Saint Mary of the Cross (MacKillop) (Solemnity in Australia) - Sunday, August 8, 2024 (EPISODE: 490B - Special)

Saint Mary of the Cross (MacKillop) (weekday -Solemnity in Australia) - August 8, 2024

(EPISODE: 490B - Special)

Saint Mary of the Cross (MacKillop) (Solemnity in Australia) - August 8, 2024 (EPISODE: 490B - Special)

Readings for Saint Mary of the Cross (MacKillop) (Solemnity in Australia)
FIRST READING: 1 Kings 17: 8-16
Psalm 62: 1-8. "My soul clings to you; your right-hand holds me fast."
SECOND READING: Colossians 3: 12-17
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Mt 27: 55). Alleluia, Alleluia. Many women were there by the cross, watching from a distance, the same women who had followed Jesus and looked after him, Alleluia.
GOSPEL: Matthew 6: 25-34

Image Credit: Image Credit: Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, - Paint and Tapestry Artwork (c.2009-10) by Mr. Terence Michael (Terry) Lynch, (d. 12/1/2014). (And the Maryborough Parish ladies- Tapestry located in Saint Mary's Catholic Church, Maryborough, Queensland, where Saint Mary visited and set up a convent and school.
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Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers, and homily), for Saint Mary of the Cross (MacKillop) (Solemnity in Australia) -August 8, 2021 by clicking this link here: 

https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/fhl-weekday-solemnity-mary-of-the-cross-mackillop-august-8-australia-ep-490-b  
(EPISODE: 490B - Special)
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* (Prologue: Fr Paul Kelly)
As Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop once wrote:

"Remember we are all but travellers here."
In Australia(solemnity) and New Zealand (feast Day) . . St Mary of the Cross, Mary of the Cross is a national Patron and also Patron of the Brisbane Archdiocese here).

Mary Helen Mackillop, was born in Melbourne (Australia) on 15th January 1842. And entered eternal life in Sydney on this day (8th August) in 1909. Mary took the religious name "Mary of the Cross." Mary responded to the isolation of colonial families by pioneering a new form of religious life to provide education for their children. She and her sisters shared the life of the poor and the itinerant, offering special care to destitute women and children. Remembered for her eagerness to discover God's will in all things, for her charity in the face of lies, and for her abiding trust in God's providence..
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On May 6, 2009, a declaration was received from Pope Benedict XVI, assenting to the then Archbishop John Bathersby's petition that St Mary of the Cross MacKillop be made the patron of Brisbane Archdiocese. Such a declaration was both appropriate and enthusiastically received in the Archdiocese. We have here in Brisbane Archdiocese an historic connection to this remarkable lady, including her formation of four of her order's very first schools here in Queensland.

 

In December 1869, Mary MacKillop and five of her sisters of St Joseph came to Brisbane and rented a house in South Brisbane. During 1870, they opened three schools for the poorer children in Brisbane and one in Maryborough. Mary and her companions attended Mass at St Stephen's Church in Elizabeth Street and often prayed there before the Blessed Sacrament.

 

Born in Melbourne in 1842 and inflamed by a deep desire to serve God and help alleviate the plight of the poor, Mary was an ordinary person who lived an extraordinary and holy life. Her motto is, never see a need without doing something about it and this continues to call us forth to action today. At a time when real heroes are in short supply, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop is a true inspiration.

 

Her heroism is all the more firm because it's built not on celebrity or sporting skill, but on her love of Jesus Christ and a life of dedication to God and her fellow human beings, especially people most in need. Speaking at the time of the announcement, Sister Moira Campbell RSJ, the sisters of St Joseph Provincial Leader at the time, said the order were especially delighted to see their founder made patron in the year of the Archdiocese's then 150th anniversary. And the then 100th anniversary of their founder's death in 2009, the next year Mary MacKillop was canonised in 2010.

 

Sister Campbell said the honour was truly a recognition of the greatness of this woman and her enduring contribution to the early life of Australia. She's an inspirational woman. Among her many qualities was her ability to inspire hope in those she met, she said.

 

Such hope is a very important quality to seek out in today's world as well. Today's readings for the Saints' Feast of Mary of the Cross MacKillop are very fitting. In the first reading we have the prophet coming across a lady from Zarephath and her baby in a time of great famine.

 

They were all starving. But that woman put trust in the promises of the prophet, and all of them were rewarded in very difficult circumstances. This enormous leap of faith produced enormous fruits.

 

We're right to trust in the providence and care of God. Come what may, if we don't let limitations stop us, and we continue to push forward in what is needed and what is good, wonderful things will result with God's grace. The gospel reminds us not to be bogged down with worry about things.

 

Of course these things like what we shall eat and what we shall wear are things that occupy our time, but Jesus is calling us to trust in God's providence and not stop us from achieving what with God's grace will be profoundly fruitful.

 

Mary of the Cross MacKillop,

Pray for us.

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References:

Homily - Fr Paul W. Kelly

With many thanks to the Archdiocese of Brisbane Website on Saint Mary of the Cross – Archdiocesan Patron Saint -  https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/about/archdiocesan-patron/#:~:text=St%20Mary%20of%20the%20Cross%20MacKillop%27s%20motto%20of%20%27never%20see,call%20us%20forth%20to%20action

Image Credit: Image Credit: Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, - Paint and Tapestry Artwork (c.2009-10) by Mr. Terence Michael (Terry) Lynch, (8/5/1932-12/1/2014). (And the Maryborough Parish ladies- Tapestry located in Saint Mary's Catholic Church, Maryborough, Queensland, where Saint Mary visited and set up a convent and school.

Saint Mary of the Cross (MacKillop) (Solemnity in Australia) (August 8)

(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}} welcome everyone, we gather - Praise, Worship of God

My brothers and sisters, trusting in Gods mercy and love let us call to mind our sins.

Lord jesus, you are god who gives generously to all. Lord, have mercy

You are our sure helper in time of need. Christ, have mercy.

You are are loving and faithful to your people to the end of time. 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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Psalm 62: 1-8. "My soul clings to you; your right hand holds me fast."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Mt 27: 55). Alleluia, Alleluia. Many women were there by the cross, watching from a distance, the same women who had followed Jesus and looked after him, Alleluia.
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PREFACE: Preface I or II of saints
Various Occasions 1
(theme variation: 1 )

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{Many thanks for participating in this time of praise, worship and reflection upon our God's infinite love.}

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 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.

- "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.

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

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

Editing equipment:- NCH software - MixPad Multitrack Studio Recording Software

NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 12.44

Sound Processing: iZotope RX 6 Audio Editor

[ Production - KER - 2024]

May God bless and keep you.

 

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B - Sunday, 4 August 2024 (EPISODE: 490)

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B - Sunday, 4 August 2024 (EPISODE: 490)

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty - Photo Description - Stock Photo ID: 156967370 - ancient byzantine fresco of Jesus giving communion to Saint Peter. at the church of Saint Nicholas, Demre, Southern Turkey - Photo Contributor - mountainpix
 
GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B - Sunday, 4 August 2024
(EPISODE: 490)
Readings for Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B
FIRST READING: Exod 16: 2-4, 12-15
Ps 78: 3-4, 23-24, 25+54. "The Lord gave them bread from heaven. "
SECOND READING: Eph 4: 17, 20-24
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Matt 4: 4b). Alleluia, alleluia! No one lives on bread alone. But on every word that comes from the mouth of God.
GOSPEL: John 6: 24-35

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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B - Sunday, 4 August 2024, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-18th-sunday-ordinary-time-year-b-episode-490/s-ZARaMDqjcfA  
(EPISODE: 490)
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* (Prologue: Fr Paul Kelly)
In the readings, the Lord has given us abundant gifts and blessings. God knows what we need and aims to give us what we need. The People of Israel, wandering in the desert with Moses, become disgruntled and lose hope. God tells them they must never stop trusting in his goodness and providence. On that same subject, do you know what big sign Pope Francis placed on his front door? It is wonderful. I will tell you later.
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*(Homily: Fr Paul Kelly).
In the first reading, and subtly referred to in the Gospel as well, we see the dangerous currents created by God's people falling into a culture of negativity and complaint and forgetting the blessings that they've already received. They prefer to count the bad things and forget and cherish the good things that they have received, and are continuing to receive. They forget, or they refuse to call to mind, many things that are good, and which would well outweigh the bad.

The experience of the people of Israel stands as a cautionary example for every generation who follow them. We have to be wary of a culture of complaining and grumbling, refusing to be satisfied by what we have. And then, when we do receive something, as wonderful as it is, it's never quite enough.

Then there's the situation in the Gospel, where the people start demanding things from God with a sense of entitlement instead of a grateful, remembering, and humble heart. We can also be tempted to start demanding that God give us what we want, exactly as we demand it to be given and in the timescale we expect. In response to the Israelites' demands, God gives them bread from heaven, a fine dewfall of bread, as much as they can eat.

But more amazingly, they can eat all they want, but they cannot store it away. They must trust in God's providence day by day. That's an excellent attitude for us to cherish in our hearts as well.

The second reading echoes this. God's graciousness and generosity is never stingy. It's more than enough.

It's never half-hearted. God provides for us in surprising and unexpected ways, ways that may not be what we had in mind when we expressed our needs. Pope Francis always has a very relatable and wonderful turn of phrase in many things, and he's spoken about the dangers of excessive complaining.

And he's talked about this many times, including very early in his pontificate, where he said that Christians who complain too much or are melancholic have more in common with pickled peppers than the joy of having a beautiful life. He broached the subject again a year later during his morning daily mass in Santa Marta. The Pope warned that when we're at prayer, we ought to avoid exaggerating difficulties compared to those undergoing major tragedies.

Our life is too easy. Our life is too easy, the Pope said at the time. Faced with the complaints of so many people, of so many brothers and sisters who are in the dark, who have lost all memory, almost lost all hope, who are exiled even from themselves, our complaints are nothing.

Bringing to mind the many who have lost everything or live in exile, the Pope explained that Jesus walked this path from sunset on the Mount of Olives to the last word on the cross. Pope Francis gives two suggestions that can help us in moments of darkness, the first being to prepare ourselves for when the darkness comes. Our Lord warned us to keep praying that we will have the strength to face the trials that will come to us all.

Secondly, we should pray. Pray as the Church prays. Pray with the Church for so many brothers and sisters who suffer exile from themselves, who are in darkness and suffering, without hope at hand.

He said this is the prayer of the Church for these suffering Jesuses who are everywhere. Pope Francis put up a new sign on his door a few years back, in his humble rooms at the residence at Domus Santa Marta, where he's lived since the beginning of his pontificate. The sign on the door says, complaining not allowed, in Italian, Vietato Lamentasi, and then in smaller print, a red warning on the sign defines this as the first law in the protection of one's health and well-being.

The sign also warns transgressors, saying they're subject to developing a victim complex, with the subsequent diminution of their sense of humour and problem-solving ability. Complaining in the presence of children, the sign warns, would lead to a double sanction. The recent addition to Pope Francis' door closes on a more upbeat note, advising readers that to become the best of yourself, you must concentrate on your own potential and not on your limits.

Therefore, stop complaining and act to make your life better. The sign was produced by an Italian psychologist and psychotherapist, Salvo Noe, who gave it to the Pope after a June 14th weekly audience a few years back. Noe specialises in psychology in work environments and gives well-being lectures to universities, security forces and companies.

Pope Francis also said that complaining too often can distance us from Jesus. The Pope says, moaning dashes hope. Moaning and complaining can become a habit.

Complaining frequently can become an obsession that obscures Jesus's presence in difficult situations. Complaining and griping about others and things in one's own life is harmful because it dashes hope. Don't get into this game of a life of complaints, he says.

Inspired by God's word and God's providence and goodness, let us all walk with God in trust, humility and patience and with gratitude. Let's continue to be people who are positive, constructive, prepared and, come what may, filled with faith, hope and love.

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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly
 
https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2017/07/14/pope-franciss-door-now-features-complaining-not-allowed-sign/
 
http://www.catholicherald.co.uk/news/2013/04/04/complaining-too-often-can-distance-us-from-jesus-warns-pope-francis/
 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/pope-francis-dont-overdramatize-your-complaints-to-god-30403


Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B (Sunday, 4 August 2024) (EPISODE: 490  )
The Lord be with you.
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{{Hello}} welcome everyone, we gather - Silence, reflection, prayer and contemplation of our God.

My friends in Christ, to worthily celebrate the sacred mysteries, let us first acknowledge our sins. 

sung (or Lord Jesus, you have revealed yourself as the way to the Father: Lord, have mercy//You have poured out on your people the Spirit of truth: Christ, have mercy//You are the Good shepherd, leading us to eternal 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 78: 3-4, 23-24, 25+54. "The Lord gave them bread from heaven. "

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Matt 4: 4b). Alleluia, alleluia! No one lives on bread alone. But on every word that comes from the mouth of God.
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PREFACE: Sundays V
EP II
(theme variation: 4 )

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{thank you for your company as we have given thanks and praise to our God. }

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 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 (Bill) 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.
Microphone: - Shure Motiv MV5 Digital Condenser.
 
v Editing equipment: NCH Software - MixPad Multitrack Studio Recording Software
 
v NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 12.44
 
v Sound Processing: iZotope RX 6 Audio Editor

 [Production - KER - 2024]

May God bless and keep you.

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.Year B - Sunday, 28 July 2024 (EPISODE: 489)

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.Year B - Sunday, 28 July 2024 (EPISODE: 489)

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 42044212- Miracle attributed to Jesus, The Feeding of the five thousand people. Photo Contributor- Zvonimir Atletic.
Readings for Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B
FIRST READING: 2 Kgs 4: 42-44. Twenty loaves
Ps 145: 10-11, 15-16, 17-18. "The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs. "
SECOND READING: Eph 4: 1-6. Preserve unity
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 7: 16). Alleluia, alleluia! A great prophet has appeared among us. God has visited his people.
GOSPEL: John 6: 1-15. Five loaves
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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B - Sunday, 28 July 2024, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-17th-sunday-ordinary-time-year-b-episode-489/s-ljdULIJka3V  
(EPISODE: 489)
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* (Prologue: Fr Paul Kelly)
Love, gentleness and dignity is at the heart of everything Our Lord did and taught.
The miracle with the loaves and the fishes is amazing enough. But HOW he distributes the miraculous loaves and fishes is also PROFOUNDLY important. Our Lord could have had this huge and plentiful supply given out by saying something like: "Okay everyone, line up!! We will hand this out." That is to say, Our Lord could have insisted on handing out the bread and fish like the recipients were just beggars, recipients of charity…. People who merely grab and clutch the food. But no!! Our Lord respects each person's dignity. He asks that everyone sits down, in groups…. In little community groups. The food is brought to the people, and they eat it as equals and with all dignity. Truly a second miracle has occurred…..an equally needed miracle. Yes, we have people who are in physical need; and we also have people in our society who are crying out for a sense of dignity, for equality and who do not want to be treated just like a number. People still cry out for human and respectful interaction and an experience of a real and nurturing community.

Our Lord gives us both nourishment and dignity and asks us to do the same.
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(Homily): "Bread with Dignity"

This weekend's first reading and gospel are closely connected. They speak of God's compassionate feeding of the people in their time of need. It's also a reminder of God's desire for us to offer our gifts, our resources, and talents to others for the good of all.

We offer these gifts to God through our care for each other. The gifts we have, we're given to share. We're very mindful of the many areas in the world where there are huge numbers of people who don't even have enough of the basics of life.

Food, water, shelter, health care, education, safety or even freedom. We're inspired to work to help those people through the caring help of missionaries and charitable groups who meet those essential needs. And the ideal is those groups who follow the example of Christ and meet people on the ground in their own situations.

In the gospel, it's been noted that our Lord is very careful to make it clear that his actions in feeding the crowd are not meant to be any kind of show of power or wonder. These acts were not intended to win him popularity. In fact, our Lord shuns popularity and swiftly leaves the scene after this extraordinary event in order to prevent the popular enthusiasm of the crowd from rising up and to avoid the unsavoury situation of people trying to make him an earthly king.

That's not what he wanted. Our Lord's actions are motivated only by compassion and for concern for the real needs of his people. Real practical needs.

And he calls on his disciples, that's us too, to do everything we can to use our resources that we have available to be real food for the hungry and help for those most in need. It's so reassuring to remember that God is the one who gives us what we need in due season. God has our concerns in his heart.

It's God who works to give us what we need, and he calls upon others to assist in the meeting of real human needs of others. When we're tempted to lose hope or to question, then the words of the scriptures remind us that God is completely faithful and desires that we are fed. God is generous, but God does not want us to waste this generosity, even a crumb of the graces and blessings he gives us.

We should use them for the benefit of others. Our Lord calls us to give and keep giving without counting the cost, without the expectation of return. Our Lord promises to transform this heartfelt but humble offering of ours into many things of rich grace.

There's a beautiful reflection attributed to Saint Teresa of Kolkata, which I think was actually written by a man named Kent M Keith and published in a 1968 college pamphlet. However, a copy of this reflection was kept on the wall in Mother Teresa's children's home. It goes like this.

"People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centred.
Forgive them anyway.

If you're kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.

If you're honest and sincere, people may deceive you.
Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others may destroy overnight.
Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it may never be enough.
Give your best anyway."

The gospel does not make judgment or self-justification into the common bond between us, but rather God makes love and goodwill, generosity of spirit, as the true bond that unites us all. We love our neighbour precisely because God's presence is in everyone around us, whether the others recognize it in return or whether or not they recognize the beauty of God's indwelling spirit in themselves or in their own actions. The second reading has Saint Paul imploring us, pleading with us, live a life worthy of your vocation in humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love.

I think it's fair to say that Saint Paul would not have had to need to plead with us to bear with each other if it was already an easy thing to do. It's not easy to follow the way of our Lord. It doesn't always come naturally to bear with one another in patience and love, even if it's what we're made for and destined for, because we are called to live in communion with God and allow God to transform our humanity into the shining image of God's divine life and values, and that's something divine that comes from God's grace.

Love, gentleness and dignity are at the heart of everything our Lord does. Our Lord respects each and every person's dignity, and that's shown in the miracle of the loaves and too. He asks that everyone sits down in groups, in little communities.

The food is brought to the people, and they eat it as equals with great dignity. It's not just handed out as if the recipients were mere beggars. No one wants to be treated just like a number.

Many people are crying out for human and respectful interactions and experiences of real and nurturing community. Our Lord gives us both nourishment and dignity. Jesus never stops at half measures.
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References:
 
Fr Paul W. Kelly

Kent M. Keith. "The Paradoxical Commandments: Finding Personal Meaning in a Crazy World." October 25, 2001." (ISBN-10: 1930722052).

+ Some ideas are taken from Gustavo Gutierrez, "sharing the word through the liturgical year."

Abbotts Homily, Monastery of Christ in the Desert
 
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 42044212- Miracle attributed to Jesus, The Feeding of the five thousand people. Photo Contributor- Zvonimir Atletic.

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B (Sunday, July 25, 2021)
(EPISODE: 489 )
The grace of our Lord Our Lord 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 generosity inspire you. }} welcome everyone, we gather - To Pray, listen and reflect upon God and God's Kingdom.

Coming together as Gods family, let us call to mind our sins.

Lord Jesus, you healed the sick: Lord, have mercy//You forgave sinners: Christ, have mercy//You give us yourself to heal us and bring us strength: 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 145: 10-11, 15-16, 17-18. "The hand of the Lord feeds us; he answers all our needs. "

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 7: 16). Alleluia, alleluia! A great prophet has appeared among us. God has visited his people.
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EP IV (with own preface)
(theme variation: 3 )

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

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 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 (Bill) 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.
Microphone: - Shure Motiv MV5 Digital Condenser.
 
Editing equipment: NCH software - MixPad Multitrack Studio Recording Software
 
NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 12.44
 
Sound Processing: iZotope RX 6 Audio Editor

[Production - KER - 2024]

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

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B - Sunday, July 21, 2024 (EPISODE: 488)

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B  - Sunday, July 21, 2024

(EPISODE: 488)

Readings for Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B
FIRST READING: Jer 23: 1-6
Ps 23: 1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6. "The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want."
SECOND READING: Eph 2: 13-18
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 10: 27). Alleluia, alleluia! My sheep listen to my voice, says the Lord. I know them, and they follow me.
GOSPEL: Mark 6: 30-34
 

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Photo Description - Stock Photo ID: 1210022278 -PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - OCTOBER 13, 2018: The mosiac of miralce The Feeding the multitude in church kostel Svatého Václava by artwork of S. G. Rudl in workroom of Albert Neuhauser (1928.) Important information Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor - Renata Sedmakova

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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B  - Sunday, July 21, 2024, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-16th-sunday-ordinary-time-year-b-episode-488/s-9yghCU9qKCt  
(EPISODE: 488)
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(Homily:  Fr Paul Kelly).
"He had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd."
 
There's a beautiful line in the second reading today that one could spend a whole week or a whole lifetime contemplating the meaning of it. Jesus is our peace, he who made both one, and broke down the dividing wall through his flesh, abolishing the law with its commandments and legal claims, that he might create in himself one new person in place of the two, thus establishing peace. This is really fascinating, so peace is not just a state of mind or body, and reconciliation and forgiveness is not just something we do or do not do, peace is actually a person.

 

Forgiveness is a person, and that person is Christ, who is the Lord of Peace and the Prince of Mercy. The writer and poet Alice Camille tells of an incident in her life that brought this kind of personal dimension of peace home to her. She says, There was no way I was going to speak to that guy who offended me ever again.

 

No way. I repeated this mantra several times to fortify my resolve. I was outraged, I was hurting.

 

As I rehearsed for the twentieth time the righteousness of my position against my enemy who had offended me, then I remembered, peace wasn't something that was mine to give or deny. Jesus is our peace. Jesus is the way of peace.

 

Unity with him is unity with peace and reconciliation. To withhold reconciliation is to withhold Christ and what Christ can do. The balance between reflection and action, prayer and good works, work and rest, comes into focus in this weekend's Gospel.

 

It's often hard to get that balance right in our lives. So many demands of our time, many good projects that can be called on us. And so the balance of work, rest, prayer, action is quite challenging.

 

Our Lord knew this balance was difficult, and he responded and was flexible and even changed his plans when situations unexpectedly arose. But at the same time, there's a deep sense about Jesus that he kept the balance within his heart and was able to be peaceful and loving in his response, despite the many demands. Jesus knew the benefit of taking some time to get away from it all and revive, to rest, pray, and have time to nourish ourselves in body, spirit and mind.

 

He showed that care for himself and his disciples was important, even in the midst of the heavy demands of his ministry, whilst facing crushing needs of countless people who came to see him, hear him, and to touch him. Their need was so great. Among the natural benefits of taking time out is renewal and physical and spiritual recuperation.

 

There's also the valuable chance to stop, take a breath, and look where we are. Look where we're heading and what we're trying to achieve. If we constantly respond only to the urgent, we may miss getting a chance to weigh up whether it's also important.

 

This was something that came as a bit of a shock and a revelation to me, that something can be urgent, but not necessarily important. And that's a wonderful insight. Some of the most important things in life may not present themselves to us as urgent, but if neglected, these needs could cause major difficulties and even cause us to lose sight of the things that really matter.

 

Also, we believe that our God can be encountered in the silence and the stillness, so we must make time for that silence and stillness. I'm impressed by the quote from Saint Teresa, which says, Settle yourself in solitude and you will come upon him in yourself. Another really striking thing about today's gospel passage is that although Jesus knew he needed to get away from it all and give himself and his disciples time to eat, to rest and to pray, and to gain renewal and focus his attitude towards the needy crowds when he saw them is important and inspiring.

 

He gets to the place where he is heading for a well-deserved rest, only to find the crowds have found their way here too. We could be forgiven in some way if in exasperation we reacted in a similar situation by saying, oh please give me a break, go away, I'm tired, I'm too tired to do anything, leave me alone. But of course our Lord's reaction is not that.

 

Our Lord's reaction is the same as what many parents and carers would also do when they're faced with the all-too-real needs of their beloved. It's a response of love, of deep compassion and inclusion. Christ understands them, he knew their needs and he could see into their hearts.

 

He did not see the crowds as if they were nothing to do with him, they were never just people he spoke to and taught and then switched off. They had a connection to him and he to them. These needy people, these crowds, were not disconnected from him, he identified himself with the people.

 

He was like a parent to a child, like a spouse to their beloved. This was not a case of them and us when it came to relating to the crowd. Christ's attitude to his ministry wasn't like the proverbial shop assistant who would say, this job would be really good if it wasn't for all these customers.

 

No, Jesus was fully immersed in what he was on about. Jesus' compassionate reaction to the crowd was because although he wasn't denying his needs, he knew them too well and he knew his disciples' needs too, for rest, prayer and reflection. But when he came across the crowds, he recognised their needs as also important.

 

That's such an important key point. All of these needs are important, no doubt, and denying one over the other is not the solution but finding a way to meet all of them as best one can. So, for our Lord, it was always a case of not them and us, but us and us.

 

His needs and the needs of his disciples were as important as the needs of the crowds, and the crowds' needs were as real and important to him as his own. He kept that in his mind, and more importantly, in his heart. And his response reflected that.

 

He solved the slightly conflicting needs, equally important, by responding in compassion to the lost and desperate needs of those he encountered. And I'm sure after that, he went off and gave himself and his disciples the space they needed afterwards.

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References:

Homily –Prologue - Fr Paul W. Kelly

Quote from Alice L. Camille. Reflection in PrepareTheWord.com. - PrepareTheWord.com, ©2012, TrueQuest Communications, LLC.}

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Photo Description - Stock Photo ID: 1210022278 -PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - OCTOBER 13, 2018: The mosaic of miracle The Feeding the multitude in church kostel Svatého Václava by artwork of S. G. Rudl in workroom of Albert Neuhauser (1928.) Important information Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor - Renata Sedmakova

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B   (Sunday, July 21, 2024)  (EPISODE: 488)
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
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{{May Our Lord's care, comfort you}} welcome everyone, we gather -  To take time to reflect upon the meaning of God's word for our everyday lives

Brothers and sisters, as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the Lord's supper, let us recall our sins and acknowledge them in silence.

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
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
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Ps 23: 1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6. "The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 10: 27). Alleluia, alleluia! My sheep listen to my voice, says the Lord. I know them, and they follow me.
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PREFACE: Sundays III
EP II
(theme variation: 2)

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{Thanks everyone and have a grace-filled and compassion-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 (Bill) 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:    NCH software - MixPad Multitrack Studio Recording Software

NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 12.44

Sound Processing:  iZotope RX 6 Audio Editor

[ Production - KER -  2024]

May God bless and keep you.
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