AUSTRALIA DAY - NATIONAL DAY (26th JANUARY, 2021)
(EPISODE: 275)
THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
First Reading: Isaiah 32:15-18
Psalm: Ps 84:9-14. R. "The Lord speaks of peace to his people."
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 or
Gospel Acclamation: Matthew 5:9
Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12 or
Image: Photo by Will Turner on Unsplash
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the AUSTRALIA DAY NATIONAL DAY (26TH JANUARY) (EPISODE: ) - by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-australia-day-2021-national-day-year-b-episode-275/s-DCsLTBaQzjN (EPISODE: 275 )
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Australia Day -
As we here in Australia celebrate our national day, we recall that the name of our country is the Commonwealth of Australia. And that is a wonderful name… Commonwealth, means, we as a nation share our gifts un unity, and that we are united together in harmony for the common good of all people. At this particular time, we pray that God will strengthen in us a strong belief and understanding the common values that hold us together as a nation. There can be no profitable discourse or conversation or meeting of minds and hearts if we don't agree on any principles, or if 'truth' is something that is merely subjective to each person individually. We need a sense of shared responsibility. This is so beautifully shown in the scriptures today. Integrity, justice, peace, respect, as well as the beatitudes of the gospel…. These will surely make our community and our actions respectful of the dignity and true needs of all.
Lord open the hearts of people everywhere that God's graciousness, generosity and compassion will fill up the hearts of all in this nation…. So that we will act, after the example of Christ, with charity, generosity, compassion and countless of acts of practical care and support; including much-needed assistance to those who are struggling...
Lord, grant harmony, goodwill and peace with all in our nation, and with all nations of the world. Give us a sense of shared fraternity with all people in our nation, especially the indigenous people of our land who are a wonderful gift and treasure to us all.
And for much needed peace and harmony amongst people across the family of nations.
On this Australia Day, we give God heartfelt thanks, for the many gifts we have been given, and we are reminded that we live in a commonwealth… and that this commonwealth is for the common good…. the gifts we have are gifts to share for the benefit of each other….. The gifts other individuals and communities within this nation, and the gifts and resources between all nations can be shared so that together we all have the gifts needed. The gifts that we have, we can share with others who have not, so that we all end up having the fullness of the gifts we need.
We pray that people everywhere will deepen their sense of belonging to a commonwealth for common good…. that there will be peace, respect, harmony and care for others in our society…. that we might always spare a thought for the person less fortunate, whether they be next door or in the next country……
And today, (as every day) we pray that our nation and its people develop deep within ourselves yearning for the values of Jesus' Beatitudes….. // Humility,// Gentleness, // A Passion and a practical commitment to working for Justice, //to be Peacemakers,// people who are merciful and able to reflect God's forbearance to others by giving them new starts, .....and a people who are single-minded in serving God's vision for the world….. respecting the dignity of all people... caring for our resources... treating others as we would have them treat us... having an open heart to people everywhere who are doing it tougher than ourselves, including in this nation and also our brother and sister nations throughout the world.
It is good for us to stop and give thanks for God's many gifts to us in this blessed Southern land of the Holy Spirit…..
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Fr Paul W. Kelly
Image: Photo by Will Turner on Unsplash
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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 Kelly. Arranged, with additional lyrics and sung 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 Patricia Kelly. By Paul W. Kelly.. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer. Arranged, with additional lyrics and sung by Stefan Kelk. 2019.
[ Production - KER 2021]
May God bless and keep you.
AUSTRALIA DAY NATIONAL DAY (26TH JANUARY)
(EPISODE: 275 )
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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Coming together as brothers and sisters in Christ, let us pause and reflect upon our sins, in order to celebrate the Holy Eucharist.
Lord Jesus, you 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 mercy.
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
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Prayers Of The Faithful
READER
* For our nation on this Australia Day. that we renew our determination to work together for justice, reconciliation and the common good. (PAUSE) Lord hear us:
* For our indigenous brothers and sisters, the first peoples of Australia: that we have the grace to listen to their stories, understand their mourning and walk gently with them on this ancient land. (PAUSE) Lord hear us:
* For country communities suffering from the health and emotional and financial effects of the covid pandemic. That every effort is made to provide practical assistance and resources needed to manage. (PAUSE) Lord hear us:
* For children and teachers returning to school this week. that they begin the year with energy and enthusiasm for the adventure of learning. (PAUSE) Lord hear us:
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Memorial Acclamation
When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.
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Sundays Australia Day Preface
Eucharistic Prayer II
Communion side. pwk: LH
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Go in Peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.
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AUSTRALIA DAY:
A reading from the prophet Isaiah
Once more there will be poured on us
the spirit from above;
then shall the wilderness be fertile land;
and fertile land become forest.
In the wilderness justice will come to live
and integrity in the fertile land;
integrity will bring peace,
justice give lasting security.
My people will live in a peaceful home,
in safe houses,
in quiet dwellings.
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
R. The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
I will hear what the Lord God has to say,
a voice that speaks of peace.
His help is near for those who fear him
and his glory will dwell in our land. R.
Mercy and faithfulness have met;
justice and peace have embraced.
Faithfulness shall spring up from the earth
and justice look down from heaven. R.
The Lord will make us prosper
and our earth shall yield its fruit.
Justice shall march before him
and peace shall follow his steps. R.
SECOND READING (OPTION A)
A reading from the first letter of St Paul to the Corinthians
There is a variety of gifts but always the same Spirit; there are all sorts of service to be done, but always to the same Lord; working in all sorts of different ways in different people, it is the same God who is working in all of them. The particular way in which the Spirit is given to each person is for a good purpose. One may have the gift of preaching with wisdom given him by the Spirit; another may have the gift of preaching instruction given him by the same Spirit; and another the gift of faith given by the same Spirit; another again the gift of healing, through this one Spirit; one, the power of miracles; another, prophecy; another the gift of recognising spirits; another the gift of tongues and another the ability to interpret them. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who distributes different gifts to different people just as he chooses.
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING – OPTION B
A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Romans
Do not let your love be a pretence, but sincerely prefer good to evil. Love each other as much as brothers and sisters should, and have a profound respect for each other. Work for the Lord with untiring effort and with great earnestness of spirit. If you have hope, this will make you cheerful. Do not give up if trials come; and keep on praying. If any of the saints are in need you must share with them; and you should make hospitality your special care.
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Happy the peacemakers:
they shall be called children of God.
Alleluia!
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew
Jesus began to speak to the crowds. This is what he taught them:
'How happy are the poor in spirit:
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Happy the gentle:
they shall have the earth for their heritage.
Happy those who mourn:
they shall be comforted.
Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right:
they shall be satisfied.
Happy the merciful:
they shall have mercy shown them.
Happy the pure in heart:
they shall see God.
Happy the peacemakers:
they shall be called sons of God.
Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right:
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
'Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.'
or
Alleluia, alleluia!
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;
you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom.
Alleluia!
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke
It has pleased your heavenly Father to give you the Kingdom.
Jesus said to his disciples, 'That is why I am telling you not to worry about your life and what you are to eat, nor about your body and how you are to clothe it. For life means more than food, and the body more than clothing. Think of the ravens. They do not sow or reap; they have no storehouses and no barns; yet God feeds them. And how much more are you worth than the birds! Can any of you, for all his worrying, add a single cubit to his span of life? If the smallest things, therefore, are outside your control, why worry about the rest? Think of the flowers; they never have to spin or weave; yet, I assure you, not even Solomon in all his regalia was robed like one of these. Now if that is how God clothes the grass in the field which is there today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, how much more will he look after you, you men of little faith! But you, you must not set your hearts on things to eat and things to drink; nor must you worry. It is the pagans of this world who set their hearts on these things. Your Father well knows you need them. No; set your hearts on his kingdom, and these other things will be given you as well.
'There is no need to be afraid, little flock, for it has pleased your Father to give you the kingdom.'
AUSTRALIA DAY SACRAMENTARY :
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Entrance Antiphon
I will thank you, Lord, among the peoples, praise you among the nations; for your love reaches to the heavens and your truth to the skies.
Opening Prayer
Father ever generous,
enlighten us with new vision
to see your shaping hand at work
in all the gifts to our country
with which your providence frames our lives.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit.
God, for ever and ever.
Prayer Over the Gifts
God of all power,
accept the gifts we offer with ourselves
to become the pure bread of Christ
and the new wine of the kingdom.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
Communion Antiphon
O Bless the Lord, my soul, and remember all his kindness.
Prayer After Communion
All-provident God,
through these sacraments of your love
grant us always to live in this land
united in purpose and freed in the Spirit
until the final feast at heaven's table.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
SOLEMN BLESSING:
May the God of truth and love
make you eager to share your gifts with others.
Amen.
May God who has shown his justice to the nations
make you tireless messengers in his service.
Amen.
May God who has shown you his salvation
guide you swiftly to the inheritance he has promised.
Amen.
May almighty God bless you
the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Preface for Australia day
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.
Out of your infinite glory
you have given us the power through your Spirit
for our hidden self to grow strong,
so that Christ may live in our hearts through faith.
Through him you have blessed our land.
The fierce flood of your grace sweeps away all barriers,
and soaks deep into our being,
so that the desert blooms with the life that lies in wait.
You will give us the strength
to grasp the breadth and the length
and height and the depth
of that utter fullness of your love
which surpasses all knowledge.
With all the hosts of heaven,
we give you glory from generation to generation
in our song of praise:
