Saturday, December 30, 2023

SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD – Episode 456 - (Years: A-B-C) The First of January 2024.

SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD –

Episode 456 - (Years: A-B-C)

The First of January 2024.

  

SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD –(1/1/24)

First Reading: Numbers 6:22-27
Psalm: Ps 66:2-3. 5. 6. 8. "May God bless us in his mercy."
Second Reading: Galatians 4:4-7
Gospel Acclamation: Hebrews 1:1-2. Alleluia, alleluia! In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; now he speaks to us through his Son. Alleluia.
Gospel: Luke 2:16-21

Image Credit: ID: Virgin Mary of Jerusalem. - Icon, in gold and silver. From Bethlehem.

++++
Please listen to the audio recordings of the readings, prayers, and reflections for the Mary Mother of God. Year A - January 1, 2024, by clicking this link here:  https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/fhl-first-of-january-solemnity-of-mary-the-holy-mother-of-god-abc-2024/s-RVC0unVu9NC

 

+++++++

HOMILY – FR PAUL KELLY 2024.

May this brand-new year be filled with blessings and many graces.  We give thanks today to our Lord for so many gifts we received each and every day.  the gift of life, the gift of family, friends, parishioners, our community.  We have so much to thank and praise our Lord for as we begin a new year of opportunities.

 

We dedicate this new year to the Lord …. So this is, truly, in every sense of the word: The year of the Lord 2024.  May our thoughts, words and effort all be directed to the Lord's vision for the world and the Kingdom of God. 

 

At the very start of a new calendar year, we say to the

Lord, "all things we have done pleasing to you, we offer to you in love and gratitude."

 

any time we have acted contrary to your will.  We are truly sorry and ask your mercy and pardon.  May we redirect our efforts, in your gracious guidance, to build up your Kingdom of love and mercy and justice and care.

 

This new year Oh lord, we accept from you as pure gift… We desire not to waste this precious time nor take it for granted but to savour it and make use of the t for all that you desire- loving God.  and we offer you our work and our efforts …. recognising this to be a time filled with opportunities - to praise you and love you, and show our love by how we treat one another -  especially those most in need. 

 

Mary is a perfect example of discipleship and a superb model of faith, joy, humility, attentiveness, a love of justice, a concern for the poor and complete trust in God. 

What a perfect Lady ask for her intercessions to her beloved son, and Our Lord, Jesus, as we begin this new year. 

 

I think of two things particularly that strike me from the readings today…

 

one is the reference - which is mentioned a few key times in the gospel of luke ….  Our Lady  treasured these things in her heart….  she pondered these things …. may we treasure everything that happens to us.   

 

Our Lady pondered and treasured everything - 

when something wonderful happened she treasured it in her heart

when something confusing and upsetting happened she pondered it in her heart

when something unexpected or sad occurred she stored it in her heart. 

In everything, meditating on God's word and reflecting on the mystery of God's faithful plan for the world.  

 

It is an invitation to really meditate and reflect with love and faith upon all of the events that happen to us.  Sometimes we don't get clarity or an answer to confusing or upsetting things, but we ponder and meditate on these things and keep trusting in God's love and faithfulness to us - even when things are not clear

 

secondly - how much better would all our interactions be if we deepened this question in the situations we find ourselves in over the coming year…. "what would The Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Mother and the Mother of God do if she was here in this situation." How would the Blessed Virgin Mary respond? What would she say? What would she refrain from saying? How would she show practical and heartfelt love for others in this and any situation - Particularly in those times of confusion and hurt or when there is a temptation to speak or act in ways that are not edifying for the kingdom?  what would our blessed mother do? How would she speak lovingly, honestly, constructively, and wisely in difficult situations?  

 

The saints and esteemed teachers within the Church throughout history have reflected upon the importance of Mary.  …….

·       "O sinner, be not discouraged, but have recourse to Mary in all your necessities. Call her to your assistance, for such is the divine Will that she should help in every kind of necessity." - Saint Basil the Great

 

·       "If you invoke the Blessed Virgin when you are tempted, she will come at once to your help, and Satan will leave you."  - Saint John Vianney

 

·       "If you ever feel distressed during your day, call upon our Lady, just say this simple prayer: 'Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now.' I must admit, this prayer has never failed me." – Saint Teresa or Kolkata

 

·       "Let us run to Mary, and, as her little children, cast ourselves into her arms with perfect confidence." - Saint Francis de Sales

 

·       "Even while living in the world, the heart of Mary was so filled with motherly tenderness and compassion for men that no one ever suffered so much for their own pains, as Mary suffered for the pains of her children." - Saint Jerome

 

·       "Just as seafarers are guided into port by the shining of a star, so Christians are guided to heaven by Mary." - Saint Thomas Aquinas

 

·       "Her [Mary's] example of faithful perseverance in doing the will of God and her heavenly reward are a source of courage and hope for all of us."
- Pope Benedict XVI

 

·       "Mary was the first person to take the 'way' to enter the Kingdom of God that Christ opened, a way which is accessible to the humble, to all who trust in the word of God and endeavour to put it into practice."
- Pope Benedict XVI

 

·       "Let us entrust to her intercession the daily prayer for peace, especially in places where the senseless logic of violence is most ferocious, so that all people may be convinced that in this world we must help each other, as brothers and sisters, to build the civilization of love."
- Pope Benedict XVI

 

·       "The greatest saints, those richest in grace and virtue will be the most assiduous in praying to the most blessed virgin, looking up to her as the perfect model to imitate and as a powerful helper to assist them."
- Saint Louis Marie de Montfort.

 

·       "In trial or difficulty, I have recourse to Mother Mary, whose glance alone is enough to dissipate every fear."
- Saint Therese of Lisieux

The world over these last few years has been suffering from terrible violence, war, and injustice… as well as tragic disasters… natural as well as human-made….     And we ask the Blessed Mother of God to pray to her son on our behalf for the gift of Peace in the world and the hearts and minds and decisions of people everywhere…

 

Have a blessed and grace-filled year…..

 

-

Mary, Mother of God…   Pray for us.  

++++

References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

Quotes: 
https://www.xavier.edu/jesuitresource/online-resources/quote-archive1/mother-mary-quotes#:~:text=%22O%20sinner%2C%20be%20not%20discouraged,in%20every%20kind%20of%20necessity.%22&text=%22If%20you%20invoke%20the%20blessed,and%20Satan%20will%20leave%20you.%22

 

Image Credit: Virgin Mary of Jerusalem. - Icon, in gold and silver. From Bethlehem.

+++++


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.


HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!


{{God's kindness, peace and grace to everyone!}}

On this special Solemnity of Mary the Holy Mother of God,, trusting in God's timeless faithfulness, mercy, and love, let us first call to mind our sins.

 

·         Lord Jesus, your beloved Mother is thereby the Mother of God. Lord have mercy

 

·        Your beloved mother is the Help of Christians. Christ have mercy,

 

·        Your beloved Mother is the Queen of Heaven. Lord have mercy



May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Memorial Acclamation
2. When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PREFACE: Blessed Virgin MARY I
Euch. Prayer: 2
++++
{Thanks, everyone, and THROUGH God's grace and mercy, and the faithful intercession of Mary, the holy mother of God, may this be for you all a blessed, healthy and grace-filled year of the Lord 2024.}

The Lord be with you…
(Let us bow our heads to receive God's blessing)

May God, the source and origin of all blessings,
grant you grace,
pour out his blessing in abundance,
and keep you safe from harm throughout the year. Amen.

May he give you integrity in the faith,
endurance in hope,
and perseverance in charity
with holy patience to the end. Amen.

May he order your days and your deeds in his peace,
Grant your prayers in this and in every place,
and lead you happily to eternal life.
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 forever.

Amen.



Dismissal:

Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.
++++++++++++
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.

Christmas Hymn - "Word Made Flesh" by Paul W. Kelly. Based upon: John's Gospel 1:14, 1 John 4:9, & Isaiah 9:2, 6, 7.
(Written on 8/5/20; 10/9/20). Arranged and sung by Stefan Kelk, with adjusted lyrics. 2020. 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/

Marian Hymn – "Quem Terra, Pontus, Aethera." ("Whom Earth and Sea and Sky Proclaim"). Traditional 6th Century Hymn. Melody: Bartholomaus Gesius (d.1613). #376 - Brébeuf Hymnal. From https://www.ccwatershed.org/hymn/

[Production - KER - 2024]

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

Numbers 6:22-27 (NRSV)

A reading from the book of Numbers.
The Lord spoke to Moses:
"Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying,
'Thus you shall bless the Israelites:
You shall say to them,
"'The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you,
and give you peace.'
"So they shall put my name on the Israelites,
and I will bless them."
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm

Ps 66:2-3, 5, 6, 8 (JB)

R. May God bless us in his mercy.

God, be gracious and bless us
and let your face shed its light upon us.
So will your ways be known upon earth
and all nations learn your saving help. R.


Let the nations be glad and exult
for you rule the world with justice.
With fairness you rule the peoples.
you guide the nations on earth. R.


Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.
May God still give us his blessing
till the ends of the earth revere him. R.

Second Reading


Galatians 4:4-7 (NRSV)
A reading from the letter of Paul to the Galatians.
When the fullness of time had come,
God sent his Son, born of a woman,
born under the law,
in order to redeem those who were under the law,
so that we might receive adoption as children.
And because you are children,
God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying,
"Abba! Father!"
So you are no longer a slave but a child,
and if a child then also an heir, through God.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation

Hebrews 1:1-2 (JB)
Alleluia, alleluia!
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets;
now he speaks to us through his Son.
Alleluia!

Gospel

Luke 2:16-21 (NRSV)

A reading from the holy gospel according to Luke.
When the angels had left them
the shepherds said to one another,
"Let us go now to Bethlehem
and see this thing that has taken place,
which the Lord has made known to us."
So they went with haste
and found Mary and Joseph,
and the child lying in the manger.
When they saw this,
they made known what had been told them about this child;
and all who heard it were amazed
at what the shepherds told them.
But, Mary treasured all these words
and pondered them in her heart.
The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God
for all they had heard and seen,
as it had been told them.
After eight days had passed,
it was time to circumcise the child;
and he was called Jesus,
the name given by the angel
before he was conceived in the womb.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary And Joseph. Year B - Sunday, December 31, 2023 (EPISODE: 455)

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary And Joseph. Year B - Sunday, December 31, 2023
(EPISODE: 455)



Readings for Sunday, 31 December 2023
FIRST READING: Gen 15:1-6; 21:1-3 (new)
Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9. "The Lord remembers his covenant forever."
SECOND READING:
opt: Heb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (
Heb 1:1-2). Alleluia, alleluia! In the past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; now, he speaks to us through his Son. Alleluia.
GOSPEL:
Luke 2:22-40

Image - Shutterstock licensed Image:  stock photo ID: 150278416. Vranov, Slovakia. The Nativity Icon – the Icon of the Birth of Jesus. Chapel of the Convent of the Holy Trinity in Lomnica, Vranov nad Toplou, Slovakia. By Adam Jan Figel
++++
Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily) for The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary And Joseph. Year B - Sunday, December 31, 2023, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-the-the-holy-family-of-jesus-mary-and-joseph-year-b-episode-455  
(EPISODE: 455)
+++++
As we continue on our journey through this Christmas season, this Feast of the Holy Family is a really important celebration, straight after the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord And within the Octave of Christmas.

At this time of year, we give sincere thanks for the love, nurturing, and support that our family can give us. And the love, example and intercession that the Holy Family give us on our life journey.

We think of our parents' and families' countless acts of kindness, love, and sacrifices. When we were young, we probably didn't appreciate the scale of it all. When we get older and have our own families or watch with admiration brothers and sisters and friends raising their own families, we start to appreciate what our parents must have given and sacrificed out of love. We are truly grateful for this.

We are also very mindful of people whose family life has been extremely difficult and who did not have that support that others take for granted.  That is, not everyone in this world has been blessed with an unconditionally loving and accepting family who support one another. We give thanks for mentors and all people who have been good role models and sources of care and protection for the young. These people have been family to others beyond the ties of blood.

We keep in mind, currently, families worldwide who have had it really tough this year due to illnesses, distance, separation, financial hardship and worries.

The Holy family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, are the patron saints supporting each other and sticking together when everything is going wrong around them. For example, when we look closely at the very first Christmas, we quickly see that life for the Holy family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph was anything but smooth sailing.  The joy and hope of this celebration come from the fact that God came into our world and made a home with us when everything was going badly for the world. The first Christmas came at a time of incredible unrest for the people of Israel, who were suffering under foreign domination of a pagan empire that had values quite opposed to many of the sacred religious values of the Jewish people.

Mary and Joseph are forced to take a terribly difficult trip to Bethlehem when Mary is imminently due to give birth. This would have been a difficult trip at the best of times, but it must have been extremely difficult for an expectant mother at the end of her term. They arrive at their ancestral hometown, and there is nowhere to stay. They are forced to sleep in a barn, and Mary gives birth to a baby surrounded by animals. The baby is placed in a food trough, where the animals normally eat. The shepherds, some of the poorest and lowest "outcasts" in the society then, are the first to hear about the birth and come to pay their respects.

Very soon after the birth, Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus must flee for their lives, becoming refugees from King Herod's murderous jealousy. They escape into exile in a foreign land.

In today's gospel, which is truly wonderful, the prophet Simeon and the prophetess Anna, in the temple, praise God for Jesus, who is the one who will save Israel and who comes to save the whole world. But then Simeon turns to Mary and warns her that her life will be touched by a sword of extraordinary suffering and sorrow, as the implications of loving and caring for her only son will touch her life deeply, too. Her beloved son must tread a loving path of indescribable suffering and sacrifice for our sakes.

Mary and Joseph also had countless incidents when they just had to trust in what God was doing and, all the while, were plunged into confusion about what it all meant. They trusted in God and supported each other, especially when things were unclear and did not make sense to them, and this made all the difference.

The Holy Family is our inspiration and prayerful support.  
And this feast day, and within the Christmas season, we give sincere and heartfelt thanks for family…. and the support and strength we can give each other along life's long journey, with all its joys and sorrows, graces and temptations.
Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Pray for us.

+++++
References: Fr Paul W. Kelly.

Image - Shutterstock licensed Image:  stock photo ID: 150278416. Vranov, Slovakia. 2019/8/22. The Nativity Icon – the Icon of the Birth of Jesus. Chapel of the Convent of the Holy Trinity in Lomnica, Vranov nad Toplou, Slovakia. By Adam Jan Figel


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 Holy Family of Jesus, Mary And Joseph. Year B  (Sunday, December 31, 2023(EPISODE: 455 )
The Lord be with you.
+++++++++++++
{{Joy and peace to everyone}} Welcome everyone, we gather -  Praise and Worship of our God.

My brothers and sisters, to prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries, let us call to mind our sins.
Lord Jesus, you are mighty God and Prince of Peace. Lord have mercy

 You are Son of God and the Son of Mary. Christ have mercy

You are Word made flesh, the splendour of the Father. Lord have mercy.

May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Memorial Acclamation
3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection, you have set us free.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PREFACE: Nativity of the Lord III
EP 1
Communion side.  pwk:  LH
(theme The Word became flesh)

++++
{I pray this week brings you an ever-deeper experience of his compassion and love. }

Go in peace. 

++++++++
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


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


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

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


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

St. Ralph Sherwin Gloria  - written and sung By Jeffrey M. Ostrowski.  2011 ccwatershed.org.

Christmas Hymn - "Word Made Flesh" by Paul W. Kelly. Based upon: John's Gospel 1:14; 1 John 4:9; & Isaiah 9:2, 6, 7. (Written on 8/5/20; 10/9/20).  Arranged and sung by Stefan Kelk, with adjusted lyrics.  2020. https://www.airgigs.com/user/stefankelk


Traditional hymns: performed by the Bobby Cole Chamber Choir, licensed via Shockwave-Sound.com   (https://www.shockwave-sound.com)

[Production - KER - 2023]

May God bless and keep you.



Friday, December 22, 2023

The SOLEMNITY of the Nativity of the Lord. Year A - - December 25 - (EPISODE 454)

The SOLEMNITY of the Nativity of the Lord. Year A - December 25 - (EPISODE-454 )


Readings for All Christmas Masses will be the Readings for Mass during the Night (as follows):
FIRST READING: Isa 9:1-6
Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 11-12, 13. "Today is born our saviour, Christ the Lord."
SECOND READING:
 Titus 2:11-14
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (
Luke 2:10-11). Alleluia, alleluia! Good news and great joy to all the world. Today is born our Saviour, Christ the Lord.
GOSPEL:
 Luke 2:1-14

++++
Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers, and homily), for The SOLEMNITY of the Nativity of the Lord. Year A - December 25 - by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-the-nativity-of-the-lord-jesus-christ-christmas-year-b-episode-454/s-wqwyYRUgGzW   (EPISODE- 454)
+++++
To listen to the Christmas Mass (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) -  If the Mass for Christmas is not yet published, please re-visit regularly a day or so before Christmas 

https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks    

Also found at -   https://tinyurl.com/FHLpwk  

 

It is such a beautiful time this Christmas Season.

 

We celebrate God, who loved us so much that he made his home with us… to share our joys and sorrows, our graces and temptations, our failures and successes.
 
The wonder of this Christmas season is shown by the sight of so many people… Family, friends, and parishioners gathered together at Christmas masses and wonderful gatherings for meals. 

Making contact with family and friends who are far away…..

Christmas is about family. And through the Birth of Our Lord, that first Christmas night, we are all made, forever, brothers and sisters in God's family. We are all one beloved family in Christ who loves us beyond words.

 

It is hard to imagine this now, but in the very early years of the church, Christmas was actually not a major feast.  But, over the centuries, it grew in importance, and the great and inspiring Saint Francis of Assisi catapulted the popularity of the Christmas feast's popularity 800 years ago today-   Happy anniversary to the Christmas Crib….   The nativity scene………  Way back in the year 1223, THE HUMBLE and inspiring Saint Francie created the first nativity scene in a cave with live animals. Christmas Midnight Mass was celebrated there, and it was a huge hit with the whole town. The tradition of the Christmas crib or crèche was born. Francis loved Christmas, considering it the "Feast of Feasts" because God chose to take the humble form of a poor baby. (and he was so right!) Now, all these centuries later, we still very much allow the wonder of the God-made-flesh to fill our hearts and minds. (prepare the word 2023)(&)

God could have come to this world in any way he wanted  - to save us…  but God chose exactly this way to enter into human history… and bring us the fullness of life…..      by being born as a poor baby in a stable….   Lying in a food trough….(a manger), and   Attended to by his devoted mother and step-father, and only some poor shepherds……   

 

This was deliberate,,,,

 

The great saint, John Vianney (Cure de Ars)  says that the people of Israel had spent  -   4000 years praying for God to come..  But, when he eventually came, there weren't sufficient people alert enough to give the son of God and his mother and step-father even a place to rest for the night he was born…  So many people missed his arrival completely ……because    Their idea of what this king.. and son of God would be like had gotten so caught up with earthly concepts that they missed him when he actually finally arrived…..   humble, poor and approachable. (%)    

 

Throughout history, people have still questioned…..   why God chose to be born in a stable in Bethlehem.  Surely, it was too poor and unseemly a place for "The Christ" and the "King of the universe" to be born. 

But, St Thomas Aquinas responded, [The Lord] put to silence the vain boasting of people who take pride in being born in great cities, where they also desire to receive great honours. On the contrary, Christ willed to be born in a poor city and a humble stable….and willed that, at the end of his life, to suffer reproach in a great city. [St Thomas added}/…., [And] so ……, He chose a poor mother and a birthplace poorer still. .. because - as said so well in the Scriptures: "God chose the weak things of the world to confound the strong" 

(1 Corinthians 1:27).

 

There is a beautiful uniqueness to the God we believe in ……   Very much different from other images of (lower-case) false "gods" throughout history….

 

One can sum up the Christmas message compared with different images of God in an example featuring three different characters – I am sure we can recognise which description represents our God… the one and only and true God…. 

 

Imagine a person has fallen into a deep and muddy well and is now hopelessly stuck there……. 

 

Imagine three different versions of a god walking past and seeing that person stuck down there……

 

The first image of god is one who tells us humans….   

 

1.  If you had listened to me, you wouldn't have fallen in the hole…. And walks on…….  

2.  Come up here, and I can help you with your decisions here…that will prevent you from falling into a hole again….…..  

…..  And walks away….

And thirdly and most beautifully

3.  This God….  …        ties a rope to himself… and Jumps straight down into the muddy hole…and trudges towards the poor person mired in the mud, then - clambering around in the mess….. drags and lifts him out….…. even ready to lose his own life, to save the person who is stuck.(#)

 

This last one is, of course, Jesus…   "God with us,…" ..  

 

Why Was Jesus Born When and Where He Was? ---   because in the whole history of time…  this was the moment most able to spring forth the fullness of God's unfolding plan of love……  

 

Why a poor and utterly vulnerable baby?????

 "We are used to loving others in return for what they can do for us, for their capacity to entertain, charm, or soothe us. Yet babies …..teach us to give without expecting anything in return, simply because (they completely need our help, care and love to survive)  - and we are in a position to provide that love and care.
 
 
This is what Our Lord did!  - on that first Christmas eve… { and every day after that……he reaches out with generous, giving love…    inviting us to do the same……..}.  
 And it has changed the world forever…  and by this he has brought salvation to the world!}
 
 We remember today, the birthday of a person whose whole life (from birth, ministry, death to resurrection) speaks of complete self-giving and love.
 
 Jesus shows us how to act and respond with purpose - filled with kindness and generosity, come what may. . (Jesus, even in the face of the absolute worst things that an ungrateful world threw back at him, steadfastly refused to return hatred for hatred…  He refused to return lack of love with a similar lack of love…….   He would not ever stop giving freely of his compassion, his mercy, his generosity, and his healing. In short. He loved unreservedly... He IS love !!  He shows us God's nature as love…   in human form……   and invites us to join him in living his love and giving this to others too...
  
 Amidst all this joy and hope, and also the worry and messiness of life…..  (today/tonight) is indeed news of extraordinary joy and amazing wonder and significance. Joy  to be shared by all people of every time and place!.

 

May Christ grant us peace, and joy this season, and all year round….  …  And plant peace in the hearts and minds of people everywhere.  

 

The world needs the peace of the Christ-child more than ever.  May the Lord grant the world his deep and abiding peace. 

 

Happy Christmas

+++++
References:

Fr Paul W. Kelly

(1) **Alain de Botton. "The Course of Love -By: ISBN: 9781501134517 - Penguin Books: 20th June 2017.

 

(&)Prepare the Word (2023) – Take Five for Faith article -25/12/23.

 

(%) Sermons of the Cure of Ars - - Translated by Una Morrisy. Henry Regnery Company. Chicago: 1960

 

(#) 1500 Illustrations for Biblical Preaching -  Ed Michael P. Green.  Baker Books. Michigan. 1982, 1989.
 

The SOLEMNITY of the Nativity of the Lord. Year A - December 25 -  (EPISODE-454 )


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

+++++++++++++

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 Feast day of The Birth of Our Lord, Heaven has been joined to earth. God has become flesh and dwelt among us.
A blessed, happy and peaceful Christmas to everyone.

 

My brothers and sisters, we have gathered to celebrate the Holy Eucharist on this wonderful Solemnity of the Birth of Our Lord. So let us pause and reflect upon our sins to rejoice in God's loving mercy.

Lord Jesus, you came into the world to give us eternal life. Lord have mercy.

You are the eternal light, who shines in the darkness. Christ have mercy.

You are the word made flesh, to make us all children of the light. Lord have mercy. 

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

GLORIA - SUNG   
+++++++++++++++++++++

COLLECT- (The Feast of the Nativity of the Lord. Year B)

Let us pray,
O God, who have made this most sacred (night/day) radiant with the splendour of the true light, grant, we pray, that we, who have known the mysteries of his light on earth, may also delight in his gladness in heaven. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
Amen.

+++++++++++++++++++++
Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 11-12, 13. "Today is born our saviour, Christ the Lord."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 2:10-11). Alleluia, alleluia! Good news and great joy to all the world. Today is born our Saviour, Christ the Lord.
++++++++++++++++++++++++
Memorial Acclamation
When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 
Nativity I

Eucharistic Prayer II


(pre+post variation: v1-long)


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Prayer after Communion- (The Feast of the Nativity of the Lord. Year B)

Let us pray.
Grant us, we pray, O Lord our God, that we, who are gladdened by participation in the feast of our Redeemer's Nativity,
may through an honourable way of life become worthy of union with him, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
++++++++
 
I pray that you have a truly blessed and joyous Christmas and that Our Lord's love and peace will completely fill your hearts and minds, and safe travelling to and from your destinations…
 
God bless.


(Solemn Blessing)

The Lord be with you.

(Let us bow our heads and pray for God's blessing)

May the God of infinite goodness,
who by the Incarnation of his Son has driven darkness from the world, and by that glorious Birth has illumined this most holy (night/day),
drive far from you the darkness of vice
and illumine your hearts with the light of virtue.
Amen.

May God, who willed that the great joy
of his Son's saving Birth be announced to shepherds by the Angel,
fill your minds with the gladness he gives
and make you heralds of his Gospel. Amen.
And may God, who by the Incarnation,
brought together the earthly and heavenly realm,
fill you with the gift of his peace and favour
and make you sharers with the Church in heaven.
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 forever.
Amen.

Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.

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

To listen to the 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

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

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

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

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

St. Ralph Sherwin Gloria  - written and sung By Jeffrey M. Ostrowski.  2011 
ccwatershed.org.

Christmas Hymn - "Word Made Flesh" by Paul W. Kelly. Based upon: John's Gospel 1:14,  1 John 4:9, & Isaiah 9:2, 6, 7. (Written on 1988, 8/5/20; 10/9/20).  Arranged and sung by Stefan Kelk, with adjusted lyrics.  2020. 
https://www.airgigs.com/user/stefankelk

Traditional hymns:
O Holy Night (Vocal Duet),
Joy to the World (Choir),
Away in a Manger (Choir), performed by the Bobby Cole Chamber Choir, licensed via Shockwave-Sound.com
(
https://www.shockwave-sound.com)

 [ Production - KER - 2023]

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