The Epiphany of the Lord. Year B - Sunday, January 7, 2024 (EPISODE:457)

The Epiphany of the Lord. Year B - Sunday, January 7, 2024
(EPISODE:457)

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 2192215135. The American church in Paris. Stained glass window. Nativity. Adoration of the Child Jesus by the three wise men or Magi. France. 02-27-2020. Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: godongphoto

Readings for Sunday, 7 January 2024
FIRST READING: Isa 60:1-6
Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13. "Lord, every nation on earth will adore you."
SECOND READING: Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Matt 2:2). Alleluia, alleluia! We have seen his star in the East; and have come to adore the Lord.
GOSPEL: Matt 2:1-12

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 2192215135. The American church in Paris. Stained glass window. Nativity. Adoration of the Child Jesus by the three wise men or Magi. France. 02-27-2020. Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: godongphoto
++++
Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily) for The Epiphany of the Lord. Year B - Sunday, January 7, 2024, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-sunday-the-epiphany-of-the-lord-abc-1  (EPISODE:457)

+++++
This feast of the Epiphany and the accompanying readings for this weekend reveal Jesus Christ to be the King of all heaven and earth and the "light" to all nations and cultures. 

On this feast of the Epiphany, we celebrate that God's glory has been revealed to all the nations and not just the chosen people of Israel. People from every corner of the earth, of every nation and race. Generations of people. God's revelation, God's invitation, is for all people of all times and places.  

+++++
Whenever I read this gospel passage…   I cannot help but be struck by the disturbing irony in it…..
 
King Herod summons the Wise men from the East…  they come to listen to him…. they don't know him,….. they know he is a King… they would probably assume he was a noble and gracious King…. but he is not… is filled with hatred and jealousy…. and murderous intentions….
 
Herod manages to control his emotions while consulting with the Wise men….. he seems genuinely interested in the Star and the possibility of a king being born………  I almost imagine he is choking on his words when he says…  "When you find him, tell me too…  because I too want to go and …..   do….. him………(ahem)…. 'homage'…… We, the listeners…. The audience to this Gospel drama…. Know better….  Herod hates Jesus… and rejects his Kingship….  And wants to kill him….     He might as well have said….      " (when you find him, tell me too…  because I too want to go and …..  'do him in' !!!).
 
Herod wants nothing more than to kill Jesus! he is a liar!     He wants to tear down, not build up! …. to destroy and blot out forever the child who is the hoped-for 'Light for all nations'…..  Can there be any hatred greater than one that wants to blot out HOPE from the earth……for the sake of his own power…  his own comfort????  It is fitting that the Wise Men, after having met Jesus, 'go home by another road' – it says they listened to Herod… but it is clear that they didn't swallow everything he said…..
 
Instead….  they have been converted… they are different….  changed……. New men… in fact… will never again be able to go down the old paths…   it is all-new, having met and discovered Jesus.   ….   They will not go and tell (hateful) Herod about what they have seen… but resolutely go home by a new pathway….   (their lives changed) to live the new reality of what they have experienced……
 
In the gospel today, the Wise Men from the East ultimately FIND the King for whom they had searched so diligently ……..   Jesus! ….   a humble baby lying in the manger… is found to be the revelation of God to the world…….  the LIGHT of revelation for all.
 
The gospel today uses the quote from Micah…. "you Bethlehem are by no means the LEAST"…. this is really important……    not only is Bethlehem FAR FROM BEING the LEAST of all cities… but this humble baby in a humble manger is not by any means the LEAST of all babies….  and the shepherds are not anywhere near the least of all people……   more than one REVELATION is going on here (for the eyes of faith to see!)…   The message is repeated in later sections of Matthew's gospel: (The wise men, and us too…  are being shown something deeply important…..)
 
….. at first sight, the 'poor and forgotten' of our society are insignificant….  but this is WRONG….  they are in fact GREAT… because it is THROUGH THEM. that the Lord is coming to us…….
 
The reaction of the Magi is interesting too……    when they enter the presence of God…  revealed in his humble baby in a manger… they immediately open up treasure chests filled with gifts……
 
This must always be our reaction, too, in the presence of God…..      when we come before the presence of Jesus… we too must open up our hearts and offer God our gifts……   the response of a person to the revelation of God's presence is one of openness, generosity and service………
 
The Magi… offered Jesus gifts of Gold (for Kingship)//, Frankincense (acknowledging Jesus as Priest and sacrifice)// and Myrrh (for burial- looking to the eventual death of the Lord on the Cross)//…….  We too come before Jesus and we too offer our gifts to the Lord…..
 
 What are the gifts that WE are laying before the Lord??…….   let us think about what gifts we are presenting to Jesus for him to use of……. Gifts God gave us in the first place.
 
 let us take some time, at the start of this new year… to come into the presence of Jesus……   the Light to all nations….. and think about what gift (individual to each of us)……that we are called upon to present before the Lord …..for the Lord to use and transform….. that great first reading, from Isaiah, also shows something interesting…  'what is our response to seeing the revelation of Christ… who is a light shining in the darkness of the world……"…  our response must be this… "arise…  shine… for your light has come,.. and the glory of the Lord has risen upon us…"…. so when we encounter Christ..  we must become lights ourselves…..  going out… to radiate Christ's light to everyone we meet……
 
This message reminds us… 'we must believe so that the world can begin to believe'   -  WE must radiate Christ's light to the world.. and all peoples…. so that people can experience Christ's light shining through us too.
 
Today…  we kneel before the Christ child…  we bow… and open up our treasure chests… what gift is it that we lay before our Lord…????
 
+++++
References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly; 

Celebrating the Gospels. By Gaynell Cronin; 

Gustavo Gutierrez: Sharing the Word through the Liturgical Year

 

Vision – Praying Scripture in a Contemporary Way. Year A. Mark Link S.J., 55; 

Abbot Philip: Monastery of Christ in the Desert. http://christdesert.org

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 2192215135. The American church in Paris. Stained glass window. Nativity. Adoration of the Child Jesus by the three wise men or Magi. France. 02-27-2020. Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: godongphoto.

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 Epiphany of the Lord. Year B  (Sunday, January 7, 2024)  (EPISODE: 457 )
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
+++++++++++++
{{Hi}} welcome everyone, we gather -  Reflection upon God's word. On this The Epiphany of the Lord. Year B

Our God's love and mercy knows no bounds, and so let us recall our sins so as to worthily celebrate this Holy Sacrifice.
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.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Memorial Acclamation
2. When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13. "Lord, every nation on earth will adore you."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Matt 2:2). Alleluia, alleluia! We have seen his star in the East; and have come to adore the Lord.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PREFACE: Epiphany
Eucharistic Prayer II
Communion side.  pwk: 
(theme variation: 3 )

++++
{Thanks everyone, and have a grace-filled and compassion-filled week.}

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

To listen to the weekly Mass and 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).

"Quiet Time."  Instrumental Reflection music. Written by Paul W Kelly. 1988, 2007. & This arrangement: Stefan Kelk, 2020.

Lenten Hymn: "Have Mercy"  Inspired by Psalm 50(51). Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2020.

Sound Engineering and editing -  P.W. Kelly.
Microphones: - Shure Motiv MV5 Digital Condenser.

Editing equipment:    NCH software - MixPad Multitrack Studio Recording Software

NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 12.44

Sound Processing:  iZotope RX 6 Audio Editor

[ Production -  KER -  2024]

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

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.

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.