Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A. Mission Sunday - Sunday, October 18, 2020. (EPISODE: 256)

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A. Mission Sunday - Sunday, October 18, 2020
(EPISODE: 256)

Readings for 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time - A
FIRST READING: Isaiah 45:1, 4-6
Psalm 96:1+3, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10. "Give the Lord glory and honour."
SECOND READING: 1 Thess 1:1-5b
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Philippians 2:15d-16a). Alleluia, alleluia! Shine on the world like bright stars. You are offering it the word of life.
GOSPEL: Matthew 22:15-21

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 1025397541. Hand offering Caesar statue a coin with his image for taxes. Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's (Matthew 22:21). By George Marcel

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Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A. Mission Sunday - Sunday, October 18, 2020 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ordinary-29a-episode-256  (EPISODE: 256)    
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"Render to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." (Matthew 22:21).
 
*PROLOGUE BY Paul Kelly:-

The first reading from Isaiah is really fascinating. It speaks about God declaring King Cyrus to be a "shepherd;" his "Anointed One"-

King Cyrus might not mean much to us thousands of years after he lived and reigned. But, it was extraordinary in his day. King Cyrus was the founding ruler of the Great Persian Empire, and although he was not Jewish, (and was of another religion), was extremely supportive of the Jewish people and issued an edict that allowed the "Jewish population to return to the Promised Land from Babylon, and he also allowed them to rebuild the temple and gave them back their treasures. . The book of Isaiah honours him as a dignified and righteous king. He is the only Gentile to be designated as an anointed one of God. The word means. "Messiah," or "a Christ" - a divinely-appointed king.

Even those who are not religious, or who do not profess a religious faith or who have faith different from ourselves, may still be enormously instrumental in promoting the values of God's Kingdom. and as such, they may very well be acting as God's servants, friends and instruments of God's will, even if they would not themselves name it as such.

The Pharisees and Herodians, usually fierce opponents, have come together in an uneasy alliance motivated by a common hatred. They are trying to trap Jesus- They attempt a hypocritical ploy where they ask about Our Lord's loyalty to the Roman Emperor, by asking whether he recommends payment of Roman taxes. They are hypocrites: The Pharisees portrayed themselves as fiercely nationalistic. They hated the Herodians, who supported King Herod, who had "sold out" as a puppet of the Roman Empire. And here they, asking after Jesus' loyalty to the Romans. The only ones touching the coin with Caesar's head on it… are the Pharisees and the Herodians. They ought to have seen the coin as unclean and repellant. Jesus likely kept his hands right off these coins. .

Did they really care about government and religious relations?. Very Likely not! They were setting Jesus up in a seemingly "no-win" situation. However, Our Lord answered wisely by affirming that there is a duty to observe civil laws and procedures, but that we also owe ultimate allegiance to God who created all things. There is not a clear-cut Religion vs Government line here. It requires discernment. It is possible that supporting civil projects gives glory to God… it is also possible that serving God can be at the service of civil needs. Our Lord is not trying to build an impenetrable "them and us'' mentality, unlike his opponents.

 The true test is how self-serving our actions really end up being.(Or as St Paul says.,… in the second reading; putting faith into action. and not merely words. but as power, as the Holy Spirit and as utter conviction…). Jesus was utterly sure that he owed absolutely EVERYTHING to The Father, and did not make excuses, Instead, he emptied himself entirely in service and love. This humbles us and makes us truly grateful. May we be strengthened to follow his example. in our daily life and actions…
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Homily by Fr Peter Dillon:
29 Sunday Year A : Give to Caesar
In the paper the other day someone wrote about the current economic crash as a 'crisis of faith': we had believed in the money markets as our religion. They suggested if we kept the faith in the banks and financial institutions then we could weather the storm ahead.
For many people who are experiencing great financial difficulty now and predicting worse in the future, they are desperate to cling to any life raft, to hear any supportive news from someone who might present a confident response to a demanding situation.

For a long time, while things have been travelling relatively smoothly, We just thought that money would make money and money would buy happiness, not realising that, sooner or later, the credit would crunch, and the holes in risky, fast-buck investments would be exposed, that what first seemed to be a mild illness in China would turn into something that would forever change the lives of most people of this generation and the next few to come. So now we've lost that faith, people fear to spend, and the banks fear to lend.

It would be very easy for Christians to say, 'See, we told you so. You worshipped money, not God, and this is where it's got you.' But that's not much help to the people who are hit hardest, such as families on small incomes. Yet, as the 'religion' of the market has failed, do we have a different vision of money and the economy to offer? Or is Christianity not concerned with such things?

It rather seems from what Jesus says, that it's not. 'Give back to Caesar what belongs to Caesar -- and to God what belongs to God.' This has often been cited by Christians who want church and politics to stay apart, and with some good reason. After all, we've seen plenty of totalitarian governments that had a Christian veneer, and even in democratic politics, if a Christian party acts corruptly just once, it wrecks ruins the reputation not just of the party, but of the Christian faith. But is this what Jesus is getting at?
The Pharisees are trying desperately to get rid of Him. If He says you can pay taxes to Caesar, then He's on the side of the hated Romans, whom they hoped the longed-for Messiah would free them from, so they can stir up the people against Him. But if He says not to pay Caesar, then He's guilty of treason and they can hand him straight over to the Romans.

Jesus saw straight through this. And His answer was not just clever: it had a very basic message that we often forget: God is in control, not human beings. We don't need to try to manipulate God or others. If we are faithful to God, and work within our situation, He will do the rest.
So just grin and bear it, then? But if our situation is bad, if people around us are living with injustice and oppression, shouldn't we do something about it?

Let's look at what happened to the exiled people of Israel under Cyrus. This man, whom Isaiah calls God's anointed -- yes, Messiah! -- was a Persian ruler who had conquered the Babylonians, the people who had taken the Israelites into captivity. Wanting to be seen as tolerant and benign, he allows the Jewish people to return home.

And even though Cyrus does not know the God of Israel, God has called him by his name. Our God is a God of surprises. Just as the people and things we expect to help may disappoint, sometimes God acts through the most unlikely channels. 'People unknown to me served me' (Psalm 17.43). That is because He is 'the Lord, unrivalled'.

So by all means let's ask God for what we want. But let's be open to His way, His initiative -- which may well be a prompt to action: St. Paul was an amazingly active and energetic apostle, yet always in response to the guidance he received in prayer. A world away from seizing illusory happiness from a fast car, dream holiday (and pay nothing till Christmas).

In these tougher times, we need to rely on God's providence. This is not a grim fact -- though the bursting of a bubble is never pleasant -- rather, it's an opportunity. If we put our trust in God, and listen to His voice, we can persevere in real hope, working especially to love our neighbour in need, knowing that what we do is faith in action.

This is our opportunity to let go of the money religion, so that money becomes what it should be: a useful tool, not our master.
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References:
Homily by fr peter Dillon

Prologue: Fr Paul W. Kelly

Barclay, W. (1975). The Gospel of Matthew. Part II. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: St. Andrew Press.

"RENDER TO GOD WHAT IS GOD'S"- JOEL SCHORN

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 1025397541. Hand offering Caesar statue a coin with his image for taxes. Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's (Matthew 22:21). By George Marcel


Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A. Mission Sunday (Sunday, October 18, 2020) (EPISODE: 256 )
The Lord be with you.
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{{May God's Spirit of Wisdom and understanding abide in you.}}

my brothers and sisters, to prepare ourselves tocelebrate the sacred mysteries, let us call to mind our sins.
Lord Jesus, you came to reconcile us to the Father and to one another: Lord, have mercy//You heal the wounds of our sin and division: Christ, have mercy// You intercede for us with the Father: Lord, have mercy//
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
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Memorial Acclamation
2. When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.
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PREFACE: Sundays Ordinary IV
Eucharistic Prayer II
Communion side. pwk: RH
(theme variation: 2 )
(pre+post variation: 4)
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{my heartfelt thanks for your participation in this time of reflection, prayer and praise.}

Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[ Production - KER - 2020]

May God bless and keep you.
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Twenty-eighth Sunday of the Year. Year A - Sunday, October 11, 2020. (EPISODE: 255)

Twenty-eighth Sunday of the Year. Year A - Sunday, October 11, 2020

(EPISODE: 255)

Readings for 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time - A
FIRST READING: Isaiah 25:6-10a
Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6. "I shall live in the house of the Lord, all the days of my life."
SECOND READING: Philippians 4:12-14, 19-20
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Eph 1:17-18). Alleluia, alleluia! May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of your heart. That we might see how great is the hope to which we are called.
GOSPEL: Matthew 22:1-14 or 22:1-10

shutterstock licensed image: stock illustration ID : ID: 48691415. A long table with a lot of plates with food at a banquet. By Dmytro Khlystun
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Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Twenty-eighth Sunday of the Year. Year A - Sunday, October 11, 2020 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ordinary-28a-episode-255/s-4brMnfGoAjT  (EPISODE: 255)
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PROLOGUE: - *28a  [Gospel values included in the readings: We are deeply reassured that God walks with us to protect us and accompany us through all the highs and lows of life. We are in good and faithful hands. God's invitation is for all, but not all will accept it. Avoid apathy and distraction]

In Our Lord's time, wedding invitations went out well in advance and were accepted definitively. The final call, just before the event occurred, was a mere formality. It would be an unspeakable insult to decline when the final call arrived. They had already accepted and had made already their firm commitment.  They miss out! And so, the master sends out messengers to the highways and byways. That is, to everyone, respectable or not. All are invited. From now on, the invitation is being made, (not to a select and exclusive minority of privileged people), but in the wider public forum - to ALL people. All who respond are welcome. There is no special preference anymore. Sinners, outcasts, Gentiles and Jews were all invited.

All of us are truly blessed to be invited but we might have tickets on ourselves if we think we can presume that we deserve a permanent place without responding to it.  (It is a reminder that in this modern day and age one hears a lot of stories of people who have invited others to a party or a function and many accept but then don't turn up or cancel at the last minute, or others don't reply but turn up, causing great distress to their hosts.  The old-fashioned courtesies still apply).  

This parable reminds us, the invitation is for all, but the invitation can be refused. The Kingdom is open to all but guaranteed to none.  We don't earn the Kingdom but we sadly can decline it; which would be madness!

And one final thought. The waifs and strays enter the banquet but then one gets kicked out for not wearing a wedding garment.  It seems unfair at first glance. However, the invitation is for all, but acceptance means a change of standards and values symbolized by being clothed in the garment that resembles and represents the Baptismal Garment of goodness and Christ-like living.  
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Homily by Fr Peter Dillon:
Throwing lavish parties has been put on hold over the past year, mostly because of restrictions of numbers allowed at gatherings, but also because people have had other more important things on their minds. The customary wedding receptions and 21^st. birthdays have been replaced by virtual computer gatherings on Zoom or live streaming of events to people sitting comfortably in their homes. Who would have imagined how we would become familiar with those technologies, let alone holding events of celebrations using them? Such is the way when life changes unexpectedly and how we have discovered new ways for unusual times.

But let's try to remember the days when we had a milestone that need to be celebrated. We would fix a date and location and draw up a list of guests to help us celebrate this significant event, maybe even get invitation printed to highlight the importance of the gathering. You would send out the invitations and await the responses, full of expectation of a gathering of family and friends to share in your joy.

Usually there were three types of responses that people can make to such invitations.

Some would accept your invitation with pleasure, giving you a sense of happiness, while others may have accepted out of obligation, nevertheless they had thought enough of your invitation to honour you and let you know that they were grateful to be included. They may be there with a little hesitation, but at least they weren't forgotten.

Others may have politely declined your invitation, often for very good reasons. Still the non-acceptance may have left you feeling somewhat disappointed, even though they may have had a prior engagement on the date in question. Perhaps you might even assume that others may not have been interested, but at least they have acknowledge that they won't be attended and sent the usual pleasantries by letting you know.

The last way of responding is the most disappointing of all. No replying at all. You wait and wait but nothing arrives. Some people even call up to check if the invitation arrived at all, giving people every opportunity to offer some explanation. When people refuse your invitation you know where you stand with them. Even though it may have slipped their mind, they still haven't shown you any respect or appreciation at being invited in the first place.

But when there is no reply you are left wondering what's going on. Have you inadvertently done something to offend them, or you realise they don't think enough of you to go to the courtesy of letting you know of their ability or otherwise.

Are you starting to see where Jesus is going with today's parable?

The image of the wedding banquet in our first reading from Isaiah describes the blessings God wishes to bestow, not only on Israel, but on all nations, while Matthew's account takes up Isaiah's promise being fulfilled in Jesus: through him all people are invited to the banquet feast in the Kingdom.

Well, you have received a similar invitation and how did you respond? It doesn't compel us to accept it and is not a command. We are not invited out of guilt or obligation, and nor are we expected to respond in the same way. There are no gimmicks or pressure, just an invitation freely given, but with the hope of a positive response. Some of us might be waiting to see if a better offer arises, or we're not sure if we have to time or commitment to attend. We are busy people with lots of choices open to us. Why is this invitation so special? We might be unsure why we've been asked and are leaving our options open to see who else might be invited as well. Perhaps our lives are so busy, that we can't see where we can fit God in, and God doesn't ever push his way in unless we are ready to respond.

 But what are we invited to? Why is God asking us to be part of the celebration? It's not an invitation simply to come to Mass or one of the other sacraments, although that may be a consequence of saying yes in the first place. It's not even a call to be baptised, but again, this may follow. The first invitation is to live a full and authentic personal life here on earth. A calling into an intimacy with him, which can be often experienced through a participation in a community of like-minded invitees.

The invitation challenges us to abandon our isolationism, our exclusivism, our self-sufficiency and to be willing to share and associate with others and to collaborate with them, to be part of the party, if you will. And, of course, in the final analysis, it's a call to eternal life. But are we ready, prepared to attend and accept?

To ignore the invitation altogether is the worst form of refusal, not simply because it insults the host, but it denies us any chance of knowing what we have missed out on. There is no specific rsvp date, but don't leave it too late unless the doors to the celebration might be closed.

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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

Bergant, D. and Fragomeni, R. (2001). Preaching the new lectionary. Year A. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press.Cronin, G. (2003). Celebrating the Gospels. 1st ed. Liguori, Mo.: Liguori. 372-3,

DeBona, G. (2013). Between the Ambo and the altar. Year A. 1st ed. Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical Press. 263-266

Gutiérrez, G. and Dees, C. (1997). Sharing the Word through the liturgical year. 1st ed. Maryknoll: Orbis Books.  P. 239-40

shutterstock licensed image: stock illustration ID : ID: 48691415. A long table with a lot of plates with food at a banquet. By Dmytro Khlystun

Twenty-eighth Sunday of the Year. Year A  (Sunday, October 11, 2020)  (EPISODE: 255 )
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
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{{peace and compassion to you}}

Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.
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.
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Memorial Acclamation
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
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PREFACE: own preface
Eucharistic Prayer IV
Communion side.  pwk:  LH
(theme variation: 1 )
(pre+post variation: 3)
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{I am very grateful for you joining us for this special time of prayer and reflection.}

Go forth, the Mass is ended.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- "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.

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

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

[ Production -  KER -  2020]

May God bless and keep you.
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Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, October 4, 2020- (EPISODE: 254)

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, October 4, 2020
(EPISODE: 254)

Readings for 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time - A
FIRST READING: Isaiah 5:1-7
Psalm 80:9+12, 13-14, 15-16, 19-20. "The vineyard of the Lord is the house of Israel"
SECOND READING: Philippians 4:6-9
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. John 15:16). Alleluia, alleluia! I call you friends, says the Lord. Because I have made known to you everything I have learnt from my Father.
GOSPEL: Matthew 21:33-43


Image Credit: shutterstock licensed image: stock illustration ID: 1625826427. Heart shaped stone.By Kostsov
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Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, October 4, 2020 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ordinary-27a-episode-254  (EPISODE: 254)

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*Prologue by Fr Paul Kelly:
This Sunday, the Twenty-seventh Sunday in year A, lands on the 4^th October in 2020.
As many would know, that is usually the feast day of the great Saint Francis of Assisi.  A wonderful example of discipleship and simplicity, and one of my favourite saints.  But when feasts such as his land on a Sunday, the Sunday has precedence and overrides it.  Very few feasts have higher priority than a Sunday.  As important as Saint Francis' life is, the preeminent feasts are the Lord's feast days which are celebrated every Sunday of the year. I am sure our humble saints are perfectly happy to take second place to Our Lord, as he willingly did all his life. 

["'gospel' values included in the readings this weekend: that God is long suffering, and patient. God trusts us, and gives us the blessing and gift and responsibility of autonomy – in the hope and trust, that we will use this freedom and discretion well and only for good. God lovingly desires to give us what we need, patiently calls us back to obedience. Of course, time ends up running out, sooner or later. God expects us to bear the fruits of the Kingdom of Heaven]
This gospel says a lot of really good things about our God and some very disappointing things about our human response to God's generosity and patience.

The image of the unsatisfactory vineyard would be a very familiar one to the people of Israel, as shown by the first reading. The Lord puts all this love and care into building for his people a fruitful and life-giving environment, and what he gets back is "sour grapes."

What causes bitter grapes is too much acid and not enough sugar. The fruit might be too small and too crowded or just be a wild variety of grape. It is a fitting image because if we foment bitterness, resentment, harshness, negativity and a lack of cordiality in our lives, and if we crowd out our time and energy with too many competing priorities, or if we allow pride and willfulness to be our way, it will produce a bitter and pitiful harvest. The fruits will not be good.

We see that God is extremely loving. The owner of the land did not just give them an empty parcel of land and said, "there you go, now build a vineyard and give me the fruits of it." Rather, the Master plants it himself, fences it off, builds accommodation and security and then builds the wine-press for the fruits to be processed.

The landowner is not a control freak. He hands over the vineyard and does not stand over them or set up an oppressive system to make sure they do the right thing. He trusts his tenants and entrusts the job to them and then steps back from it to give them time to do their job unhindered.

The Master is extremely patient. He is certainly not ruthless. After the very first messenger was sent and rejected, he would have been entitled to destroy the wicked tenants immediately, but instead, he continues to give them the benefit of the doubt, (Perhaps there has been a miscommunication. Perhaps there is a reason for this shocking behaviour). The master is being more than reasonable. He sends a long line of messengers to ask for what is his. There is no acid or bitterness to be found in God, his fruits are all patience, forbearance and compassion. He is very long-suffering, giving many chances for change and growth, but in the end, he must have the fruits of the vineyard as he deserves.

The master spares nothing. He even risks his most precious treasure, his beloved son, and sends him to sort this out peacefully. As the great Easter hymn says, "To ransom a slave, God gave away his own son!" What an astounding act of love and unearthly generosity to his ungrateful people.

Finally, when their rebellion and arrogance is no longer in doubt, the Master demands the fruits be given, and again acts prudently, lovingly and justly – this cannot go on like this….., And so, he hands over the vineyard to people who will care for it and use it as intended?

In many different ways, and also through the people we meet, God sends us all sorts of invitations and opportunities…., inviting us to widen our hearts and adjust our attitudes? Meanwhile, with God's help, we continue working peacefully, positively and respectfully; and with grateful hearts.
Fr. Paul Kelly   
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Fr Peter (homily):
27^th Sunday Ordinary Times Year A - 2020

In biblical writing the portrayal of the chosen people as the vineyard of the Lord was a familiar prophetic image, and we have an example of it is today's first reading, Isaiah's "Song of the Vineyard"

"My friend had a vineyard on a fertile hillside.

He dug the soil, cleared it of stones, and planted choice vines in it"

With all the care and cultivation, he lavishes on his vineyard, the owner has a lively expectation of a good yield at the harvest time; but all he receives from his labours are sour grapes. In his disappointment he turns the vineyard into a wasteland, knocking down its walls, leaving it pruned, undug and overgrown. The vineyard, Isaiah explains, "Is the House of Israel, and the men of Judah that chosen plant".

In today's Gospel Matthew borrows some ideas from Isaiah's Song but alters the central imagery: Israel is no longer the vineyard itself but tenant farmers working for their landlord. Features of the parable reflect conditions of life in rural Galilee: it was common for the land to be owned by absentee landlords, who would collect their rent in kind from the tenant farmers at harvest time. The lengthy absence of the landlord, alongside the harsh economic climate of the country often led to difficulties between landlord and tenant, sometimes leading to assaults on the agents sent to collect the rent.

To those listening to this parable their first thoughts were of the arrogance and stupidity of the tenants of the vineyard. To think that the owner of the vineyard would have forfeited his property, the development he had initiated and his resources to those tenants, after the violence, death and grief they had caused. Surely their greed had overtaken any common sense they may have had! Not even intelligent greed. It was plain enough to the Pharisees. To Jesus 'they answered, He will bring those wretches to a wretched end and lease the vineyard to other tenants.

           And yet while seeing the ignorance and stupidity of the original tenants, they were blind to their own incompetence. How could the Pharisees possibly have expected to hold on to their tenancy, the kingdom of God, if they continued to reject the servants and Son of the 'Owner' of the Kingdom? They did not realise that the parable was really about them.

           This of course was nothing new! Isaiah in his time had found a similar situation: 'the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the people of Judah that chosen plant. He expected justice, but found bloodshed, integrity, but only a cry of distress.' Greed and short-sightedness had previously blinded others to the truth of the relationship between God and God's people.

           As a people, have we changed very much, or learnt from human (salvation) history?

           In our greed and short-sightedness, are we blind to the continued 'bloodshed' which is a result of injustice, and to cries of distress, which continue to result from a lack of integrity? How many more servants of the 'Owner' must be seized and suffer violence, and how many more sons and daughters must die, before all our eyes are opened in our tenancy of the kingdom of God?

We are the Lord's vineyard, gifted, and planted by God. His gifts are given for a reason. WE are expected to produce good fruit. If we do not we are rejecting Jesus, misusing the gifts we have been given. WE are gifted people as members of Christ's body, the church. Our gifts should be placed at the disposal of the Church. If we keep them to ourselves, we diminish the work of the community we belong to and believe in.
Matthew clearly uses the parable addressed to the chief priests and the elders, as a summary of salvation history. The landlords stand for the succession of the prophets God has sent to Israel, only to see them treated with disdain and violence.

The son is clearly a figure of Jesus himself, dragged out of Israel to be murdered. Jesus is not just another of the prophets, but God's own son. The punishment of leasing the vineyard to other tenants clearly indicates Matthew's though that the kingdom of God will be granted to the Gentiles, who will be expected to deliver the produce.

This parable speaks to us about the patience of God: when his servants are killed he sends more and more in the hope that people will turn from their evil ways. Even when these are killed, he still hopes his beloved son will make these people change their way. Jesus is God's last appeal, his final challenge. Depending on our response to him, judgment is then made.

If we are now the tenants, then we are subject to God's expectations of us and subject to his judgement as well. God looks to us for the fruits of love and faith and obedience: he expects that we will deliver forgiveness mercy and justice.

Today's parable has its own questions to ask of us: are these the fruits we produce.
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References:
homily:  - fr peter Dillon

prologue - Fr Paul W. Kelly

Barclay, W. (1975). The Gospel of Matthew. Part II. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: St. Andrew Press].

Image Credit: shutterstock licensed image: stock illustration ID: 1625826427. Heart-shaped stone.By Kostsov.


Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A  (Sunday, October 4, 2020)  (EPISODE: 254 )
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
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{{gentleness and peace to you}}

Brothers and sisters, the Lord is full of love and mercy. And so, as weprepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries, let us acknowledge our sins.
Lord Jesus, you came to gather the nations into the peace of God's kingdom: Lord, have mercy// You come in word and in sacrament to strengthen us and make us holy: Christ, have mercy//You will come again in glory with salvation for your people: Lord, have
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
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Memorial Acclamation
3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.
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PREFACE: own preface
Various Needs and Occasions . IV
Communion side.  pwk:  RH
(theme variation: 4 )
(pre+post variation: 2)
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{I gratefully acknoweldge and give thanks to God for your prayers at this time of prayer and reflection upon our God.}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[ Production -  KER -  2020]

May God bless and keep you.
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Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, September 27, 2020. (EPISODE: 253)

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, September 27, 2020
(EPISODE:253)

Readings for Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A

FIRST READING: Ezekiel 18:25-28
Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9. "Remember your mercies, O Lord."
SECOND READING: Philippians 2:1-11 or 2:1-5
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 10:27). Alleluia, alleluia! My sheep listen to my voice, says the Lord. I know them, and they follow me.
GOSPEL: Matthew 21:28-32
 
Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. stock illustration ID: 461101012 Parable of the Two Sons: obedient and disobedient.  By askib
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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – including readings, prayers and reflections for the Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, September 27, 2020, by clicking this link here:   https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ordinary-26a-episode-253/s-XpmJ9T4JU11  (EPISODE: 253)
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Prologue: (Fr Paul). [Gospel values included in this weekend's readings: Doing the will of the Father is much more important merely giving God lip service. Also, God is not unjust, even if God's ways are unlike ours.]
 
I think that today's gospel, although very short, is really key teaching in Christ's gospel.  It goes to the heart of what Our Lord was doing and saying.
 
Jesus taught on several occasions about the danger of a mere outward observance of religion.
 
Much more important, (and ultimately the only thing that really matters), is that one is faithful to the truth of God's message by DOING God's will, irrespective of whether one SEEMS to be living up to the message or not. 
 
Appearances can (so often) be quite deceiving.
 
 This parable of the two sons – on disobedient and the other obedient, is essential.
 
St Paul picks up on this same theme in his famous and popular first letter to the Corinthians 12:31 "… If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels but do not have love, I am merely a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have the power of prophecy, and understand all mysteries of the universe, and If I had all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body, but do not have love, I gain nothing."
 
This teaching is so central to Saint Thérèse of Lisieux who wrote that she took no comfort from praise, and likewise, experienced little distress from criticism.   She knew, as in the gospel, that a person could be praised for an action that appears charitable, whilst all the time, inwardly, (unknown to others), the person's motive is actually not consistent with God's ways…   And, likewise, a person might be motivated by utter kindness, but their actions are mistaken for selfishness and malice. The message appears clear; we are to do what is right and loving, in imitation of Our Lord's generous kindness, irrespective of how other's might judge it.  We are to act lovingly and justly and humbly even in situations where appearances are deceptive.  We are invited to gently brushing aside both criticisms and compliments, in favour of standing judged by God alone, as to how well and truly we loved. Only God can judge this, no matter how well we pride ourselves in being good judges of character.  Only God can truly see into the heart and mind of his creations and see what truly exists within us. We strive to avoid jumping to conclusions about people's motives.  The motives of others, along with their inner heart, are ultimately only fully known to God alone. We know this intuitively but we often find it hard to put into practice.
 
Let us ask the Lord to help purify our inner life… and make our inner attitudes match our outward words and actions; so that everything we do, in thought, word and action, be motivated by a true love of God. And Love of neighbours as ourselves….   (Fr. Paul Kelly)
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The following is a homily by Fr Peter Dillon:

In 1995 I was privileged to be able to host the then Australian Governor-General, Sir William Deane, for an entire day, visiting many of the welfare centres of Brisbane. Apparently every few months he would travel to various parts of the country in a non-official capacity and meet some of the ordinary people of Australia. At the St Vincent De Paul centre in South Brisbane, he introduced himself to some of life's real characters as "Bill" and he sat and talked with them for ages. Very few knew who they were talking with. At the end of the day, I thanked him for his time to which he replied, "They were the ones who gave up their time to talk with me. They shared with me a valuable gift". He said he couldn't do his job if he didn't know people from all circumstances of life. I remember thinking at the time, "how Christ-like", and thinking now "How Francis-like".

Jesus made it quite clear to his followers that he wasn't just sent to the sensible and comfortable, but rather to the margins of society, where he spent most of his time. He didn't care about who they were, so much as what they needed. He knew people were watching and judging him, but the right people were learning from him. Jesus was highlighting the difference between being seen to be good and doing good things for the right reasons.

The parable of the two sons is as a parable of saying and doing (the difference between sayers and doers is a favourite one in Matthew) Practise what you preach! One son is respectful and polite but does not go. He is a friendly 'She'll be right' do-nothing guy. The other is disrespectful, disobedient but changes his mind and goes. Harassed as all busy people are. If you want something done, give the job to a busy person.

The parable reminds us that the gospel must be preached to sinners and outcasts. A self-confident religious establishment is not the goal of evangelism. This congregation does not want simply to clone itself. The gospel is meant to confront, challenge, change - it demands acceptance or rejection. The public sinners knew about rejection. They wanted acceptance and were prepared to embrace God's unexpected gift of unconditional love and forgiveness.

In his reply to his own question Jesus identifies the two sons. The son who refused but repented stand for the tax collectors and prostitutes who complied with Gods' wishes that they turn away from sin, while the other son stands for the priests and scribes who maintain the outward appearance of piety but without any real devotion to the will of God.

The son whose word was "no" but whose action became "yes" is held out as the one who did he fathers will. The story doesn't tell us why he changed his mind or what the change cost him, only that his generosity of spirit had the last word. In time he caught up with the best of what was in him. He was late in doing his father will, but not too late.

Perhaps the greatest model of saying & doing is Mary. The young uneducated village woman of Nazareth. She is not easily led. Her initial response to the angel is 'How can this be?' Yet she accepts the reassurance of the angel that she would be the Theotokos, the Mother of the Lord. 'I am the servant of the Lord, let it be done to me as you say.'


God never forces himself on us, never compels us to say yes. God waits for our free-response: 'I am the servant of the Lord' (a free commitment)
What was the grumbling son dealing with when something was asked of him and he finally was moved to action. Guilt?  Fear of reprisal? Duty? Love for his Father remembering all that had been done for him? He allows this difficult process of growth to begin. The other son excludes this journey by a too easy, almost rehearsed response

Let it be done to me: this response always involves a change. Leave where you are and what you are doing and go into the vineyard. And yes, go with your unresolved questions and doubts, your anger even at God, allow the work of Salvation to make things clear.
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References:
HOMILY:  FR PETER DILLON

Prologue: Fr Paul W. Kelly

The Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. (1898)].

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. stock illustration ID: 461101012 Parable of the Two Sons: obedient and disobedient.  By askib


Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A  (Sunday, September 27, 2020)  (EPISODE: 253 )

The Lord be with you.
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{{Goodness and faithfulness to you all}}

My brothers and sisters, we have gathered to celebrate the Holy Eucharist, - so let us pause and reflect upon our sins, so as to rejoice in Gods loving mercy.
You were sent to heal the contrite of heart. Lord, have mercy.// You came to call sinners:Christ, have mercy. //You are seated at the right hand of the Father to intercede for us:Lord, have mercy.//
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
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Memorial Acclamation
2. When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.
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PREFACE: Sundays Ordinary VIII
Eucharistic Prayer III
Communion side.  pwk:  LH
(theme variation: 3)
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{Many thanks for participating in this time of praise and reflection upon our loving God.}

Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- "Today I Arise" - For Trisha J Kelly.  Original words and music by Paul W. Kelly. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer.  Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019. 
[ Production -  KER -  2020] 

May God bless and keep you. 
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