​ Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B - Sunday, January 14, 2024 (EPISODE:458)

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

(EPISODE:458)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fr Paul W. Kelly

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


Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B  (Sunday, January 14, 2024)  (EPISODE:458 )
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
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{{Greetings}} welcome everyone, we gather -  Pondering with reverence, God's word. On this Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B

As we prepare to celebrate the great Sacramental feast of God's love, let us pause, recall our sins, and trust in God's infinite mercy.
Lord Jesus, you were lifted up to draw all people to yourself: Lord, have mercy//You shouldered the cross, to bear our suffering and sinfulness: Christ, have mercy// You open for your people the way from death into life: Lord, have mercy//
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
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Memorial Acclamation
3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.
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Ps 40:2+4, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10. "Here am I Lord; I come to do your will."

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

(theme variation: 4 )

(post version: v2-long)

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

Go forth, the Mass is ended.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sung "Mass in Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" - By Jeffrey M. Ostrowski. The Gloria,  Copyright © 2011 ccwatershed.org.

"Faith, Hope and Love" theme hymn - In memory of William John Kelly (1942-2017) - Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

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

"Today I Arise" - For Trisha J Kelly.  Original words and music by Paul W. Kelly. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer.  Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

Sound Engineering and editing - P.W. Kelly.

Microphones: - Shure Motiv MV5 Digital Condenser.

Editing equipment:    -- MixPad Multitrack Studio Recording Software v10.49 (NCH Software).

NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 17.63 (NCH Software)

Sound Processing:  iZotope RX 10 Audio Editor (Izotope Inc.)

[ Production -  KER -  2024]

May God bless and keep you.

 

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The Epiphany of the Lord. Year B - Sunday, January 7, 2024 (EPISODE:457)

The Epiphany of the Lord. Year B - Sunday, January 7, 2024
(EPISODE:457)

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 2192215135. The American church in Paris. Stained glass window. Nativity. Adoration of the Child Jesus by the three wise men or Magi. France. 02-27-2020. Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: godongphoto

Readings for Sunday, 7 January 2024
FIRST READING: Isa 60:1-6
Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13. "Lord, every nation on earth will adore you."
SECOND READING: Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Matt 2:2). Alleluia, alleluia! We have seen his star in the East; and have come to adore the Lord.
GOSPEL: Matt 2:1-12

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 2192215135. The American church in Paris. Stained glass window. Nativity. Adoration of the Child Jesus by the three wise men or Magi. France. 02-27-2020. Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: godongphoto
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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily) for The Epiphany of the Lord. Year B - Sunday, January 7, 2024, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-sunday-the-epiphany-of-the-lord-abc-1  (EPISODE:457)

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This feast of the Epiphany and the accompanying readings for this weekend reveal Jesus Christ to be the King of all heaven and earth and the "light" to all nations and cultures. 

On this feast of the Epiphany, we celebrate that God's glory has been revealed to all the nations and not just the chosen people of Israel. People from every corner of the earth, of every nation and race. Generations of people. God's revelation, God's invitation, is for all people of all times and places.  

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Whenever I read this gospel passage…   I cannot help but be struck by the disturbing irony in it…..
 
King Herod summons the Wise men from the East…  they come to listen to him…. they don't know him,….. they know he is a King… they would probably assume he was a noble and gracious King…. but he is not… is filled with hatred and jealousy…. and murderous intentions….
 
Herod manages to control his emotions while consulting with the Wise men….. he seems genuinely interested in the Star and the possibility of a king being born………  I almost imagine he is choking on his words when he says…  "When you find him, tell me too…  because I too want to go and …..   do….. him………(ahem)…. 'homage'…… We, the listeners…. The audience to this Gospel drama…. Know better….  Herod hates Jesus… and rejects his Kingship….  And wants to kill him….     He might as well have said….      " (when you find him, tell me too…  because I too want to go and …..  'do him in' !!!).
 
Herod wants nothing more than to kill Jesus! he is a liar!     He wants to tear down, not build up! …. to destroy and blot out forever the child who is the hoped-for 'Light for all nations'…..  Can there be any hatred greater than one that wants to blot out HOPE from the earth……for the sake of his own power…  his own comfort????  It is fitting that the Wise Men, after having met Jesus, 'go home by another road' – it says they listened to Herod… but it is clear that they didn't swallow everything he said…..
 
Instead….  they have been converted… they are different….  changed……. New men… in fact… will never again be able to go down the old paths…   it is all-new, having met and discovered Jesus.   ….   They will not go and tell (hateful) Herod about what they have seen… but resolutely go home by a new pathway….   (their lives changed) to live the new reality of what they have experienced……
 
In the gospel today, the Wise Men from the East ultimately FIND the King for whom they had searched so diligently ……..   Jesus! ….   a humble baby lying in the manger… is found to be the revelation of God to the world…….  the LIGHT of revelation for all.
 
The gospel today uses the quote from Micah…. "you Bethlehem are by no means the LEAST"…. this is really important……    not only is Bethlehem FAR FROM BEING the LEAST of all cities… but this humble baby in a humble manger is not by any means the LEAST of all babies….  and the shepherds are not anywhere near the least of all people……   more than one REVELATION is going on here (for the eyes of faith to see!)…   The message is repeated in later sections of Matthew's gospel: (The wise men, and us too…  are being shown something deeply important…..)
 
….. at first sight, the 'poor and forgotten' of our society are insignificant….  but this is WRONG….  they are in fact GREAT… because it is THROUGH THEM. that the Lord is coming to us…….
 
The reaction of the Magi is interesting too……    when they enter the presence of God…  revealed in his humble baby in a manger… they immediately open up treasure chests filled with gifts……
 
This must always be our reaction, too, in the presence of God…..      when we come before the presence of Jesus… we too must open up our hearts and offer God our gifts……   the response of a person to the revelation of God's presence is one of openness, generosity and service………
 
The Magi… offered Jesus gifts of Gold (for Kingship)//, Frankincense (acknowledging Jesus as Priest and sacrifice)// and Myrrh (for burial- looking to the eventual death of the Lord on the Cross)//…….  We too come before Jesus and we too offer our gifts to the Lord…..
 
 What are the gifts that WE are laying before the Lord??…….   let us think about what gifts we are presenting to Jesus for him to use of……. Gifts God gave us in the first place.
 
 let us take some time, at the start of this new year… to come into the presence of Jesus……   the Light to all nations….. and think about what gift (individual to each of us)……that we are called upon to present before the Lord …..for the Lord to use and transform….. that great first reading, from Isaiah, also shows something interesting…  'what is our response to seeing the revelation of Christ… who is a light shining in the darkness of the world……"…  our response must be this… "arise…  shine… for your light has come,.. and the glory of the Lord has risen upon us…"…. so when we encounter Christ..  we must become lights ourselves…..  going out… to radiate Christ's light to everyone we meet……
 
This message reminds us… 'we must believe so that the world can begin to believe'   -  WE must radiate Christ's light to the world.. and all peoples…. so that people can experience Christ's light shining through us too.
 
Today…  we kneel before the Christ child…  we bow… and open up our treasure chests… what gift is it that we lay before our Lord…????
 
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly; 

Celebrating the Gospels. By Gaynell Cronin; 

Gustavo Gutierrez: Sharing the Word through the Liturgical Year

 

Vision – Praying Scripture in a Contemporary Way. Year A. Mark Link S.J., 55; 

Abbot Philip: Monastery of Christ in the Desert. http://christdesert.org

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 2192215135. The American church in Paris. Stained glass window. Nativity. Adoration of the Child Jesus by the three wise men or Magi. France. 02-27-2020. Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: godongphoto.

To listen to the Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) -  https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks   
Also found at -   https://tinyurl.com/FHLpwk 

The Epiphany of the Lord. Year B  (Sunday, January 7, 2024)  (EPISODE: 457 )
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 -  Reflection upon God's word. On this The Epiphany of the Lord. Year B

Our God's love and mercy knows no bounds, and so let us recall our sins so as to worthily celebrate this Holy Sacrifice.
Lord Jesus, you came to gather the nations into the peace of God's kingdom: Lord, have mercy// You come in word and in sacrament to strengthen us and make us holy: Christ, have mercy//You will come again in glory with salvation for your people: Lord, have mercy.
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
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Memorial Acclamation
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 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13. "Lord, every nation on earth will adore you."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Matt 2:2). Alleluia, alleluia! We have seen his star in the East; and have come to adore the Lord.
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PREFACE: Epiphany
Eucharistic Prayer II
Communion side.  pwk: 
(theme variation: 3 )

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{Thanks everyone, and have a grace-filled and compassion-filled week.}

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD – Episode 456 - (Years: A-B-C) The First of January 2024.

SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD –

Episode 456 - (Years: A-B-C)

The First of January 2024.

  

SOLEMNITY OF MARY, THE HOLY MOTHER OF GOD –(1/1/24)

First Reading: Numbers 6:22-27
Psalm: Ps 66:2-3. 5. 6. 8. "May God bless us in his mercy."
Second Reading: Galatians 4:4-7
Gospel Acclamation: Hebrews 1:1-2. Alleluia, alleluia! In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; now he speaks to us through his Son. Alleluia.
Gospel: Luke 2:16-21

Image Credit: ID: Virgin Mary of Jerusalem. - Icon, in gold and silver. From Bethlehem.

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Please listen to the audio recordings of the readings, prayers, and reflections for the Mary Mother of God. Year A - January 1, 2024, by clicking this link here:  https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/fhl-first-of-january-solemnity-of-mary-the-holy-mother-of-god-abc-2024/s-RVC0unVu9NC

 

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HOMILY – FR PAUL KELLY 2024.

May this brand-new year be filled with blessings and many graces.  We give thanks today to our Lord for so many gifts we received each and every day.  the gift of life, the gift of family, friends, parishioners, our community.  We have so much to thank and praise our Lord for as we begin a new year of opportunities.

 

We dedicate this new year to the Lord …. So this is, truly, in every sense of the word: The year of the Lord 2024.  May our thoughts, words and effort all be directed to the Lord's vision for the world and the Kingdom of God. 

 

At the very start of a new calendar year, we say to the

Lord, "all things we have done pleasing to you, we offer to you in love and gratitude."

 

any time we have acted contrary to your will.  We are truly sorry and ask your mercy and pardon.  May we redirect our efforts, in your gracious guidance, to build up your Kingdom of love and mercy and justice and care.

 

This new year Oh lord, we accept from you as pure gift… We desire not to waste this precious time nor take it for granted but to savour it and make use of the t for all that you desire- loving God.  and we offer you our work and our efforts …. recognising this to be a time filled with opportunities - to praise you and love you, and show our love by how we treat one another -  especially those most in need. 

 

Mary is a perfect example of discipleship and a superb model of faith, joy, humility, attentiveness, a love of justice, a concern for the poor and complete trust in God. 

What a perfect Lady ask for her intercessions to her beloved son, and Our Lord, Jesus, as we begin this new year. 

 

I think of two things particularly that strike me from the readings today…

 

one is the reference - which is mentioned a few key times in the gospel of luke ….  Our Lady  treasured these things in her heart….  she pondered these things …. may we treasure everything that happens to us.   

 

Our Lady pondered and treasured everything - 

when something wonderful happened she treasured it in her heart

when something confusing and upsetting happened she pondered it in her heart

when something unexpected or sad occurred she stored it in her heart. 

In everything, meditating on God's word and reflecting on the mystery of God's faithful plan for the world.  

 

It is an invitation to really meditate and reflect with love and faith upon all of the events that happen to us.  Sometimes we don't get clarity or an answer to confusing or upsetting things, but we ponder and meditate on these things and keep trusting in God's love and faithfulness to us - even when things are not clear

 

secondly - how much better would all our interactions be if we deepened this question in the situations we find ourselves in over the coming year…. "what would The Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Mother and the Mother of God do if she was here in this situation." How would the Blessed Virgin Mary respond? What would she say? What would she refrain from saying? How would she show practical and heartfelt love for others in this and any situation - Particularly in those times of confusion and hurt or when there is a temptation to speak or act in ways that are not edifying for the kingdom?  what would our blessed mother do? How would she speak lovingly, honestly, constructively, and wisely in difficult situations?  

 

The saints and esteemed teachers within the Church throughout history have reflected upon the importance of Mary.  …….

·       "O sinner, be not discouraged, but have recourse to Mary in all your necessities. Call her to your assistance, for such is the divine Will that she should help in every kind of necessity." - Saint Basil the Great

 

·       "If you invoke the Blessed Virgin when you are tempted, she will come at once to your help, and Satan will leave you."  - Saint John Vianney

 

·       "If you ever feel distressed during your day, call upon our Lady, just say this simple prayer: 'Mary, Mother of Jesus, please be a mother to me now.' I must admit, this prayer has never failed me." – Saint Teresa or Kolkata

 

·       "Let us run to Mary, and, as her little children, cast ourselves into her arms with perfect confidence." - Saint Francis de Sales

 

·       "Even while living in the world, the heart of Mary was so filled with motherly tenderness and compassion for men that no one ever suffered so much for their own pains, as Mary suffered for the pains of her children." - Saint Jerome

 

·       "Just as seafarers are guided into port by the shining of a star, so Christians are guided to heaven by Mary." - Saint Thomas Aquinas

 

·       "Her [Mary's] example of faithful perseverance in doing the will of God and her heavenly reward are a source of courage and hope for all of us."
- Pope Benedict XVI

 

·       "Mary was the first person to take the 'way' to enter the Kingdom of God that Christ opened, a way which is accessible to the humble, to all who trust in the word of God and endeavour to put it into practice."
- Pope Benedict XVI

 

·       "Let us entrust to her intercession the daily prayer for peace, especially in places where the senseless logic of violence is most ferocious, so that all people may be convinced that in this world we must help each other, as brothers and sisters, to build the civilization of love."
- Pope Benedict XVI

 

·       "The greatest saints, those richest in grace and virtue will be the most assiduous in praying to the most blessed virgin, looking up to her as the perfect model to imitate and as a powerful helper to assist them."
- Saint Louis Marie de Montfort.

 

·       "In trial or difficulty, I have recourse to Mother Mary, whose glance alone is enough to dissipate every fear."
- Saint Therese of Lisieux

The world over these last few years has been suffering from terrible violence, war, and injustice… as well as tragic disasters… natural as well as human-made….     And we ask the Blessed Mother of God to pray to her son on our behalf for the gift of Peace in the world and the hearts and minds and decisions of people everywhere…

 

Have a blessed and grace-filled year…..

 

-

Mary, Mother of God…   Pray for us.  

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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

Quotes:  https://www.xavier.edu/jesuitresource/online-resources/quote-archive1/mother-mary-quotes#:~:text=%22O%20sinner%2C%20be%20not%20discouraged,in%20every%20kind%20of%20necessity.%22&text=%22If%20you%20invoke%20the%20blessed,and%20Satan%20will%20leave%20you.%22

 

Image Credit: Virgin Mary of Jerusalem. - Icon, in gold and silver. From Bethlehem.

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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.


HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!


{{God's kindness, peace and grace to everyone!}}

On this special Solemnity of Mary the Holy Mother of God,, trusting in God's timeless faithfulness, mercy, and love, let us first call to mind our sins.

 

·         Lord Jesus, your beloved Mother is thereby the Mother of God. Lord have mercy

 

·        Your beloved mother is the Help of Christians. Christ have mercy,

 

·        Your beloved Mother is the Queen of Heaven. 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: Blessed Virgin MARY I
Euch. Prayer: 2
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{Thanks, everyone, and THROUGH God's grace and mercy, and the faithful intercession of Mary, the holy mother of God, may this be for you all a blessed, healthy and grace-filled year of the Lord 2024.}

The Lord be with you…
(Let us bow our heads to receive God's blessing)

May God, the source and origin of all blessings,
grant you grace,
pour out his blessing in abundance,
and keep you safe from harm throughout the year. Amen.

May he give you integrity in the faith,
endurance in hope,
and perseverance in charity
with holy patience to the end. Amen.

May he order your days and your deeds in his peace,
Grant your prayers in this and in every place,
and lead you happily to eternal life.
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.

Amen.



Dismissal:

Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.
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Archive of homilies and reflections: http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
to contact Fr. Paul, please email: paulwkelly68@gmail.com

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.

Christmas Hymn - "Word Made Flesh" by Paul W. Kelly. Based upon: John's Gospel 1:14, 1 John 4:9, & Isaiah 9:2, 6, 7.
(Written on 8/5/20; 10/9/20). Arranged and sung by Stefan Kelk, with adjusted lyrics. 2020. https://www.airgigs.com/user/stefankelk

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

Marian Hymn – "Quem Terra, Pontus, Aethera." ("Whom Earth and Sea and Sky Proclaim"). Traditional 6th Century Hymn. Melody: Bartholomaus Gesius (d.1613). #376 - Brébeuf Hymnal. From https://www.ccwatershed.org/hymn/

[Production - KER - 2024]

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

Numbers 6:22-27 (NRSV)

A reading from the book of Numbers.
The Lord spoke to Moses:
"Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying,
'Thus you shall bless the Israelites:
You shall say to them,
"'The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you,
and give you peace.'
"So they shall put my name on the Israelites,
and I will bless them."
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm
Ps 66:2-3, 5, 6, 8 (JB)

R. May God bless us in his mercy.

God, be gracious and bless us
and let your face shed its light upon us.
So will your ways be known upon earth
and all nations learn your saving help. R.

Let the nations be glad and exult
for you rule the world with justice.
With fairness you rule the peoples.
you guide the nations on earth. R.

Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.
May God still give us his blessing
till the ends of the earth revere him. R.

Second Reading

Galatians 4:4-7 (NRSV)
A reading from the letter of Paul to the Galatians.
When the fullness of time had come,
God sent his Son, born of a woman,
born under the law,
in order to redeem those who were under the law,
so that we might receive adoption as children.
And because you are children,
God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying,
"Abba! Father!"
So you are no longer a slave but a child,
and if a child then also an heir, through God.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.

Gospel Acclamation
Hebrews 1:1-2 (JB)
Alleluia, alleluia!
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets;
now he speaks to us through his Son.
Alleluia!

Gospel

Luke 2:16-21 (NRSV)

A reading from the holy gospel according to Luke.
When the angels had left them
the shepherds said to one another,
"Let us go now to Bethlehem
and see this thing that has taken place,
which the Lord has made known to us."
So they went with haste
and found Mary and Joseph,
and the child lying in the manger.
When they saw this,
they made known what had been told them about this child;
and all who heard it were amazed
at what the shepherds told them.
But, Mary treasured all these words
and pondered them in her heart.
The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God
for all they had heard and seen,
as it had been told them.
After eight days had passed,
it was time to circumcise the child;
and he was called Jesus,
the name given by the angel
before he was conceived in the womb.
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.