Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B - Sunday, (EPISODE:461)

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B - Sunday,  (EPISODE:461)

Fourth Sunday in ordinary Time, Year B - Sunday,
(EPISODE:461)

Readings for 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time - B
FIRST READING: Deut 18: 15-20
Ps 95: 1-2, 6-7b, 7c-9. "If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. "
SECOND READING: 1 Cor 7: 32-35
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Matt 4: 16). Alleluia, alleluia! A people in darkness have seen a great light. A radiant dawn shines on those lost in death.
GOSPEL: Mark 1: 21-28

Image - Shutterstock licensed Image: ID:719621203 Teachings of Jesus. Frescoes of the ancient byzantine church of Hagia Sophia in Trabzon. The remains of the ancient temple. Old church wall. JULY 4, 2017. By Nurlan Mammadzada
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Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B - Sunday, , by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-fourth-sunday-in-ordinary-time-year-b-episode-461/s-zf6FdsXtPBv   (EPISODE: 461)
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Prologue-   When people heard Jesus speaking – they were deeply impressed by him.   His words held an utterly compelling authority. He clearly spoke with the truth of being "God the Son."  His actions and identity as the beloved son of the Heavenly Father completely backed up his words.   He is the perfection of Holiness. In the full sense of the word. A person is Holy when they are whole, integrated, and complete.  Jesus was the "complete package", so to speak. Everything he did and said, his values and priorities, and words and actions, all spoken consistently to the truth of who he is.  How can we not listen to such truth and authority?

The other readings this weekend speak of the Prophets of old. They spoke with the authority given to them by God. They were commissioned and warned only to speak what God asks them to speak and not to say anything inconsistent with the Father's will.  We are warned that there are people who are false prophets. They claim to speak for God but they speak for themselves.  They often speak confidently and persuasively, but that is not the same as speaking with truth and authority.  False prophets tell people what they want to hear and not what God wants to say. We seek to be more and more discerning in our ability to tell the difference. It is vital that we do.  
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Jesus, (in this weekend's gospel) is described as "speaking with authority" – something that both surprises and deeply impresses those who hear him. Our Lord is seen as having an authority very different from what they are used to experiencing from their regular religious leaders, who, you would think, should be inspiring figures, and one would also hope, speaking with authority -  but they were clearly not.

It goes to show, there are two types of authority;
One derives from the office that a person holds (the authority and respect due to the position a person holds),
and then there is the personal authority that speaks powerfully of the inner integrity, vision and values of THAT person.

When both are found together, then history has before them a great and impressive leader….

Jesus never had a formal office in his society (other than being rightly described as Rabbi or a teacher); however, his authority was absolute; flowing from deep within him, from the truth of who he is, (and his essential relationship to his heavenly Father);
Ironically, the true test of a person's faithfulness to God is how they respond to the embodiment of God (in Jesus). These so-called faithful followers of God failed miserably in this test because they rejected Jesus and opposed his vision.

We must stay very close to the person and message of Jesus, and learn from him, and experience his compassion and love for all people, (because this is what motivates his mission – LOVE – at the very centre and nature of God). Without that, we too could fall into the trap of living the outward appearance and missing the point inside.

It is ironic, that Jesus was unable to cast out the evil of malice and deception that was in the hearts of his opponents, who lied and deceived in order to wrongly accuse him of sedition and to have him crucified. But, they were too wilful. They were deliberately and stubbornly cooperating with evil in their hearts and choosing to oppose Jesus, and so Jesus had to die and rise again in order to break their power.

We are called by Christ to cast out (with his help) all that is destructive, hate-filled, deceptive, unjust and unloving in our lives and hearts. We do it by prayer and by reflection and by staying very close to the Lord. We must not allow ourselves to be distracted our service of God's Kingdom and the values of the gospel. So, what really counts is listening to what God wants of us here and now. Married or single, with God's help, let us strive to live that vocation well.
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

Homily of the Abbot – Monastery of Christ in the Desert

MISSION 2000 – PRAYING SCRIPTURE IN A CONTEMPORARY WAY. YEAR B. BY MARK LINK S.J.

Image - Shutterstock licensed Image: ID:719621203 Teachings of Jesus. Frescoes of the ancient Byzantine church of Hagia Sophia in Trabzon. The remains of the ancient temple. Old church wall. JULY 4, 2017. By Nurlan Mammadzada


Fourth Sunday in ordinary Time, Year B (Sunday, ) (EPISODE: 461)
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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{{Peace and greetings to you all.}} welcome everyone, we gather - Praise, Worship of God


As we prepare to celebrate the paschal mystery, let us admit our failings and ask the Lord for pardon and strength. 
option two on the cards/ Have mercy on us, O Lord./ For we have sinned against you./ Show us, O Lord, your mercy. And grant us your salvation.
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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PREFACE: Sundays III
EP II
Communion side. pwk: RH
(theme variation: 2 )
(pre+post variation: 5)
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{thanks, everyone. And may God sustain you with his grace and love. }

Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.

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

To listen to the weekly 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).

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 - 2024]

May God bless and keep you.
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WEEKDAY CELEBRATION - AUSTRALIA DAY - NATIONAL DAY (26TH JANUARY) (EPISODE:460)

WEEKDAY CELEBRATION -  AUSTRALIA DAY - NATIONAL DAY (26TH JANUARY) (EPISODE:460)

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
First Reading: Isaiah 32:15-18
Psalm: Ps 84:9-14. R. "The Lord speaks of peace to his people."
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Gospel Acclamation: Matthew 5:9
Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12

Image: Shutterstock Licensed Stock Photo ID: 214578130.  Kangaroo traffic  sign. Photo Contributor: Petr Kratochvila

 

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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the AUSTRALIA DAY NATIONAL DAY (26TH JANUARY) - by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-australia-day-isaiah-corinthians-episode-460  (EPISODE:460)

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Australia Day - 
As we celebrate our national day in Australia, we recall that our country's name is the Commonwealth of Australia. And that word "Commonwealth" is a wonderful word!

Commonwealth, means, we as a nation share our gifts in unity, and that we are united together in harmony for the common good of all people. At this time, we pray that God will strengthen in us a strong belief and understanding that common values hold us together as a nation. There can be no profitable discourse or conversation or meeting of minds and hearts if we don't agree on any principles; or if 'truth' is something that is merely subjective to each person individually. We need a sense of shared responsibility. This is so beautifully shown in the scriptures today. Integrity, justice, peace, respect, and the beatitudes of the gospel…. These will surely make our community and our actions respectful of the dignity and true needs of all.

Today in our prayers, we ask the Lord to open the hearts of all people everywhere; that God's graciousness, generosity and compassion will fill up our hearts, and the hearts of all in this nation…. So that we will act, after the example of Christ, with charity, generosity, compassion and countless gifts of practical care and support; including much-needed assistance to those who are struggling... and there are many struggling at this time. 
Lord, grant harmony, goodwill and peace with all in our nation, and with all nations of the world. Give us a sense of shared fraternity with all people in our nation, especially the indigenous people of our land who are a wonderful gift and treasure to us all. 
And for much-needed peace and harmony amongst people across the family of nations.

On this Australia Day, we give God heartfelt thanks, for the many gifts we have been given, and we are reminded that we live in a commonwealth… and that this commonwealth is for the common good…. the gifts we have are gifts to share for the benefit of each other….. The gifts of other individuals and communities within this nation and the gifts and resources between all nations can be shared so that together we all have the gifts needed. The gifts that we have, we can share with others who have not, so that we all end up having the fullness of the gifts we need.
 
We pray that people everywhere will deepen their sense of belonging to a commonwealth for common good…. that there will be peace, respect, harmony and care for others in our society…. that we might always spare a thought for the person less fortunate, whether they be next door or in the next nation……
 
And today, (as every day) we pray that our nation and its people develop deep within ourselves yearning for the values of Jesus' Beatitudes….. 
Humility, Gentleness, A Passion and a practical commitment to working for Justice, to be Peacemakers, people who are merciful and able to reflect God's forbearance to others by giving them new starts, .....and a people who are single-minded in serving God's vision for the world….. respecting the dignity of all people... caring for our resources... (our many beautiful gifts in this nation). Treating others as we would have them treat us... having an open heart to people everywhere who are doing it tougher than ourselves, including in this nation and also our brother and sister nations throughout the world.
 
It is good for us to stop and give thanks for God's many gifts to us in this blessed Southern land of the Holy Spirit…..
 
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Fr Paul W. Kelly
 
Image: Shutterstock Licensed Stock Photo ID: 214578130.  Kangaroo traffic sign. Photo Contributor: Petr Kratochvila
 
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Archive of homilies and reflections: http:homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email: paulwkelly68@gmail.com

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


Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:
"Faith, Hope and Love, - Christian worship and reflection" - Led by Rev Paul Kelly
 
Prayers and chants — Roman Missal, 3rd edition, © 2010, The International Commission on English in the liturgy. (ICEL)
 
Scriptures – The Lectionary-   Jerusalem Bible © 1969 – Collins Publishers.
 
"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 Kelly. Arranged, with additional lyrics and sung by Stefan Kelk. 2019.
 
Reflection Hymn -    "Praise the Lord, All Creation." Original instrumental composition by William John Kelly (1942-2017).  Original music composed by William John Kelly c. 1990. Arranged by Stefan Kelk. This arrangement Produced - 10th March 2021. https://www.airgigs.com/user/stefankelk

"Today I Arise" - For Patricia Kelly. By Paul W. Kelly.. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer. Arranged, with additional lyrics and sung by Stefan Kelk. 2019. 
 
[ Production - KER 2024] 
 
May God bless and keep you. 

AUSTRALIA DAY NATIONAL DAY (26^TH JANUARY)

(EPISODE: )

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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Coming together as brothers and sisters in Christ, let us pause and reflect upon our sins, in order to celebrate the Holy Eucharist.


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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Prayers Of The Faithful
READER
* For our nation on this Australia Day. We renew our determination to work together for justice, reconciliation and the common good. (PAUSE) Lord hear us:
* For our indigenous brothers and sisters, the first peoples of Australia: That we have the grace to listen to their stories,  and walk gently with them on this ancient land. (PAUSE) Lord, hear us:

* For children and teachers who have returned to school this week. That they begin the year with energy and enthusiasm for the adventure of learning. (PAUSE) Lord, hear us:
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Memorial Acclamation

When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.

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Sundays Australia Day Preface

Eucharistic Prayer II 

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Go in Peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.

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Australia Day Lectionary –

Entrance Procession
Entrance Antiphon (Australia Day)
I will praise you, Lord, among the peoples,
among the nations sing psalms to you,
for your mercy reaches to the heavens,
and your truth to the skies.
Collect
Collect (Australia Day)
Let us pray.
Grant, we pray, O Lord our God,
that as the Cross shines in our southern skies,
so may Christ bring light to our nation,
to its peoples old and new,
and by saving grace, transform our lives.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Prayer over the Offerings
Prayer over the Offerings (Australia Day)
Pray, brethren (brothers and sisters),
that my sacrifice and yours
may be acceptable to God,
the almighty Father.
May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands
for the praise and glory of his name,
for our good
and the good of all his holy Church.
As we come before you with the fruits of the earth,
tended by our hands, O Lord,
we pray that these offerings
may bring a blessing on our land
and peace to all who dwell here.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Preface (The Eucharistic Prayer)
Preface (Australia Day)
The Lord be with you.
And with your spirit.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right and just.
It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God,
and to praise, bless, and glorify your name
through Christ our Lord.
For from ancient times you made this land
a home for many peoples,
and became their rock of strength;
when they were hungry, you gave them food,
and when thirsty, water even in the desert.
To all, your providence has proclaimed
the Good News of Jesus Christ, your Son,
sent by you to be the Saviour of all the world,
who has brought peace by his sacrifice on the Cross.
And so, we lift our voices to you this day,
and with the people you have made your own,
from every race and tongue, every place and time,
we join in the song of the Angels in heaven,
as in exultant praise we acclaim:
Communion Antiphon
Communion Antiphon (Australia Day)
Bless the Lord, my soul,
and never forget all his benefits.
Prayer after Communion
Prayer after Communion (Australia Day)
Let us pray.
May our partaking of this sacrificial meal, O Lord,
grant us strength to walk together in the ways of justice,
and behold one day the new heavens and new earth
you prepare for us in Christ your Son.
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Amen.

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First Reading
Isaiah 32:15-18 (JB)
A reading from the prophet Isaiah
(The effect of justice will be peace)
Once more there will be poured on us
the spirit from above;
then shall the wilderness be fertile land;
and fertile land become forest.
In the wilderness justice will come to live
and integrity in the fertile land;
integrity will bring peace,
justice give lasting security.
My people will live in a peaceful home,
in safe houses,
in quiet dwellings.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
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Responsorial Psalm
Ps 84:9-14 (JB)
R. The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
I will hear what the Lord God has to say,
a voice that speaks of peace.
His help is near for those who fear him
and his glory will dwell in our land. R.
Mercy and faithfulness have met;
justice and peace have embraced.
Faithfulness shall spring up from the earth
and justice look down from heaven. R.
The Lord will make us prosper
and our earth shall yield its fruit.
Justice shall march before him
and peace shall follow his steps. R.
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Second Reading
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (JB)
A reading from the first letter of St Paul to the Corinthians
One and the same Spirit distributes different gifts as he chooses.
There is a variety of gifts but always the same Spirit; there are all sorts of service to be done, but always to the same Lord; working in all sorts of different ways in different people, it is the same God who is working in all of them. The particular way in which the Spirit is given to each person is for a good purpose. One may have the gift of preaching with wisdom given him by the Spirit; another may have the gift of preaching instruction given him by the same Spirit; and another the gift of faith given by the same Spirit; another again the gift of healing, through this one Spirit; one, the power of miracles; another, prophecy; another the gift of recognising spirits; another the gift of tongues and another the ability to interpret them. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who distributes different gifts to different people just as he chooses.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
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Or

Romans 12:9-13 (JB)
A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Romans
(Work for the Lord earnestly).
Do not let your love be a pretence, but sincerely prefer good to evil. Love each other as much as brothers and sisters should, and have a profound respect for each other. Work for the Lord with untiring effort and with great earnestness of spirit. If you have hope, this will make you cheerful. Do not give up if trials come; and keep on praying. If any of the saints are in need you must share with them; and you should make hospitality your special care.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.


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Gospel Acclamation
Matthew 5:9 (JB)
Alleluia, alleluia!
Happy the peacemakers:
they shall be called children of God.
Alleluia!

Or
cf Matthew 11:25 (JB)
Alleluia, alleluia!
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;
you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom.
Alleluia!
Gospel
Matthew 5:1-12 (JB)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.
Jesus began to speak to the crowds. This is what he taught them:
'How happy are the poor in spirit:
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Happy the gentle:
they shall have the earth for their heritage.
Happy those who mourn:
they shall be comforted.
Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right:
they shall be satisfied.
Happy the merciful:
they shall have mercy shown them.
Happy the pure in heart:
they shall see God.
Happy the peacemakers:
they shall be called sons of God.
Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right:
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
'Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.'
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Or:

Luke 12:22-32 (JB)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke
It has pleased your heavenly Father to give you the Kingdom.
Jesus said to his disciples, 'That is why I am telling you not to worry about your life and what you are to eat, nor about your body and how you are to clothe it. For life means more than food, and the body more than clothing. Think of the ravens. They do not sow or reap; they have no storehouses and no barns; yet God feeds them. And how much more are you worth than the birds! Can any of you, for all his worrying, add a single cubit to his span of life? If the smallest things, therefore, are outside your control, why worry about the rest? Think of the flowers; they never have to spin or weave; yet, I assure you, not even Solomon in all his regalia was robed like one of these. Now if that is how God clothes the grass in the field which is there today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, how much more will he look after you, you men of little faith! But you, you must not set your hearts on things to eat and things to drink; nor must you worry. It is the pagans of this world who set their hearts on these things. Your Father well knows you need them. No; set your hearts on his kingdom, and these other things will be given you as well.
'There is no need to be afraid, little flock, for it has pleased your Father to give you the kingdom.'
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.


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Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. -Year B - Sunday, 21 January 2024 (EPISODE:459 )

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. -Year B -  Sunday, 21 January 2024
(EPISODE:459 )

Readings for Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.- Year B
FIRST READING: Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9. "Teach me your ways, O Lord."
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Mark 1:15). Alleluia, alleluia! The Kingdom of God is near. Believe the Good News.
GOSPEL: Mark 1:14-20

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 109226108 - ISRAEL - CIRCA 2010: An old used Israeli postage stamp of the series "Bible Stories", with inscription: "Jonah and the Fish"; series, circa 2010 - Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Arkady Mazor

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Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B - Sunday, 21 January 2024 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-the-third-sunday-of-ordinary-time-year-b-episode-459/s-Wtv9Yf7TsyQ  
(EPISODE:459 )
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GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
 Our first reading this weekend is from the wonderful Book of Jonah. This delightful and very short book of the bible is well worth reading in its entirety. [Have a look here: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/G/01/books/a-plus/OT-excerpt-book-of-jonah.pdf].

We only get a small but delicious taste of the book of Jonah in today's reading.  Before this, God told Jonah to go and preach repentance to the people of the great city of Nineveh. But Jonah hates the people there, and he does not want to go and preach repentance; because they are his enemies, he is worried they might turn and repent and be saved; Jonah didn't want that. 

Jonah seems happy to have everything just the way it always was. That is, with Jonah and his people's good books and people like the Ninevites marked for destruction in God's bad books. It is all very well complaining about how bad people are who don't agree with us or do the wrong thing by us, but what if our enemies were to see the error of their ways and change? They would become no longer enemies but allies, requiring a whole new way of thinking, relating and acting. It's all too much!! At least when someone is in the category of "the enemy," we have them carefully labelled, and we know where they stand. Repentance means a whole new situation.

So, Jonah runs away in the opposite direction. But we all know that you cannot run away from God. God pursues him and continues to call on him to deliver God's message of love and God's heartfelt invitation to repent.  

Jonah does not have a vested interest in them, but God does. God created the Ninevites, as much as God created Jonah. God loves them and cares for them and wants them to turn away from sin and be saved. 

Jonah, (perhaps like us too), does not want change or surprise. We all bemoan the contrariness of a rival or an enemy, but do we really desire that they change their ways? Because this means new ways of relating to them as well.

 

The slow but sure emerging of the Kingdom of God MEANS change and transformation… and that is painful and challenging and at times very unsettling, because it means a re-ordering of values and changing of relationships. It means inviting "inside" those who were previously "outside" God's chosen ones. Also, possibly some will also find themselves "outside" who used to be "inside."  God has a way of turning things on their head. And for Jonah and the Ninevites, this is one of those great examples.

At times I wonder if we fully appreciate how truly different God's ways are to human's ways and thoughts, and what that means for us who are Disciples of Christ.
 
You could imagine the half-hearted, whispering "calling-out" of Jonah as the preaches "repent now or in forty days Nineveh will be destroyed!."   Only to find the people saying: "What was that you were whispering?  Repent or perish?  Oh, okay. We repent! We will change immediately. Thank you for this warning, we will truly heed it. Quickly everyone, proclaim fasting and penance!"  

Jonah was appalled and horrified. They have changed. They will be saved! They are now his friends (not his enemies). So Jonah goes off sulking and is mortally offended with God. But, isn't God right to care about his people???

Today's readings are all rather striking!

Each of them shows a response which is immediate and wonderful.
· Jonah preaches and The Ninevites surprisingly repent and change Immediately.
· Paul calls upon everyone to live in the immediate moment, for the day of the Lord is imminent.
· Jesus calls his disciples and they leave IMMEDIATELY!

Jesus' call is offering a whole new world, a new vision and a new set of relationships. The values of the gospel are revealed in their fullness.

If the disciples paused and thought about what they were doing, they could have dreamt up heaps of reasons why they shouldn't go…  their business, the risks, the insecurity, and so on….          But they did not let these things get in the way. Thank goodness, they responded to the call straight away.  This is not encouraging recklessness because surely Jesus called people after a lot of prayer and discernment, and he called disciples whom he had observed were already living in a way that showed their longing for the values of the Kingdom to be established in its fullness.
Along comes Jesus… and he says- "the time has arrived.  Come… follow me…."  (and they DO. IMMEDIATELY). (It is what they have been waiting for!).

In our lives, Jesus calls each one of us, in big and small ways - In the daily events and people of life. In our words, actions, and priorities, let us respond immediately and with trust.

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References:

 

Homily - Fr Paul W. Kelly

 

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 109226108 - ISRAEL - CIRCA 2010: An old used Israeli postage stamp of the series "Bible Stories", with inscription: "Jonah and the Fish"; series, circa 2010. Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Arkady Mazor

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. - Year B-  (Sunday, 21 January 2024 )  (EPISODE: 459 )
The Lord be with you.
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{{Good wishes to you all.}} welcome everyone, we gather -  Silence, reflection, prayer and contemplation of our God. On this Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Coming together as brothers and sisters in Christ, let us prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries by recalling our sins and remembering Christ's greater mercy.
Lord Jesus, you raise us to new life: Lord, have mercy Lord Jesus, you forgive us our sins: Christ, have mercy Lord Jesus, you feed us with your body and blood: 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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Psalm 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9. "Teach me your ways, O Lord."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Mark 1:15). ). Alleluia, alleluia! The Kingdom of God is near. Believe the Good News.
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PREFACE: Ordinary 2
Eucharistic Prayer 1
(theme variation: theme 1 )

(post version: v1-short)

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{9. heartfelt thanks to you all ,for uniting in prayer and for reflection, upon God's overflowing goodness and care.}

1. 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

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 -  2024]

May God bless and keep you.
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​ Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B - Sunday, January 14, 2024 (EPISODE:458)

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B - Sunday, January 14, 2024

(EPISODE:458)

Readings for Sunday, 14 January 2024
FIRST READING: 1 Sam 3:3b-10, 19
Ps 40:2+4, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10. "Here am I Lord; I come to do your will."
SECOND READING: 1 Cor 6:13c-15a, 17-20
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 1:41+17b). Alleluia, alleluia! We have found the Messiah. Jesus Christ, who brings us truth and grace.
GOSPEL: John 1:35-42

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Vector ID: 2305332479 - Jesus teaching disciples watercolour vector illustration. Vector Formats. Vector Contributor: Evoke City.
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Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers, and homily), for Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B - Sunday, January 14, 2024 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-the-second-sunday-of-ordinary-time-year-b-episode-458/s-GIG7uSWhtXU  
(EPISODE:458)
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Prologue: The first reading is that beautiful and really famous scene of Samuel hearing a voice in the night..  and not knowing the meaning of it or how to answer….  It is delightful.  It makes sense that if you heard a voice in the night, you might go and check to see if the other person in the house had called out to you. Eli initially thinks it is a dream and tells him a few times to go back to bed…  but then realises …  it is, in fact, God calling Samuel!!

Sometimes, it takes a mentor or guide, a holy and wise person, like the prophet Eli, who realises that this experience was an encounter with God and tells Samuel to invite God to speak… and then to listen to what God has to say…..

It is a reminder of how important it is to have a listening heart…….   To listen to the presence of God in our midst……..  and to listen to one another…
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The gospel this weekend is fascinating. John the Baptist is speaking with two of his own disciples and says: LOOK, THERE is the Lamb of God! (Which, we now know is shorthand for… Look!... There is the one who is to come; and who will be the perfect, unblemished sacrifice to take away the sins of the world and restore our right relationship with God as not only God's people but as sons and daughters of God).

The two disciples immediately take off and follow Jesus and he invites them to stay with him. To really become disciples and followers of Jesus, we must be close to him, and live with him, and learn from him; how he thinks, what he values, what he does not approve of, and so on. We need to "walk his walk and not just talk his talk." It took years of walking and living in Jesus' community, for the disciples to even begin to understand who he was and what his message was about. They often got it wrong or half-right, and thank goodness they had Jesus there, as the teacher, to set them straight and deepen their learning.

It would seem hard to comprehend to us that someone might see what Jesus has to offer and not accept it, but there were many people in Jesus' time who were affronted by Jesus and rejected him because his message was too challenging and too radical and at other times, not what they expected the messiah and the chosen one to be LIKE. So, it's a reminder, Many are invited but not all accept. Jesus understood this difficulty because he witnessed people stopping following him. He warned his followers to count the cost of their discipleship and not be wishy-washy because there is no time to "umm and ahh" when the work of the Kingdom is urgent!!

Jesus calls us all to the primary vocation of being servants and disciples of Christ in our daily lives and work. We achieve this by staying very close to Jesus in prayer, in scripture reflection, in reading about the teachings of Christ, in worshipping regularly in union with the Christian community and learning from the teachings of our church. Christ must live in and with us, as we with him! It is a deep and wonderful connection that we are invited into.

Each one of us today is still called by Jesus. And our response, like Samuel, is 'Here I am, Lord, I come to do your will!"

Just as Jesus received opposition, misunderstanding and rejection, so too, can we expect this for Christ's Church. But we keep persisting in this life-giving message. 

Inspired by today's second reading, - we recognise that Christ and his church, have a rather powerful and different view of the human person and the human body than do some sectors of the world. St Paul sums up this gospel-focused understanding: "You know, surely, that your bodies are members making up the body of Christ; anyone who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with him. ……. Your body, you know, is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you since you received him from God. You are not your own property; you have been bought and paid for (by Christ's life, death, and resurrection). That is why you should use your body for the glory of God."

At its essence, this is extremely positive and encouraging teaching. To put ourselves: mind, body, and spirit, at the service of God and God's vision. Our lives are to be lived with attention to not so much "rights," but "responsibilities." 

I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that this world sometimes makes too much of different aspects of the mystery of humanity, to the point where people and actions are turned into commodities, valued for what another can get out of them, or be used as a "thing" to be traded. This leads, at its worst to "commodification" and extreme utilitarianism- people and actions valued by what practical use, or what benefit can be obtained from them. Staying close to the message of Christ, though, is simply being honest to God's vision, and lovingly open to the profound reality that we are each, truly unique, loved and sacred temples of the Holy Spirit, and individually members of the Body of Christ and, with God's grace, we aim to abide in these living temples, according to everything that builds up, (not the "kingdom of me," or the kingdom of consumerism or commodification), but rather promotes the true and life-giving Kingdom of God. … …
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References:

Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Vector ID: 2305332479 - Jesus teaching disciples water-colour vector illustration. Vector Formats. Vector Contributor: Evoke City.


Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B  (Sunday, January 14, 2024)  (EPISODE:458 )
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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{{Greetings}} welcome everyone, we gather -  Pondering with reverence, God's word. On this Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B

As we prepare to celebrate the great Sacramental feast of God's love, let us pause, recall our sins, and trust in God's infinite mercy.
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
3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.
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Ps 40:2+4, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10. "Here am I Lord; I come to do your will."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 1:41+17b). Alleluia, alleluia! We have found the Messiah. Jesus Christ, who brings us truth and grace.
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PREFACE: Sundays Ordinary I
Euch Prayer One

(theme variation: 4 )

(post version: v2-long)

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{Thanks for joining us for this time of prayer and reflection}

Go forth, the Mass is ended.

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

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

Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:

"Faith, Hope and Love - Christian worship and reflection" - Led by Rev Paul Kelly

Prayers and chants — Roman Missal, 3rd edition, © 2010, The International Commission on English in the liturgy. (ICEL)

Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989, and 2009 by the NCC-USA. (National Council of Churches of Christ - USA)

"The Psalms" ©1963, 2009, The Grail - Collins publishers.

Prayers of the Faithful - " Together we pray" by Robert Borg'. E.J. Dwyer, Publishers, (1993). (Sydney Australia).

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 -  2024]

May God bless and keep you.

 

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