Second Sunday Advent. Year B - Sunday, December 6, 2020 - (EPISODE: 264)

Second Sunday Advent. Year B - Sunday, December 6, 2020
(EPISODE: 264)

Readings for 2nd Sunday of Advent - B
FIRST READING: Isa 40:1-5, 9-11
Ps 85:9ab+10, 11-12, 13-14. "Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation"
SECOND READING: 2 Pet 3:8-14
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 3:4+6). Alleluia, alleluia! Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: all people shall see the salvation of God. Alleluia!
GOSPEL: Mark 1:1-8

Image Credit: Image:  Photo by Ray Fragapane on Unsplash
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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Second Sunday Advent. Year B - Sunday, December 6, 2020, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-advent-2b-episode-264-second-sunday-of-advent-year-b  (EPISODE: 264)
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*Prologue: Just to be even a very small part of God's grand project, is surely satisfaction enough.

A fitting quote (from Scripture commentator William Barclay), is quite apt for today. . .." In my youth, because I could not be a singer, I did not even try to write a song; and I planted no little trees along the roadside Because I knew their growth would take so long and I would never see them fully grown. But now from the wisdom that the years have brought me, I know that it may be a blessed thing; to plant a tree for someone else to water and enjoy, Or make a song that someone else will sing when I cannot." (William Barclay).

The goal will never be reached unless the labourers unite to make it possible, under the great architect's plan. Each one adds their little bit to a project much bigger than any one of us.

God's plan was being unfolded long before we came on the scene and it will continue to come to fruition long after we have finished our earthly journey.

In the gospel, we hear that those who were baptised also confessed their sins. . .. Admitting to our sins and faults is difficult. But when we do this we straighten the path between us and God. Often, the most difficult person to admit sin, is actually ourselves.   For example, when the prodigal son took off with half his father's property, he probably thought very well of himself.    He thought he was a fine and clever young man who will make it big. But, later, in extreme poverty, as he even longed to eat the scraps of pigs' food and realised his folly, he would first have had to admit to himself how pathetically he had acted.   Even before he returned to his father, he had to look at himself honestly and humbly, and it must have been very deflating and difficult. But he could not have imagined the astounding love and mercy he would receive when he made a straight path back to his father.

We must let the barriers down…  and fill in the valleys of pride and self-satisfaction.  It is not the person who desires to meet God on equal terms who will discover forgiveness, grace and compassion - but rather, the person who falls to their knees and whispers: "Lord, I need you! I am a terrible mess without your help. Be merciful to me, for I am a sinner!"

The Prophet Isaiah in the first reading speaks of comfort for God's people. God assures the people that they have 'done their time' for their sins. The debt is cancelled. However, one gets a distinct feeling that God is just being kind and generous. We couldn't have paid off the debt; but God, in His love and mercy has cancelled it and written "paid in full" anyway. Another act of astounding generosity. 

John the Baptist was out in the desert. This reminds us of the time when the People of Israel wandered in the desert and lived in the wilderness for forty years, In that time, they were utterly reliant on God's providence. They had nothing else but the presence and leadership of God's guiding hand. The people had to trust totally in God's wisdom and care. For the most part, they were humble and grateful people.  (although at times, for those who trudged the relentless desert paths, - pride, distrust and ingratitude got the better of many of them)

In the process of trying to give up sin and live with virtue, we often find it difficult. Even after years of struggle, we can often find ourselves still facing the same sins and defects in our lives. But let us not lose hope. The Lord assures and comforts us…… He comes to save us, not to condemn us. The secret is to trust completely in Jesus Christ. To surrender to God.  To stop wrangling with God and resisting him with our wilfulness. We humbly admit our need for Our Lord's grace and mercy.

Everything God gives us is a grace -- Gifts and blessings are given, completely and unreservedly in love for all people….By contrast, we are tempted to keep score or place conditions on love,  or by "trying to live as if we were an island complete of itself," this is what creates valleys and mountains – making rocky the pathway of communication and the friendship between God and ourselves.  In the same way, wilfulness, pride and self-focus are obstacles to our peace and to accepting Christ's unconditional love.

May we appreciate more deeply, the reality of Christ's selfless and generous love and make it an ever deeper reality in our lives too.  

O Come, Lord Jesus!!  

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Homily- Fr Peter Dillon. -

Following the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1947, scholars got to know of the existence of a sect called the Essenes who had left Jerusalem and the Temple and basically civilisation behind to go into the desert and await their delivery and to get things straight in their lives. They went back to the source of where their religion had been born since it was in the desert that God appeared to Moses. It was in the desert that a small nomadic tribe with no resources other than what God provided – manna and quails – not only survived but flourished and passed on its revelation and experience to the world.

The term "desert experience" has come to mean going back to basics, back to the source, back to one's utter dependency on one's Creator, going back to claim one's true identity as a son and daughter of God. The desert experience means that one must pull away to gain perspective, and letting go of what we think is so life-giving, but which in reality is life-denying. It means entering a spiritually dry period and accepting vulnerability and total dependence on God, because the desert is a harsh and an unforgiving place, where life is lived day-by-day on the edge and you come face to face with reality, with what really counts.

It's no surprise then that in today's Gospel John is found in the desert rather than the city. Later on in Christian history, whole groups of people went into the desert and founded havens of renewal and spirituality. These people came to be known as "the Desert Fathers" and people would flock to them seeking their counsel and consolation.

Like John, these Desert Fathers appeared eccentric, but there was a deep sense of purpose in what they did. They often went without sleep, because, Advent-like, they were watching for the Lord. They did not speak often because they were listening for the Lord. They fasted frequently because they were fed by God's word. It was God who really mattered and their asceticism was only a means to that end.

Eventually their teachings, their sayings and their stories were collected and meditated on. Not as a means of entertainment but more as an instruction manual on how to distil the essentials of life, and not crowd or cloud ourselves with the incidentals of our existence, that sometimes present themselves as life's necessities.

The point of the gospel, the point of the stories of the Desert Fathers is that if you want renewal and refreshment if you want to shake off the barnacles of sin and selfishness that have attached themselves your life; if you want to rise above humdrum consumer living and become a real person of depth and spirit, you must go back to the desert.

Where do we find a desert experience? Where do we find the time? What are we really looking for and how will we know if we find it? These are Advent questions that we can sit with before we begin the journey, or else we may find ourselves full of good intentions, but little energy to start.

For some, it can be a retreat or conversation with a spiritual guide or a day set aside for recollection, for others it may be spiritual reading or a regularly scheduled prayer time. Whatever the experience we will need some discipline not to place self-imposed hurdles in our path. We may not have to travel far but we do need a resolve. To go to the "desert" means giving time and making space and watching listening and sometimes being quiet to that God will have a chance to speak. And if we listen carefully we might hear the words that tell us God has come to rid us of fear, and enable us to live in holiness and justice all the days of our lives. A light that shows the way in times of darkness and guides our feet into the way of peace.

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References:
homily by Fr Peter Dillon

Prologue by Fr Paul W. Kelly

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

Fr Paul W. Kelly

Leonard, R. (2006). Preaching to the converted. New York: Paulist Press.

Monastery of Christ in the Desert. Abbot's Homily. Advent 2, Year B. 2008.

PrepareTheWord.com © 2008, TrueQuest Communications, LLC.


Image Credit: Image:  Photo by Ray Fragapane on Unsplash


Second Sunday Advent. Year B  (Sunday, December 6, 2020)  (EPISODE: 264 )

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In the Name of the Father (+) and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Lord be with you.
Welcome everyone, we gather -  Reflection upon God's word, and encounter Christ's presence.
We continue on our Advent journey. We now light the second Advent candle. The "Bethlehem Candle" - symbolizing the journey of Faith. Reminding us of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem.

The Presider lights the second candle

Presider: Lord Jesus. You promise to lift the valleys and straighten the pathway for God. Lord have mercy.

Presider: You feed your flock. Gently gathering us in your arms. Christ Have mercy.

Presider: O Wisdom, Come to teach us the way of truth. Lord Have mercy.

(no Gloria in Advent)

COLLECT:

Almighty and merciful God, may no earthly undertaking hinder those
who set out in haste to meet your Son, but may our learning of heavenly wisdom
gain us admittance to his company.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit. God, forever and ever.

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Prayer after Communion

Replenished by the food of spiritual nourishment, we humbly beseech you, O Lord, that, through our partaking in this mystery, you may teach us to judge wisely the things of earth and hold firm to the things of heaven.
Through Christ our Lord.

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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: Advent I
EP II
Communion side.  pwk:  RH
(theme variation: 2 )
(pre+post variation: 2)
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{thank you for your company as we have given thanks and praise to our God.}

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

"O Come. Lord. (Advent)" - In Memory of Paolo Mario (Paul) Giacomantonio (1968-2020).
By Paul W. Kelly.  Based on the Ancient church "O Antiphons" of Advent. 
Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics, By Stefan Kelk, 2020.

 [ Production - KER - 2020]

May God bless and keep you.

             Roman Missal, 3rd edition, 2010, (ICEL)
            
             Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989, and 2009 by the NCC-USA. 
            
             "The Psalms" by The Grail - 1963, 2009.
            
             Prayers of the Faithful - Robert Borg "Together we pray" - (1993) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

First Sunday Advent. Year B- Sunday, November 29, 2020- (EPISODE: 263)

First Sunday Advent. Year B - Sunday, November 29, 2020

(EPISODE: 263)

Keep Vigilant:

Readings for 1st Sunday of Advent - B

FIRST READING: Isa 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7
Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19. "Lord make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved"
SECOND READING: 1 Cor 1:3-9
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Ps 85:8). Alleluia, alleluia! Lord, show us your mercy and love and grant us your salvation. Alleluia!
GOSPEL: Mark 13:33-37

Image:  shutterstock licensed. ID: 406003843. "Keep alert" - Large and diverse group of people - aerial perspective gathered together in the shape of an eye, 3d. By Arthimedes
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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for First Sunday Advent. Year B - 29-Nov-20 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-advent-1b-episode-263-first-sunday-of-advent-year-b  (EPISODE: 263)
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*Prologue: Readiness. (Fr Paul)

Saint Augustine once wrote: "It is by design that Our Lord hid the time and date of the last day from us. It is so that we would be on the lookout for Christ every day of our lives. "

 

If we were somehow to know when the day of the Lord will come, we would be focusing on the deadline. the endpoint. Instead of being busy with our work along the way. The Kingdom is not a conclusion point. The Kingdom is a way to live and act in each moment of life here and now.

 

No wonder many completely missed the first coming of the Messiah, some two thousand years ago. they were looking into the past or the distant future and completely missed what was happening in the present! They were also looking for the wrong signs. They expected a warrior king. but the one who arrived was a suffering servant. He came and went and many were not awake to his presence among them. The pattern of watchfulness is the same as Christ's passion and death. On that night before, the disciples fell asleep, they were unprepared when Our Lord was arrested under cover of darkness. and unprepared and shocked, despite Our Lord's constant teachings to them and his equally strident warnings to prepare themselves for the shocks and ordeals ahead, - and – unprepared - they became frightened and confused and ran away. abandoning our Lord. Peter was also not as ready as he needed to be - when he was accused of knowing Christ and, in the pressure of the moment, desperately and unthinkingly denied Christ three times before the cockcrow.

And at dawn. the Lord was sent to be tried. By contrast. Jesus was ready at all times.

 

We must be too. Alert and always ready to live the gospel.

 

In the Gospel, Jesus challenges us to "stay awake ", to pay attention. But, pay attention to what? TO the things of the Kingdom around us. Being attentive to our lives. Looking at our family member or friend in the eye when they're telling us something. Notice the look of worry or frustration on our friend's brow. Taking time to savour the things around us that we see and hear and taste, and staying alert for news of hardships suffered by people in our own community or even further afield.

 

Advent is a time to be watchful and see if we are ready; Ready to welcome Christ in so many ways.

 

And meanwhile, as Saint Paul says in the second reading: "You will not be without any of the gifts of the Spirit while you are waiting for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. (1 Corinthians 1:7)

 

Am I willing to let God be the potter, and myself be the clay in his hands. shaping my life? We believe in God, but do we trust in God sufficiently to allow God to mould us and shape us in different directions than our own wilfulness– to step back from the control-seat and let God steer us a bit more. To open ourselves to being transformed by God's hand.

 

Surely, countless Christ-moments and Kingdom building moments come our way every day and who knows how many are missed. or perhaps sometimes we are aware of how we missed them or responded poorly to them because we were on the back foot and not ready and so, as this Advent time begins, we remain alert and awake. .

During the season of Advent we will be featuring, on the weekly audio-podcast, a new Hymn for Advent that I have composed. .

Entitled: "O Come, Lord. " -

I dedicate this Hymn to the Memory of Paolo Mario - (Paul) -

Giacomantonio

(1968-2020).

May he rest forever in the arms of Our Lord.

-      O Come, Lord!   -

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Homily – Fr Peter Dillon:

1^st. Sunday Advent – Year B – 2020

 

Every New Year we try to have an audit of our life over the past year to honestly look at how we have dealt with the burdens and the celebrations. Some of our life gets a bit dusty and needs a freshening up, so that we can try to let our best self emerge, so that the heart of us will shine.

 

Since Advent makes the start of the Church liturgical year, a similar survey of our spiritual lives is also helpful. What happened to our good intentions of last year? What got in the way? Did we really put in an effort? Did we address any of our habits and try to free ourselves from the damaging one?

 

Habits play a big part in our lives. All of us, apart from the very young, are to a great deal creatures of habit. It is said that we live the second part of our lives according to the habits we acquired during the first half. That's all well and good if they are good habits, but it's a bit disturbing if we consider the bad ones.

 

The positive side of habits is that once we acquire them they become almost second nature to us. They seem effortless and can produce excellent results with a minimum of concentration. Again all well and good if they are not destructive habits.

 

Habits can be life-giving and sustaining and can carry people through some difficult situations because they don't draw on our energies so much. Of course, the negative side of habits is they draw us into repetition and thoughtlessness. As a result of doing the same thing day after day, we get into a rut and do things absent-mindedly and in a casual unthinking manner. There is no real heart or meaning in them. They can dull our senses and turn living into mere functioning. Habits can also be selfish and hard to change, particularly if we get so used to them that we come to depend on them.

 

Three times in today's Gospel passage Jesus urges his disciples to "stay awake". This call is meant for us as well.

 

Maybe that is the purpose of Advent. It gives us a jolt. It issues a wakeup call to us. It provides us with a chance to start again. We can easily become Christians by habit only. We may just be going through the motions, taking part in the ritual that has lost all freshness and meaning.

 

Advent is supposed to be a time of breakthrough – from darkness into light, so when Jesus talks about the end, he is not referring to the material world but rather then end of darkness. He suggests we get ready to move into the light. And therein lies the challenge.

 

Advent comes to us very forcibly with a question;,

 

"what is the struggle in your life?"

 

"What do you want to overcome"?

 

"What darkness in your life or in the world to you want to overcome"?

 

What breakthrough do you want for the coming year? Do you want to be more kind, more forgiving? Less addicted, more chaste. Closer to God?

 

Do you hope that people would like you more? That your job or your marriage would flourish? That your children or your parents would change?

 

Can I suggest that you start with having a more open and honest relationship with Jesus. That you got to know him better and that he didn't just become one of the thoughtless habits that we attach to being part of church. That he's someone we speak of as well as someone we speak to, that we try to look at the world through his eyes, and touch with his hands and hear with his ears. In doing so we might not just lift ourselves out of darkness but we might also bring others into the light. It's worth a try. What have we got to lose?

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References:
homily: fr peter dillon

 

Prologue: Fr Paul W. Kelly

 

Bergant, D. and Fragomeni, R. (1999). Preaching the new lectionary. Year B. Collegeville, Minn. : Liturgical Press.

 

Birmingham, M. (2000). Word & worship workbook for year B. New York, N. Y. : Paulist Press. P 55-56

 

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

Image:  shutterstock licensed. ID: 406003843. Large and diverse group of people - aerial perspective gathered together in the shape of an eye, 3d. By Arthimedes


First Sunday Advent. Year B (Sunday, November 29, 2020)

(EPISODE: 263 )

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1st SUNDAY OF ADVENT – YEAR B –

 ENTRANCE PROCESSION:

 

INTRODUCTION

 

In the Name of the Father (+) and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

The Lord be with you.

 {{Hello}} welcome everyone, we gather - Praise, Worship of God

 

[Presider prepares to bless the wreath with the sprinkling of holy water, using these words]:

 

Presider:

As we begin our Advent Journey, in preparation for Christmas, We bless this Advent Wreath.

 

 May the sprinkling of this water

 remind all of us gathered here

 of our first sharing in the grace of baptism.

 

During this time of Advent

 may we prepare for the Lord's coming

with open hearts and minds.

May this wreath be a symbol to us

(+) of this time of prayerful watching and waiting

For the coming of the Lord.

 

{Presider now blesses the wreath and sprinkles it with holy water}

 

We now light the candle for the 1st Sunday of Advent. The "Prophet's Candle " Symbol of Hope. Reminding us that Jesus is coming.

 

{Presider takes taper and lights first candle on Advent wreath}

 

Lord Jesus your coming was proclaimed by the prophets of old. Lord Have Mercy.

 

You are the potter and we are the clay, the work of your hands. Christ Have Mercy.

 

You instruct us to be ever-watchful. Lord, Have Mercy.

 

(no Gloria in Advent)

 Collect:

 

Let us Pray

 

Grant your faithful, we pray, almighty God,

the resolve to run forth to meet your Christ

with righteous deeds at his coming,

so that, gathered at his right hand,

they may be worthy to possess the heavenly Kingdom.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit. God, forever and ever.

 

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 Prayer after Communion

 May these mysteries, O Lord, in which we have participated,

profit us, we pray, for even now, as we walk amid passing things, you teach us by them to love the things of heaven and hold fast to what endures. Through Christ our Lord.

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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: Advent I
EP I
Communion side. pwk: LH

(theme variation: 1 )

(pre+post variation: 1)
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{Thanks for joining us for this time of prayer and reflection}


Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.
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Archive of homilies and reflections: http://homilycatholic. blogspot. com. au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email: paulwkelly68@gmail. com

To listen to 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

 

 "O Come. Lord. (Advent) " - In Memory of Paolo Mario (Paul) Giacomantonio (1968-2020).

By Paul W. Kelly. Based on the Ancient church "O Antiphons " of Advent.

Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics, By Stefan Kelk, 2020.

 

 [ Production - KER - 2020]

 

May God bless and keep you.

 

{extra text : unspoken for Advent -

             Roman Missal, 3rd edition, 2010, (ICEL)

            

             Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989, and 2009 by the NCC-USA.

            

              "The Psalms " by The Grail - 1963, 2009.

            

             Prayers of the Faithful - Robert Borg "Together we pray " - (1993) }

Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. -Year A - Sunday, November 22, 2020 -(EPISODE: 262)

Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Year A –
Sunday, November 22, 2020
(EPISODE: 262)

Readings for Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Year A

FIRST READING: Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17
Psalm 23:1-2a, 2b-3, 5, 6. "The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want"
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Mark 11:9b+10a). Alleluia, alleluia! Blessings on Him who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessings on the coming Kingdom of our father David.
GOSPEL: Matthew 25:31-46

Image:  shutterstock licensed. ID: 1668219532. Biblical silhouette illustration series, the Judgement day theme. By rudall30
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Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Year A - Sunday, November 22, 2020 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-34a-episode-262-jesus-christ-king-of-the-universe-2020. (due to ill-health, some of the elements of this recording are archival).
(EPISODE: 262)
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Prologue:  The church liturgical year is slightly different from the calendar year, by about a month. The last Sunday of the church liturgical year ends rightly with a celebration of Christ who is King of heaven and earth. Christ has already won the victory over sin and death and he now is King of the Universe. Gods Kingdom is established and present amongst us and within us, but it is not yet fully revealed. At the end of time, all things will be put under Christ's feet. Meanwhile, we disciples of Christ are happy to assist in the building up of the Kingdom of God but our everyday actions and choices. Gods kingdom is one of peace and justice and compassion. We yearn for the fullness of this Kingdom - and rejoice that its foundations are firm and everlasting. Nothing can hold out against it.
 
We move forward, joyfully remembering always that the Lord is Good. that, God's mercy and faithfulness endures from age to age!!"
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Homily by Fr Peter Dillon:

Have you ever noticed how really generous people always seem happy? We incorrectly assume that if people are always giving something away to others that they might be a bit resentful, but no, they often seem ready to give more than is asked for or needed. Other people, a bit like myself, usually weigh up the returns or inconvenience to self before compassion kicks in. we might ask, is this person deserving or will they take my generosity for granted? Why should I be generous when I see others who aren't? I wish someone would accuse me of being generous to a fault. I find the most generous people are not always the richest.

My grandfather was one of those people who would embarrass us with his generosity. He would leave his homegrown fruit and vegetables on the neighbours back steps or mow their footpath when they didn't ask for it. He would buy lollies and hand them out to people on the bus. He noticed things and was never embarrassed to be kind. I didn't realise it at the time, but I was learning then what kindness looked like, but it took a while before I discovered what kindness felt like.

 Saint Theresa of Calcutta has said:

"The worst disease in the world is the feeling of being unwanted, and the greatest evil is the lack of love. What the poor need more than food, clothing and shelter, is to be wanted."

 Sometimes it's easier to reach into our wallet or purse and donate a few dollars, instead of having to sit down and listen and spend that valuable time that has become such a precious commodity. If only people just needed a handout, then it would be a simple matter of "Yes" or "No". It is important to know that sometimes what people really need is not what they actually ask for.

The King will say to those on his left: 'Depart from me, for I was hungry, not for food but for a smile, and all I got from you was sour looks. I was hungry for a word of encouragement, but all you did was criticise me. I was hungry for a word of appreciation, but you didn't give me so much as a crumb.

'I was thirsty, not for drink, but for a word of recognition, but all you did was nag and give out to me. I was thirsty for a sign of friendship, but you ignored me. I was thirsty for a little companionship, but you never gave me a drop.
'I was a stranger, and you refused to have anything to do with me. I was a child and you forbade your children to play with me because my clothes were dirty. I was a neighbour, and you wouldn't allow me into your club because I wasn't in your class.

'I was naked, not because I lacked clothes, but because I lacked self-worth, and you refused to cover me. I was stripped of self-confidence, and you made me feel the chill wind of disapproval. I was naked from the loss of my good name through a story that wasn't true, and you refused to clothe me with the garment of truth. I was sick, not in body, but with doubt and worry, and you never even noticed. I was wounded by failure and disappointment, and you couldn't care less. I was sunk in depression, desperately needing the medicine of hope, and all you did was blame me.

'I was a prisoner, but not behind iron bars. I was a prisoner of nerves, and you shunned me. I was a prisoner of loneliness, and you gave me the cold shoulder. I was a prisoner of guilt, and you could have set me free by forgiving me, but you let me languish there to punish me. 

'I was homeless, not for want of a home-made of bricks and mortar, but for the want of tenderness and affection, and you left me out in the cold. I was homeless for the want of sympathy and understanding, and you treated me as if I was a block of wood. I was homeless for want of love and acceptance and you locked me out of your heart.

Pray for the gift of being alert, of knowing how to see where we can show kindness. Pray for the gift of seeing God, where other people see a nuisance or a problem. Pray that we will never be seen as that nuisance. Pray that you will be able to be the giver rather than the receiver. That would mean that we might be happier people.
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References:
homily – fr Peter Dillon

Prologue - Fr Paul Kelly

New Jerome Bible Handbook. Geoffrey Chapman Publishers. 1992;

"2008 – a Book of Grace-filled Days," by Lavonne Neff; 

"Monastery of Christ in the Desert," Abbott's Homily, http://christdesert.org ;

"Vision – Praying Scripture in a Contemporary Way. Year A"

Image:  shutterstock licensed. ID: 1668219532. Biblical silhouette illustration series, the Judgement day theme. By rudall30


Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Year A  (Sunday, November 22, 2020)  (EPISODE: 262 )
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
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{{Hello everyone, this is Fr Paul Kelly…  and May God's Spirit of Wisdom and Awe abide in you.}}


Brothers and sisters, as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the Lord,s supper, on this special Feast of Christ the King of the Universe, let us first recall our sins and acknowledge them in silence.

Lord Jesus, you are the image of the unseen God: Lord, have mercy.//You are the firstborn of all creation: Christ, have mercy//You are the head of the body, the Church: Lord, have mercy//
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
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Memorial Acclamation
3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.
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PREFACE: Christ the King
Eucharistic Prayer I
Communion side.  pwk:  RH
(theme variation: 4 )
(pre+post variation: 2)
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{heartfelt thanks to you all for uniting in prayer and reflecting upon God's goodness and care.}

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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