Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Catholic 768 : First Sunday of Advent. Year A - Sunday, December 1, 2019

Homily First Sunday of Advent. Year A - Sunday, December 1, 2019
First Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5

Psalm 121:1-2. 4-5. 6-9. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord 

Second Reading: Romans 13:11-14

Alleluia, alleluia! Lord, show us your mercy and love and grant us your salvation. Alleluia!

Gospel: Matthew 24:37-44
Image: By Lisa Missenda. Shutterstock Licensed Image - stock photo ID: 512104717. Advent Candles and Creche Week 1
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the First Sunday of Advent. Year A - Sunday, December 1, 2019, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/advent-1a-faith-hope-and-love-ep-190/s-uPXmG  (EPISODE: 190)
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 Our Church year begins on this weekend with the first Sunday of Advent.  a time of preparation,  expectation and waiting.  but it's not an idle waiting.  we are called to be awake and prepared.  particularly using this time before the Feast of Christ's birth at Christmas,  to be aware of our need to be busy and active in our cooperating with God in the building up of Gods kingdom in the places we live and work and socialize.  We make room for Christ so that his coming will find our hearts open to respond to his values and his leadership.  May this be a wonderful time of preparation for the feast of God who lives with us.  

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Advent has two particular qualities: It is a season to prepare for Christmas when Christ's first coming to us is remembered; and secondly, Advent is a season where our mind and heart is directed to awaiting Christ's Second Coming, at the end of time.
(Roman Calendar, 1969)

ADVENT IS UPON US. A time of waiting and of new beginnings.

Advent literally translates as "Arrival" or "coming."

We are preparing for the commemoration of when Jesus arrived in Bethlehem.  Jesus comes to us in so many ways in our daily lives, and we are invited to be open to receive him and respond to his action and we also await his coming on the last day.

You will have noticed a couple of things are a little different in this Advent season we are now in.  Every season of the church year takes on a distinct tone and feeling. Firstly, the colour of the season of Advent is Purple (or "Violet").  

Naturally in the lead up to Christmas, (in this time of waiting and preparing), the Gloria is not sung (or recited) again until Christmas night.  

With the start of Advent, a new Church year has begun and with it comes a new reading cycle.  We are in YEAR A, the year where we systematically read through the Gospel of Matthew. The Gospel of Matthew is very closely tied to its Jewish heritage, probably written within a strongly Jewish-Christian community and particularly points out the ways in which Christ is the fulfillment of the Judaic Law and the Prophets. It is believed that Matthew's Gospel was written around 80 to 90 AD, probably closer to 90.

The Gospel of Matthew has five basic sections:  the Sermon on the Mount (Ch.5-7), the Mission Instructions to the Twelve (Ch.10), the Three Parables (Ch.13), Instructions for the Community (Ch.18), and the speeches at the Mount of Olives (Ch.24-25). It has been suggested that this echoes the structure of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Today we are reminded to stay awake and stay alert.  there is no time like the present to be about God's work.  since we do not know the day of the Lords coming, God expects us to be like faithful members of The masters household who have the Lord's interest at heart and not just our own self- interest.  So,  whilst we do not know the day or the hour we can ensure that our priorities and choices, values and actions are at all times consistent with the values of Christ in the gospel.  To deepen our fundamental core values to be based on love,  compassion,  generosity,  empathy,  justice, mercy and practical assistance to those who are in need.  we should not be waiting like people who are afraid of their employer since God invites us to share in his vision and way of seeing the world.  If the master comes unexpectedly,  even in the events and circumstances of our daily lives, we hope our reaction will be joy and welcome.  Look, Lord,  we have been working away at the things you love.  we hope you are pleased with our priorities and actions.  At Christ's coming, Lord, may we be found to be at peace with you and our neighbour and our hearts filled with love and kindness.
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

Brown, R., Fitzmyer, J. and Murphy, R. (1993). The New Jerome
Bible handbook. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press.

Image: By Lisa Missenda. Shutterstock Licensed Image - stock photo ID: 512104717. Advent Candles and Creche Week 1
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Archive of homilies and reflections: http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au

To contact Fr. Paul, please email:
paulwkelly68@gmail.com

To listen to my weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here.
NB - It is often a week or so Ahead:
https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks

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 Kelly

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

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

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

Prayers of the Faithful - from "Together we pray". by Robert Borg'. © 1993. E.J. Dwyer, Publishers.


"Faith, Hope and Love" hymn - in memory of William John Kelly - Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music Paul W. Kelly. © 1996. arranged and sung by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

Please visit 
homilycatholic.blogspot.com

Production - Kelly Enterprises Resources.            May God bless and keep you. 


First Sunday of Advent. Year A
(
Sunday, December 1, 2019)

(EPISODE: 190 )

The Lord be with you.
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{{gentleness and peace  to you }}
First Sunday of Advent. Year A

(Sunday, December 1, 2019)



(EPISODE: 190 )



The Lord be with you.

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{{gentleness and peace  to you }}



In the Name of the Father (+) and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.



The Lord be with you.



[Presider blesses the wreath with the sprinkling of holy water, using these words]:



As we begin our Advent Journey, in preparation for Christmas,

We bless this Advent Wreath.

May the sprinkling of this water

remind all of us gathered here

of our first sharing in the grace of baptism.

During this time of Advent

may we prepare for the Lord's coming

with open hearts and minds.

May this wreath be a symbol to us

(+) of this time of prayerful watching and waiting

For the coming of the Lord.

{Presider now blesses the wreath and sprinkles it with holy water}

• We now light the candle for the 1st Sunday of Advent. The "Prophet's Candle" Symbol of Hope. Reminding us that Jesus is coming.

{Presider takes taper and lights first candle on Advent wreath}



Lord Jesus your coming was proclaimed by the prophets of old. Lord Have Mercy.



Lord Jesus, call us to lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armour of light. Christ Have Mercy.



You instruct us to STAY AWAKE, for our salvation is near at hand. Lord, Have Mercy.

(No Gloria during the Advent season).

Collect:  Let us Pray….

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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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Advent 1

Eucharistic Prayer II

Communion side.  PWK:  RH

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{Thank you, for taking this time together, to listen to God's word and to praise God for his goodness and compassion}.



Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.

Monday, November 25, 2019

"Today I Arise - St Patrick's Prayer." (Kelly)


"Today I Arise - St Patrick's Prayer." (Kelly)

(Dedicated to Patricia Joy Kelly, for her faith, hope and love,  and may God grant her many years of health and joy)

"Today I Arise - St Patrick's Prayer" -

[Music by Paul W. Kelly, lyrics by Paul Kelly and Stefan Kelk. Vocals Stefan Kelk. https://www.airgigs.com/user/stefankelk. 2019].



Image credit: Photo by Alan Kelly. Shutterstock licensed. 1560750845. Sunrise over Phoenix Park, Ireland.



Lyrics:
“Today I Arise – Saint Patrick’s Prayer”
By Paul W. Kelly.  Music:  Paul Kelly. Lyrics:  P. Kelly and Stefan Kelk. Arranged and sung by Stefan Kelk
Published 25/11/19 KER.  [Originally written by Paul Kelly 30/11/07 - In Shangai, China]

Only you know!
The road I have walked!
Far from home!
These past years!
But I made it!
And now I understand!
When I hold out my hand!
You'll be there to show me the way
Today I arise!
Though I still bear the wounds!
Today I arise!
This new day dawns     this new day dawns
Today it begins!
A journey of hope!
Each step of the path!
A seed to sew!
Bury the past and look on, to tomorrow!
(refrain)!
Today I arise!
Like a rose bears its thorns!
Today I arise!
This new day dawns     this new day dawns,
Today I arise,!
With love from on high!
The name of the Three-in-One!
Today I arise,!
Through heavenly eyes,!
Your grace to guard and guide.!
Today it begins,!
With strength from within,!
This day, I will arise. !
Today I arise,!
Today I arise,!
This day, I will arise.

© 2007, 2019 Paul W. Kelly, Kelly Enterprises Resources (KER). All Rights Reserved. 










Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Catholic 767 : Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Year C - Sunday, November 24, 2019

Homily Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Year C - Sunday, November 24, 2019

First Reading: 2 Samuel 5:1- 3
Psalm 121:1- 5. "Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord"
Second Reading:
Colossians 1:12- 20
Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed is he who inherits the Kingdom of David our father. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.Gospel: Luke 23:35- 43
Image: By Thoom. Shutterstock Licensed stock photo ID: 322637498. "Wooden cross with a crown of thorns on a white cloth background."
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Year C - Sunday, November 24, 2019, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/34c-christ-the-universal-king-c-faith-hope-and-love-ep-189/s-RYyx1  (EPISODE: 189)
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The church liturgical year is slightly different from the calendar year, by about a month. The last Sunday of the church liturgical year ends rightly with a celebration of Christ who is King of heaven and earth. Christ has already won the victory over sin and death and he now is King of the Universe. Gods Kingdom is established and present amongst us and within us, but it is not yet fully revealed. At the end of time, all things will be put under Christ's feet. Meanwhile, we disciples of Christ are happy to assist in the building up of the Kingdom of God but our everyday actions and choices. Gods kingdom is one of peace and justice and compassion. We yearn for the fullness of this Kingdom - and rejoice that its foundations are firm and everlasting. Nothing can hold out against it.
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What a perfect gospel to represent the Kingship of Our Lord. Even if it is surprising and thought-provoking.

 It reveals a stark contrast:

 A King is ordinarily portrayed sitting in glory on a magnificent throne, dressed in fine clothes, with attendants beside him and surrounded by the trappings of his power.

But, here is Jesus the king- ruling from the Cross- With no trappings of power. Except for the power of love.

As the writer Bruce Prewer puts it, so wonderfully:-
"What should the worldly-wise do with an "un-kingly" king?
Who:
-flatly refuses to take authority over armies
- who will not grant cabinet posts to cronies
- who will not, even for one day, live in a palace
- who refuses to hate enemies or plot their downfall
- who mixes in common crowds without any sense of royal dignity
- who won't have a bodyguard or wear a safety vest
- who refuses to play political games or engage in betrayals or backstabbing in order to increase his power
- who will not dress in gilded robes, or wear a jewelled crown?
Oh what on earth, indeed, would the worldly-wise do with such an "un-kingly" king?**

Today is a day when we are asked to turn an idea upside down.
To firmly take words such as "king" and "power," "strength" and "victory" and turn the meaning of these words inside-out.

 Christ is our King, the monarch of all things. He is that humble, compassionate person who–
"- never went to university
- never wrote a book,
- never held any public office,
- had few if any friends in high places on earth,
- in his adult life, never travelled far from his tiny home country,
- never met anyone much more important than a provincial governor or some foreign wise men.
His only crown was a terrible wreath of thorns.
His only throne two crossed planks of wood – forming a cross.
(no earthly court for this king. Rather, at his right hand, and at his left, two dying thieves)."**

It is fitting that the end of the church year declares Jesus to be the King of Heaven and of Earth. The Lord Jesus is King of the universe. At the end of all things, Christ's universal Kingship will be revealed in its fullness.

The Lord is rightly the king of our world, our lives, our priorities, our plans, our hopes and dreams. If only the Lord Jesus, establish your Kingdom values in our lives now. We long to have our lives transformed by the peace, justice, love and forgiveness that marks his gospel.

On this feast of Christ the King. I am thinking particularly of the complete transformation God has done to our concept of "Kingship," "power," "authority" and even of the usual definition for "victory" and "success".

Our previous human concepts of these words and their meanings are (to put it bluntly) pretty shabby. Not far from the surface, many people have the ingrained belief that "power" is about "dominance" and "having the upper hand" over others. It often goes hand in hand with the "use of force" or the "implied threat of force." In rather limited human terms, many think that "authority" is about who can push their point of view the strongest, loudest or longest. Kingship is often considered to be about separation, and distance, privilege, prestige and aloofness. Power often seems to be about winners and losers. It is also often considered to be about 'survival of the fittest' - // 'all is fair in love and war,' and 'eat or be eaten'.

So, In comes God. And, (through the life and example of Jesus), totally transforms the meaning and definition of these things. It is such a surprising transformation, that you can hardly recognise that it is the same thing. And many in this world will never accept or recognise that God's definition of these things is the right one.

"God- with- us" came down very close to us. He was not a distant authority but one who has lived in our flesh and known our experience. 'Being there' for others is such an important gift and skill. Time is the most important gift we can give and it should be given generously. But sometimes work, illness and circumstances hamper our availability to "be there" for others. But we keep searching for ways of being present to others in need. Whether it is. Letters, cards, phone calls and the like.

Jesus sets clear principles on behaviour. We all know the 'Golden Rule', that we should be compassionate, forgiving etc. We need to love the way Jesus loves, setting clear principles in our lives so that we and those around us can be our best selves with behaviour that makes us fully human, and fully alive. Jesus loves us, but that is very different from telling us to do what we like.

Jesus sets the example. The behaviour Jesus wants us to do, he himself did first. Our Lord did in actions, what he said with his words.

Jesus loves us as a parent loves us. Not for what we can give or do back; but simply because we are created in God's image.as are all people.

The world cries out for this newly renovated definition of authority, power, victory and kingship. Which is more about family and relationships, care, protection .and love.

 Out goes "survival of the fittest," and in comes a Kingdom of people who ensure that the frail and the weakest members are not left behind. And indeed who are carried along with us- on our tough journey to God's house. - The Kingdom shows that a truly Christ- like community is discerned by how much the most vulnerable are protected by the strongest.

We today celebrate that we desire more than anything to participate in and hold true to the values of Christ. (the King and his Kingdom). Which we joyfully and humbly admit is the true way in all things.

To you, Christ our King:
We bring our lust for power and set it down before your rejection of power.
We bring our love of money and place it before your willing poverty.
We bring our stubborn pride and set it before your utter humility.
We bring our pay- back mentality and lay it before your mercifulness.
We bring our desire for self- glory and put before your passion for the Father's glory, not yours.
We bring our inveterate self- interest and rest it before your self-giving.
We bring all our vain wisdom and lay it before the "folly" of your cross.**

 - To Jesus- Lord of All the earth. To you be honour, glory and true power and authority, forever and ever- Amen-

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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

**Brief Prayers for Busy People. Author: Bruce D Prewer. ISBN 978- 1- 62880- 090- 6). Web site www.acresources.com.au

Kym Harris, a Benedictine nun from Tanby near Rockhampton. On "Celebrating Jesus' authority."

Image: By Thoom. Shutterstock Licensed stock photo ID: 322637498. "Wooden cross with a crown of thorns on a white cloth background."

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Archive of homilies and reflections: http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au

To contact Fr. Paul, please email:
paulwkelly68@gmail.com

To listen to my weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here.
NB - It is often a week or so Ahead:
https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks

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 Kelly

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

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

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

Prayers of the Faithful - from "Together we pray". By Robert Borg'. © 1993. E.J. Dwyer, Publishers.

{Sung "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" - by Jeffrey M. Ostrowski. Including The Gloria. Copyright © 2011 ccwatershed.org}

"Faith, Hope and Love" hymn - in memory of William John Kelly - Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music Paul W. Kelly. © 1996. Updated lyrics by Paul Kelly and Stefan Kelk, arranged and sung by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

Please visit
homilycatholic.blogspot.com

Production - Kelly Enterprises Resources. May God bless and keep you.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Year C
(
Sunday, November 24, 2019)

(EPISODE: 189 )

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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{{Goodness and faithfulness to you all}}

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.?
Lord Jesus, you healed the sick:Lord, have mercy//Lord Jesus, you forgave sinners:Christ, have mercy//Lord Jesus, you give us yourself to heal us and bring us strength: Lord, have mercy.
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
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Memorial Acclamation

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

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Christ the King

Eucharistic Prayer I

Communion side. Pwk:
LH
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{
my heartfelt thanks for your participation in this time of reflection, prayer and praise. }

Go forth, the Mass is ended.

Friday, November 15, 2019

Message for Dying Peacefully - No Euthanasia Sunday



Message for Dying Peacefully - No Euthanasia Sunday


Brisbane Archdiocesan parishes and others across Queensland are observing “Dying Peacefully – No Euthanasia” Sunday on November 17, outlining the church’s ‘Care First’ approach of support for palliative care services as opposed to the introduction of so called “voluntary assisted dying” (VAD). The initiative was recommended by Archbishop Coleridge as it became clear the issues of VAD and palliative care, which itself is much more than the sedation of pain, were not well understood in the community. Catholic support for better palliative care is grounded in the common good of society. Better end-of-life care begins with better conversations about death and dying, and how we can die well in ways that do not undermine the foundational values of our society.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Catholic 766 : Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, November 17, 2019

Homily Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C  - Sunday, November 17, 2019

First Reading: Malachi 3:19-20
Psalm: Ps 97:5-9. The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice
Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
Gospel Acclamation: Luke 21:38. Alleluia, alleluia! Lift up your heads and see. Your redemption is near at hand.
Gospel: Luke 21:5-19

Image: Shutterstock licensed.  Photo by Seth Aronstam. stock photo ID: 1212006451. "Boulders from the Roman destruction of the second Temple alongside the western wall in Jerusalem, Israel."
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 Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C  - Sunday, November 17, 2019 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/33c-faith-hope-and-love-ep-188/s-FxUK3  (EPISODE: 188)
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 It is what is inside that counts.  That could be one theme that jumps up from this weekend's scriptures.  .Our Lord, who is God made flesh, was born into this world to usher in the Kingdom of God.  He did and said many things in the furtherance of this Kingdom. But each and every action he did was an expression and a consequence of his nature as God and as a concrete exposition of the values of God in action. Our Lord today warns his disciples, yes, the ornaments and workmanship of God's Temple in Jerusalem is superb. But this beauty is merely a shadow of the inner significance of God who lives with his people. Its God within that matters. And in any case, this outer fabric of the Temple will be torn down and destroyed.. but the inner reality of God's abiding presence with his people never ends, no matter what happens.  Amidst the shocks and tragedies around every corner of this uncertain life, if we stay firmly focused upon and connected to the inner reality of Christ, in all things, we will stand strong no matter what happens.   This…

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The scene in the gospel is a really shocking one. Some people were admiring the beauty of the superb Temple of God in Jerusalem, only for Jesus to say. There will come a day when not one stone will be left lying on another.

It is unthinkable,// shocking.//

Although the temple was not a mere building. It was God's house. SO, it would be more like admiring the beauty of St Peter's in Rome, and rightly to be quite unable to comprehend or even bring oneself to think of this focal point of our universal faith lying in ruins. What a horrific thought. But, that is how shocking these words were to its listeners. And when the Temple did indeed lie in ruins after the Roman Armies destroying it. The people felt utterly lost. It must have been as if the end of the world had come. People still weep at the small part of the Temple wall that has been rebuilt. Endlessly mourning its loss.

The gospel shines its insightful light upon the massive efforts we put into building up a vision only to have it be torn down again by circumstances, whether by natural disasters and accidents, or by the negligence or malice of others.

It is timely to think of things like this, as Our Lord warns us to put our efforts into building up that which lasts forever. That which can never be touched or torn down.

This weekend, Jesus warns his disciples that there are tough, stormy times ahead, not only for him but for all who follow him and in fact for the wider community of the Jewish people in Israel in his time.

 But in the midst of this, he still offers hope:-  "Do not be fooled -- the end has not come."

He rightly predicted that there would be wars and natural disasters. many which will shake the foundations of society and frighten many. but he calls us to remain resolute and keep focusing on the gospel.

In all of this, he says. "don't be shaken. Do not be thrown by the tumult around you. Keep on working diligently without hesitation. Keep witnessing to the truth of my message. I will be with you. I will be faithful to you. even if following me causes persecution and even (for some) breakups in ordinary family and social relations."

 But again, this is an invitation to think and pray carefully about what we are putting our energies into. what are we building? Because, some buildings, (MOST buildings, are not built to last forever.) and even the ones that are intended to last forever, DON'T!!!

Jesus is not just talking about a physical building. what are we putting all our hopes and dreams and energy into? because there may be a time when exactly that which is the object of all our time, effort and energy, will be knocked down (by a natural disaster, illness, the bad-will of others, and so many other reasons). so Jesus implores us to put our energies and priorities into his Kingdom and its values that can never be torn down. The reason that the early Christians endured such persecution, such horrors, and kept faithful was they KNEW JESUS. They met him, they walked with him. Or they met those who did. So they willingly would go to their deaths for what their Lord stood for.

 We will not be left standing unless we connect ourselves to the one true spiritual building that endures forever. Christ. the Foundation stone and fortress. We need to daily deepen our knowledge and love of the person and message of Jesus . to deeply allow Our Lord to immerse us in his heart and mind. . and may we catch on fire with his person and message and values.

 And let us reflect often. Open this spiritual question about our priorities and choices.

What are we building??? Are we building something so closely connected to Christ's gospel that it will never be torn down?
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 References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

My Daily Visitor reflections, Nov/Dec, 2010

Image: Shutterstock licensed.  Photo by Seth Aronstam. stock photo ID: 1212006451. "Boulders from the Roman destruction of the second Temple alongside the western wall in Jerusalem, Israel."
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 Archive of homilies and reflections: http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email: paulwkelly68@gmail.com

To listen to my weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here.
NB - It is often a week or so Ahead: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks

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 at paulwkelly68@gmail.com
Production by Kelly Enterprises Resources.

May God bless and keep you.

Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C
(Sunday, November 17, 2019)

 (EPISODE: 188)

 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
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 {{Goodness and kindness to you all}}

 As we begin the Holy Eucharist, let us acknowledge our sinfulness, so as to worthily 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.
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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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Sundays Ordinary III

 Euch prayer two

 Communion side. pwk: RH
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{I am very grateful for you joining us for this special time of prayer and reflection. }

 Go in peace.

Tuesday, November 05, 2019

Catholic 765 : Thirty-Second Sunday Ordinary Time. Year C- Sunday, November 10, 2019

Catholic 765 :  Homily Thirty-Second Sunday Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, November 10, 2019

First Reading: 2 Maccabees 7:1-2. 9-14
Psalm: Ps 16:1. 5-6. 8. 15. R. "Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full"
Second Reading: 2 Thessalonians 2:16 - 3:5
Alleluia, alleluia! Jesus Christ is the firstborn from the dead. Glory and Kingship be his forever and ever.
Gospel: Luke 20:27-38


Image:  By PopTika. Shutterstock photo ID: 776381272. Licensed use. "Purple flower growing on crack street, soft focus."

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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Thirty-Second Sunday Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, November 10, 2019, by clicking this link here:   https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/32c-faith-hope-and-love-ep-187/s-24TOI  (EPISODE: 187)
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Here we are …   We have come full circle…  this weekend features the reassuring promise within the readings of God's faithfulness to us.  This weekends reading featured, on the very first episode of this podcast, three years ago. And how time flies..  Here we are back at the start, as we begin to start the superb three-year cycle of readings anew,..  God's word is always new and fresh.  The Lord is the beginning and end of everything.  "In the face of death …  we search and listen.. and we hear silence….   As all people do….  (believers and non-believers)……  but I truly believe that the quality of that silence is very, very different for those who listen with faith and hope….///  …………   It not an empty silence that we heard when confronted with mortality…..…. It's..  … like the silence just before someone is about to reply….    like the pause immediately prior to someone is about to answer……..    (but in these cases, extended, without a defined time-limit for reply….)……… like the words of a poem I am about to read……..  it's a silence filled with the power of God's promise…  it's a silence bursting with God's eternal 'yes' to life and to us…. (It is a pregnant pause….)…..

This is the poem.. it says something that mere explanations can never capture….

 "From the voiceless lips
of the unreplying dead
there comes no word.
But in the night of Death,
Hope sees a star,
and listening Love can hear

the rustle of a wing."  

(ROBERT GREEN INGERSOLL)

To me… that poem sums up the hope we have in our God…...

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The readings this weekend are timely for the month of November, which is traditionally the time of prayer for the Souls of those who have gone before us into eternal life…   Also, as the year starts winding down, and the end of the church year is in only a couple of weeks;  the readings start looking at the end "of all things," and the promise of what is to come after that….   

We are constantly brought back to the fact that God is faithful. God keeps his promises to us. 

God has promised that each one of us is absolutely precious in God's eyes…. and that God does never cease to care for us. 

The life of every single person has eternal value. From conception to natural death. This eternal value continues far beyond what can be seen in this life.

//Our life continues on into the life of God's Heavenly Kingdom... 

The tensions, tragedies, injustices and suffering of this life, all eventually give way to God's faithfulness to all his beloved children… Us, who are his deeply cherished sons and daughters…
We are, and we will always be "God's beloved children" …..  All through this life and in the next….(forever)

Especially this month, our prayers are with the those who have gone before us…  //We believe that, one day, we will all be brought together again…in God's Heavenly Kingdom of life, peace and joy…. 

Our Christian faith does not gloss over death and its enormous impact…..   in fact,… the Cross of Christ is a very stark, shocking and central symbol of our faith.  The Crucifixion of Christ is an unflinching sign of the suffering and tragedy in so many people's lives//   The Cross is unable to be watered down and it cannot be gotten around…//….    

We believe that the Cross of Christ is a sign of God's absolute commitment to us ///…. God is in united full with us and has committed himself absolutely to us, to our condition and to our joys and sorrows, our triumphs and also our suffering. …

Jesus reveals to us God made human…..  he is the one who "stays in-there, with us," through the best and the absolute worst that life throws at us….  And Our Lord suffered AND DIED for the salvation of all. We note with significance that Christ suffered and died not only for the good and the 'worthy,' but for all his beloved children, - and particularly those considered (by the standards of the world), to be unworthy; Especially those labelled, (by some) as 'worthless'…. // 

Our lord not only endured death in order to save us, but he suffered the worst kind of death… //… And the reason he went through all of this because he loved us, and "threw in his lot" permanently with us. And he rose up to defeat the power of sin and death.  

The first reading shows a grave injustice being done to a group of people who want to be faithful to the Lord.  What is happening to them is cruel and wrong….  They continue to hold onto what is right in the face of the most brutal and inhuman treatment … trusting that God will not abandon them….   This immediately brings to mind people of every time and place who have suffered every kind of unspeakable wrong, and whose dignity and sanctity of life was completely ignored. Jesus shows us that God sees this and will not overlook these ones who suffered injustice and wrongdoing. God comes and suffers with and in these people to show us that God will comfort these. They are not forgotten, even if they were nameless and unknown to others. God demands that all people be given the dignity that has been given them by his own love. And that what we do to these little ones, we are doing to God himself. And he will not forget it or abide it.  It is also important that this unity God has with us, (his beloved children), means that God calls for an end to mistreatment, disrespect and violence, here and now, in this life! And if this urgent call is not respected, God will most certainly restore it in the next. But Our Lord's example reminds us that it is not good enough for those doing wrong to wait to cease their wrongdoing or rectify their harm until the next life.  This call is for NOW, and For all. 

The beauty of this message is that God wants justice to be done, and assistance given to those in need now -  in this life. the Lord does not want people saying:  "God will make it all right in the next life, so we will leave things as they are down here on earth and God can sort it out in the next life." …. No.  A thousand times NO.  .......God indeed has the last say in everything. That is true! But God wants us to act justly, compassionately and mercifully here and now….  Only if justice cannot be attained despite the every best effort in this life, God will ensure it is done in the next…  however, the Lord, commands and work without ceasing for that justice that is desperately needed by so many in this life ……  

Our Lord promises us that God will never give up on us….  Never abandon us….  Even if (at times) we really feel like we have abandoned…  God is still there…  - with us - and in us … always…  …

Thank goodness our Lord Jesus called out on the cross:  "My God , My God why have you abandoned me."   By this, through Jesus' own life, suffering, death and resurrection he amplifies and gives voice to all people throughout history who suffer alone, who are abandoned by others and who cry out to feel the presence and support of God. 

But God knows every one of these people's names. God sees their suffering and God will not forget them. And (just as vitally), God wants us to see them and not forget them also.  

The Gospel of Christ, as preached and lived by Our Lord, assures us that even the most unknown and unremarked suffering or injustice, done to the most invisible people in society;  God cares about them, and what happens to them and has not abandoned them - but instead constantly calls on all people of goodwill to do something about it. Even if a person does not feel God's reassurance in the midst of the suffering, God is still THERE with them. Our Lord went through precisely the same abandonment and denial of dignity.

when we run to God with all the disasters that befall us, including when we are bereaved by loss and suffering injustice…  We beg God for answers….   And although we do not hear a physical voice replying to us… (except the voice of the Scriptures..   and except the voice and response of those filled with God's love - who reach out like the hand of God, in real and practical ways…. // nevertheless I truly believe… that the silence is not an empty silence … but rather, that silence is a pause filled with promise…(like the kind of silence you hear straight after asking an urgent request of someone and in the silence, seconds before you get a reply - a positive one..  (the big difference is that in these situations, the pause between the response is extended)…  it is more of a pregnant pause…..  where the reply will certainly be….   "I will raise you up… I will bring life out of death".  

And this promise is not just for the next life.  For, God is constantly at work, bringing new life to all of the many abrupt endings and failures in life….    (big or small) 

As Jesus assures us in the Gospel: He is the God of the living.  For, to God, all are still alive.

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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

MISSION 2000  – PRAYING SCRIPTURE IN A CONTEMPORARY WAY. YEAR B. BY MARK LINK   S.J.

2010 – A BOOK OF GRACE-FILLED DAYS. BY ALICE CAMILLE.

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Archive of homilies and reflections:  http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au

To contact Fr. Paul, please email: 
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To listen to my weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here.
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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 Kelly

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

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

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

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

{ Sung "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" -  by Jeffrey M. Ostrowski. The ….Gloria,  copyright 2011   ccwatershed.org. } 

"Faith, Hope and Love" hymn - in memory of  William John Kelly -     Inspired by  1 Corinthians 13:1-13.  Music Paul W. Kelly. (c) 1996 .  Updated lyrics  by Paul Kelly and Stefan Kelk, arranged and sung by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

please visit homilycatholic.blogspot.com

Production -  Kelly Enterprises Resources.  

May God bless and keep you. 


Thirty-Second Sunday Ordinary Time. Year C
(
Sunday, November 10, 2019)

(EPISODE: 187 )

The Lord be with you.
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{{Kindness and grace  to you all}}

As we prepare to celebrate the great Sacramental feast of Gods love, let us pause, recall our sins, and trust in Gods infinite mercy.?
You raise the dead to life in the Spirit. Lord, have mercy//You bring pardon and peace to the sinner. Christ, have mercy// You bring light to those in darkness. 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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Sundays Ordinary II

Euch prayer two

Communion side.  PWK: 
LH
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{
I gratefully acknowledge and give thanks to God for your prayers at this time of prayer and reflection upon our God. }

Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.