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.
++++
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)
+++++

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.  

+++++
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.
+++
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.
+++++++++++++
{{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.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PREFACE: Easter III
Euch Prayer II
Communion side.  pwk:  LH
++++
{Cheers and thanks everyone for this time of prayer and reflection - I hope you have a blessed week.}

Go forth, the Mass is ended.

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

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.
++++

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)
+++++
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.
+++++
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)
+++++++++++++
{{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.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Memorial Acclamation
3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PREFACE: Easter II
Euch Prayer Three
Communion side.  pwk:  RH
++++
{May God's love, strength, mercy and kindness guide you all this week.}

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

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

ANZAC DAY MEMORIAL – AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND. Year A - SATURDAY. 25TH APRIL 2020

SATURDAY 25^TH APRIL 2020.  ANZAC DAY -    

Readings for ANZAC DAY

FIRST READING: Wisdom 3:1-9 (JB)
Psalm: Ps 114 and Ps 115 (JB). "I will walk in the presence of the Lord, in the land of the living."
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 (JB)
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Revelation 14:13 (JB) Alleluia, alleluia! Happy are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labours for their good deeds go with them. Alleluia!    or John 14:27. Alleluia, alleluia! Peace I leave with you, says the Lord, my own peace I give you. Alleluia!
GOSPEL: John 14:23-29 (JB)

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed stock vector ID 1055357618. Silhouette of soldier paying respect at the grave, vector. By Seita.
++++
Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for Anzac Day, April 25^th 2020, by clicking this link here:   https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/easter-anzac-day-memorial-mass-2020/s-YTyGfS13tiV  (EPISODE: 224)
+++++
Today marks the landing of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers at Gallipoli, in 1915, during World War I. This national day of remembrance honours the courage and self-sacrifice of those who served in all wars, conflicts and peace-keeping operations. In this liturgy, we particularly recognise the sacrifice of the fallen. We commend them to God's eternal care... and we also fervently pray that the justice and peace for which they sought to defend and preserve will dwell richly in our land and in our world.
 ++
We are all acutely aware of the fact that the health crisis at present has made it impossible for the usual extremely well-attended gatherings to Remember and pay our respects at Anzac day. Nevertheless, in many different ways, and within the ability of each and every household, we still commemorate this time.  And we remember the sacrifices, the bravery and the loss now, as always.   We also look forward to the day when we can gather again as a community to mark this important day.
The emotion and the significance of these events in no way lessens with the passage of time…
 
For a nation of 5 million people as we were back then…   61,511 young Australian lives were lost. 
 
In all wars and military operations, including peacekeeping operations…  Australia has, in total lost 102,930 - and that's an increase of 85 human lives lost in the last six years.   With 226,060, injured (another 187 added in the last six years),  and 34,733 taken as prisoners of war (an addition of three.. which although thankfully low, is bad enough).  And surely 100% of those who served and returned have been profoundly affected in ways that one could hardly put into words….      The sheer size of these numbers  (let alone the human effects behind it- and countless more lives which were changed forever, are almost impossible to fully comprehend… 
 
We hear from the Lord's own lips, "No one has greater love, says the Lord, than those who lay down their lives for their friends, "  and today we commemorate the ultimate sacrifice of those who served in times of war…  and those who risked life and limb for those they loved…..

I remember a few years ago,  just before a Dawn service was due to start, I could hear the sound of a baby crying… just near to me…   a baby in a pram….  And it struck me….  This is that baby's first Anzac commemoration…  The first of a lifetime of Anzac commemorations…    which will be part of his or her life since before they could even remember …..   The next generation.   as with previous generations of young people, have taken up the torch of remembrance for all who gave the ultimate sacrifice…   An important torch to carry...  Remembering devoutly, the cost of freedom and peace… which came at such an enormous price….   From so many brave men and women…. and their families and communities.   

I remember also, quite a few years ago now, visiting the beautiful city of Ballarat, in Victoria, and being powerfully impressed and moved by the 22 km-long Avenue of Honour, starting with a memorial arch of victory,... with 3912 trees planted along the road, (mainly elms and poplars),  to remember those who enlisted from that town alone, in the first world war. With many trees marked with plaques, also commemorating those who had died in the service of their country.  It brought home the impact of the wars, even to this day, on the people of every town (large and small) ...  

Every year, the numbers who gather to commemorate and remember the sacrifice of so many, and so young…   ever increases….  And this is so this year, even though we cannot physically gather, we are still united in commemoration. And it is so inspiring in past years to see the wonderful representation of young people and the schools who participate so beautifully … it gives great hope… 
Many who returned from serving in the wars often did not speak of their experiences…they were so deep and indescribable….    And when they did speak of it, it would astound and humble all who heard…  Today we respect their silence… and we also respect their sharing of whatever they did feel was important for them, or for us to know and to take to heart.
Today,  and every year at this time, we willingly and gratefully pause to remember and pray - give thanks for those countless men and women who served in time of war…. And who sacrificed everything….  For the sake of their families, their friends, their colleagues… their mates.. and their country.. and the freedom, the love, the friendship and peace that it symbolises….
 
We remember and pay our heartfelt thanks to all who gave their lives.. The ultimate sacrifice – We take strength from Christ, Our Risen Saviour, who gave his life so that we might all be saved and be made forever citizens of the eternal and Heavenly City of peace and justice…….   We cherish those words from Our Lord..... "no greater love has a person than to lay down their life for a friend."  
 
We pray that all those who lost their lives are now resting in the eternal peace of Christ…  
 
There are many, many sacrifices that were made by those who served in time of war and those who serve now too….   As well as the sacrifice of their lives, there is also the loss of their youth, their health, and emotional well-being…..    Those who came back injured in body, mind or spirit, from their experiences….    Anyone in any way affected by the horrors of war and its aftermath….. We remember them…. With profound respect.
 
Our prayer today and for the future is for that peace which only Christ can give to the world…..   A peace and a love that quenches the all-too-real hatred and misunderstanding in the world..… and banishes that which leads to enmity and violence… We long for this…   Those who served prayed and struggled for it…  We continue this prayer this year and every year…  this special day and all days….  
 
May peace be in the hearts and minds of all people in the world….  May the peace of God's kingdom one day soon put an end to all war and violence….  In remembering and acknowledging the human cost of war and the price,  beyond telling, of those who served….   We not only remember them, but we commit ourselves to a world where the values they fought for are cherished, protected and remembered.
 
We pray that God's reign of peace, justice, dignity and love will come in all its fullness…..   and that the values of those who struggled and suffered for us will be always and everywhere respected, preserved and built up ever stronger…  
 
Today we recall the extraordinary poem of which a paragraph has become immortalized as THE ODE….  the poem, written by Laurence Binyon in 1914 (one hundred-and-six years ago this year)….  And captures the importance of remembering and commemorating this day….
 
elsewhere in that same poem, he writes a passage that echoes our belief that those who have made sacrifices in the service of others remain not only in our hearts and memories… but, although hidden from sight… live on…. in the everlasting life of God's kingdom where there is true peace… no more suffering, no war…  no pain….   our constant prayer is that God's Kingdom Come, not only in heaven but that the peace and justice of God's Kingdom will take hold and express itself more and more on earth…. and that the freedoms and values that our past generations have sacrificed everything for   …. will be assured for all… and forever……
 
"Where our desires are and our hopes profound,
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night;
 
As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain."**….
 
(We will remember them) ... 
 
+++
- Reflection by Fr Paul Kelly
 
- ** Robert Laurence Binyon, (10 August 1869 – 10 March 1943). "For The Fallen", The Times, (London), 21 September 1914.
 
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_history_of_Australia
 
Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed stock vector ID 1055357618. Silhouette of soldier paying respect at the grave, vector. By Seita.
+++++++++++++++++
ANZAC DAY MEMORIAL – AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND. Year A -  SATURDAY 25^TH APRIL 2020.
  (EPISODE: 224 )
 
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
+++++++++++++
 
As we begin the Holy Eucharist, let us acknowledge our sinfulness, so as to worthily celebrate the sacred mysteries.
 
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.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Let us pray for peace in our world, and in our hearts and homes. Lord Hear Us. Let us pray for all the servicemen and women, who served our nation with bravery and honour. Lord Hear Us.
 
Let us pray for those men and women who died in the time of war, defending the freedom and people they loved. Lord Hear Us.
 
Let us pray for all those who have been injured or in any way physically or emotionally affected by war. Lord Hear Us.
 
Let us pray for those who presently serve in armed forces, that they may be protected and strengthened. Lord Hear Us.
Let us pray for everyone separated and physically isolated in this time of the pandemic. That we will experience a deep sense of unity with God and with one another.   Lord Hear Us.
 
Let us pray that the ANZAC spirit of self-sacrifice, bravery and support may always live in the memories and hearts of all Australians. Lord Hear Us.

++++++++++++++++++++
Memorial Acclamation
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
pref:  Christian death I
Eucharistic Prayer II
++++
 
Go in peace

+++++
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. 
 [ Production -  KER -  2020] 
 May God bless and keep you. 

Second Sunday of Easter. Year A. Divine Mercy Sunday - Sunday, April 19, 2020

Second Sunday of Easter. Year A. Divine Mercy Sunday - Sunday, April 19, 2020

Readings for 2nd Sunday of Easter A
FIRST READING: Acts 2:42-47
Ps 118:2-4, 13-15, 22-24. "Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting."
SECOND READING: 1 Pet 1:3-9
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 20:29). Alleluia, alleluia! You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me; happy those who have not seen me, but still believe.
GOSPEL: John 20:19-31 

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed stock photo ID: 20641483. St Thomas Icon In Eastern Orthodox Christian Style. By Denis Radovanovic
++++
Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Second Sunday of Easter. Year A. Divine Mercy Sunday - Sunday, April 19, 2020 by clicking this link here:   https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/easter-2a-2020/s-bP0me6dmFAU  (EPISODE:223)
+++++
This Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday, where we recall the absolute mercy and love that Jesus has for all humanity.  

Today we know that Our Lord is certainly worth trusting in, and all his promises are true…..  We can thank Thomas for Jesus confirming that for all future generations….  including us here and now….
+++

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

Low Sunday: Second Sunday of Easter 2020

It has been said that faith survives and grows when there is a whole culture that conspires and promotes it to keep a religious view intact. Which says to me that it is easy to be a believing Catholic if you never meet someone who isn’t.. Yet when you and I move out of that culture it is sometimes difficult to maintain that belief, particularly if we have accepted beliefs blindly and have not sort to understand their meaning and significance.

In our world every day we meet cynicism, doubt and pluralism, and we usually choose to walk away from any counter-arguments because we either don’t feel confident in arguing our beliefs or we don’t see it as important enough to go to the trouble.

The task of every Christian is to make Christ visible in the world. That is how it was from the time of the first disciples. Once they had seen Christ, they felt compelled to make him know to others. Today the risen Christ commissions his followers to do just that: ‘As the Father has sent me, so am I sending you’. The question is, what sort of Christ are we making visible to the world?

In all three years of the cycle of readings the Low Sunday, probably called so in the English speaking world because it follows the high significance if Easter  or First Sunday of Easter gospel is the same: the account of the appearance of the risen Lord to Thomas. Thomas is a strong and questioning character. The placement of the gospel here is to remind the Church and the world that we are not a credulous group of people who are easily misled. The first response of the Christian is always skepticism. The Disciples are surprised and doubtful about the resurrection before they come to belief only when they have seen it for themselves. They are loathe to accept the testimony of Mary and the other women who discovered the empty tomb.. Peter and John must go to see the empty tomb for themselves. Thomas is the most extreme form of this skepticism and yet he comes to the most profound faith. Jesus, in response, utters the ninth Beatitude: ‘Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe’. In other words, how much more difficult will it be for those who have not had the advantage of post resurrection appearance to come to faith in the risen Christ.  Yet it is these blessed ones, despite their very real doubts, who must be the heralds of the Good News.

Among the first of the believers who had never met Jesus was the Apostle Paul.

He is the earliest of the Christian writers,  and describes Christ as the image or icon of the invisible God (Col. 1:15). He is the living image of the Father. His humanity made present and reveals the God who dwells in unapproachable light.  However, after Calvary, his visible presence was withdrawn from the world and  we are left with icons which are meant to reveal him, somewhat as glimpsed in faith, and make him present to our consciousness. (One of these icons is  the Divine Mercy, another Sacred Heart, another the Infant  Jesus of Prague)

Jesus of the Scars

American pioneer environmentalist, Aldo Leopold, died in 1948. He lived in a world which was not yet ready to develop an ethical attitude to the planet. Seeing the mistreatment of the world’s forests, wilderness and wildlife, Leopold once said that, ‘One of the penalties of an ecological education is living alone in a world of wounds’.

In all the great artistic depictions of Resurrected Jesus, they always include the scars on his hands, feet and side. One might imagine that in resurrection not just the soul, but the body would be in a perfect state. But it was through these scars that we learn the road of resurrection. They were not wounds of failure but indications of the sacrifice made to show us how to arrive at this perfect state. 

The risen Jesus appears today with wounds of love.

Jesus through his rising has passed into the uncreated life of God. He had made the great breakthrough but he retained the signs of his love for the world. The scars of his passion are not only proof of his identity but also of his continuing love for us. This is the God who makes his own the cause of every man and woman wounded in life. The Jesus of the Scars is the human expression of the divine, eternal love itself, the glory of God shining through his wounds. The assurance that fulfillment comes through the cross and only through the cross. 

We are asked this weekend to take the difficult road to belief, to saying ‘my lord and my god’. Who is this God we worship and adore and why? In his passion, death and resurrection, Christ confronts suffering and evil, confronts it at its depths and overcomes it by the supremacy of his love.

Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon all humanity who are enfolded in the most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, show us your mercy, that we may praise You forever and ever. Amen

+++++
References:
Fr Peter Dillon.

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed stock photo ID: 20641483. St Thomas Icon In Eastern Orthodox Christian Style. By Denis Radovanovic 
+++

Second Sunday of Easter. Year A. Divine Mercy Sunday  (Sunday, April 19, 2020)  (EPISODE: 223 )
The Lord be with you.
+++++++++++++
{{Welcome everyone}}

my brothers and sisters, to prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries, let us call to mind our sins.
Lord Jesus, you are mighty God and Prince of Peace. Lord have mercy// You are Son of God and the Son of Mary. Christ have mercy// You are Word made flesh, the splendour of the Father. Lord have mercy.
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Memorial Acclamation
2. When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Easter I
Euch Prayer II
++++
{I pray that you have a wonderful and grace-filled week.}

Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.
++

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.

[ Production -  KER -  2020]

May God bless and keep you. 

Easter Sunday Morning Mass of the Resurrection, April 12th 2020. (For you at Home).

Easter Sunday Morning of the Resurrection,
April 12^th 2020.
(For you at Home).
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Holy week liturgies which we feature here, are specially approved shortened and adapted liturgies for this time of difficulty. You will notice that some options are not featured this year.  But we are still united in Spirit, in our Lord.
 

Image: Shutterstock stock photo ID: 722611741. Abstract and surrealistic image of a cave with light. revelation and open the door, Holy Bible story concept. By tomertu

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
First Reading: Acts 10:34. 37-43
Psalm: Ps 117:1-2. 16-17. 22-23. "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad."
Second Reading: Colossians 3:1-4
Paschal Sequence
Gospel Acclamation: 1 Corinthians 5:7-8
Gospel: John 20:1-9
Homily
Renewal of Baptismal Promises
++++
Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for Easter Sunday of the Resurrection -  by clicking this link here:   https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/easter-sunday-morning-year-a-2020/s-OILb4nJQsm6     (EPISODE:222 )
++++++++++
The homily will be given by Surfers Paradise Parish Priest, Fr Peter Dillon.

Easter Sunday Morning

In the early 1920s, when Communism was in the ascendancy in Russia, a Communist leader called Bukharin was sent from Moscow to Kiev to address a rally. For nearly an hour he used every anti-God argument he could muster, and then turned to abuse and ridicule of the Christian faith till it seemed that the whole structure of belief was in ruins. At the end, there was a deathly silence. Then he invited questions from the floor. Quietly one man rose to his feet. He was a priest of the Russian Orthodox Church. Standing beside Bukharin, he turned his face to the people and simply addressed them with the ancient liturgical greeting: 'Christ is risen'. Instantly the vast crowd rose to its feet, and the reply came thundering back like the crashing of breakers against a cliff face: 'He is risen indeed'. Bukharin remained silent. There was nothing he could say in the face of such strong faith. When every argument against God has been marshalled, there remains the colossal truth that Jesus is risen from the dead.
The gospels tell us about three occasions when Jesus called people back from the dead and restored them to their family and friends. He did this for the daughter of Jairus at Capernaum, for the widow's son at Nairn, and for his friend Lazarus.

Can you imagine the change of emotion that accompanied these miracles? The bystanders watch as Jesus goes into the room where the twelve-year-old girl's body lay in death. They see him invite the parents and three apostles to join him. From outside they hear the screams of ecstasy as that mother and father see their little girl sit up and holdout her arms once again to be hugged by them.

Can you imagine the scene at Nairn where there was a funeral procession but the young man being carried out to the tomb suddenly walks back to his own home, in the company of his mother and the astounded neighbours? Food and drink intended for the wake are now shared to celebrate a miraculous homecoming.

Can you imagine the scene at Bethany when Lazarus who had spent three nights as one of the dead in the cemetery walked again and talked again and entered through his own front door to sleep in his own bed?

These gospel scenes are tantalizing. We have all sat in a bedroom and looked at the lifeless body of someone we loved. No miracle-worker, followed by a group of disciples, entered to take them by the hand and restore life to their lifeless limbs. We have all followed the hearse from church to the cemetery. There was no wonder-worker to stop the procession and send us home rejoicing. We have all gone to a loved one's grave – days, months, years later and there is only a deathly silence.

Theologians describe these three incidents in the life of Jesus as the revivifying miracles. Jesus puts an end to the tears, the sorrow and the mourning but it was a temporary measure. He restored them to the life they were already living. All three would have to face death again. A popular pilgrimage place in Israel today is the burial place of Lazarus in Bethany.

However, there is another miracle in the Gospels where death gives way to life - the miracle of Easter. It is the greatest of all miracles. On Easter Sunday morning Jesus was not called back to a further period c earthly existence. He was called to take his place beside his Heavenly Father. He is the firstborn of the human dead. Born to a new and everlasting life. He says that where he goes we can hope to follow, hope to have a share of this eternal life.

Today is the great day of hope. Christian hope is a hope firmly grounded in the past, in the Easter event, but always looking inwards and forwards to the future - to a time when we will see again those who have gone before us in faith.

+++++++++++
Poem:
'That Nature Is a Heraclitean Fire and of the Comfort of the Resurrection'
By Gerard Manley Hopkins.

"Enough! The Resurrection.
A heart's-clarion! Away griefs gasping, joyless days, Dejection.
Across my foundering deck shone A beacon, an eternal beam. ...
I am at once what Christ is, since he was what I am."

+++++
References:
Fr Peter Dillon PP.

Poetic Reflection (not quoted in Homily): Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844–89).  Poems.  1918.
"That Nature is a Heraclitean Fire and of the comfort of the Resurrection." The poem can be seen in full at  https://www.bartleby.com/122/48.html

Image: Shutterstock stock photo ID: 722611741. Abstract and surrealistic image of a cave with light. revelation and open the door, Holy Bible story concept. By tomertu
++++++
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.
[ Production -  KER -  2020]
May God bless and keep you. 
Easter Sunday of the Resurrection,
(EPISODE: 222)

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

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

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

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

Easter I

Euch Prayer II

++++
Go in the peace of Christ. Alleluia, Alleluia.