Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish - Mass - Podcast
ANZAC DAY MEMORIAL – AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND. - - 25TH APRIL 2022 (episode 362)
Readings for ANZAC DAY (2022)
Wisdom 3:1-9
Ps 71:2–4, 7–8, 12–13, 17: Justice shall flourish in his time and fullness of peace for ever.
Second reading - Ephesians 2:13-18 - He is our peace
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION Revelation 14:13 (JB) Alleluia, alleluia! Happy are those who have died in the Lord; let them rest from their labours for their good deeds go with them. Alleluia!
or John 14:27. Alleluia, alleluia! Peace I leave with you, says the Lord, my own peace I give you. Alleluia!
Gospel - John 12: 23-28. If a grain of wheat falls on the ground and dies, it yields a rich harvest.
Image: Shutterstock licensed Item ID: 613609064 - Canberra, Australia - March 18, 2017. Poppy wall lists the names of all the Australians who died in service of armies. The red poppy has become a symbol of war remembrance (ANZAC Day) the world over. Contributor – katacarix
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers, and reflections for Anzac Day, April 25th 2022, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/easter-anzac-day-memorial-mass-2022 (episode 362)
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107 years ago, soldiers from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, landed at Gallipoli, at dawn on this day in 1915, during World War I. This national day of remembrance honours the courage and the self-sacrifice of those who served in that campaign, and that war and indeed all wars, and conflicts and peace-keeping operations. We particularly recognise the sacrifice of the fallen. We commend them to God's eternal care... and we also pray fervently that the peace and justice, which they sought to defend and preserve, will dwell richly in our land and in our world and that God's peace and reverence will make a home in the hearts of every person in this world.
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Many who returned from serving in the wars often did not speak of their experiences…They were so deep and indescribable…. (My grandfather, who fought in WWII was one of those who spoke very seldom on his experiences in the war, but when he spoke everyone listened – quietly, in awe, and in deep respect… valuing every word, and hoping that nothing would happen to cut short his rare reflections And when these service men and women did speak of their experiences , it would astound and humble anyone who heard them…
Today we respect their silence… and we also respect their times of sharing; of whatever they did feel was important for us to know, and to take to heart. To 'never forget' - lest past history be repeated… or core principles be lost.
Today, and every year at this time, we willingly and gratefully pause to remember and pray - give thanks for those countless men and women who served in time of war…. And who sacrificed everything…. For the sake of their families, their friends, their colleagues… their mates.. and their country.. and the freedom, the love, the friendship and peace that lay behind their service and sacrifice.
Over many decades now, there has been a conscious collecting of many recollections of those who lived through these times….. to preserve their voices and messages for future generations…. As the sharing of experiences of a wide variety of people have been shared…. People who served in time of war …. It has shown that even if 2 people have served in the same theatre of war at the same time, they could very well have different responses. Varying reactions, different perspectives and memories relating to the same situations. They each bring their unique insight to the broader story. Anzac day is an opportunity to highlight the diversity of experiences and wisdom of these people, as well as the similarities of the experiences. (both the differences and the similarities are important and instructive).
(https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/resources/ww2-veterans-reflect-anzac-day-their-own-words)
For example a Helicopter pilot who served in the Vietnam War-
Al Bridges shared his experience in the ANZAC online portal…. He flew choppers, and often came under fire as he and his colleagues were dropping off and picking up troops in helicopters in the midst of intense conflicts as well as medical evacuations….…. In answer to the question.. "what would you like to tell the young people today"…he says… : 'It would be nice to say that it's up to them to make sure we don't have wars in the future. They are absolutely terrible things. But I think that's being unrealistic. I just hope that none of you children will ever be involved in a war.'
'Al is a humble man, with a life of service. He didn't like war, but he put himself in harm's way, over and over again, doing his duty. In his retirement, Al chooses to spend his time educating visitors to the War Memorial about Australia's military history. In war, and in life, Al Bridges is a wonderful role model.' One of countless people we remember this day….
(https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/resources/alastair-bridges-stories-service)
Today hinges on our ability not only to remember, but to remember well. When we gather in silent contemplation, what is it we should dwell on? Where should our minds and hearts go during the minute's silence? What must we avoid forgetting?
From our Christian perspective - We hear from the Lord's own lips, "No one has greater love, says the Lord, than those who lay down their lives for their friends, " and today we commemorate the ultimate sacrifice of those who served in times of war… and those who risked life and limb for those they loved…..
WE CANNOT HELP BUT NOTICE THE ECHO OF CHRISTS DEATH ON THE CROSS IN THE DEATH OF ALL WHO GAVE UP THEIR IRREPLACEABLE LIVES Defending AND PROTECT THEIR LOVED ONES FROM REAL AND FRIGHTENING DANGERS.
We remember the sacrifices and losses of war in order to respectfully remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice of their lives (and others their health and peace of mind) in the face of terrible aggression and assaults on human dignity and freedom. WE ALSO (try to) ensure future genocides, unjust wars and global atrocities do not take place. Remembrance steels our commitment to peace and justice by reminding us of the alternative, WHICH ALWAYS COMES AS TOO HIGH A PRICE.
Yes, we ought to try to embody the virtues of courage and self-sacrifice, and also out of respect for those who experienced the indescribable realities of war….. we should also pay due mind to the horror, atrocity and evil of both war itself and, how nations like ourselves (and its soldiers and peoples) are drawn reluctantly into these conflicts throughout history (in response to real threats to the peace). by aggressive and toxic nationalism, and countless acts of utter disregard for human rights and needs. . The world deeply wants to learn from the past violence and destruction to avoid future repeats -
AS THE FAMILIAR ODE SAYS…. …
"Age shall not weary THEM" - THAT IS… those men and women we have already lost. Lest we forget the reason they died, the horrors they saw, and suffered and THE HORRORS THAT THEY URGENTLY FOUGHT TO PREVENT IF THE AGGRESSOR WERE TO GET THE UPPER HAND… THE LOSS OF THE values THAT UNDERPIN OUR VERY SOCIETY….. (ALSO) WE REMEMBER the effects on those who are still with us, and who need us still.
https://www.abc.net.au/religion/what-must-we-remember-on-anzac-day-moral-reflection-without-mili/10094782
We remember and pay our heartfelt thanks to all who gave their lives.. The ultimate sacrifice – We take strength from Christ, Our Risen Saviour, who gave his life so that we might all be saved and be made forever citizens of the eternal and Heavenly City of peace and justice……. We cherish and gain hope from Christ's words …. "no greater love has a person than to lay down their life for a friend."
We pray that all those who lost their lives are now resting in the eternal peace of Christ…
There are many, many sacrifices that were made by those who served in time of war and those who serve now too…. As well as the sacrifice of their lives, there is also the loss of their youth, their health, and emotional well-being….. Those who came back injured in body, mind or spirit, from their experiences…. Anyone in any way affected by the horrors of war and its aftermath….. We remember them…. With profound respect.
The human cost of war - of people risking and often losing life for the defence of others and for the values we cherish… can never be adequately calculated… - and it cannot be repaid
The next generation. as with previous generations of young people, have taken up the torch of remembrance for all who gave the ultimate sacrifice… An important torch to carry... Remembering devoutly, the cost of freedom and peace… which came at such an enormous price…. From so many brave men and women…. and their families and communities.
Our hearts break again this year… as we have witnessed shocking and appalling acts of aggression - a terrible lack of respect for human life and dignity… that people around the world have watched with horror in places such as Ukraine…. It can't help but bring back memories of the generations of Australians and people around the world who have fought to stop the acts of war and aggression… and to see the terrible effects on cities and civilian populations.. to see the elderly and women and children – including pregnant women - suffering horribly right in the middle of the war zone… people of goodwill have come rushed to decry these acts of terror and also rushed to protest in the strongest possible ways, these acts of hatred and destruction. The arrogant and inhuman lack of concern for human life horrifies people of goodwill everywhere… we cry out to the Lord, Lord, these acts of war and violence and destruction are intolerable… they are unjust and utterly wrong… We cry out for peace and respect and justice for your beloved people…
We also pray that the hard lessons learned from previous conflicts and defences - and the ultimate cost of life that occurred in repelling aggressors ….. and the hard-won victory over that aggression – will not be forgotten - we are united around the world with people praying and working for peace and end to violence – so that history does not repeat itself… and we pray for our leaders and also for those who would be called to step forward in times of need….
Our prayer today and for the future is for that peace which only Christ can give to the world….. A peace and a love that quenches the all-too-real hatred and misunderstanding in the world..… and banishes that which leads to enmity and violence… We long for this… Those who served prayed and struggled for it… We continue this prayer this year and every year… this special day and all days….
May peace be in the hearts and minds of all people in the world…. May the peace of God's kingdom one day soon put an end to all war and violence…. In remembering and acknowledging the human cost of war and the price, beyond telling, of those who served…. We not only remember them, but we commit ourselves to a world where the values they fought for are cherished, protected and remembered.
We pray that God's reign of peace, justice, dignity and love will come in all its fullness….. and that the values of those who struggled and suffered for us will be always and everywhere respected, preserved and built up ever stronger…
Today we recall the extraordinary poem of which a paragraph has become immortalized as THE ODE…. the poem, written by Laurence Binyon in 1914 (one hundred-and-six years ago this year)…. And captures the importance of remembering and commemorating this day….
elsewhere in that same poem, he writes a passage that echoes our belief that those who have made sacrifices in the service of others remain not only in our hearts and memories… but, although hidden from sight… live on…. in the everlasting life of God's kingdom where there is true peace… no more suffering, no war… no pain…. our constant prayer is that God's Kingdom Come, not only in heaven but that the peace and justice of God's Kingdom will take hold and express itself more and more on earth…. and that the freedoms and values that our past generations have sacrificed everything for …. will be assured for all… and forever……
"Where our desires are and our hopes profound,
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night;
As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain."**….
(We will remember them) ...
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- Reflection by Fr Paul Kelly
- ** Robert Laurence Binyon, (10 August 1869 – 10 March 1943). "For The Fallen", The Times, (London), 21 September 1914.
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_history_of_Australia
Image: Shutterstock licensed Item ID: 613609064 - Canberra, Australia - March 18, 2017. Poppy wall lists the names of all the Australians who died in service of armies. The red poppy has become a symbol of war remembrance (ANZAC Day) the world over. Contributor – katacarix
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ANZAC DAY MEMORIAL – AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND. Year A - 25TH APRIL 2022.
(EPISODE: 362)
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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As we begin the Holy Eucharist, let us acknowledge our sinfulness, so as to worthily celebrate the sacred mysteries.
You raise the dead to life in the Spirit. Lord, have mercy//
You bring pardon and peace to the sinner. Christ, have mercy//
You bring light to those in darkness. Lord, have mercy//
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
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Let us pray for peace in our world, and in our hearts and homes. Lord Hear Us.
Let us pray for all the servicemen and women, who served our nation with bravery and honour. Lord Hear Us.
Let us pray for those men and women who died in the time of war, defending the freedom, the values and the people they love. Lord Hear Us.
Let us pray for all those who have been injured or in any way physically or emotionally affected by war. Lord Hear Us.
Let us pray for those who presently serve in armed forces, that they may be protected and strengthened. Lord Hear Us.
Let us pray that we will experience a deep sense of unity with God and with one another. Lord Hear Us.
Let us pray that the ANZAC spirit of self-sacrifice, bravery, and support may always live in the memories and hearts of all Australians. Lord Hear Us.
For people around the world - suffering the effects of war, violence and assaults on human dignity and rights. Including the people of the Ukraine… that they may be given peace and dignity and practical assistance in their suffering. And that God's peace will spur people to find every paths to peace and justice.
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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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pref: Christian death II
Eucharistic Prayer II
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Go in peace
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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.
https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:
"Faith, Hope and Love - Christian worship and reflection" - Led by Rev Paul Kelly
Prayers and chants — Roman Missal, 3rd edition, © 2010, The International Commission on English in the liturgy. (ICEL)
Scriptures – Jerusalem Bible (1966)
"The Psalms" ©1963, 2009, The Grail - Collins publishers.
Prayers of the Faithful - " Together we pray" by Robert Borg'. E.J. Dwyer, Publishers, (1993) . (Sydney Australia).
{Sung "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" - by Jeffrey M. Ostrowski. The ….Gloria, copyright 2011 ccwatershed.org. }
"Today I Arise" - For Patricia Kelly. Original words and music by Paul W. Kelly. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.
[ Production - KER - 2022]
May God bless and keep you.
Many thanks,
The Parish Team
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