First Sunday of Lent. Year B -

First Sunday of Lent. Year B -

(EPISODE: 465)

Readings for First Sunday of Lent. Year B
FIRST READING: Gen 9: 8-15
Ps 25: 4-5, 6-7, 8-9. "Your ways, O Lord, are love and truth to those who keep your covenant."
SECOND READING: 1 Pet 3: 18-22
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Matt 4: 4b). Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory. No one lives on bread alone. But on every word that comes from the mouth of God. 
GOSPEL: Mark 1: 12-15 - Temptation

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 150965762. Our Lord in the Wilderness. By Motortion Films.
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Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for First Sunday of Lent. Year B - by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-the-first-sunday-of-lent-year-b-episode-465     (EPISODE: 465)

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* (Prologue:  Fr Paul Kelly)
"The Spirit impelled Jesus into the desert, and he remained there for forty days, tempted by Satan. He was among wild beasts, and the angels ministered to him. After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: 'This is the time of fulfilment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel'" (Mark 1:12-15).

"As Lent begins, the Church enters a period of spiritual renewal leading to Easter. Lent is a time of retreat. We journey inward to places of solitude and silence to rediscover God's love for us. To refocus and re-connect to God's priorities, and allow God to re-order our habits and choices according to God's values.

In the passage prior to this Gospel for the first Sunday of Lent, Mark writes that Jesus was baptized in the River Jordan and heard the voice confirming that his future mission was blessed by his heavenly Father.

Then, we read that Jesus was driven into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit to prepare for his public mission.

The words are very powerful.  They are strong words:   Jesus was driven by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness. He was impelled, obliged, pushed with a sense of urgency and necessity!

"He lived among wild beasts,"  - We may all have heard the saying: "humans are just animals, so it's only natural to respond to our base inclinations" But Jesus shows us that we might be surrounded by wild animals, but it doesn't mean we have to act like one.

We humans have been given the rare gift of discernment; the ability to tell right from wrong. We have freedom and choice, so we are unique in being able to adapt our lives, our choices and our priorities so that we are not merely stuck in reacting only on instinct or inclinations, to any of life's events.  We have been given the human grace (by God) to rise above might otherwise have us responding at the same level of response as animals.   Having said that, I do acknowledge that some commentators on human behaviour have rather ruefully observed that many animals can act better than the way some humans treat one another.

Our lives are filled with temptation, and Jesus' life was also filled with temptation, since he was not only God, but also fully human:

The temptation to take an easier but not best path;   temptation to lose hope in difficult situations,  temptation to put ourselves and our needs,  (legitimate or not), before others,  tempted to respond to our desires rather than our duties.  And so on.  In so many ways we are assailed by temptations to take a less loving, more selfish and less compassionate path. A path that denies that God is the centre of our lives and existence.

But "angels ministered to him" as he fasted and prayed during those forty days.

Do we accept the strength of the sacraments, the support of parishioners, family and friends, and the encouragement along the difficult path that is offered at different times? Hope is one of the best defences against the temptations that weigh us down. Hope need not be over-idealistic, but can exist even under the full weight of the reality of how bad things can be for many people.  Hope is never losing sight of God's faithfulness and love, and hope is continuing to love and show the values of the gospel of Jesus even when everything around us may be going wrong.

For most of us, there is no physical desert. Our deserts and 'wildernesses" are often real, but symbolic. They are moments of dryness in our lives that come from tensions in family life, arguments with significant others, anxiety about economic distress, world conflict, and many other sources.

This Gospel passage invites us to recognize those times when we experience our own "temptations" and "temptation to despair," not taking desolation, and fear as times that reveal the face of God to us in a very close way. These are the times in which we discover our utter reliance on God. And this opens up the path to new and greater life.

Perhaps patience should be seen as one of the most powerful of the virtues… Forbearance, restraint, pause,  and "waiting in silence for God to save" are surely remedies to what would, otherwise, be a huge list of possible mistakes and dead-end pathways.

What have been "desert" moments in our lives that have caused us tension, stress, or despair? How has God been a part of these moments?  Can we let Jesus, who lived in the wilderness for forty days, (and who was assailed by the temptations that would later surface in other ways during his ministry and knowing that he faced suffering and eventually the cross; because he was taking the path of love and forgiveness. Can we let Jesus lead us in this journey as we face so many different aspects of spiritual wilderness in our lives and allow His Spirit to fill us up with all the virtues that crowd-out sin…

That is:  Love, faith and hope, and also patience, goodness, and  chastity, temperance, charity, diligence, kindness, and humility.

Jesus is ably suited to leading and guiding us through this and all other experiences of wilderness.


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References:

Fr Paul W. Kelly

Word on the Go, a downloadable resource from RENEW International

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 150965762. Our Lord in the Wilderness. By Motortion Films.

First Sunday of Lent. Year B    (EPISODE: 465 )
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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{{Love and joy be with everyone}}. Welcome. everyone, we gather -  Listen to God's Word and contemplate the sacraments.

Brothers and sisters, the Lord is full of love and mercy. And so, as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries, let us acknowledge 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.
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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: Sunday Lent I
Ep II
(theme variation: have Mercy  )

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{Cheers and thanks everyone for this time of prayer and reflection - I hope you have a blessed week. }

Go forth, the Mass is ended.

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

To listen to the weekly 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. https://www.airgigs.com/user/stefankelk

[ Production -  KER -  2024]

May God bless and keep you.

 

​Ash Wednesday MASS - February 14th, 2024. Weekday Solemnity-

Ash Wednesday MASS  - February 14^th, 2024.    Weekday Solemnity-  

Readings for Ash Wednesday Mass -
First Reading: Joel 2:12-18
Psalm: Ps 50:3-6. 12-14. 17. "Be Merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned."
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:20 - 6:2
Gospel Acclamation: cf Ps 94:8  "Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless glory! If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless glory!"
Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6. 16-18
Homily
Blessing and Distribution of Ashes
       Distribution of Ashes
      Prayer of the Faithful

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed Photo ID: 1615569214 - Ash Wednesday, crucifix made of ash, to dust as in the Christian religion. Lent beginning- Photo Contributor: vetre
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To listen to the audio recording of the readings, prayers and reflections for Ash Wednesday, please click this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ash-wednesday-feast-abc-2024-edition-episode-464/s-lQ500fRXoFk

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Prologue:  Welcome as we gather to mark the beginning of the season of Lent…   40 days of prayer, penance and self-denial (reminding us of Our Lord's forty days in the wilderness), and to prepare us for the renewal and new life celebrated in the Easter season. –

Ashes, a symbol of destruction, death, and desolation, are an ancient Judeo-Christian symbol of our journey from death to new life…. 

We use the ashes from old burnt palm branches that were used in the Palm Sunday Masses last year. 
When we think about Lent, we generally think of giving something up - a kind of 'dying' to self. But the readings for this day suggest that Lent is about beginnings: coming to new life, deepening our relationship with God and others, and transforming who we are and how we live. (2)
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Homily: (2024) Fr Paul.
In this Lenten fasting, we also remember and imitate the example of Jesus, who fasted 40 days in the wilderness as he prepared to begin his life-giving ministry. 

Lent is a time of Prayer, Penance and Good Works, Which are three aspects of one thing.

The purpose of fasting and abstinence is not to punish ourselves, nor is it a time of testing our willpower and personal strength, but rather, it is to create in us a space for God…  and a detachment from whatever may keep us at a distance from an ever-closer connection to God. 

 

Since, this beautiful season is time for God to help us loosen our wilfulness and self-focus, the idea that Lent is some kind of a test of our willpower and resolve, our resistance to temptation, actually defeats the real purpose of this time.  Its precisely not about our willpower but surrendering our wilfulness and self-focus to God's giving and loving will.   If we enter into the season with a humble, contrite and not-wilful attitude God's grace will produce wonderful fruits in us..  that will last…. Overcoming sin, and defeating habits is not about willpower, since its our willfulness, and the imperfection of our ability to will all that is good for us, without God's help, that often leads to our falling into the things we know are harmful to us and to others.

Imagine an army that tries to fortify its Castle – focusing on making the outside walls and doors strong and resistant to attack…  but the enemy keeps trying to find gaps in the fortess,  tiny flaws..  where the armour weak or imperfect…   they can sneak in through these gaps and once inside they can wreak havoc…    the idea of lent is not to build powerful external armour – so that if there is a flaw, we are helpless inside…  Lent is allowing God's grace, and virtues and gospel values to so fill op the inside of our hearts and minds that if the enemy found a gap,,.. they would come inside the heart and find it so filled with Jesus' values that there is simply no room for them and they would have to retreat..  we rely not merely on outward shields as if the inner life is so completely weak that it would fall at once when breached. 

In self-denial and in giving "of time to more prayer and good works," our hearts move even closer to God.  Distractions like excess food or any other things that take up our time and energy are avoided, helping us become more focused, attentive, and charitable.  (Let us read and pray with God's word in the scriptures even more in this season….   Because this living Word is the source of our grace and life….. and also let's read and reflect on the enormous resource of the lives and wisdom the saints, who have heroically shown us how to allow God's grace to fill us and transform us and grow in holiness and love.)

 

Let our heartfelt prayer this year be:

Lord, help us to be true ambassadors for you..  in our words, and actions.

Lord, let no-one look at our lives and actions and ask "where is your God."  Let, our love and practical charity, shine out with the answer.  During Lent, we give to the excellent cause of Project Compassion, run by the Catholic charity, Caritas.. (which means love in action). May this, and so many ordinary and everyday acts of kindness, patience, forebearance, mercy, practical help and compassion, fill our minds and hearts with Jesus' loving heart.  ( please visit - https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion for more information and for donation options)  

Lent is a six-week gift to the church from God….  As a time of nurturing positive habits of prayer, self-denial and giving of our time and resources for worthy causes… to build up our spiritual health…. and build up good habits and attitudes that become so automatic and natural to us that we do them without hesitation, and for no other reason than our love for God, so that as the reading says today.... our left-hand does not know what our right hand is doing.

The gospel has a lot of wisdom in it… those things are done for no other reason but the love of God and not for anything else……… actions for the glory and praise of God alone… This is close to the nature and heart of God.  This is also at the heart of the gospels and of our faith. It is the source of lasting truth.

So, let's make this time of lent the wonderful, Joy-filled gift it really is. A time of peaceful self-denial and of making space for God… fostering positive habits that will last well beyond forty days.....and may God, who has begun this good work in us, bring it to perfection… in the secret of our own hearts…
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion

 

#Elizabeth Harrington – Liturgy Brisbane  © Liturgybrisbane. 

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed Photo ID: 1615569214 - Ash Wednesday, crucifix made of ash, dust as in the Christian religion. Lent beginning- Photo Contributor: vetre
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
{{May God's Spirit of Wisdom and Awe abide in you.}}

(no penitential rite, as the ashes – given later – are the penitential act on this day).
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After the Homily - 
(as placed on the forehead.. the minister says: - ):  
"Repent, and believe in the Gospel."
Or alternatively:
"Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."
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Memorial Acclamation
Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection, you have set us free.
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Preface: Lent III
Eucharist Prayer II
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{my heartfelt thanks for your participation in this time of reflection, prayer and praise.}
Dismissal:

Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.


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Archive of homilies and reflections: http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email: paulwkelly68@gmail.com
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To listen to my weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks


Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:
"Faith, Hope and Love - Christian worship and reflection" - Led by Rev Paul Kelly

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

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

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

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

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

 [ Production - KER - 2024]
May God bless and keep you.

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B - 2024 (Episode:463)

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B - 2024

(Episode:463)

Readings for 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time - B
FIRST READING: Lev 13: 1-2, 44-46
Ps 32: 1-2, 5, 11. "I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble and you fill me with the joy of salvation"
SECOND READING: 1 Cor 10: 31—11: 1
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 7: 16). Alleluia, alleluia! A great prophet has appeared among us. God has visited his people.
GOSPEL: Mark 1: 40-45

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Illustration ID: 2259208961 - Jesus Christ of Nazareth Touching a Leper to Heal Him - Illustration Contributor: Carolangoni
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Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B - , by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-sixth-sunday-in-ordinary-time-year-b-episode-463  (EPISODE: 463 )
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(Prologue – Fr Paul): The Gospel today is a wonderful example of God's great desire to reach out and touch us…… to include and heal us.  There is sadly much illness and suffering in the world. We pray that those who are sick, will be healed of their illness and brought out of their suffering…..and in every case may the Lord certainly touch their lives with peace and strength and assure them that God is with them in this difficult journey…. 
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Today's Gospel makes it really clear that God loves us completely and desires that we be healed, freed from the burden of suffering and reunited with our community……  Jesus is the compassion of God…. And Jesus shows us the endless depths of that compassion and love for us….  God loves us so much that Jesus reaches out and touches us…

Because Jesus is God the son, he could simply have said to the leper, 'you are healed' and he would have been…. But the poor man was suffering illness,…. He was isolated from his community….. he was alone…. And Jesus reaches out and touches him to bring him back into the community… and heal his Spirit too…….. 

Jesus is not just in the midst of suffering… he is to be found abiding within the people who suffer, as well as in the people who reach out to help……  God, whose essential nature is loving and compassionate and deeply involved in our lives and who promises us much more than physical or emotional healing, but a cherished place in God's family forever. 

Those he cured would eventually get sick again and eventually all reach the end of their lives...  but he was offering them a reassurance of God's ultimate faithfulness to them -  peace through the assurance of their membership in God's family that will stay with them in this life and the next

Jesus also shows us God's attitude towards our suffering when Jesus declares "of course I want to heal you!"  God's compassion and love for others is the key to everything Jesus says and does. Jesus put people first and at the same time put his heavenly Father first, because the love of God, love of neighbour and love and care of oneself are different aspects of the same one teaching.  St Paul in the second reading..  sums up what it's all about in our ministries and service… "Whatever you do at all, do it for the glory of God. ……try to be helpful to everyone at all times, not anxious for my own advantage but for the advantage of everybody else, so that they may be saved." And that is at the heart of what we do…   everything for the honour and glory of God….
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References:

HOMILY –-

Fr Paul W. Kelly

Abbot's Homilies - Benedictine Abbey of Christ in the Desert.. (2009) [online] Benedictine Abbey of Christ in the Desert. Available at: https://christdesert.org/updates/abbots-homilies

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Illustration ID: 2259208961 - Jesus Christ of Nazareth Touching a Leper to Heal Him - Illustration Contributor: Carolangoni

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B   (EPISODE:463  )
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
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{{Hi everyone}} welcome everyone, we gather -  Ponder with reverence, God's word and sacrament. 

My brothers and sisters, we have gathered to celebrate the Holy Eucharist, - so let us pause and reflect upon our sins, so as to rejoice in Gods loving mercy. 
Lord Jesus, you came to gather the nations into the peace of God's kingdom: Lord, have mercy// You come in word and in sacrament to strengthen us and make us holy: Christ, have mercy//You will come again in glory with salvation for your people: Lord, have mercy.
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
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Memorial Acclamation
3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.
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PREFACE: Sundays V
EP II
Communion side.  pwk:  RH
(theme variation: 4 )

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{May God's love, strength, mercy and kindness guide you all this week. }

Go in peace. (glorifying the Lord by your life)

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

To listen to the weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here.
NB - It is often a week or so Ahead:  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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Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B – In Australia we celebrate "the Sunday of the word of God, 2024

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B – In Australia we celebrate "the Sunday of the word of God, 2024

(EPISODE: 462)

Readings for 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time - B
FIRST READING: Job 7: 1-4, 6-7
Ps 147: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6. "Praise the Lord, who heals the broken-hearted"
SECOND READING: 1 Cor 9: 16-19, 22-23
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Matt 8: 17). Alleluia, alleluia! He bore our sickness. And endured our suffering.
GOSPEL: Mark 1: 29-39

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 666869200 Job and his three friends. By askib
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Please listen to the audio recordings

 of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B  by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-fifth-sunday-in-ordinary-time-year-b-episode-462  (EPISODE:462 )
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*Prologue- (Fr Paul) - On the 1600th anniversary of the death of the great Scripture scholar and biblical translator, St Jerome, (on 30th September), pope Francis announced a new Sunday celebration (around the world it is to be celebrated on the Third Sunday of Ordinary time – but the local conference of bishops moved it here in Australia to the first Sunday in February – due to our national Holiday celebration overlapping it earlier), This celebration is known and commemorated as the "THE SUNDAY OF THE WORD OF GOD" .

The Risen Jesus, instructing two disciples on the Road to Emmaus, "opened their minds to understand the Scriptures" (Lk 24:45). Christ continues to do this in our day too.

Also, in this week focusing on the word of God, has everyone discovered that wonderful gift to the whole church that is the Prayer of the Church, or the Liturgy of the Hours.. also known as the Divine Office? This is an official series of prayers, psalms and readings for the different parts of each day. This is of course not just for priests or religious, but for all people…
Liturgy of the Hours (online service called Universalis)
{The prayer of the universal Church, seven times a day.
Office of Readings - Morning Prayer (Lauds) - Mid-Morning Prayer (Terce) - - Midday Prayer (Sext) - Afternoon Prayer (None) - Evening Prayer (Vespers) - Night Prayer (Compline)}

There are also official books available with the whole set of four weekly cycle prayers. To truly savour God's living word, day and night!

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The book of Job haunts me.  It is a powerful reflection upon the reality of suffering and loss in our lives. Job calls out to God in prayer and God is faithful to him, but it does not preserve him from the suffering, tragedy and disasters of life, which befall him in a massive way. God does not give him clear answers to his question about why there is suffering, but God does something even better.. He tells Job, trust in my goodness, justice and care. Never doubt my faithfulness to you, even in terrible seasons. Never stop trusting in my compassion and love for you even when you don't understand.  In Job, his friends come to support and comfort him. We are told that they sit with him for seven days and say nothing.  One Jewish tradition is that people who come to offer comfort to a bereaved person should not speak until the mourner speaks.  This is really good wisdom. As shown in this book too,.. for when the friends eventually start speaking they try to explain and justify why these terrible tragedies have occurred. And they make Job's suffering worse. In fact, Job is tempted to listen to their well-meaning platitudes, and start to doubt God's goodness.  His friends tell him, you must have done something to deserve this.  Not helpful at all. Job is a just man. He has not done anything to deserve this. Their speculation is wrong and hurtful and amplifies his pain.  They mean well, but they do damage.  They are right that God is good but they are wrong that bad things only happen to bad people. Very wrong.  They should have helped more by staying silent and supporting Job in his grief and depression. God cares very much about Job's condition and wants to heal his broken heart and smashed dreams. Eventually God's healing and faithfulness does indeed bring him renewed hope and strength.

Jesus travels the countryside preaching his message of the Kingdom of God, and enormous crowds of people gather. He teaches them, he heals them, he frees them from their sins, and he releases their burdens….

One gets a sense of a sea of need…. - a vast, continuous, endless line of people seeking help, searching for hope, reaching out for a helping hand.

Jesus responds to this…. what is to be done??…….So much!! – It is truly overwhelming how much need and pain and suffering there is in the world. 

Then, we hear that he rises very, very early, and goes off to a lonely place to pray to his Heavnly Father…..to connect…. To re-focus… to re-energise. (He didn't have any time in his busy day, so he made time in the quiet hours, because it was the absolutely vital source and meaning of everything he did. This gospel also shows us the importance of prayer…… Connectedness in our relationship with God…… it is absolutely vital that we too, take time out…. take a step back…. and see the big picture…… to connect to (God the father), the source and the power and the reason behind all our efforts and actions

Meanwhile, the crowds continue to search for him, and his disciples search for him and inform him that everyone is looking for him…..

The needs of these crowds are most certainly real… and they are urgent…. and immediate….. Yet, Jesus informs them that the message of his gospel is absolutely vital and so he needs to continue his journey to other people and places.  

Jesus, aware of the many urgent demands of the crowds… chooses to move on… to keep moving on;…. because "vital" overrides "urgent"…./ just as "important" overrides "pressing". (also, a worldly person might think to themselves, I will stay in this place, help these people, I can live comfortably having impressed this group of people and there is more than enough work here in this one place…  but Jesus is a perfect leader..  he is here to serve all, not just some, and he is not here to cement his own situation but for the good of others.   He must continue on his way… moving once more out of the familiar into the new… 

It must have been heartbreaking that he couldn't alone have individually touched and transformed each and every person he met. But there was no time.. and his mission was urgent, vital, and time was short// and his mission was on-going……

He leaves behind crowds of people still looking for healing, peace and hope….but he does not abandon them….His message… his presence for a short time has already brought the seeds of that hope taking root there…. In each of those many people in the many crowds, in all the places Jesus visited - ……. so many people will take away with them, deep in their hearts and minds, Christ's lifegiving message… and they will run with it…….

As Jesus message spreads to other communities… those people, too, receive his message and consolidate it, nurture it, allow it to become part of them, abiding deep within them. The holy Spirit builds on it (in and through the people who hear and respond to this)….. //

It's reassuring to us…. There is still so much to be done… so much we can do…. so little time to do it….. never enough hours in the day, //…days in the year….. // we do what we can…// and keep our eyes on the big picture…. and draw strength, inspiration and vision from our prayerful "time-out with God"…. to focus our energy… direct our choices and …. lead us mindfully through the "busy-ness" of our days with its many different possibilities and needs….. We can't do everything… We are all too aware of our limitations…. so we ask the Lord to help us do what we can do, well!  – With focus, clear priorities, and above all with love and compassion.

Lord, (in this), help us to know what is urgent… And help us to know what is vital - ….. (and adapting the words of the serenity prayer), Lord, give us the strength to leave behind even the urgent, when the vital calls us…….. and help us to know the difference…….
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References:
HOMILY Fr Paul W. Kelly

Life Application Study Bible Large Print. 2007. Carol Stream, Illinois.: Tyndale House Publishers. Pp  1054-1055.

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 666869200 Job and his three friends. By askib


Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B 2024) (EPISODE:462 )

The Lord be with you.
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{{Peace and Goodness to you all}} welcome everyone, we gather - Reflection upon God's word, and encounter Christ's presence.

Coming together as brothers and sisters, on this Sunday of the Word of God, let us ask the Fathers forgiveness, for he is full of gentleness and compassion

You were sent to heal the contrite of heart. Lord, have mercy. // You came to call sinners: Christ, have mercy. //You are seated at the right hand of the Father to intercede for us: Lord, have mercy. //
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
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Memorial Acclamation
2. When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.
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PREFACE: Sundays IV
EP I
Communion side. pwk: LH
(theme variation: 3 )
(pre+post variation: 1)
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{I pray that you have a wonderful and grace-filled week. }

Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.

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

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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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.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++