Sixth Sunday of Easter. Year A - Sunday, May 17, 2020

Sixth Sunday of Easter. Year A - Sunday, May 17, 2020

Readings for 6th Sunday of Easter A
FIRST READING: Acts 8:5-8, 14-17
Ps 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16+20. "Let all the earth cry out to God with joy"
SECOND READING: 1 Pet 3:15-18
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 14:23). Alleluia, alleluia! All who love me will keep my words, and my Father will love them and we will come to them.
GOSPEL: John 14:15-21
 
Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of tongues of fire. Abstract artistic modern digital colour sketch illustration. By Thoom  
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Sixth Sunday of Easter. Year A - Sunday, May 17, 2020, by clicking this link here:   https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/easter-6a-2020-episode-228/s-B0mw0d6Tp7j   (EPISODE: 228)
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Prologue: (Fr Paul Kelly) Jesus asked the apostles to love him and to follow his commandments, for this is the way to have life. This is the way to experience the love of the Heavenly Father. There is really only one commandment, the single command to love. If we love Jesus, then we have a love for one another. When we live the values and commands Jesus lived in his own life—humility, joy, peace, compassion and love —we are doing the will of the Father.   It is also the Spirit of Truth who helps us to understand the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in our lives even now and always.
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The Homily this weekend will be given by Fr. Peter Dillon.

There is certainly no other time in my life when I have been so anxious to follow rules. No other time when I have wanted to hear what government leaders have wanted us to know. No other time when I have followed instructions so carefully and allowed myself to trust people I have never met and maybe didn't vote for. As a nation, we are actually putting our faith in our political and scientific leaders, instead of trying to be critical and argumentative as we usually do.

I believe there are a great many similarities between the guidance that Jesus gave his disciples and the rules that we are now living through with the COVID 19 virus. Their purpose is the same. That we would live safely, happily and healthily. That we would cooperate with each other to ensure that all people are given the same chance to live life in the best way possible. That we would take care of those who need a hand and accept the help of those so ready to assist.  

Things which are seen as restrictions are really just sensible practices at a time when factors beyond our control are impacting our lives. Jesus was wanting his followers to be able to make the best of their lives when times were difficult, not by restricting them, but by providing them with strategies for living the best lives they could manage. It really depends if we see restrictions and disciplines as a form of punishment or as a lesson for life, as impeding our happiness or as a means to contentment.

In today's Gospel passage we hear part of the farewell discourse of Jesus during the last supper. He is about the leave them and wants to give them what seems like some last-minute instructions so that they will be prepared for what is to come next and how they will cope without his physical presence. In these last hours with the disciples, he spoke about the essentials. Many of the things he said were naturally directed towards the future, at how he wanted them to live when he was gone. One of the things he said to them was "If you love me, keep my commandments".

These days we don't feel comfortable using the word 'commandment". We are people who want to exercise free will and don't really want to obey anyone. What Jesus is referring to is following his way of life, rather than a specific set of rules. What is involved here is 'Christian Discipleship' that is, making the effort to listen to his words and live by them. To see the wisdom of his words and the sensible reality of doing what he did.

But let's be clear about one thing. We don't keep God's commandments so that he will love us, we keep his commandments because he loves us. This was his primary instruction to the apostles, that they should love one another as he had loved them, and that love was to be unconditional.

They were to replicate his love so that they could navigate their way through what was to be a somewhat treacherous journey ahead. What initially sounded like a demanding obligation would become their greatest support. It would benefit not only them but the recipient of that love.  

The greatest need each of us has is for real, unconditional love, yet we find it hard to believe that that is how God could love us. We think that it comes with conditions and a cost. We tend to believe that God only loves us when we are good.

God loves us not because we are good, but because he is good. Our very existence is a sign of God's love. Our response is to try to return that love, not to God directly, but to the image of God as found in those around us. That's when it gets difficult – to love those we can see, as opposed to God whom we cannot see. It is particularly difficult when others do not return that love immediately. 

Jesus showed his love for the Father through his obedience even when it cost him his life. Similarly, we are then asked to show our love for Jesus by following him in obedience to his law of love. To love God is to obey and to obey God is to love.

The issue with obedience is that it implies that there are rules to be followed, and if we don't understand the reason behind the rules then we find it difficult to follow them. Perhaps if we saw that Jesus was offering guidelines to make the journey more fulfilling, rather than worrying about some sort of punishment for breaking the regulations, we might better understand his approach.

His guidelines are spread throughout the Gospels and the themes are often repeated or reinforced through his teaching and the parables. Themes like, loving your enemies and forgiving those who sin against you. Giving generously and letting your light shine before people to help them find their way to God.

Equally, he suggested that we should not return evil for evil and do not judge your neighbour. His constant reference to not worrying about food or drink or clothes, but rather storing up our treasure in heaven.

Perhaps most appropriate for these days of isolation, that we should not give up when times are tough, but to keep on trusting in Jesus and the promises of God the Father.

Now these don't sound like rules to be followed, but rather wise counsel for navigating the hurdles and pitfalls of life.
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References:
fr Peter Dillon

Prologue by Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of tongues of fire. Abstract artistic modern digital colour sketch illustration. By Thoom 

Sixth Sunday of Easter. Year A  (Sunday, May 17, 2020)  (EPISODE: 228 )
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.}}

Brothers and sisters, the Lord is full of love and mercy. And so, as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries, let us acknowledge our sins.
Lord Jesus, you healed the sick: Lord, have mercy//Lord Jesus, you forgave sinners: Christ, have mercy//Lord Jesus, you give us yourself to heal us and bring us strength: Lord, have mercy.
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
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Memorial Acclamation
3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.
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PREFACE: Easter V
Euch Prayer II
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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:  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.  

- "Faith, Hope and Love" theme hymn - in memory of  William John Kelly -     Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

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

-Lenten Hymn: "Have Mercy," inspired by Psalm 50(51). Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2020
[ Production -  KER -  2020] 

May God bless and keep you. 
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Fifth Sunday of Easter. Year A - Sunday, May 10, 2020

Fifth Sunday of Easter. Year A - Sunday, May 10, 2020

(Mother's Day)
Readings for 5th Sunday of Easter A
FIRST READING: Acts 6:1-7
Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19. "Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you."
SECOND READING: 1 Pet 2:4-9
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 14:6). Alleluia, alleluia! I am the way, the truth and the Life, says the Lord. No one comes to the Father, except through me.
GOSPEL: John 14:1-12

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed stock photo ID: 269645273.Door among many. By pathdoc
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Fifth Sunday of Easter. Year A - Sunday, May 10, 2020 by clicking this link here https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/easter-5a-2020-episode-227/s-t1tDSZqIU3U   (EPISODE: 227)
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Prologue: (Fr Paul): Happy Mother's Day to all mums as we here in Australia celebrate Mother's Day. Different parts of the world celebrate mother's Day on different dates in the year, but whatever date it is celebrated; it is no coincidence that Christ used the image of an unconditionally loving parent to describe an essential characteristic of God's nature. What better example of unconditional love can be witnessed than the love of a Mother or a Father for their cherished child? Christ wants us to know and experience the deep and abiding love that God has for us, in calling us God's daughters and sons.  This weekend we pray for all Mothers, that they may be blessed for their goodness, kindness and self-forgetting love.

The road we choose to take must be one of faith. To travel the faith road, we must live lives which are "turned to God," – that is, dependent upon him for all that we do. Jesus has said that if we have faith in him, we have faith in the Father, for he and the Father are one. Jesus has promised us that with faith we will be able to do his works. The works of the Father through Jesus were to teach, heal, and comfort. They were the works of helping to discover the truth, life, and love. When we do these works, we can say with Jesus, "It is the Father who lives in me accomplishing his works."
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Fr Peter Dillon. Homily.

My 91-year-old aunt phoned me the other day to tell me that she had met up with her four daughters and 15 of her grandchildren. Before I could chide her for breaking the lock-down rules she told me that she had met with them on a Zoom conference. A new computer program that allows people to meet and have discussions with a number of people at once while staying safely in your own home. Besides shaming me by doing something I am yet to do, she actually understood how it worked. She said all I had to do was download the app and then follow the prompts. "It's all too easy," she said, adding that if I don't get with it I will get left behind.

 I have always had a great admiration for the older members of our community who are anxious to learn new things. Seniors who are seen to push beyond what must be comfortable and familiar to make sure that they are able to stay in contact with contemporary opportunities, recognizing that every era is someone's past and someone else's future.

I was reminded of what it must have felt like for those who heard for the first time about the innovations or otherwise of Vatican II when they must have thought the Church had gone mad. Why would we change something that had served us so well and given us such clear direction and comfort over many years?

They might be saying, "Don't take away those things that have given us security by trying to bring God closer to us. It's the same old God, let's not change the way we honour him" and still today they long for the 'good old days'.

There's a great danger of looking back with nostalgia to the 'Good Old Days', especially as we advance in years. We tend to think that the past was better than the present, and we can become fearful that the decline will continue in the future.

Certainly, there was much that was good in the past. We were in the prime of youth, and now the years have taken their toll. But we also tend to edit our memories and forget what was bad in the past.

Those who extol the Victorian Values of the Industrial Revolution -- the inventiveness of the entrepreneur -- overlook the human cost in the appalling conditions of labour. In contrast, working conditions are now far better, and medicine has made an enormous improvement in our health.

Today's first reading sparked off these thoughts. There's a great danger of idealizing the Infant Church. The Acts of the Apostles tells us that the Christian community was of one mind and heart and held everything in common. Certainly, there was the enthusiastic zeal which you would expect of any recently formed group. And this was fired by the Holy Spirit.

But as you read the Acts of the Apostles and Paul's letters, you soon realize that all was not sweetness and light. Some conservative Jewish converts tried to undermine Paul's mission to the pagans. And he had such a disagreement with Barnabas that they could no longer work together. Two incompatible saints!

Again, the Church in Corinth, which Paul himself had founded, was torn by feuding factions and caused him great sorrow. Everything was not peace and harmony among the Christians of Corinth, nor in their relationship with Paul.

In today's first reading we learn of another failure in the life of the early Church in Jerusalem. A very vulnerable section of its community -- poor Greek widows -- was being neglected. Converts from Judaism overlooked the widows in the daily distribution of food. That showed a serious lack of care and concern and undermined the unity of the community. Not surprisingly, there were complaints.

This incident should warn us against being starry-eyed about the first Christians. But more importantly, when the Church recognized its failure it immediately took steps to remedy the fault. And it used great imagination in finding a solution.

Seven deacons were given the special task of caring for the widows. That released others to concentrate on preaching. By allotting different tasks to different people, the life of the Church developed. What had started as a failure became an opportunity for growth.

That has been the pattern throughout the history of the Church. Certainly, holiness is one of the essential marks of the Church, as providing us with the means to sanctity, and in fact, producing great saints.

Nevertheless, the Church's members are all flawed. We are sinners and have blind-spots about our faults. But under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, reformers have opened our eyes to our failures. This has led to the community developing imaginative solutions, sometimes new ministries.

This is much more than filling in the gaps; having to find new solutions to fresh problems provides an opportunity for positive development in the life of the Church. More people are enabled to use the variety of their talents in the service of God. We've seen that happen in our own day.

And we must expect this process to continue in the future. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Church should recognize new needs and may find unexpected solutions. That's a sign of its vitality -- not by trying to recapture an idealized past, which never existed.

Although this can create unsettling uncertainty, we can be confident that the Holy Spirit will continue to guarantee that any development in the Church will be consistent with its nature, not a betrayal.

Today's first reading shows us that our very failures can become the springboard to future progress. Now that's encouraging, life-giving and very exciting!
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References:
Fr Peter Dillon

Prologue: Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed stock photo ID: 269645273. door among many. By Pathdoc.
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Fifth Sunday of Easter. Year A  (Sunday, May 10, 2020)  (EPISODE: 227 )
The Lord be with you.
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This weekend, we give thanks to God for all mothers...   on this mother's day weekend...   In Australia and the USA, that celebration is today.....   other nations have different dates...  and we give thanks for the care and love of mothers...   and pray that they receive joy, health and peace...  

Brothers and sisters, as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the Lord,s supper, let us recall our sins and acknowledge them in silence.
Lord Jesus, you raise us to new life: Lord, have mercy// //Lord Jesus, you forgive us our sins: Christ, have mercy//Lord Jesus, you feed us with your body and blood: Lord, have mercy//
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
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Let us pray in heartfelt thanksgiving to God, for all Mums on this Mother's Day weekend. That God bless them .  for their unconditional love and care. ………..(PAUSE)……. Lord hear us

For those who have passed into eternal life.....especially all dear-departed mothers, who have gone to their eternal rest and remain in cherished memory. That they now are enjoying the heavenly and eternal banquet feast of the Kingdom...... ………..(PAUSE)……. Lord hear us

Memorial Acclamation
2. When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.
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PREFACE: Easter IV
Euch prayer III
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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 and announce the Gospel of the Lord.

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

To listen to my weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here.
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.

- "Faith, Hope and Love" theme hymn - in memory of  William John Kelly -     Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

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

-Lenten Hymn: "Have Mercy," inspired by Psalm 50(51). Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2020
[ Production -  KER -  2020]

May God bless and keep you. 
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Mass for you at home The Blessing of Human Work. On occasion of the Labour Day weekend

For the blessing of human labour. – St Joseph the worker.

Readings for St Joseph the worker
FIRST READING: Colossians 3:14-15, 17, 23-24 (JB)
PSALM: Ps 89:2-4, 12-14, 16 (JB). "Lord, give success to the work of our hands."
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION: Ps 67:20 (JB). "Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed be the Lord day after day, the God who saves us and bears our burdens. Alleluia!"
GOSPEL: Matthew 13:54-58 (JB)
 

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed Photo by Luke Jones on Unsplash
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the blessing of human labour.– St Joseph the worker by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-joseph-the-worker-on-the-dignity-of-human-work/s-FcVBzlGQfRl  
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Prologue: This weekday Mass celebration is utilizing the prayers and readings from the Commemoration of Saint Joseph the Worker. Patron of all workers. A fitting celebration and commemoration on this Labour Day holiday here in Queensland and around the world. To capture the devotion to Saint Joseph within the Catholic liturgy, in 1870, Pope Pius IX declared Saint Joseph the patron of the universal Church. In 1955, Pope Pius XII added the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker. This silent saint, who was given the noble task of caring and watching over the Virgin Mary and Jesus, now cares for and watches over the Church and models for all the dignity of human work. In this time of pandemic, and huge economic disruption, we keep in mind all workers. Especially the wonderful medical people and the emergency services, and leaders making difficult decisions for the good of people's lives, and all essential industry workers, including teachers, and postal workers, truck drivers, construction and maintenance people...supermarket attendants, the list is too long to finish...   We pray for workers who are struggling with the loss of jobs and income and businesses – suffering greatly too. We are all beloved children of God, who desires dignity and the needs and concerns of all to be heard.
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The Story of Saint Joseph the Worker

To foster deep devotion to Saint Joseph among Catholics, Pope Pius XII instituted the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker in 1955. This feast extends the long relationship between Joseph and the cause of workers in both Catholic faith and devotion. Beginning in the Book of Genesis, the dignity of human work has long been celebrated as a participation in the creative work of God. By work, humankind both fulfils the command found in Genesis to care for the earth (Gn 2:15) and to be productive in their labours. Saint Joseph, the carpenter and foster father of Jesus, is but one example of the holiness of human labour.
Jesus, too, was a carpenter. He learned the trade from Saint Joseph and spent his early adult years working side-by-side in Joseph's carpentry shop before leaving to pursue his ministry as preacher and healer. In his encyclical Laborem Exercens, Saint John Paul II stated: "the Church considers it her task always to call attention to the dignity and rights of those who work, to condemn situations in which that dignity and those rights are violated, and to help to guide [social] changes so as to ensure authentic progress by people and society."

Saint Joseph is held up as a model of such work. Pius XII emphasized this when he said, "The spirit flows to you and to all men from the heart of the God-man, Jesus the Savior of the world,/ but certainly, no worker was ever, more completely and profoundly penetrated by it than the foster father of Jesus, who lived with Him in closest intimacy and community of family life and work."(1)
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The long catholic tradition of appreciating the dignity of human labour reminds us that the economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God's creation. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected--the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to the organization and joining of unions, to private property, and to economic initiative. (2)

As mentioned, the scriptures have much to say, directly, about God's view of human work and the dignity of every person.
Scripture
•     Genesis 2:1-3
 God rests on the seventh day.

•     Genesis 2:15
 God settles men in the garden of Eden to cultivate and care for it.

•     Deuteronomy 5:13-15
 The Sabbath is for everyone—all are allowed to rest from their work.

•     Deuteronomy 14:28-29
 The Lord blesses our work so that we may share its fruits with others.

•     Deuteronomy 24:14-15
 Do not withhold wages from your workers, for their livelihood depends on them.

•     Sirach 34:26-27
 To deprive an employee of wages is to commit murder.

•     Isaiah 58:3-7
 To observe religious practices, but oppress your workers is false worship.

•     Jeremiah 22:13
 Woe to him who treats his workers unjustly.
•     Matthew 20:1-16
 All workers should be paid a just and living wage.

•     Mark 2:27
 The Sabbath was made for people, not people for the Sabbath.

•     Luke 3:10-14
 Practice integrity in your work.

•     Luke 12:13-21
 One's worth is not determined by an abundance of possessions.

•     James 5:1-6
 Those who become rich by abusing their workers have sinned against God.
Tradition

Work should be the setting for this rich personal growth, where many aspects of life enter into play: creativity, planning for the future, developing our talents, living out our values, relating to others, giving glory to God. It follows that, in the reality of today's global society, it is essential that "we continue to prioritize the goal of access to steady employment for everyone." We were created with a vocation to work. The goal should not be that technological progress increasingly replace human work, for this would be detrimental to humanity. Work is a necessity, part of the meaning of life on this earth, a path to growth, human development and personal fulfilment. Helping the poor financially must always be a provisional solution in the face of pressing needs. The broader objective should always be to allow them a dignified life through work. (Pope Francis, On Care for Our Common Home [Laudato Si. . . '], nos. 127-28) (2)

We must work, out of regard for others, especially our own family, but also for the society we belong to, the country of which we are a child and the whole human family of which we are members since we are the heir to the work of generations and at the same time a sharer in building the future of those who will come after us in the succession of history. (St. John Paul II, On Human Work [Laborem Exercens]. . . , no. 16) (2)
 
As the Church solemnly reaffirmed in the recent Council, "the beginning, the subject and the goal of all social institutions is and must be the human person." All men have the right to work, to a chance to develop their qualities and their personalities in the exercise of their professions, to equitable remuneration which will enable them and their families "to lead a worthy life on the material, social, cultural and spiritual level" and to assist in case of need arising from sickness or age. (Saint Paul VI, A Call to Action [Octogesima Adveniens. . . ], no. 14) (2)

Saint Joseph the Worker. Pray for us.
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References:

Fr Paul W. Kelly.

from - https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-joseph-the-worker/
The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers. From http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/the-dignity-of-work-and-the-rights-of-workers.cfm\


Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed Photo by Luke Jones on Unsplash

For the blessing of human labour. – St Joseph the worker
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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Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.
Lord Jesus, you came to reconcile us to the Father and to one another: Lord, have mercy//You heal the wounds of our sin and division: Christ, have mercy// You intercede for us with the Father: Lord, have mercy//
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
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Memorial Acclamation
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
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PREFACE: Preface (Saint Joseph the Worker)
Eucharistic prayer iii
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Go in Peace, glorifying the lord by your life.

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

To listen to 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 - Jerusalem Lectionary 1968. Darton, longman and Todd.
"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).

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

May God bless and keep you. 
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Fourth Sunday of Easter. Year A - Sunday, May 3, 2020

Fourth Sunday of Easter. Year A - Sunday, May 3, 2020

Readings for 4th Sunday of Easter A
FIRST READING: Acts 2:14a, 36-41
Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6. "The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want"
SECOND READING: 1 Pet 2:20b-25
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 10:14). Alleluia, alleluia! I am the good shepherd, says the Lord. I know my sheep and mine know me.
GOSPEL: John 10:1-10
 

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed stock photo ID: 779033308. LONDON, GREAT BRITAIN - SEPTEMBER 14, 2017: The modern painting of Good Shepherd in church St. Mary le Bow from 20. cent. Photo by Renata Sedmakova.
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Fourth Sunday of Easter. Year A - Sunday, May 3, 2020, by clicking this link here https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/easter-4a-2020-episode-226  (EPISODE: 226)
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Prologue (Fr Paul): Jesus gives an example of himself as a good shepherd, the perfect leader. Sadly, the world has witnessed plenty of examples of bad leaders, who were motivated not PRIMARILY or the good of others, but their own ambitions and ego.   Christ, instead,  puts his people first, he knows them personally, and he is not in it for himself, and he literally "gives of himself completely"  for our sakes.  What a superb example and model for leadership/,/, Christ uses the image of the 'shepherd BEING the gate, ---- (there would not be a timber gate, but rather.. the shepherd themselves, 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. The good shepherd literally puts his body on the line, for his beloved.  

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The homily this weekend will be given by Fr. Peter Dillon. 

One of the things I would really like to know is what Jesus voice sounded like. I imagine he spoke with a measured pitch and gentle volume. Not harsh but definitely wanting to impress upon his listeners that he was both honest and serious, not wanting to use a hard-sell approach, not wanting to soften the impact or apologise for the strength of his message. The first thing newborn babies hear is the sound of their parent's voice. They can discern that voice from many others, knowing that is comforting and safe. Whenever they hear that voice, even though they don't always understand what is being said, they know that everything will be alright.

There are some singers in the world whose voice we recognise immediately. People like Adele, Michael Buble, Andrea Bocelli, and Elvis. One of the most trusted people in the world is Sir David Attenborough. Even without meeting him, you can tell from his distinctive tone, concern and authority that he is telling us the truth.

They have distinctive voices that, when we hear them, seem to draw us in to listen. Sometimes teachers, politicians and every so often priests do the same. Something about the timbre and tone of their voice, and the wisdom of the content, make us accept their message as sincere and honest.

Equally, there are the voices that we know right from the start are going to be shallow in truth and make us suspicious, even though they promise us something that will be for our benefit.  They can sound harsh and loud, overbearing and persuasive, yet strangely alluring and attractive. These voices too seem to lead us, but not always in a good direction.

In a world of many voices it is increasingly difficult to know which voices to believe and follow.

With so many conflicting voices, messages and images, we get tired of trying to be careful. We sometimes give up or give in and so we listen to the most tempting voice. The one that tells us how to be wealthy, or thin, or beautiful and powerful, without having to go to too much trouble - the voice that tells us we can have all we want and all we need do is hand over our choices to someone who will go to all the trouble for us. Who wouldn't want that?

In the midst of this comes a voice that suggests we can be both poor and happy. We can be content with loving faithful relationships with just one person. We can be happy by being of service to others. Why would we trust that voice? Why listen to a voice that goes against making the easy choices? A voice that is difficult to hear in a world that seeks to do things the easy and comfortable way.

Sometimes it's only towards the end of our lives when we have looked, listened, loved and learned about life that the voice of Christ can sound soothing, and reassuring. It can offer us explanation and direction because it is mixed with the other truths we have learned throughout our lives, often learnt the hard way. It's really only through trial and error, through tasting and seeing that wisdom starts to settle and we see the sense that we have been hiding from.

Every parent would love to save their child from having to discover this truth the hard way, but why would a child want to listen when the easy softer way is more convenient and immediate.

Of course, it is never too late to find that truth, but it has wasted some valuable time. What's so hard for us to comprehend early in life, is that life to the full is offered all the time, but we always thought there was an easier way.

Clearly we know that many people did not want to hear the truth from Jesus. He was simply wanting to tell them how to be human, but to be human does not mean the same as being human. By virtue of our birth, we are all human beings, but we have to learn what it means to be truly human in our world.
Jesus teaches us that. He takes our inhumanity on his back and carries it to the cross. His way to the cross is his most authentic voice. It speaks of the shepherd wanting to die for his sheep. He dies for what he believes in.

Jesus' way of being human keeps us all on our toes. Sometimes we do appreciate that his way is not strange to our condition; it is the human condition at its finest, but it takes some living of it to discover its truthfulness. Other times we look to ourselves and feel helpless to move with that generosity of spirit. But the voice of Jesus forever calls us. It calls to a deep place within us. A place that recognises the voice of the one who loves us with an everlasting love. And when we hear that voice, we know that it does not belong to a stranger.
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References:

Homily by fr. Peter Dillon.

prologue - Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed stock photo ID: 779033308. LONDON, GREAT BRITAIN - SEPTEMBER 14, 2017: The modern painting of Good Shepherd in church St. Mary le Bow from 20. cent. Photo by Renata Sedmakova.


Fourth Sunday of Easter. Year A  (Sunday, May 3, 2020)  (EPISODE: 226 )
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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{{How are you today}}

As one family in Christ, let us prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries by calling to mind our sins.
Lord Jesus, you are the image of the unseen God: Lord, have mercy.//You are the firstborn of all creation: Christ, have mercy//You are the head of the body, the Church: Lord, have mercy//
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.++++++++++++++++++++
Memorial Acclamation
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
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PREFACE: Easter III
Euch Prayer II
Communion side.  pwk:  LH
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{Cheers and thanks everyone for this time of prayer and reflection - I hope you have a blessed week.}

Go forth, the Mass is ended.

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

To listen to my weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here.
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.

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

May God bless and keep you. 
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Third Sunday of Easter. Year A - Sunday, April 26, 2020

Third Sunday of Easter. Year A - Sunday, April 26, 2020

Readings for 3rd Sunday of Easter A
FIRST READING: Acts 2:14, 22-33 (diff)
Ps 16:1-2a+5, 7-8, 9-10, 11. "Lord, you will show us the path of life."
SECOND READING: 1 Pet 1:17-21
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Luke 24:32). Alleluia, alleluia! Lord Jesus, make your word plain to us. Make our hearts burn with love when you speak.
GOSPEL: Luke 24:13-35
 

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed stock photo ID: 1585608064. Ramla, Israel, December 07, 2019 : Religious icon on the territory of the ruins of the Byzantine church complex on the territory of Emmaus Nicopolis.  Photo by Dmitriy Feldman svarshik.
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Third Sunday of Easter. Year A - Sunday, April 26, 2020 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/easter-3a-202faith-hope-and-love-3a-ep-225/s-swxX5H9wOQF  (EPISODE: 225)
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The homily this weekend will be given by Fr. Peter Dillon.
3^rd Sunday Easter. A – Road to Emmaus

Journeys can be both frustrating and illuminating. We learn about new places, meet new people, see our travelling companions in a new and deeper way.  Pilgrimage is a journey undertaken for a spiritual motive. Places such as Lourdes, Guadalupe, Santiago de Compostela, are still immensely popular today. Each year over 100,000 people from over 100 countries walk over 800 kilometres on the Camino Way in Spain. Many of them having life-changing experiences on the journey. The idea of pilgrimage has only been relatively rediscovered, because we have become so used to fast convenient forms of transport, wanting to get places quickly, thinking more of the destination than the journey itself.  Pilgrimage was a major factor in the religion of Jesus' time, people using the time to reflect on life and its many questions and mysteries.

On the other hand, St Augustine, a fairly well-travelled man, hated journeys of any kind, especially sea voyages, and gave this advice to a friend, who wanted to travel to find God: 'Do not plan long journeys, because whatever you believe in, you have already seen. When a thing is everywhere, the way to find it is not to travel but to love.'

Obviously St Augustine did not have shares in Travel World but he does have a good point. In today's gospel, the two disciples not only break off their journey, but end up back where they started, and what led them to do this was precisely love. Love led them to see something that had been there all along.

In fact the two disciples are making a kind of 'anti-pilgrimage'. They are heading away from Jerusalem, the site of the Temple, of God's presence, and, most recently, the site of the death and resurrection of Christ. They seem to have given up, and to be lost. What Jesus does is to re-orientate them. He turns them round, physically, and they end up returning to Jerusalem.

They are spiritually re-oriented as well. He interprets the familiar, ancient scriptures they have known all their lives, yet shows them their meaning as if for the first time. He shares a meal with them – the traditional sign of hospitality, welcome and acceptance. He reminds them of who they are. Who they can be.

One of the best places for us to hear the scriptures and hopefully re-orientate ourselves is in the liturgy. To overlay the words of the writer over our daily life and recognize the places of convergence and hopefully be moved by them to conversion where that is necessary.

Meister Eckhart: German theologian, philosopher and mystic, 
'Every creature is a book about God'.

Every generation must start the journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus. From the familiar to the unknown. Every generation must fight with its own demons, struggle with its own sadness. On the road to Emmaus, we abandon God, the Church, and the dreams of childhood. And yet there will be that stranger who will join us and encourage us to share our crucified dreams. In that conversation, we will discover that the old worlds, the old creeds, the ancient Alleluias, still burn somewhere in our hearts.  One day we will find ourselves back at a Mass and like those disciples find that our hearts are burning within us.
 
The risen Christ is always on the road to Emmaus. He is a respecter of the pilgrims on the road to nowhere. He is the patient listener to the story of our sadness, and disappointments.  He is there to stir up old hopes. At some point, our eyes will open and we will recognize the Risen Lord walking with us.

Our Christian life is nothing else except the 10k journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus. It is always a journey of discovery: 'Where is the Risen Christ?" How do I experience the presence of God in my life?  The Gospel today gives us the answers. We find the Risen Christ in the Scriptures and their interpretation, in the witness of others, in the life of the faith community, the Church, in the celebration of Eucharist, in our families and communal gatherings, in our conversations with others especially strangers. All that is needed is the disposition of love.

So while the great St Augustine may have been a reluctant traveller, he was able to make the greatest journey of all.  The journey away from his directionless life into the life of Christ.

He says in his Confessions:
Late have I loved you, O Beauty, so ancient and so new; late have I loved you. For you were within me and I was not with you…. You called and cried to me to break open my deafness. You sent your beams to shine on me and chase away my blindness. You breathed fragrance upon me and I drew in my breath -   and now I pant for you. You touched me, and I have burned for your peace.
God is not the one to be found, but the finder.
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References:
Fr Peter Dillon

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed stock photo ID: 1585608064. Ramla, Israel, December 07, 2019: Religious icon on the territory of the ruins of the Byzantine church complex on the territory of Emmaus Nicopolis.  Photo by Dmitriy Feldman Svarshik.
 
Prologue:  Fr. Paul Kelly.  With reference to Mark Link  SJ. "Vision." Year A.


Third Sunday of Easter. Year A  (Sunday, April 26, 2020)  (EPISODE: 225 )
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
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{{Shalom (peace)}}

Coming together as brothers and sisters in Christ, let us pause and reflect upon our sins, in order to celebrate the Holy Eucharist.
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.
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Memorial Acclamation
3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.
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PREFACE: Easter II
Euch Prayer Three
Communion side.  pwk:  RH
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{May God's love, strength, mercy and kindness guide you all this week.}

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

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

To listen to 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.  

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


May God bless and keep you. 
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