Tenth Sunday Ordinary Time - - Sunday, 9 June 2024 (EPISODE: 482)

Tenth Sunday Ordinary Time - -  Sunday, 9 June 2024 (EPISODE: 482)
Readings for Tenth Sunday Ordinary Time-
FIRST READING: Gen 3:9-15
Ps 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8. "With the Lord, there is mercy and fullness of redemption."
SECOND READING: 2 Cor 4:13—5:1
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 12:31b-32). Alleluia, alleluia! The prince of this world will now be cast out, and when I am lifted up from the earth. I will draw all to myself, says the Lord.
GOSPEL: Mark 3:20-35

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Illustration ID: 2209882663 -Jesus and the crowds. Illustration Contributor. Mulina Vesile

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Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Tenth Sunday Ordinary Time  - Sunday, 9 June 2024 - by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-10th-sunday-ordinary-time-year-b-episode-482/s-9Egv8OdNDfd  
(EPISODE: 482)
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In a world where those who are trapped by actions of their own doing, and who have only themselves to blame for the pickle they find themselves in, these same people are often left unaided because "they've brought this harm on themselves," so the saying goes.

 

However, the Lord God cares about us, even when we've sinned and made mistakes, even when we've brought the situation on ourselves and now find ourselves horribly stuck. It's such a message of hope and unconditional love to know that our God feels compassion, God feels sorry for us, God feels like a parent when their child has strayed and hurt themselves, and reaches out to help us, even when we know we were the architect of our own downfall.

 

God lovingly invites us to deepen our compassion and love too, and respond gently, even to those whose predicament is caused by their own willfulness or poor actions, their own fault. We too can be tempted to hide in shame from our God whenever we are aware of our faults, only appearing when we think we've hidden the signs of our failings. But God asks us, why are you hiding? Who told you that there are things that can be hidden from me, the one who created you and loves you? God's mercy and love and grace inspires us to turn back to God time and time again for help, and to give grateful thanks to God always, for the more grace we receive, it's so important for us to give more thanksgiving to God, who gives us out of love.

 

God doesn't need our thanks, we need to give it, to appreciate the gifts we have. In the Gospel, our Lord reminds his followers that a house divided against itself cannot stand, so an essential element of our membership of God's family is unity and harmony. It's not any part of God's kingdom to have factions, quarrels, jealousy, but instead we're called to be united in one heart and one mind, and kind, compassionate and loving towards all, as the offering prayer says today in this liturgy, may our service, may everything we do and all we offer, lead to a growth in charity, may our actions lead to an increase in our love.

 

The writer Harold Kushner says his grandfather had virtually an unofficial doctorate in practical theology, because, though he was a down-to-earth labourer, who never attended a university, his actions showed a profound insight. Everything he did shone with the knowledge that the way he treated people, all of this mattered very much to God, who loved him and loved everyone, so his growth in charity and compassion grew daily and reached out to others in his daily life. It is a shocking incident in this Gospel.

 

Jesus is teaching the good news. He is the loving, visible expression of God's kindness, mercy and love, and yet his enemies reject him. They try to discredit him and disgrace him.

 

They distort his message of life and turn it into a message of death. It's a sad situation when the world has got its values so turned upside down that good is named as bad, and bad things are called good. But that is what they were saying.

 

They accused him of working with the evil one, even though Jesus represented everything opposed to evil. What a grave insult. Our Lord warns them, if you do not accept me, that is Jesus, as working for the of God, then there can be no penitence, no repentance, no forgiveness, because they're refusing to believe in the one who came to lead us out of this mess.

 

It's a very sobering message. We must be very wary of labels that people try to attach to others, to try and neutralise their good works. If we feel threatened and challenged by someone, it can feel easier to blame or label them rather than face the truth.

 

Calling someone crazy or labelling them as bad or motivated by malice, these are awful techniques to destroy the credibility of people who may be only acting for the good. In this day and age, where accusations and labels flow thick and fast, and often without much or any substance to the claims, we should be more than wary and alert than ever. We ought to be extremely slow to swallow any claims made, just because people labelled Christ a madman, or in league with demons, certainly and obviously didn't make it true.

 

The fact that some believed these claims also did not make it true, it still was false. In fact, the claims could not have been more false and blasphemous. It reminds me of one of my favourite sayings, "To a friend, no explanation is necessary. To an enemy, no explanation will be sufficient."

 

When we hear claims that discredit and disgrace others, we can only tell ourselves the truth. I have only heard one side of the story. It does not make what is said true, just in the telling of it.

 

As we also can admit that we may not be entitled to hear the other side, as it often is not our place to adjudicate anyway. The Lord calls us to be on our guard against applying false labels to others, spreading wrong assertions about others, or accepting as true such claims by others. The gospel warns us that this kind of thing undermines the good of the kingdom.

 

Christ is the truth, and he calls us to seek the truth always, just as God asked Adam and Eve, who told you these things? Of course, they were told things by the serpent, who was a liar. Our Lord in the gospel is virtually asking his people, who has poisoned your mind with such lies? Have you made room in your hearts to see bad, when there is only good, and good when there is clearly bad? This is still wise counsel for us today. One final insight, I have never realised before we are told that people were saying Christ had gone out of his mind, and his family had come to take charge of him, as it says.

 

This seems astounding. True, his relatives thought that they were trying to help him. His enemies had labelled Jesus, and they were trying to thoroughly disgrace and discredit him, even before his family members.

 

The danger was real, that this would lead to him being executed, and eventually he was. The family thought they were doing good, by having him declared mentally unwell, or taking charge of him, as this would be a defence against blasphemy charges. That is, he did not know what he was saying or doing, so he can't be held legally responsible for his actions, if someone accuses him, even wrongly, of blasphemy.

 

They were trying to save his life. But Christ will have nothing of this, even if they mean well, and think they're trying to help him. He knows the risk of death, and he's willing to accept it.

 

He will face death, and he will also rise again. He will not save himself by legal claims of unsound mind. He's completely in his right mind, and will not allow anyone to say anything to the contrary.

 

So, he replies, "who are my family? Anyone who hears my words and does them."

 

We are indeed Christ's family, when we do as he commands.

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References:

Fr Paul W. Kelly

 

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

 

Link, M. (2000). Mission. Praying Scripture in a Contemporary Way. Year B. Allen, Tex.: Resources for Christian Living.

 

Marshall, A. (1990). NRSV-NIV parallel New Testament in Greek and English. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan.

 

Pilch, John J . The cultural world of Jesus Sunday by Sunday, cycle B. Collegeville, Minn. Liturgical Press .1996.

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Illustration ID: 2209882663 -Jesus and the crowds. Illustration Contributor. Mulina Vesile

 

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Tenth Sunday Ordinary Time    -(Sunday, 9 June 2024)  (EPISODE: 482)
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 Goodness to you all}} welcome everyone, we gather -  Reflection upon God's word, and encounter Christ's presence. On this Tenth Sunday Ordinary Time

Coming together as brothers and sisters, with confidence 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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Ps 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8. "With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 12:31b-32). ). Alleluia, alleluia! The prince of this world will now be cast out, and when I am lifted up from the earth. I will draw all to myself, says the Lord.
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PREFACE: Ordinary 4
Eucharistic Prayer 3
(theme variation: theme 4 )

 

(post version: v2-short)

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{15. Thank you for giving generously of  your time and prayer.}

4. Go in peace.

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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

You are welcome to subscribe to Fr Paul's homily mail-out by visting here:

https://surfersparadiseparish.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=85b9ddd594b242276d423bfe9&id=002282d9e0 

Details 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. And (2024+) Rode Nt-1 + AI-1 Sound Mixer.

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.

The Mass - The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. (Corpus Christi). Year B - Sunday, 2 June 2024 (episode 481)

The Mass -  The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. (Corpus Christi). Year B - Sunday, 2 June 2024 (episode 481)
 

Image Credit:Shutterstock licensed image 1041144766-Sanctuary of Caravaggio (BG), ITALY - 24-8-2016. Mosaic : The last supper- By Macthia
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Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily),
 for The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. (Corpus Christi). Year B. - by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-the-body-and-blood-of-christ-year-b-episode-481
(EPISODE: 481)
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Prologue (courtesy of Liturgy Brisbane)

This feast, originally Corpus Christi, arose in thirteenth century Belgium,  in response to debates about the real presence and as a result of an upsurge in Eucharistic piety. It's extension to the entire Western Church was first decreed by Urban IV in 1264. The feast celebrates  the mystery of the nourishing and enduring presence of the  body and blood of Christ in the Eucharist.

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Homily: 

Our Lord wanted his life, death and resurrection to be a source of eternal life and salvation for all people, not just of his time 2,000 years ago, but every time and generation. So Christian faith believes in God who became flesh, the incarnation. So it's perfectly fitting that Jesus gives us a way that we can touch and taste the reality of his gift to us.

The reality too of his loving involvement in the many joys and sorrows, graces and challenges of daily life. The sacrament of the body and blood of our Lord was first instituted at the Lord's last supper, before he suffered his passion. He celebrated the annual tradition of the Passover meal, in which generations of God's people repeated the meal commemorating the freedom of the people of from slavery in Egypt, passing over from slavery to new life, from death to new life.

According to that God-given and ancient tradition, everyone who participated in that sacred meal was included and united in God's saving action, irrespective of the time or place that that person was joining in. Then we fast forward a thousand years or so later, and our Lord, who has come to perfect and fulfil the law of God, also celebrates this ancient Passover feast. But near the end of that very ancient meal, he does something new.

Something that makes this Passover meal his own, and which creates the means by which we can all be now included in his love and salvation. He took bread, blessed it and said, see this bread? This is truly my body, broken for you. Take and eat.

Do this in memory of me. Then he took a chalice of wine and blessed it, and gave it to his disciples and said, take this and drink of it. This is the chalice of my blood, poured out for you and for many, to forgive sins.

Do this as a memorial of me. This action means that we, some two thousand years after his supper, are all included in the benefits and the action that Christ won for us by his love. We live in a deeply sacramental world.

So many things in this world bring us the reality of what they signify. In general, a warm handshake conveys friendship.It doesn't just signify it. It's a sacrament of friendship in a broad sense, which actually gives us the expression and feelings of the friendship it represents. Jesus,, in his wonderful ministry, ate and drank with many, many people.

He shared meals with sinners. He included people of every different group. He healed, welcomed, taught, and cared for all.

It's fitting that Jesus left us the gift of this holy meal as more than a reminder of him and his ministry. But this meal is presented to us by his own promise and command, his very self, given for us. As we take the host, we receive Jesus into our hearts and lives.

As we drink his chalice, we are washed clean and joined to God and to one another. We can all be part of what our Lord offered first to his apostles. The gift of the Eucharist, which we celebrate on this Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, is essential in the life of all Christians.

We receive Christ himself, first of all in his word, proclaimed in the weekly scripture readings, and we receive Christ truly in his body and blood in communion. We are opening up, weekly, the meaning and implication of the scriptures and ensuring that it's not just our convenience and comfy version of Jesus' word, but his full, challenging, life-giving message that spurs us on to action, week after week. And I always love to say to First Holy Communion people, that as they receive Jesus in communion for the first time, that there's only one thing better than one's First Holy Communion, and that is, your Second Holy Communion.

And there's only one thing better than Second Holy Communion, and that's your Third, and so on and so on. Weekly, it sets up a pattern of communion with Christ in our daily lives, always. Our communion in the Body and Blood of Christ connects us forever to God and to our loved ones.

Every time we celebrate Eucharist, every time we receive the Body and Blood of Christ, we are united in communion, connected by an unbreakable bond to God, first and foremost, through Jesus. But also we're connected to our loved ones and friends, our fellow Christians, and we're even connected to our departed loved ones, who are all part of the communion of believers. We abide in God, God abides in us.

We are in communion, alive in Christ forever. So today in this feast, we celebrate Jesus who makes His home in us, through the sacrament of His Body and Blood. This is a gift that is truly priceless.

May we always give thanks for it and receive it with joy.
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References:

Prologue – From Liturgy Brisbane

 

Homily – Fr Paul W. Kelly

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

and For a Background on Sacramental Theology context, please see Vorgrimler, H. (1992). Sacramental theology. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press}

Image Credit: Shutterstock licensed image. 1041144766— Sanctuary of Caravaggio (BG), ITALY— 24-8-2016. Mosaic: The Last Supper— By Macthia.

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. (Corpus Christi). Year B.  (EPISODE: 481 )
The Lord be with you.
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{{May Our Lord's courage, uphold you.}} welcome everyone, we gather -  Praise, Worship of God

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 reconcile us to the Father and to one another: Lord, have mercy//You heal the wounds of our sin and division: Christ, have mercy// You intercede for us with 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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Ps 116: 12-13, 15-16, 17-18. "I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord"

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 6: 51). Alleluia, alleluia! I am the living Bread from heaven, says the Lord. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.
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PREFACE: Preface of Holy Eucharist I or II
EP II

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{I pray that you have a wonderful and grace-filled week. }

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 our 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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Surfers Paradise Mass Podcast - The Most Holy Trinity Sunday. Year B. (EPISODE: 480)

The Most Holy Trinity Sunday. Year B. (EPISODE: 480)

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 2209632267 - The Holy Trinity. Andrey Rublev. 1420s. Russian Icon. Photo Formats - Photo Contributor: alexeyart1

Readings for The Most Holy Trinity Sunday. Year B.
FIRST READING: Deut 4: 32-34, 39-40
Ps 33: 4-5, 6+9, 18-19, 20+22. "Happy the people the Lord has chosen to be his own."
SECOND READING: Rom 8: 14-17
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Rev 1: 8). Alleluia, alleluia! Glory to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. To God who is, who was, and who is to come.
GOSPEL: Matt 28: 16-20

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. stock vector ID: 1747141307. Vector illustration of a Background for Trinity Sunday. By Suns Design.
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Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for The Most Holy Trinity Sunday. Year B. by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-trinity-sunday-year-b-episode-480/s-XMxiLqWVppF  (EPISODE: 480)
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* (Prologue:  Fr Paul Kelly)
I think this quote from the great English writer C.S. Lewis says so much about the Trinity:

"Three persons, one God of love -
People seem not to notice that the words 'God is love' have no real meaning unless God contains at least two persons. Love is something that one person has for another person. If God was a single person, then before the world was made, He was not love…Christians believe that the living, dynamic activity of love has been going on in God forever and has created everything else… in Christianity God is not a static thing – but  (rather a personal) dynamic, pulsating activity, a life, almost a kind of drama… Almost, a kind of dance." [C.S. Lewis (1898-1963)]
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The reality of the Holy Trinity is absolutely wonderful and it's an indispensable as part of our Christian faith. And it's certainly not, as some people occasionally are heard to say, "merely an academic construct." No!  the Holy Trinity is an absolute necessity to get a small grasp, a little glimpse into the breadth and depth and diversity of God's inner nature, which is implicitly community, innately relational and loving.

We're reminded that by becoming God's people, we become sons and daughters of God, heirs to the kingdom. That comes with a real task, to live with an outreaching love towards others, and to the world, as God the Trinity lives in God's inner self. We're told we must go out, out into the world.

The cost of entry into this eternal relationship with God, who is three persons in one, is that we always remain outward looking, turned outwards towards others, not inward. We must be willing to suffer because of participation in the outreaching, generous, unselfish love of God.

At the table of the Holy Trinity, there's no room for self-interest and stinginess or inward-looking mentalities. God is always on the lookout for more people to be part of the family, always reaching out, open and generous and welcoming.

The more we as individuals and as Christian communities reflect the inner life of the Trinity in how we act and live and think, the more we're participating deeply into the Trinitarian life of God. It's no wonder that our Lord Jesus is made very present to us in the Eucharist, encountered in the form of a sacred meal. It's very poignant.

Jesus was put to death too because of, among other reasons, the people he ate with whom others thought he shouldn't. But God is love, God is relationship. It's great to share a meal and encounter a glimpse of what God, a Trinity of Persons, shares all the time and who reaches out and offers to everyone.

We are honoured to be humble assistants in this wonderful, generous hospitality and work of God.
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References:

Homily –Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 2209632267 - The Holy Trinity. Andrey Rublev. 1420s. Russian Icon. Photo Formats - Photo Contributor: alexeyart1.


The Most Holy Trinity Sunday. Year B - (EPISODE: 480)-
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
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{{May Our Lord's Fidelity strengthen you.}} welcome everyone, we gather -  Silence, reflection, prayer and contemplation of our God. 

Coming together as brothers and sisters, with confidence let us ask the Fathers forgiveness, for he is full of gentleness and compassion
Heavenly Father, your love gives life to all of creation  
Lord, have mercy.  
 
Lord Jesus, you are the Resurrection, inviting us into your inner life.  Christ have mercy.  
 
Holy Spirit, you empower us to work for justice and compassion, 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 33: 4-5, 6+9, 18-19, 20+22. "Happy the people the Lord has chosen to be his own."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Rev 1: 8). Alleluia, alleluia! Glory to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. To God who is, who was, and who is to come.
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PREFACE: Preface of the Most Holy trinity
ep iii
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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 our 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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Solemnity of Our Lady Help of Christians - Patroness of Australia - May 24th

 

Our Lady Help of Christians. May 24th 

Our Lady Help Of Christians - May 25^th - 

Mass of the Solemnity, Gloria, Creed

Preface of the Blessed Virgin Mary I

 

Readings:  
Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31

**Ps 112:1-8 R. Blessed be the name of the Lord forever.

James 3:13-18; 

**Alleluia, alleluia! Happy are you, O blessed Virgin Mary; without dying you won the martyr's crown beside the cross of the Lord. Alleluia!

Lk 1:39-56

**(please note our apologies that the Psalm and Alleluia Verse is not as recommended in the Ordo for year B. This was an error that was detected too late for editing).

 

 

Image Credit: 290438420 -TEL AVIV, ISRAEL - MARCH 2, 2015: The Icon of black Madonna from st. Peters church in old Jaffa by an unknown artist from end of 19. cent.- By Renata Sedmakova

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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Solemnity in Australia of Our Lady- Help of Christians. By clicking this link here:  https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/our-lady-help-of-christians-2021-episode-300/s-P6sAIyy7ZMZ   

(Faith Hope and Love, Podcast (2016-  ) with Fr Paul Kelly- Episode 300).

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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.
{{Kindness and grace to you all}}

On this special (feast of) Our Lady Help Of Christians
My brothers and sisters, trusting in Gods mercy and love let us call to mind our sins.

Lord Jesus, you affirm Mary, as the mother of Mercy. Lord have mercy.
You honour her as the mother of good counsel. Christ have mercy.
You present her to us as Help of all Christians. 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:  Preface I of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  
Euch.Prayer:  II

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Dismissal:
Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.
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Prologue: The Virgin Mary has often been invoked in times of religious strife under the title of Help of Christians. In thanksgiving for the release of Pope Pius VII from captivity in 1814, the feast was established the following year on the anniversary of his restoration. The first Australian provincial synod held in Sydney in 1844 placed the Church in Australia under Mary's patronage invoked by the title Help of Christians. The solemn feast is an occasion to seek Mary's help and protection for our Church and nation.

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HOMILY:
MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS HOMILY

There are two inscriptions from the first centuries of Christianity in Greek related to the Virgin Mary: θεοτοκος, (Teotokos, Theotokos, Mother of God) and βοηθεια (Boetheia, the Helper). SO Help of Christians is one of the very earliest of titles for Mary.

Asking for the intercession of Mary as Help of Christians is part of the oldest prayer addressed directly to Mary, the Sub tuum praesidium, which was found on a papyrus dating, at the latest, from the end of the 3rd century. 

Saint John Chrysostom used this Marian title in year 345 as a devotion to the Virgin Mary. 

Saint Don Bosco also strongly and fruitfully promoted Marian devotion under this title throughout his order which became a world-wide ministry….

How fitting, when we see Mary's life portrayed in the gospels…  what a perfect intercessor, who knows all too well hardship and suffering.
Her trust, humility and complete faith in God as she said yes to what God was asking of her in her life.
The arduous journey to visit and care for her cousin Elizabeth
Her journey as a refugee with Joseph and Our Lord.. to Egypt..
Her pain at losing Jesus in the temple for three days..  when he was twelve.. and her pondering all these things in her heart..
He disciple and mother of Christ..  equally.
The sword of sorrow that pierced her heart through her life
Her trust in and intercession to her son at the wedding in cana…  concerned for the good of her hosts….
Her discipleship
Her faithfulness at the foot of the cross…  bearing the indescribable pain of her son's suffering and death.
Her presence in prayer and faith with the apostles at Pentecost.

The infant church in Australia had a special reason for turning to Mary. No priests were sent to the colony in its early days and Mass was not allowed except for one brief year until 1820. It was largely the Rosary, and strong devotion to Mary, in those early days that kept the faith alive.

Catholic Australia remained faithful to Mary and was the first nation to choose her under the title Help of Christians, as principal Patroness.

Mary Help of Christians both intercedes for us and inspires us in these trying times.

Also, even to this day, Australia is highly secularized and still we see signs at times of a concerning and deep anti-Catholic sentiment, that comes bursting out at unexpected times and in unfortunate ways….   . We need to invoke Help of Christians  to pray for and ask the Lord to transform any hardened hearts, headstrong… hearts and minds.

St Mary's Cathedral was dedicated in her honour by the Irish pioneer priest, Fr John Therry, who arrived in Sydney in 1820 and assumed responsibility for the planning and initial construction of the Cathedral.
When Australia became the first country to have Mary Help of Christians as Patroness, it became the first country to have a mother-cathedral under the same title.

The statue of Mary, Help of Christians, stands in the Chapel of the Sacred Heart in the Cathedral.

The Church has traditionally focused on two aspects of Our Lady's help on this feast day.

Firstly, upon the role of Our Lady's intercession in the fight against sin in the life of a believer.

Secondly, Our Lady is one who assists Christians as a community, through her intercession, in fighting against anti-Christian values and principles.

In the Opening Prayer for Our Lady Help of Christians, we rightly (and in heartfelt determination), prayed that through Our Lady's intercession God will "grant wisdom to our leaders and integrity to our citizens", so that "under her protection Australia may be granted harmony, justice and peace". This is longed for and treasured more than ever before.

Mary Help of Christians is not only the patroness of Australia but also the Australian Military Ordinariate

And the following prayer is quite fitting…. 

Almighty God, deepen in our hearts
our love of Mary Help of Christians.
Through her prayers and under her protection,
may the light of Christ shine over our land.
May Australia be granted harmony, justice and peace.
Grant wisdom to our leaders and integrity to our citizens.
Bless especially the men and women
of the Australian Defence Force and their families.
We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Mary Help of Christians, pray for us.
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

From- Catholic Weekly 2012:  https://www.catholicweekly.com.au/24-may-our-lady-help-of-christians/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Help_of_Christians
Gabriel Chow   in https://sacrosancta.blogspot.com/2019/06/australia-and-our-lady-help-of-christians.html

Image Credit: 290438420 -TEL AVIV, ISRAEL - MARCH 2, 2015: The Icon of black Madonna from st. Peters church in old Jaffa by unknown artist from end of 19. cent.- By Renata Sedmakova
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Archive of homilies and reflections: http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email: paulwkelly68@gmail.com
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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.
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.

Hymn – "Rainfall – Mother of  Mercy." Music by Paul W. Kelly. 1994, 2021. Words adapted by Paul W. Kelly, based on the Traditional Salve Regina Hymn. Arranged & with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2021. https://www.airgigs.com/user/stefankelk

Marian Hymn -   "Salve Regina Mater Misericordiae." (Traditional 11^th Century). Melody: Mainz (1712), Hymn #783 - Brébeuf Hymnal. From https://www.ccwatershed.org/hymn/

[ Production - KER - 2024]

May God bless and keep you.