Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B - Sunday, July 25, 2021 (EPISODE: 312)

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B  - Sunday, July 25, 2021

(EPISODE: 312)

Readings for Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B
FIRST READING: 2 Kgs 4: 42-44. Twenty loaves
Ps 145: 10-11, 15-16, 17-18. "The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs. "
SECOND READING: Eph 4: 1-6. Preserve unity
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 7: 16). Alleluia, alleluia! A great prophet has appeared among us. God has visited his people.
GOSPEL: John 6: 1-15. Five loaves

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 1497751724-Secovska Polianka, Slovakia. 2019/8/22. The Icon of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes – Feeding the Multitude. The church of Saint Elijah.-By Adam Jan Figel
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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B  - Sunday, July 25, 2021, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ordinary-17b-episode-312  
(EPISODE: 312)
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* (Prologue: Fr Paul Kelly)
Love, gentleness and dignity is at the heart of everything Our Lord did and taught.
The miracle with the loaves and the fishes is amazing enough. But, HOW he distributes the miraculous loaves and fishes is also PROFOUNDLY important. Our Lord could have had this huge and plentiful supply given out by saying something like: "Okay everyone, line up!! We will hand this out." That is to say, Our Lord could have insisted on handing out the bread and fish like the recipients were just beggars, recipients of charity…. People merely grabbing and clutching at the food. But no!! Our Lord respects each person's dignity. He asks that everyone sits down, in groups…. In little community groups. The food is brought to the people and they eat it, as equals and with all dignity. Truly a second miracle has occurred…..an equally needed miracle. Yes, we have people who are in physical need; and we also have people in our society who are crying out for a sense of dignity, for equality and who do not want to be treated just like a number. We have people still, who cry out for human and respectful interaction and an experience of a real and nurturing community.

Our Lord gives us both nourishment and dignity and asks us to do the same.
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(Homily:  "Bread with Dignity"

This weekend's first reading and Gospel are closely connected. They speak of God's compassionate feeding of the people in their times of need.

It is also a reminder of God's desire for us to offer our gifts, resources and talents for the good of others.

We offer these gifts to God, through our care for each other.
 
The gifts we have, we are given to share.
 
We are very mindful of the many areas in the world where there are huge numbers of people who do not even have enough of the basics of life: food, water, shelter, healthcare, education, safety and freedom. We are inspired to work to help them, through the caring help of missionary and charitable groups who meet these essential needs. And the ideal is those groups who follow the example of Christ and meet people on the ground, in their own situations.

In the Gospel, it has been noted that Our Lord is very careful to make it clear that his actions, (in feeding the crowd), are not meant to be any kind of "show of power and wonder" – these acts were not intended to win him popularity. In fact, Our Lord shuns popularity and swiftly leaves the scene after the extraordinary event, in order to prevent the popular enthusiasm of the crowd from rising up and avoid the situation of people trying to make him an earthly king.

Our Lord's actions are motivated only by compassion and by concern for the real needs of his people. He calls on his disciples, (us too!), to do everything we can, to use all the resources we have available to be real "food for the hungry. And help for those most in need."

It is so reassuring to remember that God is the one who gives us what we need in due season. God has our concerns in his heart. God works to give us what we need, and he calls upon others to assist in the meeting of the real human needs of others. When we are tempted to lose hope or to question, then the words of the Scriptures remind us that God is completely faithful and desires that we are fed. God is generous, but God does not want us to waste this generosity even a crumb of the graces and blessings he gives us.

Our Lord calls us to give -- and keep giving, without counting the cost; without expectation of return. Our Lord promises to transform this heartfelt but humble offering of ours, into things of grace.
 
There is a beautiful reflection, attributed to Saint Teresa of Kolkata, (which I think was actually written by a man named Kent M. Keith and published in 1968, in a College Pamphlet. However, a copy of this reflection was kept on the wall in Mother Teresa's children's home).
It goes like this:
"People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centred;
forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior
motives; be kind anyway.
If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you;
be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others may destroy overnight; Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous;
be happy anyway.
The good you do today will often be forgotten;
do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it may never be enough;
give your best anyway.
........"
 
The Gospel does not make 'judgement' or 'self-justification' into the common bond between us, but rather God makes 'love' and 'goodwill' and 'generosity' as the true bond that unites us. We "love our neighbour" precisely because God's presence is in everyone around us, whether the others recognise it in return, or whether (or not) they recognise the beauty of God's indwelling Spirit in themselves or in their own actions.

The second reading has Saint Paul imploring us, (pleading with us), to "live a life worthy of our vocation.... in humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love,"

I think it is fair to say that Saint Paul would not have needed to plead with us to "bear with each other" if it was already an easy thing to do. It is not easy to follow the way of Our Lord. It does not always come naturally to 'bear with one another in patience and love,' even if it is what we were made for, and destined for. Because we are being called to live in communion with God and to allow God to transform our humanity into the shining image of God's Divine life and values.

Love, gentleness and dignity are at the heart of everything Our Lord does. Our Lord respects each person's dignity in the miracle of the loaves and fishes.

He asks that everyone sits down, in groups…. In little community groups. The food is brought to the people and they eat it, as equals and with great dignity. Not just handed out as if the recipients were mere beggars.

No one wants to be treated just like a number. Many people are crying out for human and respectful interaction and an experience of a real and nurturing community.  Our Lord gives us both nourishment and dignity Jesus never stops at half measures.
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References:
 
Fr Paul W. Kelly

Kent M. Keith. "The Paradoxical Commandments: Finding Personal Meaning in a Crazy World." October 25, 2001." (ISBN-10: 1930722052).

+ Some ideas are taken from Gustavo Gutierrez, "sharing the word through the liturgical year."

Abbotts Homily, Monastery of Christ in the Desert
 
Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 1497751724-Secovska Polianka, Slovakia. 2019/8/22. The Icon of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fishes – Feeding the Multitude. The church of Saint Elijah.-By Adam Jan Figel

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B  (Sunday, July 25, 2021)

(EPISODE: 312 )
The grace of our Lord Our Lord Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
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{{May Our Lord's generosity inspire you. }} welcome everyone, we gather - To Pray, listen and reflect upon God and God's Kingdom.

Coming together as Gods family, let us call to mind our sins.  

Lord Jesus, you healed the sick: Lord, have mercy//You forgave sinners: Christ, have mercy//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
2. When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord until you come again.
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Ps 145: 10-11, 15-16, 17-18. "The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs. "

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 7: 16). Alleluia, alleluia! A great prophet has appeared among us. God has visited his people.
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EP IV (with own preface)
(theme variation: 3 )

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{Thanks for joining us for this time of prayer and reflection}

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

You are welcome to subscribe to Fr Paul's homily mail-out by sending an email to this address: 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 (Bill) Kelly (1942-2017) - Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

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

- "Today I Arise" - For Trisha J Kelly. Original words and music by Paul W. Kelly. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.
 
Sound Engineering and editing - P.W. Kelly.  
Microphone: - Shure Motiv MV5 Digital Condenser.  
 
Editing equipment: NCH software - MixPad Multitrack Studio Recording Software
 
NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 12.44
 
Sound Processing: iZotope RX 6 Audio Editor

[Production - KER - 2021]

May God bless and keep you.
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​Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B - Sunday, July 18, 2021 (EPISODE: 311)

 Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B  - Sunday, July 18, 2021

(EPISODE: 311)

Readings for Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B
FIRST READING: Jer 23: 1-6
Ps 23: 1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6. "The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want."
SECOND READING: Eph 2: 13-18
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 10: 27). Alleluia, alleluia! My sheep listen to my voice, says the Lord. I know them, and they follow me.
GOSPEL: Mark 6: 30-34

Shutterstock licensed image ID:1140627950- Biblical vector illustration of Jesus as a shepherd- By rudall30
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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B  - Sunday, July 18, 2021, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ordinary-16b-episode-311  
(EPISODE: 311)
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(Homily:  Fr Paul Kelly ).
"He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd."
 
There is a beautiful line in the second reading that one could spend the whole week, a whole lifetime contemplating the meaning of:
 "Jesus is our peace, he who made both one and broke down the dividing wall ........, through his flesh, abolishing the law with its commandments and legal claims, that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two, thus establishing peace." 
 
This is really fascinating...
So, peace is not just a state of mind or body...,
And Reconciliation and forgiveness is not just something we do or do not do......
"Peace" is actually a person,
"Forgiveness" is a person,
...and that person is Jesus, who is the Lord of Peace, the Prince of forgiveness...
 
The writer and poet Alice Camille, tells of an incident in her life that brought this personal dimension of peace, home to her. She writes:
 
"There was no way I was going to speak to that guy who offended me again. NO WAY!!! I repeated this mantra several times to fortify my resolve. I was outraged. I was hurting. As I rehearsed for the twentieth time the righteousness of my position against my enemy who had offended me. Then I remembered, peace wasn't something that was mine to give or deny. Jesus is our peace. Jesus is the WAY of peace... unity with him is unity with peace and reconciliation. To withhold reconciliation is to withhold Christ and what Christ can do..."
 
The balance between reflection and action, prayer and good works, work and rest, comes into focus in this weekend's Gospel. It is often hard to get this balance right in our lives. So many demands on our time, many good projects that can be called on us, and so the balance of work/rest, prayer/action is quite challenging. Jesus knew this balance and he responded and was flexible and even changed his plans when situations unexpectedly arose, but at the same time, there is a deep sense about Jesus that he kept that balance within his heart and was able to be peaceful and loving in his response, despite the many demands.
 
Jesus knew the benefit of taking some time to get away from it all and revive, rest, pray and have time to nourish ourselves, in body, spirit and mind. 
 
He showed that care for himself and his disciples, (even in the midst of the heavy demands of his ministry), and whilst facing the crushing needs of countless people who came to see him, hear him and touch him.
 
Among the natural benefits of taking some time out: namely renewal and physical and spiritual recuperation, there is also a valuable chance to 'stop, take a breath and look at where we are, where we are heading and what we are trying to achieve."
 
If we constantly respond to the urgent… we may miss getting a chance to weigh up whether it is also 'important.'  Something can be urgent, but not necessarily important.  And some of the most important things in life may never present themselves to us as "urgent" but (if neglected) these needs could cause major difficulties and even cause us to lose sight of the things that really matter. 
 
Also, we believe that our God can be encountered in silence and stillness. And so we MUST make time for that silence and stillness.
 
I am impressed by a quote from Saint Teresa which says "Settle yourself in solitude… and you will come upon him in yourself."
 
Another really striking thing about today's gospel passage is that, although Jesus knew he needed to get away from it all and give himself and his disciples time to rest and pray and gain renewal and focus.  With this in mind, his attitude towards the needy crowds when he saw them is really inspiring. He gets to the place he was heading for a well-deserved rest; only to find the crowds have found their way here too!!!
 
We could be forgiven in some way if in exasperation we reacted in similar situations by saying… "Oh please, give me a break! Go away. I am too tired. Leave me alone!" But, of course, Jesus' reaction is that of so many parents and carers who are faced with the all too real needs of their beloved. It is a response of love and deep compassion and inclusion.  He understood them. He knew their needs and could see into their hearts.  
 
He did not see the crowds as if they were nothing to do with him. They were never just people he spoke to and taught but had no connection with. These needy people - these crowds were not disconnected from him. He identified himself with the people who were there, like a parent to a child; as a spouse to their beloved. This was not a case of "them and us" when it came to relating to the crowd.

Jesus' compassionate reaction to the crowd was because, although he was not denying his needs and his disciple's needs for rest and prayer and reflection; when he came across the crowds he recognized their needs as also important.   This is such an important key.  All of these needs are important. No doubt. 
 
So … for Jesus, it was always a case of "not them and us" but "us and us." His needs and the needs of the disciples were as important as the needs of the crowds and the crowd's needs and were as real and important to him as his own. He kept that in his mind and heart. And his response reflected that. He solved the slightly conflicting needs by responding in compassion to the lost and desperate needs of those he encountered…
 
 I am sure he then went off and gave himself and his disciples the space they needed……. afterwards.
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References:

Homily –Prologue - Fr Paul W. Kelly

Quote from Alice L. Camille. Reflection in  PrepareTheWord.com. - PrepareTheWord.com, ©2012, TrueQuest Communications, LLC.}


Shutterstock licensed image ID:1140627950- Biblical vector illustration of Jesus as a shepherd- By rudall30


Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B   (Sunday, July 18, 2021)  (EPISODE: 311)
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
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{{May Our Lord's care, comfort you}} welcome everyone, we gather -  To take time to reflect upon the meaning of God's word for our everyday lives

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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Memorial Acclamation
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
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Ps 23: 1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6. "The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 10: 27). Alleluia, alleluia! My sheep listen to my voice, says the Lord. I know them, and they follow me.
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PREFACE: Sundays III
EP II
(theme variation: 2 )

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{Thanks everyone, and have a grace-filled and compassion-filled 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 our weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here:  https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks

You are welcome to subscribe to Fr Paul's homily mail-out by sending an email to this address: 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 (Bill) Kelly (1942-2017) -  Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

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

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

Sound Engineering and editing -  P.W. Kelly.
Microphones: -                        
Shure Motiv MV5 Digital Condenser.

Editing equipment:    NCH software - MixPad Multitrack Studio Recording Software

NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 12.44

Sound Processing:  iZotope RX 6 Audio Editor

[ Production -  KER -  2021]

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

Fifteenth Sunday, Ordinary Time. Year B - Sunday, July 11, 2021 (EPISODE: 310)

Fifteenth Sunday, Ordinary Time. Year B - Sunday, July 11, 2021

(EPISODE: 310)

Readings for Fifteenth Sunday, Ordinary Time. Year B
FIRST READING: Amos 7: 12-15
Ps 85: 9ab+10, 11-12, 13-14. "Lord, show us your mercy and love and grant us your salvation. "
SECOND READING: Eph 1: 3-14 or 1: 3-10
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Eph 1: 17-18). Alleluia, alleluia! May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our heart. That we might see how great is the hope to which we are called.
GOSPEL: Mark 6: 7-13

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Image ID: 409997863-
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - APRIL 2, 2016: Stained Glass window in St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague.- By jorisvo
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Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Fifteenth Sunday, Ordinary Time. Year B - Sunday, July 11, 2021 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ordinary-15b-episode-310/s-8ikFqPyB6oR  
(EPISODE:310)
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Prologue:  As Saint Paul Says in the Second reading today: "God has showered us with EVERY spiritual gift," – so it is good for us to pause and ask ourselves…. how are we making use of all of these gifts to live our lives in harmony with God's loving vision for the world.?

The spiritual gifts include wisdom, understanding, knowledge, discernment, courage, reverence, and wonder.   
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Homily: Jesus must have known the effect and the "radical originality" of what he was proposing. The gospel this weekend highlights the differences in the first reading.
 
There were people in Jesus' time, who were "professional prophets"; they were born into a family of prophets; This was the "family business"; just like others might be carpenters; some were prophets; And they made their money and earned their bread and shelter by plying their trade as a prophet; which was often a rather financially rewarding occupation. Particularly if you told people what they wanted to hear and avoided offending anyone with the truth.
 
But Amos in the first reading makes it clear that he is no "professional prophet," but rather, Amos is simply a poor shepherd; called by God to speak God's message to the people. He is not here to reinforce people's self-serving world-views. He is here to build up the Kingdom of God, not the Kingdom of "Me."

Jesus calls his followers to that same authenticity and simplicity -- to be open and faithful to God's word and God's vision, no matter how challenging, no matter how difficult. However, at the same time, Jesus is calling us to an attitude and practice of simplicity in our lifestyles, and desires; To live more simply and to travel lightly and with less baggage; whether it be physical, spiritual, or emotional baggage.
 
It is such an attractive and reassuring message, in a world where we seem to be being called to the opposite - to possessiveness; to indulgence; to self-realisation; to materialism and to an unapologetic participation in unwholesome words, practices and thoughts.
 
Jesus commissioned the disciples to go out "two by two." --In our modern culture the desire "go it alone" on projects and challenges is a fairly familiar approach, but this 'being an island unto oneself," would have been a much rarer attitude, back in the days when belonging to a community was almost EVERYTHING. One's survival often depends upon it. Nowadays it seems a popular goal to be a 'self-made, - self-sustaining person'.

Our Lord teaches the wisdom of "not going it alone" on our spiritual journey, especially when we're trying to share our faith or live it in its very public dimensions. In the process of taking our faith out into the world and living it, we may not need a lot of baggage, but we do need other people of faith to support us; to inspire us, guide, help and, even at times, challenge us - There is really no such thing as a solo Christian and Christianity is not something that we can do best all by ourselves.
 
We know it is so much easier for a person to tear down others' plans and arguments than it is to build them up and to help make them work........
There seem to be all-too-many examples of people throughout the world "acting before proper, sober evaluation, " or by actually seeking messages that reinforce our pre-determined interests.

Christ calls us to act after due consideration for the kind of world we are creating by our decisions.  Jesus' gospel certainly is not about self-serving choices...
 
Jesus wanted his disciples to 'travel light' so to be free to live his good news. Our Lord commands us to be detached from "things" -  because "things," and ever-increasing possessions can easily clutter and weigh us down – block us from achieving our goal of proclaiming His gospel in action and word.

Someone once said that "half the confusion in the world comes from being unable to realise just how little we really need."

So, if it is harder than ever for us to know how little we need (and how little some others actually have) perhaps the problem in our modern culture at the moment is that there is an alarming (and increasing gap) and a blurring between the concepts of "want" and "need ".
 
And Our Lord clarifies this action with his teaching and example –
"As you travel through life......travel light!!
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References:

Homily –
Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Image ID: 409997863-
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - APRIL 2, 2016: Stained Glass window in St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague.- By jorisvo 


Fifteenth Sunday, Ordinary Time. Year B  (Sunday, July 11, 2021)  (EPISODE: 310)
The Lord be with you.
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{{May Our Lord's empathy abide in you.}} welcome everyone, we gather -  To offer or praise, prayers and intercessions to our loving God

As one family in Christ, let us prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries by calling to mind our sins. 

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

May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
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Memorial Acclamation
3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.
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Ps 85: 9ab+10, 11-12, 13-14. "Lord, show us your mercy and love, and grant us your salvation. "

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Eph 1: 17-18). Alleluia, alleluia! May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our heart. That we might see how great is the hope to which we are called.
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PREFACE: Sundays II
EP III
(theme variation: 1 )

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{I pray this week brings you an ever deeper experience of Our Lord's compassion and love}

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

You are welcome to subscribe to Fr Paul's homily mail-out by sending an email to this address: 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 (Bill) Kelly (1942-2017) -  Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

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

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

Sound Engineering and editing -  P.W. Kelly.
Microphones: - Sennheiser MK4 Cardioid Condenser; and  Shure Motiv MV5 Digital Condenser.

Editing equipment:    NCH software - MixPad Multitrack Studio Recording Software

NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 12.44

Sound Processing:  iZotope RX 6 Audio Editor

[ Production -  KER -  2021]

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

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B - Sunday, July 4, 2021 (EPISODE: 309)

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B  - Sunday, July 4, 2021
(EPISODE: 309)


Readings for Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B
FIRST READING: Ezek 2: 2-5
Ps 123: 1-2a, 2bc, 3-4. "Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his mercy. "
SECOND READING: 2 Cor 12: 7-10
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Luke 4: 18). Alleluia, alleluia! The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he sent me to bring the Good news to the poor. Alleluia!
GOSPEL: Mark 6: 1-6 

Shutterstock licensed image ID: Replica Synagogue in Nazareth 1437909230. An example of an ancient synagogue in Nazareth. By David McIntosh-

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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B  - Sunday, July 4, 2021, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ordinary-14b-episode-309  
(EPISODE:309)
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* (Prologue:  Fr Paul Kelly)
In Australia, this is also, (Annually on the first Sunday in July),    when Catholics come together across Australia to acknowledge and celebrate the gifts of Australia's First peoples. – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Sunday -  \
This year is particularly important following the COVID 19 Pandemic and its impact on the ways in which we interacted and made contact with one another. The NAIDOC theme for 2021 is = "Heal Country." Today our world is in need of healing – environmentally, spiritually and socially. We must all come together as a global community to fight the injustices of inequality, racism and environmental damage.  

Today's Gospel is very fitting because Mark tells us of Jesus returning to his 'native place' – Nazareth – to a non-accepting, hostile reaction. Jesus had been welcomed and revered in other places, why is it that he is mocked and disregarded in his own home? "Is he not the carpenter?" the crowd called because they saw him as "without honour" and were unable to believe in him. He did not fit into their ideological view and thus did not deserve respect in their eyes. In Australia, our own First Nations people have suffered a similar reception to Jesus in Nazareth. Their knowledge and complex cultural systems, created and honed over millennia, have been often overlooked and dismissed as primitive and irrelevant, to our fast-paced world of today. This could not be further from the truth, particularly as we become more aware of their continued care, love, and respect for 'country', grounded in a relationship with the Creator, God, - this relationship was formed independently of Western influence.

2021 marks the 250th Anniversary of the arrival of Christianity in Australia. Yet the Spirit of God was poured out onto the original inhabitants of this great Southern Land many, many thousands of years prior. God's Spirit could be heard through nature which God created with love – which bears God's imprint -  God's Spirit could be and still can be heard, through the singing of the birds, the cascade of the waterfall, the rustle of the wind and, most importantly, in silence.

Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr-Baumann, a respected Ngangiwumirr Elder, artist and 2021 Senior Australian of the year explains the importance of listening and understanding the silence: "My people today, recognise and experience in this quietness, the great Life-Giving Spirit, the Father of us all. It is easy for me to experience God's presence. When I am out hunting, when I am in the bush, among the trees, on a hill or by a billabong; these are the times when I can simply be in God's presence. My people have been so aware of Nature. It is natural that we will feel close to the Creator."

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are inextricably connected to the country in Australia and its waters. This connection to the country and all of God's creation is core to their spirituality as a people and that of their ancestors. The term itself – Country – encompasses far more than the physical land. "For us, Country is a word for all the values, places, resources, stories and cultural obligations associated with that area and its features. It describes the entirety of our ancestral domains," explains Professor Mick Dodson.

Deacon Boniface Perdjert, who was both Australia's first permanent Deacon and first Aboriginal Deacon clearly expressed the translational role that 'country' or nature plays in bringing together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture and Catholic faith: "We like the way (Jesus) uses the things of nature to teach, and the important part nature plays in the Sacraments"

Let us move forwards as a united people in Christ, committed to embracing the gifts of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge to not only Heal Country, but to Heal our relationships with one another, and in doing so our creators' gifts to us all – the gift of this beautiful world.

Source:  http://natsicc.org.au/assets/natsicc-a4-booklet_final_reduced_spreads.pdf

also:  https://www.natsicc.org.au/2021-atsi-sunday.html 
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(Homily:  Fr Peter Dillon).
Homily 14th Sunday Ordinary Time Year B 2021
Throughout the gospels we seem to be constantly looking for indications of Jesus' divinity. It would seem over time that we have come to accept that he is the Son of God, but we do, from time to time, have trouble accepting that he is fully human. We are often amazed at his patience, his commitment, his acceptance and his compassion, believing perhaps that he was given 'super powers' to cope with the daily issues that give most of us our frustrations and burdens. If he was gifted with abilities beyond those that we might find present in our own lives, then we could be forgiven for thinking living a Christ-like life is beyond us.

It is one of the characteristics of Mark's gospel accounts that he does focus on the humanity of Jesus, such that for many centuries he was not given great credibility, since it was thought that he was trying to diminish the divine authority of Christ. Fortunately, the unique character of Mark's writings came to been seen for their enormous contribution to the balance of Jesus' nature - Truly God and truly human. He encouraged us to believe that we can be like Christ, humble and strong, gentle and strong, truthful and compassionate, with no powers other than those given us through our Baptism.

So we arrive at this episode when Jesus returns to his home place of Nazareth. This is not a social visit: like other towns in Galilee, he is here on a special mission, to teach in the synagogue, at which many of the townspeople are amazed at what he had to say. But instead of listening to the insight of what he said, they want to know where he received this knowledge. It is clearly difficult for them to face the truth of what he is saying, so if they can discredit him then his wisdom will not disturb their comfortable belief system.

Irrelevant issues are brought to the centre of attention, with neighbours supporting each other in a chorus of distraction. Issues like the job Jesus worked at, their familiarity with his family. They couldn't believe that the man they knew as the carpenter's son was now this font of knowledge. For them, the sheer ordinariness of Jesus cancelled out his new wisdom and works.

Jesus experience of this rejection in Nazareth renders him powerless to do any miracle among his own people. His people lack trust, and this limits his ministry and he is profoundly affected by the way that his people treat him.

This is a sad and familiar story when a prophet is not accepted in their own country. Often we fail to acknowledge the gifts and talents of those who are close to us, in our own house or our community of friends. It's as though familiarity breeds blindness to their contribution to our life and the life of others. We don't give them a chance, or worse, we put them down or belittle them. We have all experienced a little of this, wanting to help but meeting rejection. For some, this is all too painful and they give up on trying to help or care anymore. It's too painful.

Fortunately, Jesus does not give up, but he recognises that Nazareth is not a place where his message will be welcomed. He didn't become embittered. He did what little he could and then he moved on and take his light and gifts elsewhere.

It is important for us all to know that sometimes our best intention to assist may not be appreciated nor should they be forced upon others. For a range of reasons, others may not have the right disposition to receive us. With some courage and self-respect, we should move on to the place or people who are ready, who need what we might have to offer, as long as we do not take our hurt and rejection with us.

Like Paul, this could be the weakness that we turn into a strength, the "thorn" that makes us rely even more on the power of God, the experience that will become the source of growth and strength.

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References:

Homily – Fr Peter Dillon

Prologue - Fr Paul W. Kelly

NATSICC BOOKLET RESOURCE 2021 - http://natsicc.org.au/assets/natsicc-a4-booklet_final_reduced_spreads.pdf

also:  https://www.natsicc.org.au/2021-atsi-sunday.html 

{Shutterstock licensed image ID: Replica Synagogue in Nazareth 1437909230.  An example of an ancient synagogue in Nazareth. By David McIntosh- }

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B   (Sunday, July 4, 2021)  (EPISODE: 309 )
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
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{{May Our Lord's gift of dignity and community enliven you. }} welcome everyone, we gather -  Reflect upon the Holy Scriptures and the values of the Lord. 

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 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.
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Memorial Acclamation
2. When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.
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Ps 123: 1-2a, 2bc, 3-4. "Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his mercy. "

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Luke 4: 18). Alleluia, alleluia! The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he sent me to bring the Good news to the poor. Alleluia!
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PREFACE: 4
EP II
(theme variation: 2 )

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{Thank you for giving generously of your time and prayer.}

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

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

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 (Bill) Kelly (1942-2017) -  Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

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

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

[ Production -  KER -  2021]

May God bless and keep you.
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Saturday MORNING – FEAST OF SAINT THOMAS – APOSTLE. - -3rdJuly 2021.

(First Saturday Mass at 9am Sacred Heart, Clear Island waters, is indeed scheduled to be ON, due to the lifting of restrictions in this region).

For those who cannot join us, here is the mass of the day. 

 

"Weekday" mass – Saturday MORNING – FEAST OF SAINT THOMAS – APOSTLE. -  -3^rd July of July  2021.

Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/weekday-saturday-feast-of-st-thomas-apostle-3rd-july-2021/s-zco2XZ8FnzV  

Readings
First Reading  Ephesians 2:19-22 (JB)
Responsorial Psalm Ps 116 (JB) - R. Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
Gospel Acclamation
John 20:29 (JB) Alleluia, alleluia! You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me; happy those who have not seen me, but still believe! Alleluia!
Gospel - John 20:24-29 (JB)
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References:

Link, M. (2000). Mission. Praying Scripture in a Contemporary Way. Year B. Allen, Tex.: 

Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 1374632507 - The sixth of ten appearances from the Resurrection to the Ascension of Christ. Thomas's assurance. Doubting Thomas. Illustration- fresco in Byzantine style. - By Julia Raketic


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

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

Scriptures Jerusalem Bible.   

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

"Have Mercy," inspired by Psalm 50(51). Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2020. https://www.airgigs.com/user/stefankelk

- "Today I Arise" - For Trisha J Kelly.  Original music by Paul W. Kelly. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer. This arrangement: Stefan Kelk, 2020.

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

[ Production -  KER -  2021]

May God bless and keep you.
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Weekday mass - Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time. Year I - 2nd July of July 2021.

Weekday mass - Friday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time. Year I  -

2^nd July of July  2021.

Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily) by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/weekday-friday-13-ord-yr1-2nd-july-2021/s-zaw5w8m5MDq
Readings
First Reading - Genesis 23:1-4, 19; 24:1-8, 62-67 (JB)
Responsorial Psalm - Ps 105:1-5 (JB) R. Give thanks to the Lord for he is good.
Gospel Acclamation - Matthew 11:28 (JB) - Alleluia, alleluia! Come to me, all you that labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest, says the Lord. Alleluia!
Gospel Matthew 9:9-13 (JB)
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References:

Link, M. (2000). Mission. Praying Scripture in a Contemporary Way. Year B. Allen, Tex.: 

Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 1868993737 - Jesus celebrates a meal -By Annalisa Jones
 
Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:
"Faith, Hope and Love - Christian worship and reflection"  - Led by Rev Paul Kelly

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

Scriptures Jerusalem Bible.   

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

"Have Mercy," inspired by Psalm 50(51). Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2020. https://www.airgigs.com/user/stefankelk

- "Today I Arise" - For Trisha J Kelly.  Original music by Paul W. Kelly. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer. This arrangement: Stefan Kelk, 2020.


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


[ Production -  KER -  2021]

May God bless and keep you.
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Weekday mass - Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time. Year I - First of July 2021.

Weekday mass - Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time. Year I  -
First of July  2021.

Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/weekday-thursday-13th-ordinary-year-i-1st-july-2021


Readings
FIRST READING: Genesis 22:1-19 (JB)

 

Ps 114:1-6, 8-9 (JB)  R. I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the living.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (2 Corinthians 5:19) (JB) Alleluia, alleluia! God was in Christ, to reconcile the world to himself; and the Good News of reconciliation he has entrusted to us. Alleluia!

GOSPEL: Matthew 9:1-8 (JB)

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References:

Link, M. (2000). Mission. Praying Scripture in a Contemporary Way. Year B. Allen, Tex.: 

Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 1848527485  God Makes a Covenant With Abraham, Bible story -By Mashosh
 
Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:
"Faith, Hope and Love - Christian worship and reflection"  - Led by Rev Paul Kelly

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

Scriptures Jerusalem Bible.   

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

- "Today I Arise" - For Trisha J Kelly.  Original music by Paul W. Kelly. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer. This arrangement: Stefan Kelk, 2020.


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


[ Production -  KER -  2021]

May God bless and keep you.
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