The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. (Corpus Christi). Year A - Sunday, June 11, 2023 (EPISODE- 424)

Readings for Sunday, June 11, 2023 - The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. (Corpus Christi). Year A
FIRST READING: Deut 8:2-3, 14b-16a
Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20. "Praise the Lord, Jerusalem!"
SECOND READING: 1 Cor 10:16-17
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 6:51-52). Alleluia, alleluia! I am the living Bread from heaven, says the Lord. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.
GOSPEL: John 6:51-58

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: Stock Illustration ID: 628109324 - - Modern abstract Eucharist -Sacrament with grapes and wheat on a square abstract background. Digital illustration made without reference image. Important information. Release information: Signed property release on file with Shutterstock, Inc. Illustration Formats. Illustration Contributor: Thoom

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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers, and homily), for The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. (Corpus Christi). Year A - Sunday, June 11, 2023, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-the-body-and-blood-of-christ-corpus-christi-year-a-ep-424/s-IDWK11Z1Xpw  (EPISODE- 424)

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"Hungry hearts are all around us. Those mourning the loss of a loved one, those in need of a job, people desperate for solid advice, people unable to curb an addiction, those who are angry and bitter, people who feel unforgiven or unforgiving, …. Those in poor health or people worried about finances, or unhappy in a relationship, … and people who are unsure of their commitments, or being too hard on themselves, … and people who are afraid of the world around them, …….The list goes on and on. These are the people Jesus offers to feed—-- Jesus offers us himself –real food for our lifelong journey….. and he offers us his word and his vision of the Kingdom… a real nourishment for the values that will completely transform us and satisfy us…. He promises to be with us in the ups and downs of life – he who is with us… our faithful and loving God.

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I remember my First Holy Communion, way back in 1976 now 47 years ago. I cannot believe it. It feels like yesterday; those beautiful memories remain with me; they remain with all of us many years later.

 I recall, after receiving my First Holy Communion, that I wanted to stay good forever; never do anything wrong again.

I'm pretty sure I didn't manage to stay perfectly good, but I kept on trying, and still keep trying with the help of weekly communion, and prayer, and the example of family, friends, and parishioners around us, and Jesus' beautiful gospel.

We all know that these days we are very aware that the things we focus our Time &Energy on; the things read; the things we watch, and the kinds of food we eat all make a big difference in forming our overall health of body and mind. It is the same with our faith. (The things we decide not to spend our time and energy on also help us focus on what's best for us too).

There is a common saying, "you are what you eat!"
This is indeed an interesting concept. It also reminds us that what we take in: Food, Entertainment, conversations, (and the type of these things), forms us!
If we were to eat only junk food all the time, instead of having it as "occasional food," we would become unhealthy and not receive the proper nutrition. This is the same in our spiritual life. When we take in wholesome things like the Word of God in the scriptures. When we receive the Body and Blood of Christ in communion. When we hear and receive the teachings of the church. In addition, when we read the lives of the saints, and listen to the wisdom of fellow Christians whom we respect and admire; we are taking into ourselves truly satisfying and healthy, and delightful nourishment.

 

Jesus wants to feed us with all the good values in life and so indeed we do listen to his word in the bible and we receive Jesus, truly receive him into our hearts, every time we receive Holy Communion. Moreover, we live daily our Lord's words, by putting our Time &Energy into the wholesome, helpful, and loving works of the gospel.

I was like to say to our First Holy Communion classes, (and we have just had these children receive their first communion here in this parish. People throughout the world will be receiving their first communion around this time as they receive Jesus in communion for the first time). I like to tell our first communicants this truth: What we receive in First Holy Communion is a priceless and beautiful moment. There is only one thing better than one's First Holy Communion, and that's your Second Holy Communion, and the only thing better than second Holy Communion, is the third Holy Communion and Fourth and so on, weekly. It sets up a pattern of communion with Christ in our daily lives.

Communion in the body and blood of Christ connects us forever to God and to our loved ones.

Every time we celebrate Eucharist; every time we received the Body and Blood of Christ, we are united - brought into communion - connected in an unbreakable bond with God who comes and makes a home in our hearts. Through our communion in Jesus, we are united, (spiritually in communion) with our loved ones and friends, and fellow Christians.

We are even connected to our departed loved ones – truly united with them, who are all very much part of this communion of believers in-and-through Christ. Our departed loved ones are still alive in Christ forever which is beautifully reassuring. We are never closer to a departed fellow family member and with other Christians and people of goodwill, than when we are receiving Jesus in the Eucharist.

Today, we celebrate Jesus who makes his home in us through this sacrament of his body and blood. He is truly present to us. This gift is truly priceless and each time we receive communion; may we always be powerfully impressed with this reality. May we cherish this always.

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References:

Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: Stock Illustration ID: 628109324 - - Modern abstract Eucharist -Sacrament with grapes and wheat on a square abstract background. Digital illustration made without reference image. Important information. Release information: Signed property release on file with Shutterstock, Inc. Illustration Formats. Illustration Contributor: Thoom


The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. (Corpus Christi). Year A (Sunday, June 11, 2023) (EPISODE- 424)


Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
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{{How are you today as we gather - To take time to reflect upon the meaning of God's word for our everyday lives.}}

Brothers and sisters, as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the Lord's supper, let us recall our sins and acknowledge them in silence.
Lord Jesus, you 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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Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20. "Praise the Lord, Jerusalem!"

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 6:51-52). Alleluia, alleluia! I am the living Bread from heaven, says the Lord. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.
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: Preface I or II of the Most Holy Eucharist
Euch prayer two

(theme variation: 1)

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)

 

{How are you today as we gather - To take time to reflect upon the meaning of God's word for our everyday lives.)

 

(pre+post variation: v1-long)
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{I am very grateful for you joining us for this special time of prayer and reflection.}

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 the weekly mass/homily audio podcast, please click this link here: 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: Subscribe to mailing list to keep up-to-date (https://eepurl.com/hpETjf)

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.

Sound Engineering and editing - P.W. Kelly.

Microphones: - Shure MV5 Digital Condenser (USB)

Editing equipment:

NCH software - MixPad Masters v10.27. Multitrack Studio Recording Software
NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 17.42

Sound Processing: iZotope RX 6 Audio Editor v.6.10.4320

[Production - KER - 2023]
May God bless and keep you.
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The SOLEMNITY OF THE Most Holy Trinity. Year A - Sunday, June 4, 2023 (EPISODE-423 )

Readings for Sunday, June 4, 2023 - The Most Holy Trinity. Year A
FIRST READING: Exod 34:4b-6, 8-9
Dan 3:52, 53, 54, 55  "Glory and praise forever!"
SECOND READING: 2 Cor 13:11-13
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Rev 1:8). Alleluia, alleluia! Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. To God who is, who was, and who is to come.
GOSPEL: John 3:16-18

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: Stock Photo ID: 467095817   - Troitsky Cathedral, Saint Petersburg, Russia-circa July, 2016: holy icon.  Important information: Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Antracit

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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers, and homily), for The Most Holy Trinity. Year A - Sunday, June 4, 2023, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-the-most-holy-trinity-year-a-ep-423/s-NJ88xbaIkbS  (EPISODE-423 )
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THIS WEEKEND'S GOSPEL -  The Communion of the Most Holy Trinity 

The celebration of God as Trinity also reveals to us the true nature of God and shows us what is in the heart of the One who is at the centre of the universe. That nature of our God is a perfect community of persons with one divine nature - and within this union is - communion, sharing, harmony, and above all, LOVE.   

If we look at what Jesus did not hunger for, it is very revealing. He did not hunger for money. He warned us to be very wary of its hollow charms. He did not hunger for popularity. In fact, a thief and a murderer (namely Barabbas) revoltingly won the popularity contest.  The TRUE thirsting and hunger of Jesus is this::- He longed to share with others. He thirsted for others' faith and participation. He longed to protect and comfort the poor and the struggling. He could hardly wait to usher in the Kingdom of peace, mercy, grace, and inclusion. To invite us into the inner life of God, who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - The Three in One! 

It breaks your heart, doesn't it…Seeing so many people throughout the world clearly searching for something that will truly satisfy their longings…. And yet… they go down paths that seem life-giving.. Seem attractive… but ultimately prove to be dead-ends and unsatisfying…… but does it stop us…. No…. we can tend to keep rushing down the path of the next attractive glittering possibility…. Whether it be the pursuit of money as the supposed solution to everything….., power, influence, or celebrity, ….. so many things in this world and this society cry out for our attention and invite us to get enmeshed in them…… May the Spirit of truth guide us as we discern, through the light of Jesus' words and actions, just what are the lifegiving treasures to put all our heart and soul into…

When we look at our local parish community…..  We are heartened……. In so many ways, people have asked themselves, "Now that I am following Jesus, what shall I DO in practical ways.... to make a difference......" - God has answered our prayers in many very satisfying ways that bring grace and benefit and service to so many.. people have joined the St Vincent de Paul Society, and done wonderful work and practical actions to make a difference in the lives of people in need. Others have joined the Surfers Paradise catholic ladies… and shared in the community, combining prayer, friendship and good works to help others…..….   Others have joined Rosies,...  street ministry……to reach out to our brothers and sisters who are living on the streets and in need…..   and many other ministries in the parish and in the wider community too. 

A  wonderful variety of ministries and activities of the parish's mission ... the list is wonderfully long. There is so much to do, and God is calling each one of us in our own local sphere of influence to be united and in communion with each other in a spirit of cooperation, practical assistance, and spiritual support.  

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REFERENCES: 

FR. PAUL W. KELLY

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: Stock Photo ID: 467095817   - Troitsky Cathedral, Saint Petersburg, Russia-circa July, 2016: holy icon.  Important information: Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Antracit

To listen to the Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) -  https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks 
 Also found at -   https://tinyurl.com/FHLpwk 

The Most Holy Trinity. Year A (Sunday, June 4, 2023) (EPISODE- 423)

The Lord be with you.
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{{Shalom (peace) as we gather - To offer or praise, prayers and intercessions to God.}}

As one family in Christ, let us prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries by calling to mind our sins.
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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Dan 3:52, 53, 54, 55 (diff). "Glory and praise forever!"

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Rev 1:8). Alleluia, alleluia! Glory to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. To God who is, who was, and who is to come.
Memorial Acclamation
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
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PREFACE: Mystery of the Most Holy Trinity
Euch prayer two

(theme variation: 4)

The Lord be with you.

{Shalom (peace) as we gather - To offer or praise, prayers and intercessions to God.)

(pre+post variation: v2-long)
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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 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 the weekly mass/homily audio podcast, please click this link here: 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: Subscribe to mailing list to keep up-to-date  (https://eepurl.com/hpETjf)

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.

Sound Engineering and editing - P.W. Kelly.

Microphones: - Shure MV5 Digital Condenser (USB)

Editing equipment:
NCH software - MixPad Masters v10.27. Multitrack Studio Recording Software
NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 17.42

Sound Processing: iZotope RX 6 Audio Editor v.6.10.4320

[Production - KER - 2023]
May God bless and keep you.
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(weekday) The Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Wednesday 31st May 2023)

The Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (weekday)

(Wednesday 31st May 2023)

Mass of the Feast, Preface of the Blessed Virgin Mary II

Readings:  
Zeph 3:14-18: The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst.

(or  Rom 12:9-16: Contribute to the needs of God's people, and practise hospitality).

"Psalm:" Is 12:2-6: R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary, for your firm believing, that the promises of the Lord would be fulfilled. Alleluia! (Cf Lk 1:45)

Lk 1:39-56: Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord?

Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. By clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-feast-of-the-visitation-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary-master/s-eVPXxkyUmqu  

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

On this special (feast of) the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth.

As one family in Christ, let us prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries by calling to mind our sins.

 

·        Lord Jesus, you humble the proud and exalt the humble. Lord have mercy.

·        You fill the hungry with good things. The self-sufficient you send away empty. Christ have mercy.

·       Your mercy reaches from age to age for those who revere you. Lord have mercy.

May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

 

GLORIA
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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:  Preface II of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  
Euch.Prayer:  II

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Dismissal:
Go, AND ANNOUNCE THE Gospel of the lord. .
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Prologue:

This feast celebrates the Virgin Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth, as told in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:39-56), and her example of faith in God's word and sensitivity to the Spirit. It was introduced into the Franciscan calendar by Saint Bonaventure (15 July) in the thirteenth century and was extended in 1389 to the entire Latin Church to heal the divisions in the Western Church of the time.

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"Yes, truly blessed is she who believed that the promise made to her by the Lord would be fulfilled" – And blessed are we when we hope and trust and believe that the lord will be faithful to us and fulfil the promises made to us.

 

"Mary and Elizabeth meet and an unspoken bond is formed,

Born of their shared condition – they each are expecting a baby.

They know that they cannot face this alone,

and they also know that God has no intention of letting them face this alone.

God is with them.

This "yes" from these ladies, will need an ongoing commitment, care, time, and the grace of God! 

They KNOW that they are God's partners in bringing to birth, hope and life !! "(A) 

 

This truly beautiful gospel passage today illustrates the importance of giving thanks and of explicitly naming our blessings.   

 

 

The Blessed Virgin Mary, and Saint Elizabeth are both wonderful examples of faithful discipleship. They notice the graciousness of God happening all around them and within them. They both  delight inpraising God, and in thanksgiving, and make a deliberate decision (and choice) to name the blessings of God and to give voice to the presence of God - It is a truly inspiring moment. A moment of true and abiding praise and thanksgiving.

 

The other thing that strikes me about this well-known passage of Scripture is the importance of family, including extended family (our family of faith, our parish, our friends, our colleagues, our neighbours, and our wider community). 

 

The Virgin Mary must have been daunted and filled with awe, by what she knew was happening to her. Not everyone would understand what God was doing in her life // and not everyone would be happy. Certainly, not everyone would have goodwill towards her and assume that the Holy Spirit was at work in this extraordinary event.  

 

Mary went to visit Elizabeth. Together, they meet in great joy and affection, and gain enormous support from each other. How very important is the support and encouragement we give to one another in times of joy and also times of trial.

 

Who are some of the people we need to give thanks for?

Let us recall in our hearts the acts of kindness and love. Neighbourliness and fraternity….. that so many people have shown us daily.

Who are the people through whom we have experienced Christ's graced presence, love, compassion, mercy and grace? Let us remember and give thanks for these people and these blessings in our hearts, minds, and show this gratitude in all our words and actions.

 

Let us seek out people like Elizabeth, who have grateful, remembering hearts; and who focus on the positives and show us the world in its goodness for us to build our lives upon. people who do not dwell on negatives, and who do not get us more and more upset and downcast by focusing on all that is wrong. .

 

Let us be attentive to the ways in which God is present to us, especially God's abiding presence and action, in the people with whom we socialize, work and live. 

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HOMILY:

The arduous journey to visit and care for her cousin Elizabeth

Blessed Virgin Mary,  and Saint Elizabeth. Pray for us.
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

(A)  Alice Camille, 2009:  A Book of Grace-filled Days).

Image Credit: 

 

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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 the 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 - 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).

Hymn – "Rainfall – Mother of  Mercy." Music by Paul W. Kelly. 1994, 2021. Words adapted by Paul W. Kelly, based on the Traditional Salve Regina Hymn. Arranged & with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2021. https://www.airgigs.com/user/stefankelk

Marian Hymn -   "Salve Regina Mater Misericordiae." (Traditional 11th Century). Melody: Mainz (1712), Hymn #783 - Brébeuf Hymnal. From https://www.ccwatershed.org/hymn/

 

Magnificat (Praise and sing to God)- (July 2021) -Music by Paul W. Kelly. (1985, 2010, 2021), Lyrics inspired by Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55). Music arranged, with adapted lyrics by Stefan de Freyne Kelk. [https://www.airgigs.com/user/stefankelk ] July 1, 2021.

[ Production - KER - 2023]

May God bless and keep you.

(weekday Memorial) - Mary, Mother Of The Church. Memorial for the Monday immediately after Pentecost Sunday

(weekday Memorial) - Mary, Mother Of The Church. Memorial for the Monday immediately after Pentecost Sunday


Gen 3:9-15, 20: The mother of all those who live.

(or
Acts 1:12-14: They all joined in continuous prayer together with Jesus' mother, Mary).

Responsorial Psalm. Psalm 86: 1-2, 3, 5, 6-7 "Of you are told glorious things, O city of God!"

Alleluia, alleluia! Happy are you, holy Virgin Mary, deserving of all praise; from you rose the sun of justice, Christ, the Lord. Alleluia!

Gospel:  John 19:25-34
 

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed stock photo ID: 172756952. ANTWERP, BELGIUM - SEPTEMBER 5, 2013: Paint of Crucifixion as part of Seven Sorrows of Virgin cycle by Josef Janssens from years 1903 - 1910 in the cathedral of Our Lady. By Renata Sedmakova
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Please listen to the audio podcast of the Mass – featuring  readings, prayers, and reflections for the Memorial of Mary Mother of The Church – (Monday after Pentecost) by clicking this link here https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-memorial-of-mary-mother-of-the-church-abc-genesis-version-2023-master/s-VL057VcLwVr    
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
On this special (feast of) Mary Mother Of The Church
 
my brothers and sisters, to prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries, let us call to mind our sins.
Lord Jesus, you are son of God and the son of Mary Lord, have mercy.
Your mother prays with us for true and lasting peace. Christ, have mercy.  
You give to us your mother as mother of 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
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: Mary, Mother and Model of the church
Euch .Prayer:  II
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Go and announce the gospel of the lord. .
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Prologue: The Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. The Second Vatican Council, (1962-65), spoke eloquently of the Virgin Mary in its document on the Church, and in 1964 proclaimed the title Mother of the Church. Christ on the cross entrusted his mother to Saint John: This is your Mother! This memorial on the day after Pentecost recalls her maternal presence among the Disciples of Christ from the beginning.
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HOMILY:
As Our Lord hung, dying a cruel death on the cross, it would have been totally understandable if he was focused on just breathing…   and yet even at this time, in great pain and near the very end, his thoughts and concerns turned to his mother and to his disciples and the good of the mission he came to fulfil.   He said to his mother:  "Woman, this is your son!"  And to John the beloved disciple, "This is your mother!"   This action not only ensured the ongoing care of his beloved mother, and first and most perfect disciple, Mary, but also in doing this Our Lord gave his mother to care for all his disciples and the whole church.  So, today it is good and right to celebrate Mary as the Mother of the Church.
 
Mary was there from the very beginning. She was utterly attentive and faithful to the Word of God.  She accepted the word God so utterly into her heart and life that she was given the unique privileged of giving birth to the Word made flesh, and caring for him and raising him in love.
 
Throughout Our Lady's life, she pondered and treasured all the events of her life in her heart.  Mary was there to give the opportunity for his first sign as Messiah, when out of love and concern she drew Christ's attention to the wine running out at the wedding in Cana. Her words then apply to so many other acts of discipleship ever since…  "do whatever he instructs you."  
 
Our Lady was not at all put off when she and other relatives went to see Jesus when he was preaching and asked to speak with him. His reply was unusual -  Who is my mother?  Who are my brothers?  Whoever hears the word of God and keeps it,  is my mother, my sister my brother! This, of course, is a wonderful widening of his family to include everyone…   Mary's response to this was obvious…   Her actions before, during and after this event show that her reply was like this… "then I shall be your mother and your disciple." 
Mary was there at all the key moments of Christ's ministry…  She was at the foot of the cross when he suffered and died…   she is called, for this extraordinary act of valour, a "living-martyr, who stood at the foot of the cross," and surely suffered spiritually everything her son suffered physically.
Mary was again present at the news of the resurrection.

And as shown in the first reading today.  Mary is the New Eve…   restoring in complete obedience what was lost by the disobedience of our original forebears.
Mary was also, with the apostles in the upper room, after Christ's ascension.. continually at prayer along with the disciples.   
 
And profoundly…..Mary was with the disciples at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended in its fullness and empowered Christ's church.
The Church is blessed and grateful that Mary's care for the church and all its disciples continued in her earthly life, and continues for us these many generations since.  The motherly care, intercession, protection and love of Mary is a wonderful blessing given to us by Christ.  
 
And of course, we are very aware of how much we appreciate this motherly care in these days when the world longs for lasting peace,  respect and harmony. … 
The newly established Australian colonies depended greatly on the motherly care and intercession of Mary in its early years, especially when there were no priests or sacraments available for most of the first thirty years since the First Fleet arrived.  The Rosary, Marian devotion and the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary kept the faith alive in those drawn-out decades.
 
And we are sure that Jesus has given us the motherly care, intercession and prayer of his beloved mother in times of uncertainty.   This fills us with hope, peace and a sense of direction. 
Our Lady, Mother of the Church.  Pray for us.
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed stock photo ID: 172756952. ANTWERP, BELGIUM - SEPTEMBER 5, 2013: Paint of Crucifixion as part of Seven Sorrows of Virgin cycle by Josef Janssens from years 1903 - 1910 in the cathedral of Our Lady. By Renata Sedmakova
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Archive of homilies and reflections: http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email: paulwkelly68@gmail.com
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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 - 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).

Marian Hymn -   "Salve Regina Mater Misericordiae." (Traditional 11^th Century). Melody: Mainz (1712), Hymn #783 - Brébeuf Hymnal. From https://www.ccwatershed.org/hymn/

Marian Hymn – "Whom Earth and Sea and Sky Proclaim." Traditional 6^th Century Hymn. Melody: Bartholomaus Gesius (d.1613). #376 - Brébeuf Hymnal. From https://www.ccwatershed.org/hymn/
 
 
[Production - KER - 2023]
May God bless and keep you.