Catholic 733: Third Sunday of Easter. Year C - Sunday, May 5, 2019

Homily Third Sunday of Easter. Year C - Sunday, May 5, 2019

Image By Renata Sedmakova. Shutterstock photo ID: 755413921. LONDON, GREAT BRITAIN - SEPTEMBER 19, 2017: The fresco of scene 'Feed my sheep' - Jesus give the power to St. Peter in church St. Mary Abbots by John Clayton jnr. (end of 19. cent.) –

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
First Reading: Acts 5:27-32. 40-41
Psalm: Ps 29:2. 4-6. 11-13. "I will praise you, Lord, for you have rescued me"
Second Reading: Revelation 5:11-14
Gospel Acclamation:
Gospel: John 21:1-19
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers, and reflections for the Third Sunday of Easter. Year C - Sunday, May 5, 2019 by clicking this link here:   https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-easter-3c-2019/s-WKWjA  (EPISODE: 156)
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The apostles quickly return to the activity that they know best, and which gives them the comfort of familiarity: fishing.  But, although they are out all night, they again prove to be totally unsuccessful.  Again, Jesus, (albeit unrecognised at first), asks the disciples to follow his instructions and this results in a massive catch of fish.  The disciples then RECOGNISE that this is Jesus and they rush to greet him.   

It is a reminder to the disciples, and to us, that our success depends entirely upon following the instructions and guidance of the Lord. Without the guidance and direction of Jesus, all our efforts could be misguided (no matter how well intended).  It is Jesus who gives success and fruitfulness to the work of our hands. 

Jesus does another wonderful thing in this gospel scene.  He restored Peter fully to good standing.  Peter did a really shocking thing. When it came to the crunch, he let Jesus down and denied that he even knew him, not once but THREE times….  And Peter knew all too well, the terrible remorse of this denial.  Peter meant well. When he had told Jesus at the last supper, "I will not abandon you, I will die for you" he meant it.  But in the fear of the moment, knowing the real dangers, he lost his nerve and he chose self-preservation and denial, but very soon after this mistake, he regretted it bitterly.  

This scene is one of those wonderful examples of just how different God's ways are from human ways.  Jesus, thank goodness, shows us Gods infinite kindness, compassion, understanding and forgiveness…    

Jesus doesn't reject Peter, and nor does he chide him for what really was a gross lapse in support of our Lord.  Rather, Jesus knows Peter and his heart. He already KNOWS that Peter does love him and wants to follow him. He knows that Peter's loyalty is really very strong, and so he gives him this beautiful and moving, and deeply emotional opportunity to reverse his denials and profess his love and support for him.  

Jesus gives him  (for Peter's sake, not for Our Lord's sake) THREE opportunities to say "I love and believe and follow the Lord"  which is as many times as he had denied Christ on the night before the crucifixion.  Jesus, in his mercy, gives Peter the perfect opportunity to declare his unswerving support and reminds him that he will suffer for this dedication and eventually he WILL be martyred for his following of Jesus. Next time, Peter will not fail to declare and support Our Lord and show his leadership.   Jesus entrusts the care of his beloved people to Peter's care and dedication.   

It certainly makes you think…  if we were to do things the human way, then the best leader for the group of disciples would hardly have been a man who denied Christ three times when he needed him most….    Nor would we have probably appointed as a worthy leader St Paul, who started out his career persecuting and arresting and getting executed anyone who followed Jesus…     if we were looking around for people to lead and care for God's people and only used human standards, these people and many others would have been written off as failed, weak and unreliable…..  but God does not think as we think. God sees into the human heart. God sees what we are capable of and God knows that we need forgiveness and a new start in order not to be stuck in our old ways…. God knows that mercy and trust help to set people back on the right path and to do the things God calls them to do…..  things that they would never be able to fulfil if we hold everyone to their past faults and always make sure people live in the past and can never have a new start…  can never be given a chance to be what that ought to be….

Thank goodness that these people are the leaders of the early church… it gives us a new and wonderful way of seeing things… and it is so liberating and positive!…  We all have new chances, new opportunities… and we have a God who loves us, understands us and doesn't want to leave us stuck in our past mistakes… but helps us to begin again, and walk humbly with his guidance and direction……  

Let us thank God for this and trust in his guidance to put us back on his right path and keep us there…..
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image By Renata Sedmakova. Shutterstock photo ID: 755413921. LONDON, GREAT BRITAIN - SEPTEMBER 19, 2017: The fresco of scene 'Feed my sheep' - Jesus give the power to St. Peter in church St. Mary Abbots by John Clayton jnr. (end of 19. cent.) –

+++
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,  A time of Christian worship and reflection"  - Led by Rev Paul W. Kelly
Texts used in this programme are for the purposes of worship and prayer for listeners wherever you are.
Prayers and chants are taken from the English Translation of the Roman Missal, edition three, © 2010, The International commission on English in the liturgy.
Scriptures are from the New Revised Standard Version: © 1989,  by the national council of Churches of Christ, USA. , //adaptations to conform with Catholic liturgical norms, © 2009, by the same.
 [{selected psalms } - ***Psalm verses are (also) taken from "The Psalms: A New Translation" ©1963, The Grail (England), published by Collins.. **]

Prayers of the Faithful are adapted from Robert Borg's 1993 book " Together we pray". Published in Sydney Australia By  E.J. Dwyer. (out of print).

{ "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" -published 2011,  Composed and Sung by Jeffrey M. Ostrowski 
Featuring the….Gloria, The Creed, The Kyrie, The Mass parts, Psalms:  http://www.ccwatershed.org/chabanel/  ]]] ] COPYRIGHT @ 2018 CORPUS CHRISTI WATERSHED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  www.ccwatershed.org/vatican/Ralph_Sherwin_Videos/  

"Faith, Hope and Love" theme Hymn:   Words, based on 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, set to original music © 1996 by Paul W. Kelly.

For more details please visit http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au/
Contact us atpaulwkelly68@gmail.com
Production by Kelly Enterprises Resources. 

May God bless and keep you.


Third Sunday of Easter. Year C
(Sunday, May 5, 2019)

(EPISODE: 156 )

The Lord be with you.
+++++++++++++
My brothers and sisters, we have gathered to celebrate the Holy Eucharist, - so let us pause and reflect upon our sins, so as to rejoice in Gods loving mercy. 
Lord Jesus, you have revealed yourself as the way to the Father: Lord, have mercy//You have poured out on your people the Spirit of truth: Christ, have mercy//You are the Good Shepherd, leading us to eternal life: Lord, have mercy.//
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
+++++++++++++++++++++

Memorial Acclamation

When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Easter II

Euch Prayer Three

Communion side.  pwk:  LH
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Go forth, the Mass is ended.

Catholic 732: Second Sunday of Easter. Year C. Divine Mercy Sunday - Sunday, April 28, 2019

Homily Second Sunday of Easter. Year C. Divine Mercy Sunday - Sunday, April 28, 2019

Image:  By Renata Sedmakova.  Shutterstock licensed photo ID: 616652993 TURIN, ITALY - MARCH 13, 2017: The The painting The Doubt of St. Thomas in Church Chiesa di Santo Tomaso by unknown artist of 18. cent. -

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD

First Reading: Acts 5:12-16

Psalm: Ps 117:2-4. 22-27. "Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting. "
Second Reading: Revelation 1:9-13. 17-19

Gospel Acclamation: John 20:29

Gospel: John 20:19-31

Homily

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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Second Sunday of Easter. Year C. Divine Mercy Sunday - Sunday, April 28, 2019 by clicking this link here:   https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-easter-2c-divine-mercy-sunday-2019/s-eD2ZY  (EPISODE: 155)

++++++++++Our prayers and thoughts are with the people of Sri Lanka who have suffered multiple attacks on Christian Churches during  Easter Sunday services,  and also attacks at hotels.  We pray for all affected by this act of callous violence. Let us pray that human life and dignity and religious freedom will be respected.  

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This Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday, where we recall the absolute mercy and love that Jesus has for all humanity.   

Speaking of God's divine mercy. God's mercy is better and more profound than any human mercy or compassion could even imagine.  We cannot downplay the significance of how different Jesus' reunion with his disciples is after he rose from the dead, from how the expectations of the world might be…   After all, Jesus had been betrayed and abandoned by most of his followers and almost all of his disciples. Only a few loyal women stayed with him through it all…  his chosen disciples mostly scattered in fear. The one Jesus chose to be the rock on which he would build his church, denied him three times.   Now he is risen and he returns to meet them…   would not one expect (if this were merely an earthly drama), that there would be revenge, retribution, or at least an extended session of guilt trips and finger-pointing…  But no…. there is not a hint of judgement in our Lord's return….   He does not even punish Thomas for his doubt and his demands before he would believe the news that Our Lord had indeed risen.  

Christ meets Thomas where he is at.. and shows Thomas what he needed to be assured…  he shows him his hands and side…   That is mercy. That is compassion. It is also service and love.  This is God's ways which are so very different from many of the ways of the world….   

In the Easter narratives…. "The risen Jesus is encountered by different disciples in different situations and different ways….
•          Mary Magdalene recognised the risen Jesus only when he called her by name.
•          The two disciples travelling along the road towards Emmaus, did not realise WHO this stranger was who walked along with them…. until they saw him break bread ….. and then they realised that their hearts had already been burning with fervour as they had walked along the road….. but they had not recognised the signs of Christ's presence …. But the disciples would get better and better at recognising Christ in the Eucharist… and in the word of God and in the stranger… and in the burning energy of God's good news…
•          and then again today…..   some people do not recognise Jesus until they touch the wounds of the suffering one…..
May we continue to recognise Christ's presence, whenever we touch the wounded-ness of those around us and offer support and strength….

 One could assume that Thomas is doubting that Jesus had been raised from the dead. ……..But if we look at this incident very carefully,  it could be argued that in fact it not Jesus whom Thomas doubts,  but rather, Thomas is expressing doubt in his fellow disciples. In fact when Jesus appears to them seven days later, Thomas has the opportunity to share in the experience of the Risen Lord and like the others he immediately confesses Easter faith.

So, this passage can also be saying…..   do not be tempted to doubt the proclamation of the Disciples…. Which is the constant message of the church throughout its two thousand and more years of history,… that Jesus is truly risen…. Even if we have not seen it for ourselves and touched the very wounds of the risen Christ, …  we trust in the testimony of those apostles who did see him and who did touch his hand and side and took broken bread from his hands…. and whose words are written in scripture so that we  now share in their message and believe, and also share fully in the life of the risen Lord, that Jesus offers us to us all….
The first reading gives a picture of the early Christian church community as it grows in numbers and in strength, with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The apostles are doing what Jesus did.  Jesus is working in and through them.  The first reading mentions that they all met by common agreement, and it illustrates in the first reading, some ways in which this Christian community was a powerful source of Christ's healing to those in need. 

We need the community…. And we need that important gathering together to unite our hearts and minds to that of Christ and his gospel…. We know implicitly that coming together as the Body of Christ, the church, is never an added extra…  there is no such thing as a solo Christian…  even when we work at times individually….we are nevertheless united in a common bond with Christ and one another.  The community of disciples, the church, ensures that we are always one in Christ…. And not merely walking to the beat of our own individual drum………… nor making up our own faith and practice as we go.  

In a world where individualism is strong and a deeply valued quality…..  the idea of being united and focusing on unity (in Christ), whilst at the same time not denying the value of unity in diversity, is a careful balancing act, not to be taken lightly…
Jesus wants us to be ONE IN HIM….. he wants to unite us in the communion of his loving relationship with the Father and the Holy Spirit.  Jesus wants us to be united in the belief and experience of him as the Risen Son of God… who invites us to share in his life and participate in his Kingdom forever. 

 We pray for the grace to be people of unity and healing…. who constantly act and work in ways that build up unity, protects against fragmentation…..
 
We pray for the ability to see and act in ways that put the needs of others up there with our needs…..  so that we might see the whole picture of our participation in one big family….. and not just a lifelong 'solo act'.

Thomas, in the gospel is so inspiring…. he doubted….but he did not leave…. he was still with the disciples the next week….. he struggled…..but the others did not reject him…….    and Jesus strengthened him in his struggle and doubts………..   at times in life… we will have doubts and fears……   Jesus shows us all that we are right to trust in his promises, even when we do not  always experience the confirmation of the truth of these promises with our own eyes, hands and ears…… Thomas is a gift to us in another way. He shows us that the apostles were not gullible or foolish. What they experienced in the Risen Jesus was the experience of sensible people, just like you and me. Thinking people, who do not easily swallow everything we are told, but nevertheless, they truly did experience Jesus risen body and soul and this is what they have steadfastly passed on to all future generations. This is the testimony of sensible, deep-thinking people who know what they mean and mean what they say. 

Today we know that Our Lord is certainly worth trusting in, and all his promises are true…..  we can thank Thomas for Jesus confirming that for all future generations….  including us here and now….
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly
A BOOK OF GRACE-FILLED DAYS. BY Alice Camille
Richard J. Leonard.
MONASTERY OF CHRIST IN THE DESERT. ABBOT'S HOMILY.

Image:  By Renata Sedmakova.  Shutterstock licensed photo ID: 616652993 TURIN, ITALY - MARCH 13, 2017: The The painting The Doubt of St. Thomas in Church Chiesa di Santo Tomaso by unknown artist of 18. cent. -
+++
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,  A time of Christian worship and reflection"  - Led by Rev Paul W. Kelly
Texts used in this programme are for the purposes of worship and prayer for listeners wherever you are.
Prayers and chants are taken from the English Translation of the Roman Missal, edition three, © 2010, The International commission on English in the liturgy.
Scriptures are from the New Revised Standard Version: © 1989,  by the national council of Churches of Christ, USA. , //adaptations to conform with Catholic liturgical norms, © 2009, by the same.
 [{selected psalms } - ***Psalm verses are (also) taken from "The Psalms: A New Translation" ©1963, The Grail (England), published by Collins.. **]

Prayers of the Faithful are adapted from Robert Borg's 1993 book " Together we pray". Published in Sydney Australia By  E.J. Dwyer. (out of print).

{ "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" -published 2011,  Composed and Sung by Jeffrey M. Ostrowski 
Featuring the….Gloria, The Creed, The Kyrie, The Mass parts, Psalms:  http://www.ccwatershed.org/chabanel/  ]]] ] COPYRIGHT @ 2018 CORPUS CHRISTI WATERSHED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  www.ccwatershed.org/vatican/Ralph_Sherwin_Videos/  

"Faith, Hope and Love" theme Hymn:   Words, based on 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, set to original music © 1996 by Paul W. Kelly.

For more details please visit http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au/
Contact us atpaulwkelly68@gmail.com
Production by Kelly Enterprises Resources. 

May God bless and keep you.


Second Sunday of Easter. Year C. Divine Mercy Sunday
(Sunday, April 28, 2019)

(EPISODE: 155 )

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
+++++++++++++
Coming together as brothers and sisters, with confidence let us ask the Fathers forgiveness, for he is full of gentleness and compassion
Lord Jesus, you were lifted up to draw all people to yourself: Lord, have mercy//You shouldered the cross, to bear our suffering and sinfulness: Christ, have mercy// You open for your people the way from death into life: Lord, have mercy//
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
+++++++++++++++++++++

Memorial Acclamation

We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Easter I

Euch Prayer II

Communion side.  pwk:  RH
++++
Go in peace.(glorifying the Lord by your life)

Catholic 731: Easter Sunday Morning of the Resurrection, 2019. Year C

Easter Sunday of the Resurrection, 2019. Year C

Image: By Rachata Sinthopachakul. Shutterstock licensed; photo ID: 1289538154. Empty Tomb: Details of Jesus Christ's Resurrection: Surrealism Background: Easter Day - Image

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
First Reading: Acts 10:34. 37-43
Psalm: Ps 117:1-2. 16-17. 22-23. "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad. "
Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-4
Gospel Acclamation: 1 Corinthians 5:7-8
Gospel: John 20:1-9
Homily
Renewal of Baptismal Promises
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for Easter Sunday of the Resurrection, 2097. Year C -  by clicking this link here:   https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/easter-sunday-year-c-2019/s-jmgev    (EPISODE: 154 )
++++++++++
Our prayers and thoughts are with the people of Sri Lanka who have suffered multiple attacks on Christian Churches during  Easter services,  and also attacks at hotels today.  We pray for all affected by this act of callous violence. Let us pray that human life and dignity and religious freedom will be respected.  
++
At Easter, Our Lord resurrection sends out the most wonderful message to the world.   To people who are struggling.., and those who feel hopeless. ….and also those who feel they will never be good enough, or worthy enough… and those who fear they can never be forgiven… For today's feast says… YES>>>>

The love and dignity that God intends for each and every one of his beloved sons and daughters,  this dignity,  this love,  this life never ends.  Our value and the worth of every person cannot be destroyed or defeated even by the worst that others wrongdoing or lack of reverence can wreak.  And the harm that people can do in this world is enormous. But, God's last and final right of reply, speaks much louder than that! Our Lord's Resurrection sends a message to all the world, that all who suffer, matter greatly to the Lord, and God will not forget them nor fail (later if not sooner) to give them and restore to them the dignity that the world so often denies them.  Hatred, violence, failure to give people the dignity and care they need…  these things will not prevail over Our God of faithfulness and justice. Jesus has definitively and permanently "thrown in his lot" with us … and promises to bring him through to where he has gone ahead of us. Meanwhile, we are made bold in our determination to stand up for those who suffer and who call out for respect and to do everything possible to give practical help and care to those in need. Christ shows us they are worth every effort. And this effort will ultimately not be in vain, no matter what the obstacles.

God is with us, God will never abandon us… God truly is at work renewing us,  restoring us,  vindicating those who have been mistreated ...and give us new hope .. new life… and indescribable mercy….

- Jesus is an unequivocal "yes" — the enormous and seemingly thankless and much-derided cost of self-sacrifice and service, love, compassion, mercy, gentleness, and generosity of spirit… of thinking more of others and less of ourselves… is all worth it.

May God bless us and renew us in his astounding love… and ever-abiding faithfulness… and eternal care… and may our lives be more and more marked by these wonderful qualities marked by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ ....  with every new day…..

+++++
References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image: By Rachata Sinthopachakul. Shutterstock licensed; photo ID: 1289538154. Empty Tomb: Details of Jesus Christ's Resurrection: Surrealism Background: Easter Day - Image
++++++
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,  A time of Christian worship and reflection"  - Led by Rev Paul W. Kelly
Texts used in this programme are for the purposes of worship and prayer for listeners wherever you are.
Prayers and chants are taken from the English Translation of the Roman Missal, edition three, © 2010, The International Commission on English in the liturgy.
Scriptures are from the New Revised Standard Version: © 1989,  by the national council of Churches of Christ, USA. , //adaptations to conform with Catholic liturgical norms, © 2009, by the same.
 [{selected psalms } - ***Psalm verses are (also) taken from "The Psalms: A New Translation" ©1963, The Grail (England), published by Collins.. **]

Prayers of the Faithful are adapted from Robert Borg's 1993 book " Together we pray". Published in Sydney Australia By  E.J. Dwyer. (out of print).

{ "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" -published 2011,  Composed and Sung by Jeffrey M. Ostrowski  
Featuring the….Gloria,:  http://www.ccwatershed.org/chabanel/  ]]] ] COPYRIGHT @ 2018 CORPUS CHRISTI WATERSHED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  www.ccwatershed.org/vatican/Ralph_Sherwin_Videos/  

"Faith, Hope and Love" theme Hymn:   original music © 1996 by Paul W. Kelly.

For more details please visit http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au/
Contact us atpaulwkelly68@gmail.com
Production by Kelly Enterprises Resources. 

May God bless and keep you.

Easter Sunday of the Resurrection,
(EPISODE: 154 )

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
+++++++++++++
Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins,
and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.
Lord Jesus, you have revealed yourself as the way to the Father: Lord, have mercy//You have poured out on your people the Spirit of truth: Christ, have mercy//You are the Good Shepherd, leading us to eternal life: Lord, have mercy.//
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
+++++++++++++++++++++

+++++++++++++
Memorial Acclamation

We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Easter I

Euch Prayer One

Communion side.  pwk:  RH
++++
Go in peace.glorifying the Lord by your life. Alleluia, Alleluia.

Catholic 730: Easter Vigil - Holy Saturday Night – 2019

Easter Vigil - Holy Saturday Night – 2019  

Image By Romolo Tavani  Shutterstock - stock photo ID: 1032130249, Crucifixion At Sunrise - Empty Tomb With Shroud - Resurrection Of Jesus Christ - Image

Easter Proclamation:  (The Exsultet)
Old Testament Readings and Psalms
•       Genesis 1:1-2:4a and Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26
•       Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18; 8:6-18; 9:8-13 and Psalm 46
•       Genesis 22:1-18 and Psalm 16
•       Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21 and Exodus 15:1b-13, 17-18
•       Isaiah 55:1-11 and Isaiah 12:2-6
•       Baruch 3:9-15, 3:32-4:4 or Proverbs 8:1-8, 19-21; 9:4b-6 and Psalm 19
•       Ezekiel 36:24-28 and Psalm 42, 43
•       Ezekiel 37:1-14 and Psalm 143
•       Zephaniah 3:14-20 and Psalm 98
New Testament Reading and Psalm
•       Romans 6:3-11 and Psalm 114
-       Gospel-  Luke 24:1-12   
++++
Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Easter Vigil  2019 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/holy-saturday-night-vigil-2019/s-1xouj    (EPISODE: 153 )
+++++
At Easter, Our Lord resurrection sends out the most wonderful message to the world.   To people who are struggling.., and those who feel hopeless. ….and also those who feel they will never be good enough, or worthy enough… and those who fear they can never be forgiven… For today's feast says… YES>>>>

the love and dignity that God intends for each and every one of his beloved sons and daughters,  this dignity,  this love,  this life never ends.  Our value and the worth of every person cannot be destroyed or defeated even by the worst that others wrongdoing or lack of reverence can wreak.  And the harm that people can do in this world is enormous. However, Our Lord's Resurrection sends a message to all the world, that all who suffer, matter greatly to the Lord, and God will not forget them nor fail (later if not sooner) to give them and restore to them the dignity that the world so often denies them.  Hatred, violence, failure to give people the dignity and care they need…  these things will not prevail over Our God of faithfulness and justice. Jesus has definitively and permanently "thrown in his lot" with us … and promises to bring him through to where he has gone ahead of us. Meanwhile, we are made bold in our determination to stand up for those who suffer and who call out for respect and to do everything possible to give practical help and care to those in need. Christ shows us they are worth every effort. And this effort will ultimately not be in vain, no matter what the obstacles.

God is with us, God will never abandon us… God truly is at work renewing us,  restoring us,  vindicating those who have been mistreated ...and give us new hope .. new life… and indescribable mercy…. 

- Jesus is an unequivocal "yes" — the enormous and seemingly thankless and much-derided cost of self-sacrifice and service, love, compassion, mercy, gentleness, and generosity of spirit… of thinking more of others and less of ourselves… is all worth it.  

May God bless us and renew us in his astounding love… and ever-abiding faithfulness… and eternal care… and may our lives be more and more marked by these wonderful qualities marked by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ ....  with every new day….. 
 
+++++
References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

I acknowledge the beautiful chanting of the Exsultet (the Easter proclamation ), the Gloria and the Easter Alleluia; chants from the Roman Missal edition 3,  recorded by www.CCwatershed.org media   COPYRIGHT @ 2018 CORPUS CHRISTI  WATERSHED   especially at http://www.ccwatershed.org/blog/2012/feb/23/video-recording-paschal-proclamation-exsultet-plus/    and also specifically at  http://www.ccwatershed.org/media/audio/14/12/08/19-00-19_0.mp3 

Image By Romolo Tavani  Shutterstock - stock photo ID: 1032130249
Crucifixion At Sunrise - Empty Tomb With Shroud - Resurrection Of Jesus Christ - Image

+++
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,  A time of Christian worship and reflection"  - Led by Rev Paul W. Kelly
Texts used in this programme are for the purposes of worship and prayer for listeners wherever you are.
Prayers and chants are taken from the English Translation of the Roman Missal, edition three, © 2010, The International commission on English in the liturgy.
Scriptures are from the New Revised Standard Version: © 1989,  by the national council of Churches of Christ, USA. , //adaptations to conform with Catholic liturgical norms, © 2009, by the same.
 [{selected psalms } - ***Psalm verses are (also) taken from "The Psalms: A New Translation" ©1963, The Grail (England), published by Collins.. **]

Prayers of the Faithful are adapted from Robert Borg's 1993 book " Together we pray". Published in Sydney Australia By  E.J. Dwyer. (out of print).

{ "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" -published 2011,  Composed and Sung by Jeffrey M. Ostrowski 
Featuring the….Gloria, Alleluia, Exsultet:  http://www.ccwatershed.org/chabanel/  ]]] ] COPYRIGHT @ 2018 CORPUS CHRISTI WATERSHED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.  www.ccwatershed.org/vatican/Ralph_Sherwin_Videos/  

"Faith, Hope and Love" theme Hymn:   original music © 1996 by Paul W. Kelly.

For more details please visit http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au/
Contact us atpaulwkelly68@gmail.com
Production by Kelly Enterprises Resources. 

May God bless and keep you.

Catholic 729: Good Friday Friday of the Passion of the Lord 3 PM - 2019

Good Friday Friday of the Passion of the Lord 3 PM -  2019 

Image: by  Romolo Tavani Shutterstock used with permission, under license. photo ID: 1034009389. Crucifixion Of Jesus Christ At Sunrise - Three Crosses On Hill - Image

Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers, and reflections for Good Friday Passion -  by clicking this link here:   https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/good-friday-3pm-passion-of-our-lord-2019/s-UtlmA    (EPISODE: 152 )

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LITURGY OF THE WORD
First Reading: Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12
Psalm: Ps 30:2. 6. 12-13. 15-17. 25. "Father, I put my life in your hands"
Second Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
Gospel Acclamation: Philippians 2:8-9
Passion: John 18:1 - 19:42
Homily
Solemn Intercessions
Veneration of the Cross
Communion
Departure in Silence

(Traditionally on Holy Friday, a special collection is taken up in support of the upkeep of the Holy Places in the Holy Lands. For more information, please see:  https://myfranciscan.org/good-friday/)
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By Purely earthly standards, Our Lord's ministry when it ended with his execution on the Cross, would have been judged (by purely HUMAN standards) to have been an unmitigated disaster and a monumental failure.  (That is if one only looks at his ministry and death with the short-sightedness of earthly eyes). His ministry was very brief...  possibly only three years long,  and no longer than six years. At the end of this time, most of his followers scattered, one of his closest disciples betrayed him, and the leader Christ had handpicked had denied him three times and fled. In addition, Jesus was arrested like a common bandit and was wrongly accused of Blasphemy and of being a dangerous heretic. he was also unjustly charged with treason towards the Roman Emperor.  He was executed as a common criminal.  

Human law was a bit ambivalent here, though. Because even human law found him innocent. He was declared not guilty by the highest human authority of that area - governor Pontius Pilate.  nevertheless, he was still executed. 

By earthly standards, Jesus was assumed to be a criminal, a failure, and a blasphemer.  He was considered like a person cursed.  He was considered to be outside of God's people and sentenced to be damned for all time.   

But this is why today and the Passion of our Lord is the greatest example of two things:  1.  Appearances can be deceiving.  and 

2.  God's ways are not like human ways. God's idea of true success and glory do not always follow the way of the world.  

So, for anyone and for all people who have ever been brought down by the capricious standards of purely human judgement...  if one has ever suffered judgement or condemnation by the world as being a failure or a lost cause or an outsider.. today's Passion gives new sight,  new meaning and new hope ... for God has the final say and it is surprising ......

Christ is the visible expression of God.  And, as we commemorate the solemn festival of Our Lord's suffering and death..  we see that Jesus shows us God's love (which is deeper and more heartfelt than anyone could ever fathom)… and he is the visible expression of God's mercy, compassion, and kindness… Christ is also the expression of God's Kingdom, God's priorities and values…  and they are beautifully different from what the world often values highest….    

our Lord shows us that God is complete, self-sacrificing love and mercy…  Christ is "self-emptying love and service for others"….   Jesus is about giving the very last drop of his blood out of love and service to others….  

Through Christ's suffering and death, we are saved..  we are freed..  we are forgiven..  we are given hope to endure all the many "little deaths" and trials and suffering of this world..  For God has the final say.. and it is a profound word of hope and love…  

In a short while we will come forward to show reverence to the wood of the Holy Cross….. each in our own way...   some with a touch, some with a bow,,  some kissing the wood of the cross,,,   .....as we show our individual veneration of the Cross…   We nail, as it were, to the cross of Christ, all our sins..  our trials..  our temptations..  our failings..  our doubts..  our pride.. our selfishness.. our lack of compassion..  our failures to love…   our illness..   our worries..  our thwarted priorities….  

We also think of all who suffer pain, poverty, injustice, sorrow...  we pray for all whose lives are treated without respect or dignity,,,  even those nameless people suffering without any regard to the fact that God loves everyone and not one single person's life is undeserving of respect and dignity. Jesus death on the cross speaks on behalf of all who suffer p, especially those most invisible, those most forgotten. They are never forgotten by God, nor should they ever be by us. Christ's death on the cross reminds every generation that those who appear to think they are denying dignity and respect to anyone in this life are wrong. And God suffers with them and will raise them up with him. Violence and hatred only appear to have the last word but actually, God does. And that word is faithfulness, love, dignity. 

When it comes time to venerate the cross,  each of us is invited to think (quietly to oneself and to God, who is in the secret places of our heart)… Think of what you are nailing to the cross as you come forward, for Christ died to save us…  to include us…  to show us God's mercy and that God is faithful…   yes..  even in our darkest hour…..    

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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly+++++

Image by  Romolo Tavani Shutterstock used with permission, under license. photo ID: 1034009389. Crucifixion Of Jesus Christ At Sunrise - Three Crosses On Hill - Image
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Archive of homilies and reflections:  http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email: paulwkelly68@gmail.com

To listen to my weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here.
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,  A time of Christian worship and reflection"  - Led by Rev Paul W. Kelly
Texts used in this programme are for the purposes of worship and prayer for listeners wherever you are.
Prayers and chants are taken from the English Translation of the Roman Missal, edition three, © 2010, The International Commission on English in the liturgy.
Scriptures are from the New Revised Standard Version: © 1989,  by the national council of Churches of Christ, USA. , //adaptations to conform with Catholic liturgical norms, © 2009, by the same.

For more details please visit http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au/
Contact us atpaulwkelly68@gmail.com
Production by Kelly Enterprises Resources. 

May God bless and keep you.