Homily Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year C - Sunday, May 12, 2019
Image: By altanakaShutterstock licensed stock photo ID: 245350027. Mother and son playing on the beach at the sunset time. Concept of friendly family. -
THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
First Reading: Acts 13:14. 43-52
Psalm: Ps 99:1-3. 5
Second Reading: Revelation 7:9. 14-17
Gospel Acclamation: John 10:14. "We are his people, the sheep of his flock"
Gospel: John 10:27-30__
This weekend, we give thanks to God for all mothers.... on this mother's day weekend... In Australia and the USA, that celebration is today..... other nations have different dates... and we give thanks for the care and love of mothers.... and pray that they receive joy, health and peace....
Prayers of Intercession:
Let us pray in heartfelt thanksgiving to God, for all Mums on this Mother's Day weekend. That God bless them . for their unconditional love and care. ………..(PAUSE)……. Lord hear us
---
For those who have passed into eternal life.....especially all dear-departed mothers, who have gone to their eternal rest and remain in cherished memory.. that they now be enjoying the heavenly and eternal banquet feast of the Kingdom..... . ………..(PAUSE)……. Lord hear us
++++
Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year C - Sunday, May 12, 2019 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/easter-4c-faith-hope-and-love/s-JeoqB (EPISODE: 157)
+++++
The famous songwriter Irving Berlin, who is well known for writing hit songs like "Putting on the Ritz" and the smash hit…."I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas," which is reportedly the best selling musical single of ALL TIME, Berlin was once interviewed and a clever reporter asked him, "Is there any question you've never been asked, that you would like someone to ask you?" "Well, yes, there is one," Berlin replied. He posed the question himself: "What do you think of the many songs you've written that DID NOT become hits?" Then he answered his own question: "My reply would be….. that I STILL think they are ALL wonderful." Then he added, "God, too, has an unshakable delight in what--and whom-- GOD has made. God thinks each of His children is wonderful, and whether they're a 'hit' in the eyes of others or not. GOD will always think they're wonderful." Irving Berlin really got the truth of the gospel spot on.
I reckon any parent knows the truth of this story in a profound way… loving each of their children without reserve.
And this brings us to the essential truth about our faith--it is grounded in God's wondrous LOVE for us, just like an unconditionally loving parent.
At times we may not feel very lovable, we may even push that love away at times…--but we cannot keep God from loving US. That is God's very nature. God is a shepherd – (a very, very good one – ,,,,,the best, in fact). God is love.
Today on Good Shepherd Sunday we remember the truth that God always searches for the one who is lost, or who feels unworthy or unloved and carries them in His arms. Anyone who would follow Jesus (the good shepherd) as a disciple must also be prepared to abide in God's compassionate love.
The GOSPEL today is short but straight to the point.. It says so much; in fact it says everything in these lines….
"no one will ever steal (my sheep) from me."
&…..
"The Father and I are one."
This is so reassuring to us…..
Jesus promises God's complete faithfulness to us, now and forever….. Jesus makes us God's children… and Our Lord will be with us to feed us, shelter us and guide us through life, and into eternal life of Heaven……
Christ promises to be our shepherd and care for us.. and cherish us through the tragedies and struggles of life… of which there can sadly be many……
We know too well, that in life, there are many obstacles… there are setbacks… There seems, at times, to be unassailable worries and trials, but our God (revealed in Jesus, the Good shepherd), promises to be with us and guide us through these and all trials and struggles…. This is a source of abiding hope and strength.
throughout the world and even close to home, we regularly hear of disasters, (whether they be natural disasters, or human-made suffering); where many people are experiencing all sorts of hardship and pain….. including those who silently suffer and whose plight is not known to the world. We keep them all in our prayers… and we take strength and consolation from Christ.. who is our good shepherd…. Who is one with the father.. and makes us one with him… who knows each of us by name and who knows every human being by name (including those forgotten and abandoned and considered unimportant by the standards of the world). God never forgets even one of them, and God never forgets us.
The hear of our good shepherd; who cares for and loves each and every human being, must be broken with grief for anyone suffering …… anyone who has been treated without the respect and dignity that all people have… as beloved children of God….. irrespective of race, culture or tongue…. For Jesus is the light to all nations… and all peoples…. …
Let us commend all who suffer, to the gentle shepherd's care… and let us re-commit ourselves each day, to showing practical care and support to all those we encounter, those in need..,. for (in Christ) they are truly our brothers and sisters, and they are fellow members of the Good Shepherd's flock….
May the world be reshaped, with the peace, care and gentleness that the good shepherd wants for the whole world… and all people in it.
Let us continue to be people of hope, love, justice and compassion….. and may we be instruments in God's hands, of Christ's vision of care; valuing everyone, even those considered by others to be "the least" -May the Lord show us the full meaning of the fact that "God loves each and every person completely."
+++++
References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly
Vocations day resources.
Image: By altanakaShutterstock licensed stock photo ID: 245350027. Mother and son playing on the beach at the sunset time. Concept of friendly family. -
+++
Archive of homilies and reflections: http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email: paulwkelly68@gmail.com
To listen to my weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here.
NB - It is often a week or so Ahead: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
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, 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, The Creed, The Kyrie, The Mass parts, Psalms: http://www.ccwatershed.org/chabanel/ ]]] ] COPYRIGHT @ 2018 CORPUS CHRISTI WATERSHED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. www.ccwatershed.org/vatican/Ralph_Sherwin_Videos/
"Faith, Hope and Love" theme Hymn: Words, based on 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, set to original music © 1996 by Paul W. Kelly.
For more details please visit http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au/
Contact us atpaulwkelly68@gmail.com
Production by Kelly Enterprises Resources.
May God bless and keep you.
Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year C
(Sunday, May 12, 2019)
(EPISODE: 157 )
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or// The Lord be with You)
+++++++++++++
Brothers and sisters, the Lord is full of love and mercy. And so, as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries, let us acknowledge our sins.
Lord Jesus, you are the image of the unseen God: Lord, have mercy.//You are the firstborn of all creation: Christ, have mercy//You are the head of the body, the Church: Lord, have mercy//
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Memorial Acclamation
Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++Easter III
Euch Prayer II
Communion side. pwk: RH
++++
Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.
First Reading: Acts 13:14. 43-52
Psalm: Ps 99:1-3. 5
Second Reading: Revelation 7:9. 14-17
Gospel Acclamation: John 10:14. "We are his people, the sheep of his flock"
Gospel: John 10:27-30__
This weekend, we give thanks to God for all mothers.... on this mother's day weekend... In Australia and the USA, that celebration is today..... other nations have different dates... and we give thanks for the care and love of mothers.... and pray that they receive joy, health and peace....
Prayers of Intercession:
Let us pray in heartfelt thanksgiving to God, for all Mums on this Mother's Day weekend. That God bless them . for their unconditional love and care. ………..(PAUSE)……. Lord hear us
---
For those who have passed into eternal life.....especially all dear-departed mothers, who have gone to their eternal rest and remain in cherished memory.. that they now be enjoying the heavenly and eternal banquet feast of the Kingdom..... . ………..(PAUSE)……. Lord hear us
++++
Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year C - Sunday, May 12, 2019 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/easter-4c-faith-hope-and-love/s-JeoqB (EPISODE: 157)
+++++
The famous songwriter Irving Berlin, who is well known for writing hit songs like "Putting on the Ritz" and the smash hit…."I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas," which is reportedly the best selling musical single of ALL TIME, Berlin was once interviewed and a clever reporter asked him, "Is there any question you've never been asked, that you would like someone to ask you?" "Well, yes, there is one," Berlin replied. He posed the question himself: "What do you think of the many songs you've written that DID NOT become hits?" Then he answered his own question: "My reply would be….. that I STILL think they are ALL wonderful." Then he added, "God, too, has an unshakable delight in what--and whom-- GOD has made. God thinks each of His children is wonderful, and whether they're a 'hit' in the eyes of others or not. GOD will always think they're wonderful." Irving Berlin really got the truth of the gospel spot on.
I reckon any parent knows the truth of this story in a profound way… loving each of their children without reserve.
And this brings us to the essential truth about our faith--it is grounded in God's wondrous LOVE for us, just like an unconditionally loving parent.
At times we may not feel very lovable, we may even push that love away at times…--but we cannot keep God from loving US. That is God's very nature. God is a shepherd – (a very, very good one – ,,,,,the best, in fact). God is love.
Today on Good Shepherd Sunday we remember the truth that God always searches for the one who is lost, or who feels unworthy or unloved and carries them in His arms. Anyone who would follow Jesus (the good shepherd) as a disciple must also be prepared to abide in God's compassionate love.
The GOSPEL today is short but straight to the point.. It says so much; in fact it says everything in these lines….
"no one will ever steal (my sheep) from me."
&…..
"The Father and I are one."
This is so reassuring to us…..
Jesus promises God's complete faithfulness to us, now and forever….. Jesus makes us God's children… and Our Lord will be with us to feed us, shelter us and guide us through life, and into eternal life of Heaven……
Christ promises to be our shepherd and care for us.. and cherish us through the tragedies and struggles of life… of which there can sadly be many……
We know too well, that in life, there are many obstacles… there are setbacks… There seems, at times, to be unassailable worries and trials, but our God (revealed in Jesus, the Good shepherd), promises to be with us and guide us through these and all trials and struggles…. This is a source of abiding hope and strength.
throughout the world and even close to home, we regularly hear of disasters, (whether they be natural disasters, or human-made suffering); where many people are experiencing all sorts of hardship and pain….. including those who silently suffer and whose plight is not known to the world. We keep them all in our prayers… and we take strength and consolation from Christ.. who is our good shepherd…. Who is one with the father.. and makes us one with him… who knows each of us by name and who knows every human being by name (including those forgotten and abandoned and considered unimportant by the standards of the world). God never forgets even one of them, and God never forgets us.
The hear of our good shepherd; who cares for and loves each and every human being, must be broken with grief for anyone suffering …… anyone who has been treated without the respect and dignity that all people have… as beloved children of God….. irrespective of race, culture or tongue…. For Jesus is the light to all nations… and all peoples…. …
Let us commend all who suffer, to the gentle shepherd's care… and let us re-commit ourselves each day, to showing practical care and support to all those we encounter, those in need..,. for (in Christ) they are truly our brothers and sisters, and they are fellow members of the Good Shepherd's flock….
May the world be reshaped, with the peace, care and gentleness that the good shepherd wants for the whole world… and all people in it.
Let us continue to be people of hope, love, justice and compassion….. and may we be instruments in God's hands, of Christ's vision of care; valuing everyone, even those considered by others to be "the least" -May the Lord show us the full meaning of the fact that "God loves each and every person completely."
+++++
References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly
Vocations day resources.
Image: By altanakaShutterstock licensed stock photo ID: 245350027. Mother and son playing on the beach at the sunset time. Concept of friendly family. -
+++
Archive of homilies and reflections: http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email: paulwkelly68@gmail.com
To listen to my weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here.
NB - It is often a week or so Ahead: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
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, 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, The Creed, The Kyrie, The Mass parts, Psalms: http://www.ccwatershed.org/chabanel/ ]]] ] COPYRIGHT @ 2018 CORPUS CHRISTI WATERSHED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. www.ccwatershed.org/vatican/Ralph_Sherwin_Videos/
"Faith, Hope and Love" theme Hymn: Words, based on 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, set to original music © 1996 by Paul W. Kelly.
For more details please visit http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au/
Contact us atpaulwkelly68@gmail.com
Production by Kelly Enterprises Resources.
May God bless and keep you.
Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year C
(Sunday, May 12, 2019)
(EPISODE: 157 )
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or// The Lord be with You)
+++++++++++++
Brothers and sisters, the Lord is full of love and mercy. And so, as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries, let us acknowledge our sins.
Lord Jesus, you are the image of the unseen God: Lord, have mercy.//You are the firstborn of all creation: Christ, have mercy//You are the head of the body, the Church: Lord, have mercy//
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Memorial Acclamation
Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++Easter III
Euch Prayer II
Communion side. pwk: RH
++++
Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.
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