Our Lady Help Of Christians. May 25th, 2020 (episode: 230)

Our Lady Help Of Christians  May 25^th (episode: 230)

Mass of the Solemnity, Gloria, Creed

Preface of the Blessed Virgin Mary I

Readings:  
Sirach 4:11-18; 
Ps 112:1-8 R. Blessed be the name of the Lord forever.
1 Corinthians 1:18-25;
Alleluia, alleluia! Happy are you, O blessed Virgin Mary; without dying you won the martyr's crown beside the cross of the Lord. Alleluia!
John 19:25-27

Image Credit: Mary Help of Christians Statue in  St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney Australia. From the website,   www.stmaryscathedral.org.au.
+++++

Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Solemnity in Australia of Our Lady Help of Christians. By clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/our-lady-help-of-christians-2020-episode-230/s-9lFghDhzfco  

++++++
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
{{Kindness and grace to you all}}

On this special (feast of) Our Lady Help Of Christians
My brothers and sisters, trusting in Gods mercy and love let us call to mind our sins.

Lord Jesus, you affirm Mary, as the mother of Mercy. Lord have mercy.
You honour her as the mother of good counsel. Christ have mercy.
You present her to us as Help of all Christians. 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.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PREFACE:  Preface I of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  
Euch.Prayer:  II

++++

Dismissal:
Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.
++++++++
Prologue: The Virgin Mary has often been invoked in times of religious strife under the title of Help of Christians. In thanksgiving for the release of Pope Pius VII from captivity in 1814, the feast was established the following year on the anniversary of his restoration. The first Australian provincial synod held in Sydney in 1844 placed the Church in Australia under Mary's patronage invoked by the title Help of Christians. The solemn feast is an occasion to seek Mary's help and protection for our Church and nation.

++++++++
HOMILY:
MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS HOMILY

There are two inscriptions from the first centuries of Christianity in Greek related to the Virgin Mary: θεοτοκος, (Teotokos, Theotokos, Mother of God) and βοηθεια (Boetheia, the Helper). SO Help of Christians is one of the very earliest of titles for Mary.

Asking for the intercession of Mary as Help of Christians is part of the oldest prayer addressed directly to Mary, the Sub tuum praesidium, which was found on a papyrus dating, at the latest, from the end of the 3rd century. 

Saint John Chrysostom used this Marian title in year 345 as a devotion to the Virgin Mary. 

Saint Don Bosco also strongly and fruitfully promoted Marian devotion under this title throughout his order which became a world-wide ministry….

How fitting, when we see Mary's life portrayed in the gospels…  what a perfect intercessor, who knows all too well hardship and suffering.
Her trust, humility and complete faith in God as she said yes to what God was asking of her in her life.
The arduous journey to visit and care for her cousin Elizabeth
Her journey as a refugee with Joseph and Our Lord.. to Egypt..
Her pain at losing Jesus in the temple for three days..  when he was twelve.. and her pondering all these things in her heart..
He disciple and mother of Christ..  equally.
The sword of sorrow that pierced her heart through her life
Her trust in and intercession to her son at the wedding in cana…  concerned for the good of her hosts….
Her discipleship
Her faithfulness at the foot of the cross…  bearing the indescribable pain of her son's suffering and death.
Her presence in prayer and faith with the apostles at Pentecost.

The infant church in Australia had a special reason for turning to Mary. No priests were sent to the colony in its early days and Mass was not allowed except for one brief year until 1820. It was largely the Rosary, and strong devotion to Mary, in those early days that kept the faith alive.

Catholic Australia remained faithful to Mary and was the first nation to choose her under the title Help of Christians, as principal Patroness.

It is particularly poignant and fitting in this year, where our nation and the world has been locked down by the pandemic…   echoing the early days of the church, but for different reasons, we again find ourselves unable to publicly celebrate masses with a community, but the Catholic faith is alive and strong.. and Mary Help of Christians both intercedes for us and inspires us in these trying times.

Also, even to this day, Australia is highly secularized and still we see signs at times of a concerning and deep anti-Catholic sentiment, that comes bursting out at unexpected times and in unfortunate ways….   . We need to invoke Help of Christians  to pray for and ask the Lord to transform any hardened hearts, headstrong… hearts and minds.

St Mary's Cathedral was dedicated in her honour by the Irish pioneer priest, Fr John Therry, who arrived in Sydney in 1820 and assumed responsibility for the planning and initial construction of the Cathedral.
When Australia became the first country to have Mary Help of Christians as Patroness, it became the first country to have a mother-cathedral under the same title.

The statue of Mary, Help of Christians, stands in the Chapel of the Sacred Heart in the Cathedral.

The Church has traditionally focussed on two aspects of Our Lady's help on this feast day.

Firstly, upon the role of Our Lady's intercession in the fight against sin in the life of a believer.

Secondly, Our Lady is one who assists Christians as a community, through her intercession, in fighting against anti-Christian values and principles.

In the Opening Prayer for Our Lady Help of Christians, we rightly (and in heartfelt determination), prayed that through Our Lady's intercession God will "grant wisdom to our leaders and integrity to our citizens", so that "under her protection Australia may be granted harmony, justice and peace". This is longed for and treasured more than ever before.

Mary Help of Christians is not only the patroness of Australia but also the Australian Military Ordinariate

And the following prayer is quite fitting…. 

Almighty God, deepen in our hearts
our love of Mary Help of Christians.
Through her prayers and under her protection,
may the light of Christ shine over our land.
May Australia be granted harmony, justice and peace.
Grant wisdom to our leaders and integrity to our citizens.
Bless especially the men and women
of the Australian Defence Force and their families.
We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Mary Help of Christians, pray for us.
++++++++++
References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

From- Catholic Weekly 2012:  https://www.catholicweekly.com.au/24-may-our-lady-help-of-christians/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Help_of_Christians
Gabriel Chow   in https://sacrosancta.blogspot.com/2019/06/australia-and-our-lady-help-of-christians.html

Image Credit: Mary Help of Christians statue  in  St Mary's Cathedral, Sydney Australia. From website,   www.stmaryscathedral.org.au.
++++++++
Archive of homilies and reflections: http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email: paulwkelly68@gmail.com
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++
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 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 - 2020]

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

Ascension of the Lord. Year A - Sunday, May 24, 2020

The Ascension of the Lord. Year A - Sunday, May 24, 2020

Readings for Ascension of the Lord A (note)
FIRST READING: Acts 1:1-11
Ps 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9. "God mounts his throne to shouts of joy: a blare of trumpets for the Lord."
SECOND READING: Eph 1:17-23
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Matt 28:19a+20b). Alleluia, alleluia! Go and teach all people my Gospel. I am with you always until the end of the world.
GOSPEL: Matt 28:16-20

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed stock vector ID: 1234564516. Biblical vector illustration series, The Ascension of Jesus. By Rudall30

++++
Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the The Ascension of the Lord. Year A - Sunday, May 24, 2020 by clicking this link here https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/easter-ascension-a-2020-episode-229/s-KVxDwq7CCvp  (EPISODE: 229)
+++++
Prologue: (Fr Paul).  The disciples receive their mission in Galilee, a marginalized region, close to the pagan world and, as a result, an area viewed with contempt by the practising Jews of Judea where Jerusalem is located. The proclamation of the gospel starts from an insignificant and despised land. This is not just a matter of geography; it is highly significant. It serves as an example. For us today, Galilee is the world of the poor and the marginalised. This is our starting place to proclaim the gospel to everyone without exception. We will do that with the conviction that the Lord will always be with us (Mt 28:20).-    
+++
The Homily this weekend will be given by Fr. Peter Dillon.
ASCENSION DAY 2020
'Nothing is permanent except change'. Greek philosopher Heraclitus two and a half thousand years ago. To live is to change. And whenever there is an important change or a new beginning in the life of an individual or a community, there are ceremonies and rites to mark those significant changes.

Psychologically, it's important to acknowledge the transition from the old to the new, from the past to the future, from what was, to what is to be. We often use commissioning ceremonies to mark such new beginnings, especially if the changes are planned and intentional, if they are the result of careful planning, preparation and training.

Just put in your search Engine: "commissioning service," and you get 49,600,000 results! We hold commissioning services for everything from new hospitals and ships, football teams, new officers in the military and police, parish councils, school students and staff and university faculties.

It is a way of showing that something or someone is now judged fit and ready to begin.
Each of the Gospels ends with a commissioning of some sort, a way of making the transition from the time when Jesus physically walked the earth with his disciples to the time after his Ascension, when they learnt to recognize his presence among them in a different way. Today's readings provide us with Luke's version of that commission.

You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and then you will be my witnesses not only in Jerusalem but throughout Judea and Samaria, and indeed to the ends of the earth.

Matthew's version is more specific: they are to make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them and teaching them to observe all his commands, (the Great Commission).

In our liturgical life, the feast of the Ascension marks a transition between the resurrection of Christ at Easter and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost – it is an opportune time for us to reflect on our own commissioning as disciples of the Lord, and to ask ourselves if we, and our community, remain fit for our purpose.

The Ignatian way of checking our status:
What have I done for Christ?
What am I doing for Christ?
What will I do for Christ?

We might look to the way we celebrate Christ's ongoing presence:

What is the quality of our listening to his words and reaching into the Scriptures?

How do we communicate this teaching and spirit of Christ to others?

Are we open and welcoming to others?

Do we invite them to join the family of Christ?
In our own personal discipleship, are we faithful to our commitment to follow Christ through our life of prayer and service of others?

We might ask whether our community is fit for that most fundamental purpose, the reason why we exist as a Christian family – to be witnesses to the risen Christ, to all people.

This daunting task is the greatest of all commissions, but not one we need to fear. For Jesus is with us always – in word and sacrament and community – and he sends us the Holy Spirit, to give us power and confidence for our mission. We need to show by our lives our attitudes our conversations and above all our actions that God it not up there, somewhere in the clouds, but right here walking beside us, turning our complacency, and timidity into something courageous, full of fortitude and wisdom. 

Is this message addressed to you or just the person sitting beside you?
+++++
References:
Homily:  fr peter Dillon

Prologue by Fr Paul W. Kelly. Inspired by "VISION   – PRAYING SCRIPTURE IN A CONTEMPORARY WAY." YEAR A. BY MARK LINK S.J. P.154

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed stock vector ID: 1234564516. Biblical vector illustration series, The Ascension of Jesus. By Rudall30.


The Ascension of the Lord. Year A  (Sunday, May 24, 2020)  (EPISODE: 229 )
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
+++++++++++++
{{Peace and greetings to you all.}}

Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.
sung
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: Ascension I
Eucharistic Prayer III
Communion side.  pwk:  RH
++++
{I pray this week brings you an ever deeper expereience of his compassion and love.}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prologue by Fr Paul W. Kelly

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

Sixth Sunday of Easter. Year A  (Sunday, May 17, 2020)  (EPISODE: 228 )
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
+++++++++++++
{{Good wishes to you all.}}

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

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.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prologue: Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed stock photo ID: 269645273. door among many. By Pathdoc.
++++++++++++++
Fifth Sunday of Easter. Year A  (Sunday, May 10, 2020)  (EPISODE: 227 )
The Lord be with you.
+++++++++++++

This weekend, we give thanks to God for all mothers...   on this mother's day weekend...   In Australia and the USA, that celebration is today.....   other nations have different dates...  and we give thanks for the care and love of mothers...   and pray that they receive joy, health and peace...  

Brothers and sisters, as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the Lord,s supper, let us recall our sins and acknowledge them in silence.
Lord Jesus, you raise us to new life: Lord, have mercy// //Lord Jesus, you forgive us our sins: Christ, have mercy//Lord Jesus, you feed us with your body and blood: Lord, have mercy//
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
+++++++++++++++++++++

Let us pray in heartfelt thanksgiving to God, for all Mums on this Mother's Day weekend. That God bless them .  for their unconditional love and care. ………..(PAUSE)……. Lord hear us

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

Memorial Acclamation
2. When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PREFACE: Easter IV
Euch prayer III
++++
{May God's grace strengthen your love and hope and faith, and may God's love surprise you even in the trials and challenges of the week.}

Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.

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

To listen to my weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here.
NB - It is often a week or so Ahead:  https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks

You are welcome to subscribe to Fr Paul's homily mail-out by sending an email to this address: paulkellyreflections+subscribe@googlegroups.com

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

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

Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989,  and 2009 by the NCC-USA. (National Council of Churches of Christ - USA)

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

Prayers of the Faithful -   " Together we pray" by Robert Borg'.   E.J. Dwyer, Publishers, (1993) . (Sydney Australia).

Sung "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" -  By Jeffrey M. Ostrowski. The ….Gloria,  copyright 2011 ccwatershed.org.

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

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

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

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

Mass for you at home The Blessing of Human Work. On occasion of the Labour Day weekend

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saint Joseph the Worker. Pray for us.
+++++
References:

Fr Paul W. Kelly.

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


Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed Photo by Luke Jones on Unsplash

For the blessing of human labour. – St Joseph the worker
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
+++++++++++++

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

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 - Jerusalem Lectionary 1968. Darton, longman and Todd.
"The Psalms" ©1963, 2009, The Grail - Collins publishers. 

Prayers of the Faithful - " Together we pray" by Robert Borg'. E.J. Dwyer, Publishers, (1993) . (Sydney Australia).

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

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