Homily All Souls Day - Second November - Mass - Year A - 2023

Homily All Souls Day - Second November

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD

First Reading: Isaiah 25:6, 7-9.

Psalm: Ps 26. "I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord, in the land of the living."

Second Reading: Romans 5:5-11

Gospel Acclamation: John 6:40. "This is the will of my Father, says the Lord. That all who believe in the Son have eternal life. And I will raise them up to life again on the last day."

Gospel: Matthew 11:25-30

Stock Photo ID: 1997392616 - VIENNA, AUSTIRA - JUNI 18, 2021: The symbolic fresco of Jesus good Sheepherd in Herz Jesu church from begin of 20. cent. by autor with F.Z. initials. - Important information - Editorial Use Only.

Photo Contributor- Renata Sedmakova

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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the All Souls Day - Second November by clicking this link here https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/fhl-commemoration-of-all-the-faithful-departed-all-souls-day-2nd-november-year-a/s-qbA9nEeVGvw

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I could not think of a better person to commend our dear departed loved ones, friends and colleagues to the eternal care of, than the one who formed them with love.... and walked with them every step of their life's journey...  and loved them as a doting parent...  that is, Our God. God is love...  God who created everything from the dust...  and who never hates anything he created, because he made it... and with love beyond telling.....   We commend our departed loved ones and all souls to God, who understands us better than we even understand ourselves...   it is God Who knows every situation, every circumstance, every hardship, every context to all our actions and decisions, and every blessing and grace of each person's life.  God sees and knows everything that made us free to make the decisions we made in our lives... and God also sees all restricted us in our freedom to think and act too.....  // And amazingly, many times, we don't see those factors clearly - even in the events of our own lives! 

We mortals, act with imperfect vision and knowledge. God knows that, and sees it all and allows for these factors. God has the whole picture and sees us with clear but loving eyes. 

God who is all compassionate, merciful, kind. loving and faithful.

In his earthly ministry, Jesus physically raised from the dead only a few people.  And naturally, this astounding miracle was met with incredible wonder, awe and amazement.  But we know that the people he raised back to life, with compassion deep in his heart, would eventually go the way of all humans, and die again...  (but hopefully this time, after a long and happy life).  

These rare incidents of Christ raising the dead (in his earthly ministry), show us the heart of God towards all who mourn.  This heart is filled with unfathomable love and compassion.  Our Lord himself knew what it was to mourn the loss of loved ones.  His step father Joseph passed away at some time in his young life.  It was have been a deep loss and sadness...   He must have been tempted to raise him back up...  but he did not. Instead entrusting him to his Heavenly Father who is always faithful...  He also wept at the death of Lazarus, even though he believed in Heaven and the ultimate resurrection of all the dead...  but he still keenly felt grief and loss nevertheless...   Our Lord knows what we mean when we are deeply grieving.  

Jesus says to each of us... I WILL raise you up anew to eternal life.  To the fullness of life in Heaven.  

Those few examples of physical resurrection, (of which Christ himself is the absolute fullness of examples),  are a promise and foretaste.   This poor widows only son was raised up out of compassion  to remind everyone that God promises to raise up our bodies in the fullness of time.  it also shows Christ's faithfulness, love and care for all who are bowed down by grief and loss.  God promises to fulfil his words to us. We too, can join with those in the first reading who acclaimed:  "See, this is the one in whom we trusted. IT is God in whom we hoped. And we were right to do so, for see, he has saved us!"  

In life, and in the life of each one of us, we come across sadness, tragedies, loss and disaster.  More times than we care to count.  Some disasters are naturally occurring, freak incidents, or inexplicable developments, and other disasters are tragically due to human action; -  mistakes, sins, negligence or malice.  These are even harder to bear.  today's feast of ALL SOULS is a reminder that God is our Faithful shepherd. A good and loving shepherd and parent.. who is never just content with saving the 99% of the flock...  but who will not rest and who keeps searching until the last sheep is recovered and carried back to be reunited with everyone else. 

Jesus shows us that it is right and good to keep trusting and hoping and praying - for God is truly faithful. God is gentle and kind and compassionate. 

Today we pray for all Holy Souls.  We are consoled and peaceful in the knowledge that we are praying and commending all these precious souls into the hands of the one has has the last loving say on everything. 

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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

Stock Photo ID: 1997392616 - VIENNA, AUSTIRA - JUNI 18, 2021: The symbolic fresco of Jesus good Sheepherd in Herz Jesu church from begin of 20. cent. by autor with F.Z. initials. - Important information - Editorial Use Only.

Photo Contributor- 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

To listen to my weekly 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: 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).

"Faith, Hope and Love" theme hymn - In memory of William John Kelly (1942-2017) - 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 Motiv MV5 Digital Condenser.

Editing equipment:    -- MixPad Multitrack Studio Recording Software v10.49 (NCH Software).

NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 17.63 (NCH Software)

Sound Processing:  iZotope RX 10 Audio Editor (Izotope Inc.)

[ Production -  KER -  2023]

May God bless and keep you.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

All Souls Day
(Second November)


 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

          PENITENTIAL ACT:

As we prepare to celebrate the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, let us pause, recall our sins, and trust in Gods infinite mercy.

Lord Jesus, 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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Preface I of Christian Death

EPII

Memorial Acclamation

We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.


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SOLEMN BLESSING:

Let us bow our heads and ask for God's blessing.
May the God of all consolation bless you,
for in his unfathomable goodness he created the human race,
and in the Resurrection of his Only Begotten Son
he has given believers the hope of rising again.
Amen.

To us who are alive, may God grant pardon for our sins,
and to all the dead, a place of light and peace.
Amen.
May we all live happily for ever with Christ,
whom we believe truly rose from the dead.
Amen.

And may the blessing of almighty God,
the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit,
come down on you and remain with you for ever.
Amen.

Priest:

Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.

The Solemnity of All Saints - (Special) 2023

 The Solemnity of All Saints - (Special) 2023

Readings for
THE LITURGY OF THE WORD

First Reading: Revelation 7:2-4. 9-14
Psalm: Ps 23:1-6 "Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face."
Second Reading: 1 John 3:1-3
Gospel Acclamation: Matthew 11:28 Come to me all you that labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest, says the Lord.
Gospel: Matthew 5:1- 12
 

Image Credit: Shutterstock Photo ID: 2347316281 Candle lights on graves and tombstones at a cemetery in Poland during All Saints Day, Zaduszki day, and Day of the Dead. Lit candles illuminate the graves at a Christian cemetery at night.Photo Contributor: Mazur Travel

Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for All Saints - First November, 2023 by clicking this link here https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-the-solemnity-of-all-saints-special-2023

  

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* Prologue: This feast began in the East to commemorate all martyrs and was progressively adopted in the West. Celebrated on this day in the eighth century and soon widely observed. Honoured today are all holy men and women in glory with Christ: known or unknown, mighty, or lowly, all whose lives were modelled on the Beatitudes and on the great commandment of love.

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The feast of "All Saints" is the feast of all Christians. In fact, being a disciple of Jesus implies striving to be holy as our heavenly Father is holy (Mt 5:48). We are all called to holiness…  and we are all called to be saints…  In fact, in the early years of the church, the Saints was a title used to describe members of the Christian Church living and dead…  since eternal life with Christ begins with baptism….  It has already begun but is not fully revealed…. 

Matthew's Gospel tells us that those who are sensitive to the needs of the poor will enter the kingdom.

The eight beatitudes speak to us of the fundamental attitudes of Jesus' disciples and of all Christians. Disciples must totally trust God (poor in spirit); they must share the suffering of others (those who weep). Just as the Lord is, (Mt 11:30), so too must we be kind to others (the meek). They must fervently want justice to reign in this world (those who hunger and thirst for righteousness). Moreover, disciples must bear in their hearts the poor (the needy) - they must be ready to soften their hearts to those who are trying to turn back ..(the merciful). They must be consistent and upright in their lives (the pure in heart). They must do their best to establish peace as the outcome of justice (the peacemakers). All of this means that they will be opposed by those who refuse to recognize the rights of others (the persecuted for righteousness' sake).  Matthews Gospel goes on to put this in practical terms….. disciples are those who feed the hungry, give a drink to the thirsty, etc., in other words, those who are committed to the needy. The poor in spirit translate their love of God and of others by being in solidarity with the real poor in a material sense. In their actions for the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed, they will encounter Jesus himself: "you did it to me." And encountering the Lord is a grace.

As Pope Saint John Paul II wrote, "It is impossible to embrace the cause of the poor, and in doing so, verify our fidelity to Christ (see John Paul II, On Human Work, no. 8), without causing resistance and hostility, without going through "the great ordeal" (Rv 7:14). Receiving the grace of being children of God (1 Jn 3:1) involves creating practical and authentic friendship and justice in our society."

Having said all this, we have known many people like this…   we know them now…  in our families, in our friends, colleagues, members of our communities…   People who have modelled in their lives, their attitudes and decisions have lived the Beatitudes…  so they saw God as he really is… and continue to see him in Heaven. 

This feast is especially for all the unnamed saints,… officially proclaimed saints have their own special feasts and memorials.. (though of course they are included today), but this is especially the feast day of the saints not listed on earthly books, but listed in God's book of life…  and we have known them.. we have lived with them.. we have been inspired by them…  we hope to join them in heaven…  

Sometimes the practicality of the Beatitudes is illustrated best by contrast…  those who are puffed up and proud, and self-focused…  those without empathy for others…  those who refuse to be kind…. Those who make excuses for injustices when they could do something to help… those who are violent and ruthless to those who cry out to mercy -even those whose predicament is sometimes of their own making…./   These people are not the ones who will inherit the Kingdom.  The Kingdom is NOT inherited by those who crush others under their feet on their way to their goals…  they are not those who abuse and use others for their own selfish ends… nor are they ones who have no concern for the plight of the poor, the outcast, the sinner, the needy….  The ones who see no fraternity in people of other places, cultures or situations, when these people are truly our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Rather, It is those who stand up for and with those who call for justice and peace who stand before God's presence.  

We thank and praise God for inspiring us by the close example of these wonderful 'lights of Christ in our lives'…  may we continue to live these virtues in our own lives…   The saints pray for us, before the very face of God. We are in wonderful company.
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

 

Prologue by Fr Paul Kelly,  (Ref. Liturgy Brisbane)

Gutiérrez, G. and Dees, C. (1997). Sharing the Word through the liturgical year. 1st ed. Maryknoll: Orbis Books. Pp. 278-9

Image Credit: ShutterStock Photo ID: 2347316281 Candle lights on graves and tombstones at a cemetery in Poland during All Saints Day, Zaduszki day, and Day of the Dead. Lit candles illuminate the graves at a Christian cemetery at night. Photo Contributor: Mazur Travel

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All Saints 

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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Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins,
and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.

I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault,* through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
Lord have Mercy
Christ Have Mercy
Lord Have Mercy
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Memorial Acclamation

We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
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all saints PREFACE

Euch prayer two 

Communion side. pwk: RH
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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

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 - 2023]

May God bless and keep you.

 

 

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A . - Sunday, October 29, 2023 (EPISODE:445 )

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A . - Sunday, October 29, 2023
(EPISODE:445 )

Readings for Sunday, 29 October 2023
FIRST READING: Exod 22:20-26
Ps 18:2-3a, 3b-4, 47+51. "I love you Lord, my strength."
SECOND READING: 1 Thess 1:5c-10
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 14:23). Alleluia, alleluia! All who love me will keep my words, and my Father will love them and we will come to them.
GOSPEL: Matt 22:34-40

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 469506470 - Matthew 22:39 Key Bible Verses on the background of the cross on a hill, Matthew in Chapter 22, verse 39. Holy Bible. Photo Contributor: Take Photo
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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A . - Sunday, October 29, 2023 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-thirtieth-sunday-in-ordinary-time-year-a-episode-445/s-QN6inTReSfE  
(EPISODE:445 )
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Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 469506470 - Matthew 22:39 Key Bible Verses on the background of the cross on a hill, Matthew in Chapter 22, verse 39. Holy Bible. Photo Contributor: Take Photo

*Prologue Fr Paul W. Kelly

-  [Gospel values included in the readings: Love God, Love Neighbour as self. Justice, especially to the stranger and outcast]

 

"There are many examples of how, even after the busiest days, Jesus would go up into the hills, to a lonely place, and spend the night praying to His heavenly Father.  So, it is fair to say Jesus' whole life was to worship and praise the Father. 

There are also many examples of how Jesus spent himself in service to others.

 

His whole life was one act of service and love to his neighbour…that is,  all in need around him…..  

 

These two complete realities must be two sides of the same coin…. And are not in any way in contradiction.

 

The great saint John Chrysostom once said:  "I cannot believe in the salvation of those people who do not work for the salvation of their neighbours." 

 

Another great monk was once heard to say to his brothers (when they focused too much on rules and not on the heart of the gospel message….) -"My friends, you have torn the gospel of Christ iN two….//.

 

There are two great commandments: -  show your Love for God by how you love your neighbour (just as you would love and care for yourself).  (or perhaps it is more accurate to say there really is only one commandment to love.. which has two facets to it….)

 

In any case……Splitting up these two commands seriously distorts Christ's  gospel……  

 

There are two extremes to be avoided!   some would emphasise the worship of God to the point where doing anything practical for those in need seems to become an optional extra……. this is not the gospel of Jesus Christ……/// 

 

The other extreme is not right either…. some people are so caught up in social justice and practical action that they lose sight of the fact that Christian justice (Christian charity) always flows out of our relationship with God and that we are all God's children… and that it is not only our human actions… but God's will that is important….  so if someone emphasises social response and neglects prayer, worship and a sense of faith in God who is the author and Sustainer of us all……..   as essential as practical care for those in need is, it would lose its focus if we were ever to disconnect it to worship and prayer….. (it would become something merely humanistic….  And it could reflect a faulty sense that humans are their own saviours and can do all things themselves without reference to God…..)

 

Jesus shows us that both prayer and action are possible and necessary…..   Again…I must say,  I always feel that the Catholic groups of lay people such as St Vincent de Paul Society The Surfers Catholic Ladies Group,  and Rosies (to name but a few but not exclude the countless other groups that do the great work)…  are wonderful examples and expressions of both important aspects: Prayer and Action.

 

They certainly focus on practical action: - helping those in need, those who are hungry, seeking shelter, needing clothing, and also they visit people….  also, integral to this, they meet regularly to pray and reflect on Christ's gospel…  This is vital – Connection to the person of Christ makes sense of and empowers their care for their neighbour…. 

 

Some many other groups and individuals model this,..// and we give thanks for them all.  

In Jesus' great commandment – which is truly a "masterpiece of summing up thousands of biblical rules and regulations and observances into a few amazing words………to enshrine the very heart of its meaning: "Love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength… and love your neighbour as yourself…….." It becomes clear that every other person is truly our neighbour, especially when the person is in need.  We must be loving neighbours to all people who come into our lives.  No one can be excluded from being our neighbour.

 

Love of neighbour is at the heart of serving God /and being faithful to what God is asking of us.//  Love of neighbour is not simply an optional part of our Christianity.

 

Saint Paul, in the second reading, says it very well…..   We must take Christ as our model……… We must imitate Christ.  In that imitation of Christ, we can find a whole way of living:  gentleness yet strength in our dealings with others, understanding and accepting others with a clear vision of what is right and wrong.

 

Jesus did not just accept everything as good or anything goes.  He pointed out what was not good. However, Jesus managed to do this whilst consistently keeping his eyes on the primary value of the gospel...   love...  received and given. That is a difficult model to imitate.  Our Lord did not focus on righteousness for its own sake...   his emphasis was on love and compassion and the good of all....  anything he did it was primarily motivated by the love that flowed out of him as God the Son.  This is another example of the cross of Jesus. This suffering comes from living in the right relationship with the Father and one another whilst always keeping the point of this way of living front-and-centre....love, reverence and compassion. because in the end, it's all about LOVE -  of God, shown in how we love our neighbour. 

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References:

 

Fr Paul W. Kelly

 

Abbot's Homily, The Monastery of Christ in the Desert Homily for October 22 2008.

 

Flor McCarthy. Sundays and Holy Day Liturgies. Year A.

 

Gutierrez, Sharing the Word through the Liturgical Year.

 

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 469506470 - Matthew 22:39 Key Bible Verses on the background of the cross on a hill, Matthew in Chapter 22, verse 39. Holy Bible. Photo Contributor: Take Photo

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Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A .  (Sunday, October 29, 2023)  (EPISODE: 445 )
The Lord be with you.
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{{May Our Lord's Fidelity strenghten you.}} welcome everyone, we gather -  To offer or praise, prayers and intercessions to God. On this Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A .

Coming together as brothers and sisters, with confidence let us ask the Fathers forgiveness, for he is full of gentleness and compassion
Lord Jesus, you were lifted up to draw all people to yourself: Lord, have mercy//You shouldered the cross, to bear our suffering and sinfulness: Christ, have mercy// You open for your people the way from death into life: Lord, have mercy//
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
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Memorial Acclamation
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
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Ps 18:2-3a, 3b-4, 47+51. "I love you Lord, my strength."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 14:23). Alleluia, alleluia! All who love me will keep my words, and my Father will love them and we will come to them.
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PREFACE: Sundays Ordinary I
Eucharistic Prayer II
Communion side.  pwk: 
(theme variation: 1 )

 

(post version: v1-long)

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{thank you so much for taking this time with me to listen to God's word and for praising God for his 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:  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 (1942-2017) - 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 Motiv MV5 Digital Condenser.

Editing equipment:    -- MixPad Multitrack Studio Recording Software v10.49 (NCH Software).

NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 17.63 (NCH Software)

Sound Processing:  iZotope RX 10 Audio Editor (Izotope Inc.)

[ Production -  KER -  2023]

May God bless and keep you.
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Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A. World Mission Day - Sunday, October 22, 2023 (EPISODE:444)

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A. World Mission Day - Sunday, October 22, 2023
(EPISODE:444)

Readings for Sunday, 22 October 2023

FIRST READING: Isa 45:1, 4-6
Ps 96:1+3, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10. "Give the Lord glory and honour."
SECOND READING: 1 Thess 1:1-5b
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Phil 2:15d-16a). Alleluia, alleluia! Shine on the world like bright stars. You are offering it the word of life.
GOSPEL: Matt 22:15-21

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 1545751649 - Christian Cross at The Colosseum. It is an elliptical amphitheatre built of concrete and stone, built in 80 AD under by Emperor Titus. It is an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome. Rome, Italy, Feb 2015 -  Important information - Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Wagner Santos de Almeida
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Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A. World Mission Day - Sunday, October 22, 2023 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-twenty-ninth-sunday-in-ordinary-time-year-a-episode-444/s-7DPc88s9a7w  (EPISODE:444 )
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GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
"Render to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." (Matthew 22:21).
 
The first reading from Isaiah is really fascinating. It speaks about God declaring King Cyrus to be a "shepherd," his "Anointed One"-

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

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

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

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

 The true test is how self-serving our actions really end up being.(Or as St. Paul says.,… in the second reading, putting faith into action. and not merely words. but as power, as the Holy Spirit and as utter conviction…). Jesus was utterly sure that he owed absolutely EVERYTHING to The Father, and did not make excuses, Instead, he emptied himself entirely in service and love. This humbles us and makes us truly grateful. May we be strengthened to follow his example. in our daily life and actions…
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References:

Homily Fr Paul W. Kelly

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

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

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 1545751649 - Christian Cross at The Colosseum. It is an elliptical amphitheatre built of concrete and stone, built in 80 AD under Emperor Titus. It is an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome. Rome, Italy, Feb 2015 -  Important information - Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Wagner Santos de Almeida

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Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A. World Mission Day  (Sunday, October 22, 2023)  (EPISODE: 444 )
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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{{May Our Lord's justice sustain you}} welcome everyone, we gather -  Reflect upon the Holy Scriptures On this Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A. World Mission Day

As we prepare to celebrate the paschal mystery, let us admit our failings and ask the Lord for pardon and strength.
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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Memorial Acclamation
3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.
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Ps 96:1+3, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10. "Give the Lord glory and honour."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Phil 2:15d-16a). Alleluia, alleluia! Shine on the world like bright stars. You are offering it the word of life.
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PREFACE: Sundays Ordinary VI
Eucharistic Prayer One
Communion side.  pwk: 
(theme variation: 4 )

(post version: v2-long)

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{my heartfelt thanks for your participation in this time of reflection, prayer and praise.}

Go forth, the Mass is ended.

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

To listen to my weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here:  https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks

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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 (1942-2017) - 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 Motiv MV5 Digital Condenser.

Editing equipment:    -- MixPad Multitrack Studio Recording Software v10.49 (NCH Software).

NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 17.63 (NCH Software)

Sound Processing:  iZotope RX 10 Audio Editor (Izotope Inc.)

[ Production -  KER -  2023]

May God bless and keep you.
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