, or in the workplace and clubs and homes…. is to foster the values and attitudes that produce good leadership, and it takes a whole community to do that, (and all that work is fruitless if not for God’s grace enlivening our humble work, with effectiveness, direction and vision).

 

to paraphrase another saying…..   “show me where your treasure lies and I will show you what kind of person you are”….  the things that are considered the most valuable possessions in any community, will strongly influence the kind of values and priorities that the same community fosters…..    and one would have to say that possessions and money do seem to factor big-time in the eyes of many people in our modern world…..  

 

in these times of tightening belts and rising costs and interest rates….   people are having to make really tough decisions about just what IS necessary and what is not… in order to make ends meet…..//    certainly, there are two alternative ways of having a sense of financial well-being..... one is the standard wisdom of the world:  get more and more money…to be able to have the things we want .…//. the alternative……is the way of the ‘road less travelled, and requires a whole transformation of mindset… and it is far less easy……. and that is “having more by wanting less”…… // (as the charity saying goes:  live simply so that others may simply live)….// we live in a world which “amplifies desire”….    that is geared to advertising to increase people’s sense of need for ‘things’ // We have industries geared to sell to us a sense of NEED for possessions/….and so the sense of urgency  to get these so-called ‘necessary things.’   Oh, to be free enough to want less of the extras in life… and need less…..    but the million dollar question is, what are the things we really need…that is not an easy answer… we know that we need healthy food, adequate shelter, education, health…..peace, family goodwill……  //   but there are other things that may very well  increase our sense of wellbeing and happiness….       //   again …   too many examples in our media remind us that a lot of leaders seem to be urging us to tighten our belt whilst being seen to be ensuring that their own needs are happily satisfied first…..    

 

in actual fact ….  the highest possession we can attain in this life, is to have and to give  unconditional love……    and to have life and life to the full……  but many would say….no… the best news you could give me tonight is not ‘love unconditionally….”  but that ‘you just won 19 million in gold lotto.”        but a world where people experience and give unconditional love and care to each other…  now:  wouldn’t THAT be NICE!” 

 

 

Jesus gives an example of himself as a good shepherd, the perfect leader……   he puts his people first…. he knows them each personally…..  and he is not in it for himself…. he gives himself fully for us…..    what a superb example and model for leadership/../….    he uses the image of the ‘shepherd BEING the gate….. they would lie across the opening of the sheepfold and their body would act as a human gate…..    nothing could pass by without disturbing the shepherd…. who would risk life and limb to protect his sheep……     the true leader puts themselves on the line…. their body on the line….  

 

It is interesting that in the gospel today, it says “the sheep know their master’s voice and will not follow a stranger…”  that would follow a stranger?    but here is the modern problem.,…..   with internet, so many different types of media and communication, advertising, and so many competing values in the world…. all telling us… ‘pick me, pick me…”  I am GOOD for you… you need this…..   this is healthy……   

 

I think it is true to say…..   we are being bombarded with false shepherds….  assailed with voices claiming to be our friends….  to be the voice of our master… and so… we are tempted to follow those voices out into the wilderness………    we need to be alert to the fact that we need to really, really discern and learn to distinguish the voice of our lord, from the voice of fakes……    it is not easy… but more necessary than ever………   we too need to reflect on the values of Jesus in the gospels, the wisdom of trusted family and friends… and the tradition of the church to help us recognize the true voice of the good shepherd… and the big test of authenticity is this… the real shepherd is not acting to feather their own nest… but acts in the best interest of the other….    willing to give up things for others…not take advantage… and that is a dead give away for the fake shepherds….. There is often something in it for them at a very clear point….

 

Maybe, in church life, civic life and community work…. etc.. this should be the help wanted sign put out: “Help Wanted: One Shepherd – dangerous occupation. No personal gain, concern only for others, no wages, willing to sacrifice for others… willing to risk life…”   I wonder how many takers we would get?  

 

(From Paul Kelly, some thoughts taken from: Celebrating the Gospels, by Gaynell Cronin, also Preaching the Word resource).

 

Welcome to Fr Jim McPherson, the new Anglican Rector of Maryborough.

Speech of welcome to Rev. Dr. Canon James McPherson, new Rector of St. Paul’s Anglican Parish, maryborough;  From Rev. Paul Kelly, (parish priest of St. Mary’s Catholic Parish, Maryborough). Given at the Commissioning ceremony at the Church of St Paul, (Anglican church), Maryborough. 11^th April, 2008.

It is an honour and a real joy to be here tonight to celebrate with the Anglican community and the wider community the welcome of Rev Dr, James McPherson, Fr Jim as he is known to us, as the New Rector priest of Maryborough Anglican parish..

 

I bring messages of welcome and best wishes from the Saint Mary’s Catholic Community...to Fr Jim and his wife Marcia as you commence your ministry here in this beautiful community.

 

As a fellow minister, It is a joy to add my words of welcome to you….   I am sure that all the church communities and denominations of this area and their ministers are adding their words of welcome and best wishes to you at this time.

 

It is doubly special for me, to be meeting Fr Jim again, because I sat at the feet of Fr Jim in scripture lectures, as he was my professor at the Brisbane College of Theology (the ecumenical college with member schools from Anglican, Catholic and Uniting Churches). Fr Jim (Rev Dr Jim) was my lecturer in Pentateuch and Old Testament Prophets Biblical study, … and also, Fr Jim was the president of the Theological college when I received my theology degree and later post grad diploma….  Fr Jim presented me with the diploma, and I have a wonderful photo to remember that happy day….  so it’s great that we meet again, and that we are all fellow workers (alongside all the members of the church communities), in the vineyard of God’s word, in this place….// and its wonderful that you have made this community your home (as the communion reflection song so beautifully put it). May your ministry be filled with many joys and blessings, and I am sure you have already been made a treasured part of the family.

 

God bless you and I am looking forward to working with you here for many years to come.// And so, ..From a student to his professor, Christian to Christian and fellow priest to priest, Welcome Fr Jim and Marcia.

 

 

 

 

3rd Sunday of Easter, Year A. 6th April, 2008.

6th April, 2008      3rd Sunday of Easter, Year A

 

The Gospel this weekend is really wonderful. It has such a richness to it… and many levels of meaning….

 

The journey of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, is also like a symbol of what happens each time we gather as disciples of Jesus at Eucharist….  when we listen to the word of God in scriptures, and Christ opens our minds to his word.   And when Christ breaks the bread for us and becomes present to us, in this special way ….. and we too recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread…….  

 

Another very special thing about this Emmaus journey is the fact that the disciples are talking to a fellow traveler along the road… and show hospitality to this person….    unknown to them this person is Jesus himself…..     it is no coincidence that Jesus becomes present to them in the outsider to whom they show hospitality … and with whom they break bread together…  then their eyes are opened and they recognize Jesus……  if they had not showed hospitality to this person if they had let him go on… they may never have know who they were walking with… and what he had to offer them…..     Jesus told us …  what you do to the least of my brothers and sisters… you do it to ME……    love God, love neighbour as you love yourself……    so hospitality, community and service are completely interconnected in Jesus’ kingdom….

 

This weekend at the different masses, we have our young ones who are about to begin their preparation to receive their Confirmation and first holy communion …..  

 

this Gospel we heard today is very special because it shows us that we are all friends of Jesus….  he walks along with us on our life journey… he is always interested to hear us tell him of our hopes, our fears… our disappointments and our failures… and he is there to reassure us and give us strength and to assure us that if we keep trusting in him, the love of God has the final word in our life….    and it lasts forever…..

 

whenever we gather at Mass, we come together as disciples and friends of Jesus and we break the bread and drink from the cup….and we believe that this is not just a sign of our connection to Jesus, that God forgives us, renews us and commissions us… we believe that Jesus comes to us in what looks like bread and wine and Jesus comes into our hearts and we become more and more part of Jesus’ life…. and go out into our daily lives to live his commandments to show love and care for each other…      this is the special message of the journey to Emmaus…and when we listen to the scriptures, and reflect on the many ways in which Jesus is present and active in our lives, inviting us to listen to him and follow his ways……..we too can say to each other… “did not our hearts burn as Jesus talked to us along the way, and explained the scriptures to us. “

 

Easter Week 2 . Year 1 30th March, 2008

Easter – Sunday Week 2. Year A .

The Risen Lord twice says the words “peace be with you.”   Jesus is offering us true PEACE….   and it is something we desire very deeply…..     Jesus appears to his disciples to reassure them of the reality of the forgiveness he has won for us by his death and resurrection….. we can truly be at peace and trust in Jesus’ promise that he does mean to free us from our burdens and forgive us our sins…..    this is a message of enormous hope….  

 

He implores us….  doubt no longer… but believe…. trust in my love….    trust in my forgiveness…..    believe that I do offer you the means to real and lasting peace in life….  

 

Also, the gospel today ends with the writer of John’s gospel saying….   there are more things that happened in relation to Jesus….    but they are not all written here…..    WE, these many, many years after Jesus walked the earth…..   we too are witnesses to what jesus continues to do in our world even now…..   we are called to be ministers of reconciliation, ministers of forgiveness…. and ambassadors of Christ’s peace…..  

 

The importance of the community cannot be understated either……   in the first reading we hear of an ideal community…. they pray together… they learn together… they share their resources to help and support eachother….     our faith community exists so that we might assist, build up and strength each other…. especially those most in need, most struggling……   Jesus calls us to be a community of disciples looking outward towards the world and ready to make a difference for 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  experiences.  Christianity is a religion that preaches Jesus crucified and risen, but always in the context of the community of those who believe in Him.

Today let us ask Saint 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 amidst the everyday events and people of life.  Most of all, let us rejoice in the Lord who loves us and invites us deeper into these mysteries.

 

May we continue to be build up by the risen Christ to be disciples who rejoice in being a community for the good of each other and for the common good of all……    ministers of Jesus’ graciousness and care…..Jesus brings us peace and immediately commissions us to go out and put his message into action, by acts of charity, love and support for all we meet….

Easter Homily

Easter Homily:  (Paul Kelly)  22-23/3/2008.      

 

We begin where we left off on Good Friday….

 

 “If Easter says anything to us (tonight/today), it says this: You can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there. You can nail it to a cross, wrap it in winding sheets  and shut it in a tomb,…… but it WILL RISE! “ 

 

Tonight we celebrate the fact that Christ has risen…..   // He, who IS the way, the truth and the Life…..  could not possibly be held in death’s grasp…..  he broke free and promises us eternal life ….too.

 

God has the final say over the tensions and tragedies of life…..… and it is good news….    God says “yes” to the goodness of creation and “Yes” to each one of us……  it was right to remain faithful //   our hope in his promises is fulfilled…..

 

EASTER IS ABOUT FAMILY (sharing time for family, or if we are not able to be with them this easter, certainly giving thanks for the gift of them in our lives…)…..and giving thanks to God for the many ways God brings us to fullness of life…

 

We give thanks for our FAMILY, our friends….and    for so many graces and blessings we have received in life…  to nurture us and give us strength and joy……

 

Easter is the perfect time for celebrating Baptisms and welcoming people into our church communion…….    We give thanks for those who will be baptized and received into the church this season. God’s gentle grace has led them here… and their decision is a great source of renewal and thanksgiving for the whole community.

 

Easter is not only about the promise of everlasting life in heaven,..// ..  there are so many ways in which Jesus’ rising from the dead is a sign of God’s  constant work to “bring us out of the entombment” that we can experience in our lives…// // (Tonight/today)  is also about the real promise that “God can and does” want us to be “fully alive”.,… //  and renewed in spirit and mind…. and brought to life again from so many things that can sap the life out of us…. weigh us down….  and imprison us……   whether it be fear, guilt, pain, illness, doubt, grief……   or countless other equally painful struggles…. 

 

Anyone who has ever gone through a “dark night of the soul” in their life, (and that is each of us at one time or another)…….and has come through the other end and now finds themselves in a renewed place, raised up again,  (never imagining that they would be in this new space) but here they are!!!….with the help of God’s grace, (shown by the helping hands of family, friends, colleagues, ….and so many other ways…)….   anyone who has gone through this can testify…   Christ really IS at work brining us to new life (in so many ways)……    and (Tonight/today)  we give thanks for this…. and pray for those who continue to hope and trust in God’s faithfulness….  // God’s love and care for us will never fail….. God effects resurrection IN our lives, in ways beyond our expectations….. beyond our presumptions or in ways different from the literal limits of our requests …..   Often, we only recognize a ‘resurrection moment in our lives’ with a kind of ‘dawning realization’  - like Mary Magdalene:  thinking that someone had hidden the body of our Lord….. searching and praying that she might find where they had hidden his body….…   and not at first realizing that her prayers had been answered in this man she initially mistakes for a gardener, (but no, it is the Lord himself)….. 

 

I would like to conclude with an ode… a short poem written to express the truth of the Lord’s Rising in our life journey….Anyone who can sing the words of this ode (or their own unique variation for their own life situation) knows that the resurrection is a reality ….. here and now…. in the lives of each of us:    

 

“Lord, only you know

the path of fire

I’ve been through

these past years.

But I made it

a miracle of grace,

Not by MY own strength,

But only ‘cos I clung to you

 

Today I arise,

though I still bear the wounds

Today it begins,

One step after another;

Some days backwards,

Mostly forward.

No longer in darkness

for That's in the past

 

Today I arise, //

today we begin…..

This “new day” dawns…

Lord, this -- new day dawns…!!”  

(words by P.W. Kelly).^[1]

 

May the Lord of the resurrection bless you and renew you with fullness of life – here and now (and forever)….

 

 

 

 

---

^[1] Title inspired by an ode attributed to St Patrick: “I arise today”
Through the strength of heaven:
Light of sun,
Radiance of moon,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of wind,
Depth of sea,
Stability of earth,
Firmness of rock.
I arise today
Through God’s strength to pilot me;
God’s wisdom to uphold me,
God’s eye to look before me,
God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak to me,
God’s hand to guide me,
God’s way to lie before me,
God’s angels to save me.

attributed to Saint Patrick (c. 390-c. 461)

Good Friday Message, from Fr Paul Kelly

Good Friday and Easter Message . 21^st March, 2008. From Fr Paul Kelly. St Mary’s Catholic Parish, Maryborough.

 

At a quarter past two on Good Friday morning…..  when the power in the presbytery suddenly goes off…. (by no mere technical fault, I am sure), and two suspicious men keep lurking the presbytery and hanging around the Ford store next door (looking furtive), (not the usual type of revellers who wander happily but harmlessly through the church grounds on their way to a tax)… but with obviously nothing good on their minds….. one would be forgiven for becoming really cynical about today’s world and human nature…..  it would be understandable, if we became really down about those who go on a rampage of vandalism and fear…   cracking college windows and scaring elderly people in their homes, and retirement villages… or the endless stories in the news of people taking advantage of others for their own pragmatic gain….  not treating others as if they were their brother or sister……    with eyes looking on all these things… and all the wars and suffering and poverty an injustice….   the logic of the world would say…..   the world is going to the dogs……    (certainly, there are very serious social, economic human issues facing our world and our society…..  we are right to be very concerned…..  the challenge, though, is to realistically face these real obstacles with Christian hope… and with a commitment to respecting the humanity of all people and hoping in the kind of world Jesus died to usher in…..

 

By the standards of the world…..  today is Bad Friday… (and the world couldn’t be worse) and Jesus’ death was a disastrous failure of a “worthwhile dream”……   to the eyes of faith… this is Good Friday… where Christ shows us that God ultimately has the last word – and it is a word of Hope, a word of dignity.. and of LOVE (despite the cynical, but very real things that get thrown up at people as they walk through life in this day and age).

 

Today is not so much about “see how awful us humans have been to God”…. but rather “see how faithful, how loving, how merciful our Lord is to his beloved people……”   we fall at his feet in amazement and thanksgiving. We praise Jesus for his goodness and faithfulness to us (which excel all we ever knew).”  God has given us more than we could ever have hoped for or imagined. 

 

Every year…. without fail….. the account of the Passion of Our Lord,  inspires and renews……  it fills us with a sense of awe…..

 

The Power of Christ’s death on the cross, is humbling ….. as we silently contemplate how much God loves us….. and gave up everything for our sakes…..

 

Jesus betrayal and arrest the previous evening…… his unjust trial, (in which he is really found to be innocent in the process but sentenced to a criminal’s death anyway! because of the insistence of the hysterical crowd..)……The cruel journey to calvary and his unimaginable execution………………only the eyes of Faith could describe this Friday as a “Good Friday”……    but it truly is……   because nothing can destroy God’s faithfulness to his beloved people…..   nothing can defeat the power of God’s love……  Even when we can’t imagine that some actions could ever be forgiven… it is Jesus himself who pleads to the Father that we will embrace the forgiveness that is really offered to us……/  ….   God keeps telling us that we are loved (no matter what may come). And we know that even when everything bad was thrown at Jesus; he continued to respond in love and faithfulness to the Father,….. crucifying all that was negative and death-dealing, on the cross…..  robbing it of its power….

 

I stop to ponder the power of a MOB…….     when Jesus entered Jerusalem.. the crowds worked themselves up into an amazing excitement… they threw down palm fronds and cloaks and hailed Jesus as the King of the people…. the Messiah…….  many people joined in the excitement of the crowd…..   presumably a lot of people joined in the praise of Jesus because they loved what he stood for…. some probably went along because everyone else was doing it……  maybe some hated him and joined in because they followed the crowd….. 

 

only a very short time later… members of that same crowd, (surely many of the same people), were stirred up by a few ……  now saying…  (not hosanna to our King! – but the opposite!!)… get rid of him,….   crucify him … he’s not our king….   kill him…….!!!!    

 

Some people hated Jesus…  but probably most didn’t…. they just went along with the crowd.. they let the mob rule them……..  

 

a group of people can be such a powerful thing… groups can support and nurture all that is good in their shared values…. a group can become a “family”… sharing common support, care and visions……  but groups can also turn nasty… violent… hateful… they can be stirred up by “mob mentalities” / fear and bigotry //….    how many people at Jesus trial really wanted him exectuted????…   and how many just went along with the emotion of the crowd????… and the wave of hatred and jealousy…that had erupted……  

 

the Cross of Christ stands as a reminder that, although we are all members of various communities and groups… each one of us stands before the cross and is asked to make our own personal YES to Jesus…..   and our own personal NO to the peer pressure and unthinking trends..../   shifting values…..that can assail us.

 

in a short while… we will each come before the wood of the cross… where Christ revels his unconditional love for us…..  and asks us to say yes… to the life he gives to us….   our personal acts of veneration….    is our own individual way of saying… “yes”  to the values of one person.. who withstood the enormous pressures of huge numbers .. to be faithful to his vision….   God’s vision.. for a world of forgiveness and justice… and above all….. LOVE.. // which does not stop to count the cost….  which gives without hope of return….

 

The cross of Jesus is to be found reflected in all who mourn…. all who suffer rejection and injustice….   the cross is patterned in the hearts of all who endure illness or pain…. //  Christ’s cross is a silent “YES” to  all who long to be forgiven for past mistakes but don’t dare believe that they can be freed from their guilt and shame………    It is found in the experiences of people persecuted or experiencing fear or unrest throughout the world… whether it be in Tibet or in the house next door to us…..

 

This is a good Friday….  and in the cross is revealed the wisdom and power of God……    most of all….   it reveals God’s constant LOVE.

 

 

“If Easter says anything to us today, it says this: You can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there. You can nail it to a cross, wrap it in winding sheets  and shut it in a tomb, but it will rise! “   (Clarence W. Hall).

 

Passion Sunday

16th March, 2008      Passion Sunday

 

The Passion account of Our Lord, is so powerful that it really speaks for itself….    SO much can be said of its power and significance that it could take a lifetime to ponder…..   and yet…  in many ways… it also speaks for itself….  extra words seem to pale in comparison…. 

 

so I won’t say much today….  

 

except to say, that every time I hear the passion, it stirs something deep inside me….  it renews me, overwhelms me….   reminds me……..    challenges me, condemns me, forgives me……….     It shows just how wonderful Jesus is……  how much he loved us…… that he was prepared to give up everything….  

 

He won’t speak up in his own defence…. he does the unthinkable… even though innocent… he remains silent….  not uttering a word….  even a word  that has in so many previous encounters has gotten him out of a dangerous situation…..   I always admired how Jesus, when faced with malicious antagonism from others.. was often able to pull the carpet from under them with some well chosen words… or a question… the answer of which they cannot give…..    I love his clever and insightful replies,.,,,, but none now….   not that he couldn’t…. he would not….  he remains silent…..

 

It is a reminder… there are times we feel the need to justify and explain ourselves…  sometimes we might be unjustly judged by others…. and we want to speak out in our defence….  sometimes the judgement may be correct… but pride can make us want to explain, excuse, mitigate…..  but not Jesus…..   he will not speak up to defend himself…. he is utterly sure of his own worth in the Father…  he is not puffed up with pride… he knows the truth and has no need of the acceptance of arbitrary judges……. 

 

It would be great (some quiet time during this holy week) to take the whole longer account of the passion and read it slowly.. prayerfully….   mattehws account from today is different from the one in John’s Gospel which we hear every Good Friday…..

 

contemplate Judas…….   what in the world is going on?... jesus insists on calling him Friend… even when he betrays him….. I used to think he was just being ironic… what if he wasn’t …. what if Jesus continued to trust in and hope for his friend Judas, and that Judas would not accept the offer of friendship Jesus was giving him……..    Judas does repent (of sorts) and throws the blood money away….    but was Jesus asking him to trust in the mercy and forgiveness that he was offering on  the cross for all people…..    ?  can we trust that jesus is truly calling us friend….  would give anything for us… and is inviting us to trust in the new life and forgiveness that he does offer to each of us, who hope in his unconditional love…  revealed on the tree of calvary?