Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, January 30, 2022 (EPISODE: 348)

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, January 30, 2022

(EPISODE: 348)

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 2056914833 - ROME, ITALY - AUGUST 28, 2021: The fresco of prophet Jeremiah in church San Girolamo dei Croati by Pietro Gagliardi (1847-1852).  Contributor: Renata Sedmakova

Readings for Sunday, January 30, 2022 - Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C
FIRST READING: Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19
Psalm 71:1-2, 3, 5-6, 15+17. "I will sing of your salvation"
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13 or 13:4-13
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 4:18cd). Alleluia, alleluia! The Lord has sent me to bring Good News to the poor and freedom to prisoners.
GOSPEL: Luke 4:21-30
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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, January 30, 2022, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-fourth-sunday-of-ordinary-time-year-c-episode-348?si=29870eaa8c694946a26b28645e87d348&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing  (EPISODE: 348)
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*Prologue (Fr Paul Kelly)
This weekend's gospel could be entitled: "How quickly a friendly crowd can turn nasty."

The wonderful second reading can be used as a key to understanding the dynamic going on between Jesus and the people in the Synagogue of Nazareth……

Jesus is the visible expression of God, who is complete love….  Everything Jesus did and said was out of LOVE, and no other reason…   even when he spoke a challenging message …  it was lovingly inviting the people to be open to the ways of God…  to open their minds and hearts….  Reject any narrow views. By contrast, the people become enraged…  even when Jesus was only speaking the truth….   They took huge offence and became angry and defensive and wanted to kill him…   so, they were not acting out of love… for love takes no offence…  rather it Seeks only to build up.

Initially, the crowd is astonished and impressed with Our Lord's speech, but then when Jesus starts to tell them some home truths, that challenge or stretch their thinking, and move them out of their comfort zone.....well that is entirely a different matter. Suddenly they do not like what they are hearing. They become murderously angry. Now they reject his message, even though his message is quite evidently true. They say… "Who does he think he is, he is just the carpenter's son! What would he know?"

Attacking the person (or qualities about the person), rather than dealing with the substantial content of the actual message. In cricketing terms, I think it is called "playing the person, not the ball." Whenever a person dismisses something another is saying, based on irrelevant qualities, surely it is because they do not want to hear something that challenges their viewpoint. Attacking the person rather than the issue seems to have become an all-too-common error in this day and age.  But we need to see it and name it for what it is,  a simple but very effective defence mechanism to avoid facing an inconvenient truth.  In fact, the stronger and faster and more violent and angry reaction is to an evidently true observation, this shows the enormous level of resistance a person or group of people has built up around that false reality.

Our Lord shows us that it is not sufficient to know the words of Scripture off by heart. The people listening to him knew all-too-well the words of the Sacred Scriptures. These lines were extremely familiar to the people of that time. They knew them by heart.  But, people were comfortable with the Scriptures. Over many years, they had found satisfying interpretations of the Bible that did not unsettle or challenge them. Now, suddenly Our Lord is interpreting and teaching the meaning of these old familiar texts in a way that is new and unsettling. The way Our Lord was teaching was making them feel uncomfortable and suddenly he shook their complacency.  He particularly pointed out that merely belonging to the "chosen people of Israel" was not all that mattered. God has helped and welcomed people who were not part of the Chosen Ones.

Having said this, Our Lord did not wake up each morning and say: "now what can I do that will get people so riled up that they will want to throw me off a cliff?" Rather, Christ acted and taught with compassion, love, and grace. His honesty and passion opened up issues that sadly some violently reacted to. He wanted people to open up and be transformed by God's different ways..   but this means being brave enough to be unsettled and uncomfortable and open to the different.

The crowd did not like what they were hearing! So, what do they do? Did they open their hearts and minds to widen their understanding and grow into Christ's Kingdom?  No ! Instead they do what people have done throughout history to challenging and unsettling messages, they try to throw the messenger off the nearest cliff (literally in this present case). But isn't this what they mean by the saying "don't shoot the messenger." This gospel is a powerful lesson. It might be a natural human defence to reject ideas or people that unsettle us in a reflex reaction. When we find ourselves challenged or unsettled by some news, instead of rejecting it out of hand, we can rely on God's grace and open our hearts to what the Lord might be inviting us to understand. To stay in the discomfort zone and give respect to the messenger. The Gospels give us the values and wisdom to test the fruits according to the ways of Christ, amidst confusion and uneasiness.

The people have become infuriated and violent towards Jesus – so they drag him outside and mean to throw him off a very tall cliff. What happens next, if it wasn't such a scary and dangerous situation…  would almost seem comical -  because Jesus is described as simply slipping through the crowd and walking away unnoticed.
You could almost visualize the crowd disappearing up the hill, as Our Lord walks casually away in the opposite direction. What a sight! When they get up to the top of the hill, their anger and denial have become so blinding that they look around and realise that the very object of their anger has vanished. Holding on to our own selfish mindsets can be so powerful that we can even lose sight of the original thing that challenged us.

Was Our Lord so ordinary looking, so average, so unnoticeable in those people's eyes that they lost sight of him and did not even notice he was no longer amongst them, in the crowd gathered to throw him off the cliff? In so many ways, 'they just did not "get him" or his message.' They could not really see him or understand him for who he was.

Let us be vigilant to ensure that we never fall into this same trap as did the unteachable and angry crowd.

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Homily (Fr Peter Dillon)
4^th Sunday Ordinary time Year C 2022
The readings of today's Gospel passage as well as the Second reading from St. Paul should be very familiar, perhaps because they remind us of the reality of our own lives and the standards that we wish we could live by.

Once again we find Jesus speaking words that, although truthful are too difficult to hear. So what do we do when faced with an unpleasant truth or challenging choice? We "shoot the messenger", so to speak, we try to discredit the person speaking when we cannot refute the essence of the message. While some of the crowd are awed by his gracious words, others are more concerned about his pedigree and address. Jesus for his mission to humankind had to face local suspicion and gossip. Essentially he found, as we do, that prophets are accepted provided they come from somewhere else, and don't say things we are not ready to hear.

Clearly, Jesus is not free from local prejudice, he is not above the haphazard way that people look at other people. Firstly, they complain that Jesus performs no local wonders while letting him know that they disbelieve in him anyway. When he tells them his mission is addressed to all people, they become angry. Even though they don't like what he is saying they are selfish enough to think that they should be the only ones to hear it.

But let's not point the finger too quickly at their fickleness, because we reject our prophets all the time. Sometimes the truth is too confronting because it does not conform to our perceived ideas. That's what Jesus congregation is saying, "How can he know anything? He is not our idea of a prophet".

To accept the prophet we must give up our perceived ideas of where we will find the truth and be ready to accept it in many disguises. It is one of the concerns we must address in the Plenary Council presently taking place in the Australian Catholic Church. Can we let go of our long-held notions to be able to hear something that might be vastly different to what we have accepted or feel comfortable with?

Secondly, we reject those prophets who come to us with demands. When the teachings of Jesus require us to change our behaviour and to sometimes surrender our comfortable lifestyle, then it becomes all too demanding and we turn our backs on our faith and ultimately on God. What did Jesus say? "If we love only those who love you back, what reward is that." If we only greet our family and friends what more are we doing than others. Turn the cheek if someone strikes you. Forgive your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you." If only Jesus had given us easy things to do then more people would believe in him.

Jesus speaks hard sayings. There is no denying that. He challenges our preconceptions. He asks us to see him in the poor and disenfranchised. Shall we reject the prophet who comes to us in this way? Shall we rise up against him?

When we realise that he is speaking the truth then we experience an inner conflict.

How can we find the resolve to make the changes that we know are required? It is really turmoil within ourselves, to try to walk down the path less travelled that will lead to the destination that we seek, but that road itself seems to have too many hills to climb.

That is why the message of Paul to the Corinthians today is so practical and sensible. He speaks of the quality of love that can endure whatever comes. The love that we require needs to be patient and kind yet sometimes has the face of impatience and unkindness, sometimes ready to condemn and take pleasure in the failings and weaknesses of others. While we want our love for others to be satisfying and productive, according to Paul we must accept that love can be a tough programme, but we cannot reject it because we know he speaks the truth. The lessons that are hardest to learn are the ones we remember for life.
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References:

prologue by Fr Paul W. Kelly

Homily by fr peter Dillon

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 2056914833 - ROME, ITALY - AUGUST 28, 2021: The fresco of prophet Jeremiah in church San Girolamo dei Croati by Pietro Gagliardi (1847-1852).  Contributor: Renata Sedmakova


Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C  (Sunday, January 30, 2022)  (EPISODE: 348)
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 Gods family, let us call to mind our sins.
option two on the cards/ Have mercy on us, O Lord./ For we have sinned against you./ Show us, O Lord, your mercy. And grant us your salvation.
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
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Psalm 71:1-2, 3, 5-6, 15+17. "I will sing of your salvation"

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 4:18cd). Alleluia, alleluia! The Lord has sent me to bring Good News to the poor and freedom to prisoners.

Memorial Acclamation
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
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PREFACE: Sundays III
EP II
Communion side.  pwk:  LH
(theme variation: v2)
(pre+post variation: v1-lshort)
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{my heartfelt thanks for your participation in this time of reflection, prayer and praise.}

Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.

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

To listen to 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 - 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 -     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 MV5-USB

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 -  2022]
May God bless and keep you.
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[ Production -  KER -  2022]

May God bless and keep you.
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(Weekday Solemnity in Australia) AUSTRALIA DAY - NATIONAL DAY (26TH JANUARY, 2022) (EPISODE: 347)

AUSTRALIA DAY - NATIONAL DAY (26TH JANUARY,2022)

(EPISODE: 347)

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD

First Reading: Isaiah 32:15-18

Psalm: Ps 84:9-14. R. "The Lord speaks of peace to his people."

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 or

Gospel Acclamation: Matthew 5:9

Gospel: Matthew 5:1-12

Image: Photo by Lincoln Eather on Unsplash
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the AUSTRALIA DAY NATIONAL DAY (26TH JANUARY) - by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-australia-day-2022-national-day-year-b-episode-347?si=2d996b132f464c7ab0f16ba18c142e23&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing  (EPISODE: 347 )
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Australia Day - 
 
As we here in Australia celebrate our national day, we recall that the name of our country is the Commonwealth of Australia. And that is a wonderful name… Commonwealth, means, we as a nation share our gifts in unity, and that we are united together in harmony for the common good of all people. At this particular time, we pray that God will strengthen in us a strong belief and understanding of the common values that hold us together as a nation. There can be no profitable discourse or conversation or meeting of minds and hearts if we don't agree on any principles, or if 'truth' is something that is merely subjective to each person individually. We need a sense of shared responsibility. This is so beautifully shown in the scriptures today. Integrity, justice, peace, respect, as well as the beatitudes of the gospel…. These will surely make our community and our actions respectful of the dignity and true needs of all.

Lord open the hearts of people everywhere that God's graciousness, generosity and compassion will fill up the hearts of all in this nation…. So that we will act, after the example of Christ, with charity, generosity, compassion and countless acts of practical care and support; including much-needed assistance to those who are struggling... 
Lord, grant harmony, goodwill and peace with all in our nation, and with all nations of the world. Give us a sense of shared fraternity with all people in our nation, especially the indigenous people of our land who are a wonderful gift and treasure to us all. 
And for much-needed peace and harmony amongst people across the family of nations.

On this Australia Day, we give God heartfelt thanks, for the many gifts we have been given, and we are reminded that we live in a commonwealth… and that this commonwealth is for the common good…. the gifts we have are gifts to share for the benefit of each other….. The gifts of other individuals and communities within this nation and the gifts and resources between all nations can be shared so that together we all have the gifts needed. The gifts that we have, we can share with others who have not, so that we all end up having the fullness of the gifts we need.
 
We pray that people everywhere will deepen their sense of belonging to a commonwealth for common good…. that there will be peace, respect, harmony and care for others in our society…. that we might always spare a thought for the person less fortunate, whether they be next door or in the next country……
 
And today, (as every day) we pray that our nation and its people develop deep within ourselves yearning for the values of Jesus' Beatitudes….. Humility, Gentleness, A Passion and a practical commitment to working for Justice, to be Peacemakers, people who are merciful and able to reflect God's forbearance to others by giving them new starts, .....and a people who are single-minded in serving God's vision for the world….. respecting the dignity of all people... caring for our resources... treating others as we would have them treat us... having an open heart to people everywhere who are doing it tougher than ourselves, including in this nation and also our brother and sister nations throughout the world.
 
It is good for us to stop and give thanks for God's many gifts to us in this blessed Southern land of the Holy Spirit…..
 
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Fr Paul W. Kelly
 
Image: Photo by Will Turner on Unsplash
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Archive of homilies and reflections: http:homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email: paulwkelly68@gmail.com

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

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

Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:
"Faith, Hope and Love, - Christian worship and reflection" - Led by Rev Paul Kelly
 
Prayers and chants — Roman Missal, 3rd edition, © 2010, The International Commission on English in the liturgy. (ICEL)
 
Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989, and 2009 by the NCC-USA. (National Council of Churches of Christ - USA)
 
"The Psalms" ©1963, 2009, The Grail - Collins publishers. 
 
Prayers of the Faithful - " Together we pray" by Robert Borg'. E.J. Dwyer, Publishers, (1993) . (Sydney Australia).
 
{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 - Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music by Paul Kelly. Arranged, with additional lyrics and sung 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 Patricia Kelly. By Paul W. Kelly.. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer. Arranged, with additional lyrics and sung by Stefan Kelk. 2019. 
 
[ Production - KER 2022] 
 
May God bless and keep you. 

AUSTRALIA DAY NATIONAL DAY (26^TH JANUARY)

(EPISODE: 347 )

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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Coming together as brothers and sisters in Christ, let us pause and reflect upon our sins, in order to celebrate the Holy Eucharist.


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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Prayers Of The Faithful
READER
* For our nation on this Australia Day. That we renew our determination to work together for justice, reconciliation and the common good. (PAUSE) Lord hear us:
* For our indigenous brothers and sisters, the first peoples of Australia: That we have the grace to listen to their stories, understand their mourning and walk gently with them on this ancient land. (PAUSE) Lord hear us:
* For country communities suffering from the health and emotional and financial effects of the covid pandemic. That every effort is made to provide practical assistance and resources needed to manage. (PAUSE) Lord hear us:
* For children and teachers returning to school. that they begin the year with energy and enthusiasm for the adventure of learning. (PAUSE) Lord hear us:
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Memorial Acclamation

When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.

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Sundays Australia Day Preface

Eucharistic Prayer II 

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Go in Peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.

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AUSTRALIA DAY:

A reading from the prophet Isaiah

Once more there will be poured on us
the spirit from above;
then shall the wilderness be fertile land;
and fertile land become forest.
In the wilderness justice will come to live
and integrity in the fertile land;
integrity will bring peace,
justice give lasting security.
My people will live in a peaceful home,
in safe houses,
in quiet dwellings.
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.


R. The Lord speaks of peace to his people.

I will hear what the Lord God has to say,
a voice that speaks of peace.
His help is near for those who fear him
and his glory will dwell in our land. R.

Mercy and faithfulness have met;
justice and peace have embraced.
Faithfulness shall spring up from the earth
and justice look down from heaven. R.

The Lord will make us prosper
and our earth shall yield its fruit.
Justice shall march before him
and peace shall follow his steps. R.


SECOND READING (OPTION A)

A reading from the first letter of St Paul to the Corinthians

There is a variety of gifts but always the same Spirit; there are all sorts of service to be done, but always to the same Lord; working in all sorts of different ways in different people, it is the same God who is working in all of them. The particular way in which the Spirit is given to each person is for a good purpose. One may have the gift of preaching with wisdom given him by the Spirit; another may have the gift of preaching instruction given him by the same Spirit; and another the gift of faith given by the same Spirit; another again the gift of healing, through this one Spirit; one, the power of miracles; another, prophecy; another the gift of recognising spirits; another the gift of tongues and another the ability to interpret them. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who distributes different gifts to different people just as he chooses.
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.


SECOND READING – OPTION B

A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Romans

Do not let your love be a pretence, but sincerely prefer good to evil. Love each other as much as brothers and sisters should, and have a profound respect for each other. Work for the Lord with untiring effort and with great earnestness of spirit. If you have hope, this will make you cheerful. Do not give up if trials come; and keep on praying. If any of the saints are in need you must share with them; and you should make hospitality your special care.
This is the word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.



Alleluia, alleluia!
Happy the peacemakers:
they shall be called children of God.
Alleluia!


A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

Jesus began to speak to the crowds. This is what he taught them:
'How happy are the poor in spirit:
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Happy the gentle:
they shall have the earth for their heritage.
Happy those who mourn:
they shall be comforted.
Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right:
they shall be satisfied.
Happy the merciful:
they shall have mercy shown them.
Happy the pure in heart:
they shall see God.
Happy the peacemakers:
they shall be called sons of God.
Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right:
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
'Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.'


or

Alleluia, alleluia!
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;
you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom.
Alleluia!

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke
It has pleased your heavenly Father to give you the Kingdom.
Jesus said to his disciples, 'That is why I am telling you not to worry about your life and what you are to eat, nor about your body and how you are to clothe it. For life means more than food, and the body more than clothing. Think of the ravens. They do not sow or reap; they have no storehouses and no barns; yet God feeds them. And how much more are you worth than the birds! Can any of you, for all his worrying, add a single cubit to his span of life? If the smallest things, therefore, are outside your control, why worry about the rest? Think of the flowers; they never have to spin or weave; yet, I assure you, not even Solomon in all his regalia was robed like one of these. Now if that is how God clothes the grass in the field which is there today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, how much more will he look after you, you men of little faith! But you, you must not set your hearts on things to eat and things to drink; nor must you worry. It is the pagans of this world who set their hearts on these things. Your Father well knows you need them. No; set your hearts on his kingdom, and these other things will be given you as well.
'There is no need to be afraid, little flock, for it has pleased your Father to give you the kingdom.'

AUSTRALIA DAY SACRAMENTARY :

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Entrance Antiphon
I will thank you, Lord, among the peoples, praise you among the nations; for your love reaches to the heavens and your truth to the skies.
 
Opening Prayer
Father ever generous,
enlighten us with new vision
to see your shaping hand at work
in all the gifts to our country
with which your providence frames our lives.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit.
God, for ever and ever.
 
Prayer Over the Gifts
God of all power,
accept the gifts we offer with ourselves
to become the pure bread of Christ
and the new wine of the kingdom.
We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord.
 
Communion Antiphon
O Bless the Lord, my soul, and remember all his kindness.
 
Prayer After Communion
All-provident God,
through these sacraments of your love
grant us always to live in this land
united in purpose and freed in the Spirit
until the final feast at heaven's table.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

SOLEMN BLESSING:
May the God of truth and love
make you eager to share your gifts with others.
Amen.
May God who has shown his justice to the nations
make you tireless messengers in his service.
Amen.
May God who has shown you his salvation
guide you swiftly to the inheritance he has promised.
Amen.
May almighty God bless you
the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Preface for Australia day

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give him thanks and praise.
Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.
Out of your infinite glory
you have given us the power through your Spirit
for our hidden self to grow strong,
so that Christ may live in our hearts through faith.
Through him you have blessed our land.
The fierce flood of your grace sweeps away all barriers,
and soaks deep into our being,
so that the desert blooms with the life that lies in wait.
You will give us the strength
to grasp the breadth and the length
and height and the depth
of that utter fullness of your love
which surpasses all knowledge.
With all the hosts of heaven,
we give you glory from generation to generation
in our song of praise:

 

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, January 23, 2022 (EPISODE: 346)

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, January 23, 2022
(EPISODE: 346)

Readings for Sunday, January 23, 2022 - Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C
FIRST READING: Neh 8:1-4a, 5-6, 8-10 ++
Psalm 19:7, 8, 9, 14. "Your Words, Lord, are Spirit and life"
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 12:12-30 or 12:12-14, 27
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 4:18cd). Alleluia, alleluia! The Lord has sent me to bring Good News to the poor and freedom to prisoners.
GOSPEL: Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 2096412949 - Nazareth, Israel - December 24, 2021: The interior of Synagogue Church. In Nazareth, Israel – Contributor: RnDmS
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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, January 23, 2022, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-third-sunday-of-ordinary-time-year-c-safety-edit-copy-episode-346?si=26fb5114a8854657b6740d59be25d7e2&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing  (EPISODE: 346)
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*Prologue (Fr Paul Kelly)
In the wonderful First reading, we see an ancient example of the people of God gathering to listen to God's word and give praise and worship to the Lord. This pattern all these many centuries later is still familiar.  God's people, including us today, gather to listen to God's word and appreciate the meaning of it for our lives here and now, and it touches our hearts and minds and deepens our dedication to the Lord.  Sometimes God's word challenges us and cuts us to the heart, as it reveals our areas for growth, and at other times, it encourages and nurtures us. But it never fails to be a source of grace and life for all who receive the Word.

May we always open our hearts and minds to God's word...  Cherishing it, being moved by it....    treasuring it and living it...

And what a beautiful second reading!  Saint Paul once again gives us a superb image - Just as the body has many parts but it is still one body.... so, we, God's people, are invited to remember the unity we have with one another... the shared sense of purpose and the lived reality that our good is tied to the good of all people.

We each have gifts... but these gifts are "given to share" with each other, ... so we really need to help and support each other... especially those most in need....

Saint Luke wrote his version of the gospel (which we hear today and through most of this year), and he says he did this to provide an orderly account of things relating to Jesus.  (Luke also wrote the "Acts of the Apostles"... clearly addressing (at the start of both books) to the same person named "your Excellency Theophilus"  - (a name that means lover of God") - who was obviously a Gentile believer; with a high rank and status in society... This gospel particularly speaks to influential and powerful Gentiles, who are trying to work out what Jesus' asks of them and what God's core values are. And Luke's writing is inviting and challenging in equal measure.

And at the very start of Our Lord's ministry, God's ancient words are announced as being fulfilled "right here and right now, as you listen.." -  In this extraordinary speech at the synagogue of his own home town Jesus, spells out the "blueprint for his ministry" – (an incredibly generous and compassionate ministry at that), ….,

It is a stunning declaration of the dawning of a new era of God's favour, kindness, and grace…..   Where all the hopes and dreams of the poor and the needy have been noticed by God and committed to God's care. God really cares a lot, about how badly people are faring and God means to do something about it through Jesus and his followers. God wants people to see their destiny as bound-up with the worries of others too. And use their gifts and influence to make a difference, not just for ourselves or our families and friends, but for the good of all people - whom we united to, through God.

Jesus' home town of Nazareth, was a very, very important location….. It was a city of some 20,000 people. And so, Jesus' speech at Nazareth, a town in Galilee – (Galilee means 'circle of the nations – probably because of the large number of people from other nations who settled there), is timely and perfectly-placed.  At the crossroads of the nations, God has intervened in our history… and has come to give us news… and thank goodness; it is very good news indeed ……for the poor and the needy.(1)

"The poor" are all of us, in one way or another)…  Many of us are captive to one thing or another in our lives……   we all desperately need the news Jesus has to give us… so this news from Jesus is for all of us.  And for everyone… //  And we take heart that Jesus has us in mind when he begins his mission to save and help people in need… and free us from whatever imprisons and impoverishes us all…

The first step seems to be 'freedom' – To be Free from anything that stops us being the loving people God calls us to be…. /  Free to respond compassionately and justly to those in need….. //  Free from wasting our time and energy on that which does not last.

Jesus words are not merely 'talk'  - He sets about immediately doing what he has just announced to the people. Involving himself fully in the lives of those who are suffering and who feel lost.

Let us, as one body in Christ, recognise that we are all in this together....  It is not "them or us" or "every person for themselves"….  It is "us, gathered and united by Christ," to be open to/. cooperate with/ and trust in our Lord, who is good news in everything he says and does//.. in fact, he is the very best news we will ever hear….

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Homily (Fr Peter Dillon)
HOMILY – 3^RD SUNDAY ORDINARY TIME YEAR C 2022

Returning to your hometown after a long absence can be a confronting exercise.
Will we recognise people and houses, will we be remembered and will we be able to capture the same feelings we once experienced in this place of security? Will I be a stranger in a place I used to call home? What we usually find that although there has been change, we too have changed and we need to balance our understanding with what was and what is.

This is the kind of introduction Luke gives us in today's gospel. Here is someone who has gone from his hometown for a while and is now returning for a visit. There are some who will remember him as a little child, others who knew his father and mother and there will be others who will look at him with curiosity and suspicion. He is not just any man returning home because his reputation has preceded him, he is something of a minor celebrity. Will he be as wise as they have heard or will he try to convince them to change their comfortable ways?

As expected he goes to the synagogue, where he had sat as a young boy, and is handed to scroll of the prophet Isaiah where he reads the famous lines that "the spirit of the Lord is upon me and he sent me to bring good news". He then sat down as a sign that an important teaching was to follow.

 And then he tells them something that startles them and gives them cause for great concern. "Today this scripture is being fulfilled in your hearing". Surely he can't be suggesting that he is the fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah. They had been looking so far into the future for their Messiah that they were unable to accept that the time had come. He was there with them. Naturally this was too hard to believe until he was able to accompany his prophetic words with outstanding signs. But for the present they were wary and reserved.

The word that got to them was "today" because they had been trained to look to the future for salvation. He makes no long-range forecast, no promise that things will be different in the future. Rather, he claims the power to transform the present. There are no good times coming, they are here now and the kingdom of God is among you, he declares. Luke is emphatic that Jesus underscores this in almost all the things he says. Today is what counts. Today grace abounds. Today the kingdom will be realised. Today God is revealed behind every episode in your life.

It was for this very reason that this gospel challenged the people of his hometown and it challenges us to live and be open to the life of Christ in the here and now.

So how can we discover this everyday grace? Perhaps we could start by living one day of acceptance. What would it be like if we gave ourselves the opportunity for just one day to concentrate on totally accepting everyone and making no judgments?

Does that sound like too difficult a task or do we no longer notice when we judge others? If we consider it, everything we think and say or do reacts on us like a boomerang. Every judgment, every criticism and attack comes back to us. Equally every act of love and compassion and generosity does the same and comes back to us, sometimes with increase.

Secondly, we should look for the opportunities in today even if it's not quite what we bargained for. Sometimes the problem or intrusion can contain the grace of the day that we weren't expecting. Allow ourselves time to put things in perspective. Did I make the problem bigger than it really was? Did that person take more time than I wanted to give? Was it really a major issue to spend more time than I had planned assisting a person in need?

The fulfilment of God's promise today is the key, so that we will not miss the chance to be part of God's saving action in what we think as the ordinariness if our lives.

A day of acceptance without judgement, a day of opportunity without complaint, a day of perspective without fear, starting - today.
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References:

prologue by Fr Paul W. Kelly

Homily by fr peter Dillon

THE DAILY STUDY BIBLE. GOSPEL OF LUKE. (REVISED EDITION). BY WILLIAM BARCLAY.

SUNDAYS AND HOLY DAY LITURGIES. YEAR C. FLOR MCCARTHY S.D.B.

Abbot's homily. Monastery of Christ in the desert.

(1) 'Galilee of the nations', which refers to gentiles who settled there at the time that the book was written, either by their own volition or as a result of being deported there. From; Room, Adrian (2006). "Place-names of the World: Origins and Meanings of the Names for 6,600 Countries, Cities, Territories, Natural Features, and Historic Sites." (2nd, revised ed.). McFarland. p. 138. ISBN 978-0-7864-2248-7. Retrieved 21 February 2011. Source: Wikipedia on "Galilee"

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 2096412949 - Nazareth, Israel - December 24, 2021: The interior of Synagogue Church. In Nazareth, Israel – Contributor: RnDmS

Image Credit: A hilltop near Nazareth, Israel.  Photograph by Fr Paul W. Kelly).


Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C  (Sunday, January 23, 2022)  (EPISODE: 346)
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}}

Brothers and sisters, as weprepare ourselves to celebrate the Lord,s supper, let us recall our sins and acknowledge them in silence.
I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault,* through my most grievous fault; therefore
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.

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Psalm 19:7, 8, 9, 14. "Your Words Lord are Spirit and life"

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 4:18cd). Alleluia, alleluia! The Lord has sent me to bring Good News to the poor and freedom to prisoners.

Memorial Acclamation
3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.
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PREFACE: Sundays II
EP III
Communion side.  pwk:  RH
(theme variation: v1/full )
(pre+post variation: v2-short)
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{I am very grateful for you joining us for this special 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 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 - 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 -     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 MV5-USB

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 -  2022]
May God bless and keep you.
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[ Production -  KER -  2022]

May God bless and keep you.
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