Holy Thursday - The Mass of the Lord's Supper –

Holy Thursday - The Mass of the Lord's Supper – (Year A-B-C) THE LITURGY OF THE WORD First Reading: Exodus 12: 1-8. 11-14 Psalm: Ps 115: 12-13. 15-18. R. Our blessing cup is a communion with the blood of Christ. Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 11: 23-26 Gospel Acclamation: John 13: 34 Gospel: John 13: 1-15 Homily Washing of Feet Item ID: 1668219748. Biblical vector illustration series, Jesus washing the apostles' feet. Contributor: - rudall30 ++++ Please listen to my audio recordings of Mass and homily for Holy Thursday, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-holy-thursday-night-mass-abc-master/s-QJU8bClkkMf +++++ Prologue: On the night before Our Lord died; knowing the suffering and death he was to endure, (willingly for our sake), Jesus showed the depth of his love, his generosity and compassion, just as he had shown it in every part of his life and ministry. At this intense time of emotion and fear, he did not withdraw into himself but did quite the opposite, he reached out in compassion to give his disciples something more of himself. The gift he gave them, the Eucharist, encapsulates all his love and ministry and would help them, (and us) always. This is the last supper. {And this truly is Faith, Hope and Love. ++++++++++ The first reading reminds us of the ancient annual commemoration of Passover. The establishment by our Lord of the new covenant of the Eucharist within this ancient annual memorial of the Passover shows that it powerfully is the new and abiding sacrament of Christ with us and for us, in perfect continuity with the most ancient promises God gave his people long ago. The readings and the beautiful and moving experience of the washing of the feet, reinforce powerfully the centrality of God's love for his people. The welfare; the life and the death of each and every one of God's children; matters greatly to our Lord and always will. Each and ever person, no matter how lowly the "world" might consider them, are in fact, unique, irreplaceable and precious to our God. He comes to save us all. He comes to restore us to his table and bring us all within the loving fold of his family, where we all belong. At the very heart of God's love and life. Tonight is about the truth at the core of God: Unconditional love! Self- forgetting service! and a love that holds absolutely nothing back; in fact, giving everything; even to the point of his body being broken for us; the last drop of blood spilt to save us. "Do this…… . This is me… For you…."- says the Lord. Remember this often and BE this love, service and sacrifice "for others" too…. And so, we are both honoured and humbled to be called God's beloved children. And he reverently and ever-gratefully do again, what we have been lovingly and solemnly asked to do by God the Son. Always in living memory of him, who comes among us as one who serves…. and who gives his life as a ransom for many…. (enaction of the washing of the feet follows) +++++ References: Fr Paul W. Kelly Item ID: 1668219748. Biblical vector illustration series, Jesus washing apostles feet. Contributor: - rudall30 +++ Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog: "Faith, Hope, and Love, A time of Christian worship and reflection" - Led by Rev Paul W. Kelly Texts used in this programme are for the purposes of worship and prayer for listeners wherever you are. Prayers and chants are taken from the English Translation of the Roman Missal, edition three, © 2010, The International Commission on English in the liturgy. Scriptures are from the New Revised Standard Version: © 1989, by the national council of Churches of Christ, USA. , //adaptations to conform with Catholic liturgical norms, © 2009, by the same. [{selected psalms } - ***Psalm verses are (also) taken from "The Psalms: A New Translation" ©1963, The Grail (England), published by Collins- **] Prayers of the Faithful are adapted from Robert Borg's 1993 book " Together we pray". Published in Sydney Australia By E.J. Dwyer. (out of print). { "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" -published 2011, Composed and Sung by Jeffrey M. Ostrowski Featuring the; - Gloria,: http://www.ccwatershed.org/chabanel/ ]]] ] COPYRIGHT @ 2018 CORPUS CHRISTI WATERSHED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. www.ccwatershed.org/vatican/Ralph_Sherwin_Videos/ "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. [ Production - KER - 2023] May God bless and keep you. Holy Thursday The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. +++++++++++++ Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries. 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. ++++ When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again. Preface: Proper of Holy Thursday Eucharistic prayer I – proper for Holy Thursday ++++ (No dismissal, community departs in silent adoration and contemplation, to gather again on Good Friday)

A LENTEN PENITENTIAL SERVICE - (For you at home) (ABC)

A LENTEN PENITENTIAL SERVICE - (For you at home) (ABC)

Readings:
FIRST READING: James 2:14-26
PSALM: 106:6-10, 13-14, 19-22. "Lord, remember us, for the love you bear your people."
GOSPEL: LUKE 15:4-7.

Image: Shutterstock licensed image ID: 382340017 - Broken heart, embroidered with red thread on black fabric. Heart sewn with white thread. Contributor: Natasha Grigel
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for A LENTEN PENITENTIAL SERVICE - In preparation for Holy Week and Easter. (For you at home), by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-lenten-penitential-service-in-preparation-for-holy-week-2023-abc/s-430H1bZOZ7O  
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In preparation for Holy Week and Easter …
We have been doing acts of penance, prayer and good works so that we may celebrate the joy Christ's victory at Easter, with minds and hearts made pure…

Today, we celebrate this special penitential service… which is an act of perfect contrition for all our sins.. Christ hears the voice of the repentant sinner… and so we trust in his abundant mercy,…
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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, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
Greetings.
Coming together as brothers and sisters in Christ, let us prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries by recalling our sins and remembering Christ's greater mercy.

I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault,* through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
Lord Have Mercy
Christ Have Mercy
Lord Have Mercy

My brothers and sisters, we have, at times, neglected the gifts of our baptism and fallen into sin. Let us ask God to renew his grace within us as we turn to him in repentance.
Let us Bow our heads before God.
All pray in silence for a brief period.

Lord Jesus,
you redeemed us by your passion
and raised us to new life in baptism.
Protect us with your unchanging love
and share with us the joy of your resurrection,
for you live and reign for ever and ever.
Amen.

First Reading
A reading from the Letter of saint James 2:14-26
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill', and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.

But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith without works, and I by my works will show you my faith. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder.
Do you want to be shown, you senseless person, that faith without works is barren? Was not our ancestor Abraham justified by works when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was brought to completion by the works.
Thus the scripture was fulfilled that says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness', and he was called the friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.
Likewise, was not Rahab also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by another road? For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 106:6-10, 13-14, 19-22
R. Lord, remember us, for the love you bear your people.
Then they cried to the Lord in their need
and he rescued them from their distress
and he led them along the right way,
to reach a city they could dwell in.

Let them thank the Lord for his love,
for the wonders he does for men:
for he satisfies the thirsty soul;
he fills the hungry with good things.

Then they cried to the Lord in their need
and he rescued them from their distress.
He led them forth from darkness and gloom
and broke their chains to pieces.
Then they cried to the Lord in their need
and he rescued them from their distress.
He sent forth his word to heal them
and saved their life from the grave.

Let them thank the Lord for his love,
for the wonders he does for men.
Let them offer a sacrifice of thanks
and tell of his deeds with rejoicing.

Lord, remember us, for the love you bear your people.

Gospel
Luke 15:4-7
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke
Jesus spoke this parable to them: 'What man among you with a hundred sheep, losing one, would not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the missing one till he found it? And when he found it, would he not joyfully take it on his shoulders and then, when he got home, call together his friends and neighbours? 'Rejoice with me,' he would say, 'I have found my sheep that was lost.' In the same way, I tell you, there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one repentant sinner than over ninety-nine virtuous men who have no need of repentance.'
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Homily
When we were baptised…God made a solemn promise to us. As the waters of baptism poured over us, God said… this day I make you my son/ My daughter…. – God truly loves us as a loving parent loved their child…. It is our delight and our duty to fulfil this wonderful gift and grace of baptism by living faithfully the Gospel of Christ. God's promise of eternal parenthood to us, and his promise of complete faithfulness with us through our whole life journey and into the eternal life of the Heavenly banquet, was no mere words… it was not an empty show…. God means what God does and God fulfils what God promises. Without doubt. So too, the promises made at our own baptism by our parents and godparents. or by ourselves and our sponsors for those baptised in adulthood… these promises are real and solid….

The first reading reminds us that we are children of God in fact, as well as name. And that our membership of God's family needs to show itself in actions and consistent attitudes and values. and not merely words or hollow rituals… The Sacraments are alive with the power of God's Spirit. and the source of all the sacraments is from the power and effectiveness of the Holy Spirit given over-flowingly in Baptism… we become grafted onto Christ. joined to him forever… what an absolute joy. What a priceless treasure…

We have to be so careful of two extremes. Both are very bad and harmful to us in so many ways.

The first extreme is to take for granted our membership as a daughter or son of God. We are not part-time members of Christ… occasional friends of Jesus… we are friends, heirs and servants of the living God… We, therefore, take very seriously God's direction to us that we must take our gifts and make use of them for the good of God's Kingdom. As we heard in James' letter… faith without good works is entirely dead. Discipleship of Christ and membership of God's family is utterly hollow if it doesn't show itself in attitudes, actions and decisions consistent with Our Father's Kingdom. Practical actions of kindness, love, mercy and charity… Our actions are united with the loving heart of Our Lord Jesus.

Whenever we fail and sin (when we fall). and at times when we make very poor choices or actions, the other extreme, (to be carefully avoided), is to be so "down on ourselves".. That we cannot forgive ourselves … or we effectively refuse to allow God to give us the forgiveness that God can and does want to give us. It is serious and false humility to not accept God's forgiveness and mercy when it is offered. IF God has forgiven us, we are truly forgiven indeed! Who are we to say that God cannot or will not forgive us for our sins? Are we greater than the God of all creation? If I say to God, I have sinned and then say, Lord, you are unable to forgive me for this, I do not deserve to be forgiven … then I can add pride and arrogance to my sins… The constant message of the bible and Christ's Good News is that he is the loving parent of the prodigal child who looks out for the return of his errant child day and night.. and runs to meet him when he finally and sheepishly (and possibly half-heartedly) returns.. / like the Gospel… Our loving God is NOT content with 99% of the sheep safe and sound… but will not be satisfied until he searches for and finds that lost 1% and brings them home safe too.

Today we praise the unlimited mercy of our God and Father who continually welcomes those who turn back to him after having sinned (see Luke 15);
The upcoming season of Easter remains the feast when the Church rejoices over the newness of life, and eternal life, in Christ, won for us by the death and Resurrection of Jesus.


Examination of Conscience
The Lord says: 'Love one another as I have loved you.'

Have I a genuine love for my neighbours? Or do I sometimes use my neighbour for my own ends, or do to them what I would not want to be done to myself? Have I given a poor example or scandal by my words or actions?

In my family life, have I contributed to the well-being and happiness of the rest of the family by patience, kindness and genuine love? Have I been obedient to parents, showing them proper respect and giving them help in their spiritual and material needs? Have I been careful to give a Christian upbringing to those in my care, and to help them by good example and by exercising authority as a parent or carer or mentor? Have I been faithful in my heart and in my relations with others?

Do I share my possessions with the less fortunate? Do I do my best to help the victims of oppression, misfortune, and poverty? Re there times I have looked down on my neighbour, especially the poor, the sick, the elderly, strangers, and people of other races?

Does my life reflect the mission I received in confirmation? Do I share in the missionary and charitable works of the Church and in the life of the parish? Have I helped to meet the needs of the Church and of the world and prayed for them: for unity in the Church, for the spread of the Gospel among the nations, for peace and justice…..?

Am I concerned for the good and prosperity of the human community in which I live, or do I spend much of my time focusing only on myself? Do I share to the best of my ability in the work of promoting justice, morality, harmony, and love in human relations? Have I done my duty as a citizen? In times of ability, have I paid what is my due to the society I live in?

In my work or profession am I just, hard-working, honest, serving society out of love for others? Have I been faithful to my promises and contracts?

Have I obeyed legitimate authority and given due respect to its laws for the good of the community?

In any position of responsibility or authority, do I use this for the good of others, in a spirit of service, or for my own purposes?

Have I been truthful and fair, or have I injured others by deceit, calumny, detraction, rash judgment, or violation of a secret?

Have I stolen the property of others? Have I desired material things unjustly and inordinately? Have I damaged things of others or failed to show care to property I am responsible for? Have I made restitution of other people's property and made good their loss?

If I have been injured, have I been ready to make peace for the love of Christ and to forgive, or do I harbour hatred and the desire for revenge?

Where is my life really leading me? Is the hope of eternal life my inspiration? Have I tried to grow in the life of the Spirit through prayer, reading the word of God and meditating on it, receiving the sacraments, self-denial? Have I been anxious to control my vices, my bad inclinations and passions, e.g. envy, love of food and drink? Have I been proud and boastful, thinking myself better in the sight of God and despising others as less important than myself? Have I imposed my own will on others, without respecting their freedom and rights?

What use have I made of time, of health and strength, of the gifts God has given me to be used like the talents in the Gospel? Or have I been slack and too much given to leisure?

Have I been patient in accepting the sorrows and disappointments of life?

Have I always tried to act in the true freedom of the sons of God according to the law of the Spirit, or am I the slave of forces within me?

Act of Repentance
My brothers and sisters, the hour of God's favour draws near, the day of his mercy and of our salvation when death was destroyed and eternal life began. This is the season for planting new vines in God's vineyard, the time for pruning the vines to ensure a richer harvest.
We all acknowledge that we are sinners. We are moved to penance, encouraged by the example and prayers of our brothers and sisters. We admit our guilt and say: 'Lord, I acknowledge my sins; my offences are always before me. Turn away your face, Lord, from my sins, and blot out all my wrong-doing. Give me back the joy of your salvation and give me a new and steadfast spirit.'
We are sorry for having offended God by our sins. May he be merciful and hear us as we ask to be restored to his friendship and numbered among the living who share the joy of Christ's risen life.

Cleanse us, Lord, from all our sins;
Wash us, and we shall be whiter than snow.

Lord,
your sons and daughters stand before you
in humility and trust.
Look with compassion on us as we confess our sins.
Heal our wounds;
stretch out a hand of pity to save us and raise us up.
Keep us free from harm
as members of Christ's body, as sheep of your flock,
as children of your family.
Hear, Lord, the prayers we offer from contrite hearts.
Have pity on us as we acknowledge our sins.
Lead us back to the way of holiness.
Protect us now and always
from the wounds of sin.
May we ever keep safe in all its fullness
the gift your love once gave us
and your mercy now restores.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God forever and ever.
R. Amen.

LORD'S PRAYER
HAIL MARY

The Lord be with you….

SOLEMN BLESSING //
May God, the Father of mercies,
who has given you an example of love
in the Passion of his Only Begotten Son,
grant that, by serving God and your neighbour,
you may lay hold of the wondrous gift of his blessing.

R. Amen.

So that you may receive the reward of everlasting life from him,
through whose earthly Death
you believe that you escape eternal death.

R. Amen.

And by following the example of his self-abasement,
may you possess a share in his Resurrection.

R. Amen.


And may the blessing of almighty God,
the Father, and the Son, (+), and the Holy Spirit,
come down on you and remain with you forever.

R. Amen.

Go in peace, glorifying the Lord BY your life!

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References:


Fr Paul W. Kelly

Liturgy Adapted from texts in the Rite of Penance Book Appendix II Sample Penitential Services. PENITENTIAL CELEBRATIONS DURING LENT. First Example. –adapted- "Penance leads to a strengthening of baptismal grace."). App. Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship. Trans. ICEL. Australian Episcopal Conference. 1975.

Image: Shutterstock licensed image ID: 382340017 -

Broken heart, embroidered with red thread on black fabric. Heart sewn with white thread. Contributor: Natasha Grigel
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Archive of homilies and reflections: http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email: paulwkelly68@gmail.com

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

Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:
"Faith, Hope and Love - Christian worship and reflection" - Led by Rev Paul Kelly
Liturgy Adapted from texts in the Rite of Penance Book Appendix II Sample Penitential Services. PENITENTIAL CELEBRATIONS DURING LENT. First Example. –adapted- "Penance leads to a strengthening of baptismal grace."). App. Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship. Trans. ICEL. Australian Episcopal Conference. 1975
Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989, and 2009 by the NCC-USA. (National Council of Churches of Christ - USA)
"The Psalms" ©1963 The Grail - Collins publishers.
Have Mercy – Song based on Psalm 50. Music by Paul Kelly. Added lyrics and arrangement and sung by Stefan Kelk. 2020.
Production – KER

 

May God bless and keep you

 

 

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord. Year A - Sunday, April 2, 2023 (EPISODE: 413)

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord. Year A - Sunday, April 2, 2023
(EPISODE: 413)

Readings for Sunday, 2 April 2023
FIRST READING: Isa 50:4-7
Ps 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24. "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?"
SECOND READING: Phil 2:6-11
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Phil 2:8-9). Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless Glory. Christ became obedient for us, even to death. Dying on the cross. Therefore God raised him on high, and gave him a name above all other names.
GOSPEL: Matt 26:14 – 27:66  or 27:11-54

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 1369111313 - Palm leaf on red background.Palm sunday and easter day concept. Photo Contributor: MIA Studio
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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers, and homily), for Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord. Year A - Sunday, April 2, 2023, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ep-413-palm-sunday-of-the-passion-of-the-lord-a/s-krgOEY52BiW  
(EPISODE: 413)
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It is timely on this Passion Sunday, to recall Pope Francis' words from a previous Palm Sunday Mass. The pope invited us all to contemplate the face of Jesus "not only in paintings, or photographs, or even in video depictions" but "in the faces of many of our brothers and sisters . . . who are suffering." "Jesus is in them, in each of them, and with a disfigured face, with a broken voice, He asks to be looked at, to be recognized, to be loved," 

"We have no other Lord but him: Jesus, the humble King of justice, mercy and peace", said the Pope. 

Our gentle Pope said that "Passion/Palm Sunday,":- "can be said to be bittersweet. It is joyful and sorrowful at the same time. We celebrate the Lord's entrance into Jerusalem to the cries of his disciples who acclaim him as King. It recounts the enthusiasm of the disciples who acclaim the Master with cries of joy, and we can picture in our minds the excitement of the children and young people of the city who joined in the excitement.
 
Yet, on this exact same day, we also solemnly proclaim the Gospel account of his Passion and death. Jesus, who accepts the hosannas of the crowd, knows full well that these cries of welcome will soon be followed by cries of: "Crucify him!"
 
Even as Our Lord fulfils the Scriptures by entering into the holy city in this way, he is in no way some kind of misguided peddler of illusions, no new-age prophet, no imposter. Rather, he is the King and Messiah who comes in the humble role of a servant - who obeys his Father in Heaven utterly and goes willingly to his passion. -, He suffers all the pain of humanity. 

In this sad contrast (from joy and acclamation – to sorrow, suffering and condemnation), our hearts experience in some small way, what Jesus himself must have felt in his own heart that day, as he rejoiced with his friends and also wept over Jerusalem. 

So as we joyfully acclaim our King, let us also think of the sufferings that he will have to endure in this coming (Holy) week. Let us think of the slanders and insults, the snares and betrayals, the abandonment to an unjust judgment, the blows, the lashes and the crown of thorns… And lastly, the way of the cross leading to the crucifixion. 

He had spoken clearly of this to his disciples: "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me" (Mt 16:24). Jesus never promised honour and success. (pk - well, not in an earthly sense, that is!). This weekend's gospel and the readings over Holy Week make this abundantly clear.
 
He had always warned his friends that this was to be his path and that the final victory would be achieved through passion and the cross. All this holds true for us too. Let us ask for the grace to follow Jesus faithfully, not in words but in deeds. Let us also ask for the patience to carry our own cross, not to refuse it or set it aside, but rather, in looking to him, to take it up and to carry it daily. 

Christ is present in our many brothers and sisters who today endure sufferings like his own: they suffer from slave labour, from family tragedies, natural disasters, from diseases… They suffer from wars and terrorism, and from interests that are armed and ready to strike. Women and men who are cheated, violated in their dignity, discarded…(and we can add in 2020 0 present in all suffering in any way from the many and varied effects of this terrible pandemic)…… Jesus is in them, in each of them, and, with marred features and broken voice, he asks to be looked in the eye, to be acknowledged, to be loved. (Our Lord always stood by those who were most disadvantaged, most isolated – he stood with them and promised to be with them in the joys and sorrows of life.. and he made a practical difference in people's lives.. he calls us to ensure we always strive to do the same – to be faithful, lovingly of service, and filled with practical, compassionate love).

The Jesus who was mistreated,  and assaulted and cruelly put to death as if he was some kind of terrible criminal,  is not some other Jesus from the one who was triumphantly welcomed into Jerusalem as king and messiah. It is indeed the same Jesus who entered Jerusalem amid the waving of palm branches. It is the same Jesus who was nailed to the cross and died between two criminals. (this is one and the same person. This is the fullness of the revelation of God with us). He was no less the King of the universe and God the son in both of these contrasting scenarios. We have no other Lord but him: Jesus, the humble King of suffering, self-emptying love, obedience to the Father's will, The just and merciful,  loving King of Peace.
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References:

Pope Francis. Homily. Palm Sunday, 2017.  https://zenit.org/articles/palm-sunday-we-have-no-other-lord-but-him-full-text/  © Libreria editrice vaticana 2017.

Fr Paul W. Kelly
 
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 1369111313 - Palm leaf on red background.Palm sunday and easter day concept. Photo Contributor: MIA Studio

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord. Year A  (Sunday, April 2, 2023)  (EPISODE: 413)
The Lord be with you.
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{{May Our Lord's gift of dignity and community enliven you.}} welcome everyone, we gather -  Listening to God's Word. On this Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord. Year A

As we begin the Holy Eucharist, let us acknowledge our sinfulness, so as to worthily celebrate the sacred mysteries.
Lord Jesus, you were lifted up to draw all people to yourself: Lord, have mercy//You shouldered the cross, to bear our suffering and sinfulness: Christ, have mercy// You open for your people the way from death into life: Lord, have mercy//
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
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Memorial Acclamation
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
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Ps 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24. "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?"

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Phil 2:8-9). Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless Glory. Christ became obedient for us, even to death. Dying on the cross. Therefore God raised him on high, and gave him a name above all other names.
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PREFACE: Passion of the Lord
Euch II
Communion side.  pwk: 
(theme variation: 3 )

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{Cheers and thanks everyone for this time of prayer and reflection - I hope you have a blessed 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 my weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here:  https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks

You are welcome to subscribe to Fr Paul's homily mail-out by sending an email to this address: paulkellyreflections+subscribe@googlegroups.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Editing equipment:    NCH software - MixPad Multitrack Studio Recording Software

NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 12.44

Sound Processing:  iZotope RX 6 Audio Editor

[ Production -  KER -  2023]

May God bless and keep you.
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Fifth Sunday of Lent. Year A - Sunday, March 26, 2023 (EPISODE: 412)

Fifth Sunday of Lent. Year A - Sunday, March 26, 2023
(EPISODE: 412)

Readings for 5th Sunday of Lent A

FIRST READING: Ezekiel 37:12-14
Psalm 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8. "With the Lord, there is mercy and fullness of redemption."
SECOND READING: Romans 8:8-11
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 11:25a+26). Glory and Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ! I am the Resurrection and the life, says the Lord. Whoever believes in me will not die forever.
GOSPEL: John 11:1-45 - Raising Lazarus

 

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 85594159 - Milan - the resurrection of Lazarus from San Giorgio church - Photo Contributor: Renata Sedmakova

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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers, and reflections for the Fifth Sunday of Lent. Year A  - Sunday, March 26, 2023, by clicking this link here https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ep-412-lent-5-2a-2023/s-fZKpYLR4TjT   (EPISODE: 412)
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I am the resurrection,  says the Lord in today's wonderful gospel.  This is such a beautiful and important scripture passage today.  Our Lord assures us that he has the power and the intention to raise us to eternal life, to call us out of the grave and into the new life of the Kingdom.  This powerful scene of Jesus raising his friend Lazarus shows many things.  He feels deeply for us in our loss; even at the same time, he is certain that he will call us into eternal life- but he still shares the pain of loss with us.  He also reminds us that, as well as the promise of the bodily resurrection on the last day, we can be caught in many symbolic tombs during our living years.  We can be stuck in e darkness of attitudes, actions and thoughts that are not life-giving.  We can get bound up with cares and ambitions that wrap us in the things of death and not new life.  Our Lord has the power to call us out of the tombs and darkness and enmeshment of this life and the ultimate call to eternal life.  Let us trust in this promise and follow Christ into the light of his new life for us.  
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(The following are a couple of sections from the poem entitled).   
LAZARUS.  (John 11:1-53)   (Written by Dan Doyle).

"If only his friend had been here,
He would not have died,"
We say to one another.
If only…If only…
Is our desperate prayer.

II
"Rabbi, If you had been here
my brother would not have died."
"Martha, he will rise again."
"Yes, I know this, Rabbi. At the Resurrection."
"I am the one who raises the dead. Do you believe me, Martha?"
"Yes, Master.  Oh, yes, I believe.
I know you and with all my heart
I believe in you."

Then, Jesus wept.

…. In the days that followed,
we talked excitedly about this miracle
that we had all been witness to.
And, still, many could not believe
in their weary and frightened hearts
that this son of an old carpenter from Nazareth,
this wandering rabbi, Jesus,
might be the one we have been waiting for
since the time of Moses and the prophets.

But some of us knew that this Jesus,
who had come so gently,
yet so powerfully among us,
was, indeed, the Messiah of God
and we began to tell everyone we met
what we had seen him do for Lazarus, our friend.

Lazarus lived on for many years
and never tired of telling the story.
In hushed and awe-filled tones.
And we never tired of listening.

Lazarus was a man of gentle knowledge,
of abiding faith, and of quiet strength.
He told us over and over again
that we were loved by one
who knows our hearts, and who
despises not our petitions,
and that we would never be alone.

We began going to the synagogue differently.
We listened to the words the Rabbi read
from the ancient prophets more closely
and we were moved in our hearts and minds.

At long last, Lazarus died
and we wept for sorrow again.
But we knew in our depths
that he was not dead,
that the Resurrection
promised by the prophets is real,
that death no longer holds sway
over our simple lives,
and that we will see each other again

in the world to come.  Amen

Jesus said a lot of words to people in his ministry…  (Words perfectly formed, completely based on truth, and backed up by action). Sometimes the things he said challenged the faith of those with him……Other times, it healed and uplifted people, forgave them, and included them in a way they never could have imagined.    

In today's gospel, Jesus talks to them about God having the final say on suffering and death. / Jesus is powerfully SHOWING that HE DOES CARE…. HE DOES LOVE US…  It profoundly matters WHEN PEOPLE SUFFER, GRIEVE, DIE…   OR FEEL TRAPPED BY THEIR PAST SINS or MISTAKES….. HE CRIES WITH US…..  not because he feels helpless and can do nothing…    he can do so much…   he cries in union with us…  because he feels and experiences along with us.  HE SIGHS FROM THE HEART FOR US…    AND HE SPEAKS WORDS OF CHANGE…

BE HEALED

BE FORGIVEN

BE FREED….

I AM the resurrection and the life.  ….

Some other very special words have a powerful effect because they are so intimately connected with Jesus' life, attitudes and actions//  His message, and the perfectly consistent qualities about himself are a perfect union. ….

These words are powerful, For the Spirit hovering over them fills them with resonance and effectiveness.

Words such as:

 "Your sins are forgiven"
 "Your debt is cancelled"
 "Be Opened"
 "BE freed FROM YOUR BURDENS"
 "Unbind him…. set him free!"
 "This is my body broken for you…..  
This is my blood poured out for you "

I love these words….  I know you do too……    They fill us with hope… But more than that… they immediately begin achieving what they say……. 

 

No wonder the church believes so powerfully in reality and the effectiveness of the Sacraments – where we touch, taste, smell, hear and see the action of Our Lord – connected to his ministry and mission – made present to us in every age.

Surely only Divine love can truly fill us with the fullness of life again….……and call us to life eternal.   Drawn near, embraced…., healed, forgiven, included….  Always LOVED.
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

Doyle, D. (2020). This Poem Gives Such A Great Perspective On How Powerful and Yet Tender Our Lord Is! [online] FaithHub. Available at: https://faithhub.net/dan-doyle-lazarus-poem/ [Accessed 7 Feb. 2020].
References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 85594159 - Milan - the resurrection of Lazarus from San Giorgio church - Photo Contributor: Renata Sedmakova

 

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Fifth Sunday of Lent. Year A  (Sunday, March 26, 2023)  (EPISODE: 412)

 

The Lord be with you.

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{{May Our Lord's courage uphold you.}} welcome everyone, we gather - Praise and Worship of our God.

 

Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins and prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.

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

1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.

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Ps 126:1-2a, 2b-3, 4-5, 6. "The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy."

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Joel 2:12-13). Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless Glory. With all your heart, turn to me. For I am tender and compassionate.

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PREFACE: Sundays Ordinary II

Euch Prayer One

Communion side. pwk: LH

(theme variation: )

 

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

 

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

 

You are welcome to subscribe to Fr Paul's homily mail-out by sending an email to this address: paulkellyreflections+subscribe@googlegroups.com

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Sound Engineering and editing - P.W. Kelly.

Microphones: - Sennheiser MK4 Cardioid Condenser; and 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 - 2023]

May God bless and keep you.