Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, October 2, 2022 (EPISODE-385 )

 

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, October 2, 2022 (EPISODE-385 )

Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish - Weekly Parish Mass - podcast of Eucharist, including readings, prayers, homily) Greetings from Surfers Catholic parish! Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, October 2, 2022 (EPISODE-385 ) Please find linked below the latest edition of the Parish weekly Homily and link to the (audio) podcast of the mass, especially produced for those who are unable to be with us at mass. https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-27c-ordinary-time-2022-episode-385/s-bFmKMwpnbuk Many thanks, The Parish Team Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, October 2, 2022 (EPISODE-385 ) Readings for Sunday, October 2, 2022 - Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C FIRST READING: Hab 1:2-3, 2:2-4 Ps 95:1-2, 6-7ab, 7c-9. "If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts." SECOND READING: 2 Tim 1:6-8, 13-14 GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 17:5-10). Alleluia, alleluia! The word of the Lord stands forever. It is the word given to you - the good news. GOSPEL: Luke 17:5-10 Image licensed by Shutterstock: By Lazarenka Sviatlana. stock photo ID: 1354734821, Doorman at the door on the background of blurred people. ++++ Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, October 2, 2022, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-27c-ordinary-time-2022-episode-385/s-bFmKMwpnbuk (EPISODE- 385) +++++ GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND God always answers our prayers. However, sometimes the answer is a loving but firm NO! Amazingly, in the Gospel this weekend, the Apostles ask the Lord what seems a fairly sensible thing... they ask the Lord to increase their faith. Our Lord basically says, NO. Its not the amount of faith you have, it is your application of whatever faith you have. Faith is about action, and living consistently in the values of the faith. Our Lord says, even a small seed of faith can produce astounding results, if we put ourselves in God's hands and set about the work of service we have been called to. God's grace is more than sufficient. Let us humbly set to work in this excellent task. ++ In this weekend's gospel, Our Lord teaches that in the life of a community all people must deny their own self-focused designs, and develop a healthy detachment from "self." We are indeed heirs to God's Kingdom and sons and daughters of God…. But Our Lord warns us that pride is the beginning of many sins…. If we develop a sense of entitlement or presumption// if what we do fills us with a sense that God owe us something…or that others owe us something, this is can be highly corrosive…// Everything we do must be for the building up of God's Kingdom alone, or else it will unwittingly contribute to the building up of the "Kingdom of ME," at the expense of "the Kingdom of God"…. It becomes a form of "idolatry," Our Lord uses the example of the servant. In those days, a servant could not merit anything of their own. The master, (often hard and demanding, but hopefully fair), was entitled to the servant's efficient service. This was expected as the "norm." It was not normal to thank a servant for doing what was merely their job. The servant could often be the hardest working, most dedicated labourer in his master's house, and unquestionably fully committed to everything that was for the good of the family they worked for,-- but should this person demand gratitude and extra reward for this? ... Isn't the servant only being diligent in performing what is expected of them? Looking at things from a self-serving mindset is the opposite of what Our Lord is teaching his disciples… And it also taints and lessens all the good work that a Christian disciple can do, if they turn around and expect something other than merely the sense that they may have helped build up God's values. I think we can benefit from this gospel teaching very much……. Just think of all the good work done by so many. And then imagine if, later on, down the track… a person who has done so much for the community, metaphorically 'calls in the debt' by demanding something be done for them and citing, (as a reason of their demand), all the work they had done in the past -- suggesting that all that work entitles them to demand a benefit…. In doing so, they have absolutely, (according to this parable), cancelled out all credit for the Kingdom of God…. And forgone reward in the Kingdom…… And also this undermines the original good motive of doing what was needed simply for the sake of doing good itself, and helping build God's Kingdom….. we need to be on guard for this always….. in ourselves and in others…. As it derails the real direction of the community's efforts – towards God's priorities. I must admit, as jarring as this image is, I really, really like this concept. It is a refreshing antidote (and corrective) to a world where 'what's in it for me,' and a sense of 'entitlement' can pervade every corner of society. Pride and an inflated sense of one's own importance is often at the centre of a lot of conflict, misunderstanding, disunity, frustration and resentment. In the gospel this weekend Our Lord reminds us that we are servants and disciples of God's word…. Our duty is to teach, to witness and to live the values of the gospel, no matter how challenging these values are, and irrespective of the opposition or the ridicule we will receive from some sections of secular society. And certainly despite of any criticism or praise, cost or reward that comes from doing our job. I think of our own communities, with the increase in the legal requirements for safeguarding, all workers and volunteers have had to undertake even more compliance courses, and fill out and provide more information for the ministries they conduct. This has been very demanding and difficult for many people. And we are so grateful for the patience and generosity of so many. But there has been some outrage, too, because it has been a very trying and demanding process. This gospel, though, made me stop and think. Are we to be too outraged? Yes, there are many volunteers… yes, it is out of the goodness of one's time and energy. But, as Christians, is anyone really just a volunteer… or are we all doing what is needed to ensure the work of the gospel is fulfilled in this place? At any cost. Living the gospel is difficult… and challenging… and it will often meet with opposition or challenges……. The Apostles realise the seemingly impossible demands of discipleship. So, they in today's gospel that Our Lord "increase their faith." Our Lord' reply to his disciples is a stinging rebuke. In effect, he says, 'More faith? If you had any faith at all - faith as puny as a tiny mustard seed - you could do great things!' But doing great things is not the point, as the parable goes on to explain. What is required is merely doing what is expected. A servant's job is not in itself extraordinary, and nor is it dramatic or "histrionic." The work of a servant does not draw attention to itself. A faithful worker does what the master commands, namely, both the fieldwork as well as serving at the table. Similarly, disciples who are servants of the Lord must do what they are commanded, even forgiving others seven times a day if necessary. Though this may seem extraordinary, it is in fact merely part of our daily job. Our Lord using a striking, dramatic and rather outlandish example….of the mulberry tree, when commanded to be uprooted and transplanted in the sea. Naturally, there is nothing to be gained by a mulberry tree in the sea… it would die there../ but it is an ancient version of our modern military saying.. "if your senior officer commands you to jump, don't ask why, just ask: how high?- or, even better, ask no questions and do it immediately" The Lord calls his disciples to listen to his gospel and DO what is asked of them.. . even if it seems quite difficult or confusing or even if it seems mundane. So, surprisingly, Our Lord says NO to the disciples when they ask for more faith. Instead, he reminds them (and us), that abundant faith is not required for discipleship. Even a little bit of faith is sufficient to do great things. It is not the quantity of faith, it is how one puts it into action. If we put even the smallest amount of faith into action and place our efforts in the hands of God's grace, astounding and good things will be produced. People of faith are not only those who do great, dramatic or extraordinary feats of wonder and bravery for God and Church. Actually, faith is as readily expressed in ordinary, everyday acts of service, love and kindness. Our Lord instructs disciples that 'faith' is expressed in action… and even more precisely in obedience to him. THE GOSPELS teach us that obedience to God is not something that lessens us or demeans us but is actually an expression of love, and of faith. This image of the servant disciple is put forward by Our Lord as the ideal image of how we should see our calling as disciples – to be servants with tasks in relation to God and God's Kingdom, rather than any sense of entitlement, reward, or even the idea that we can somehow earn or merit God's love or that God should thank us for doing what is merely necessary for our wonderful task of building up God's Kingdom, and for giving unceasing thanks to God for what is rightfully God's. (And, what is rightfully God's is…- "Everything!") +++++ References: Fr Paul W. Kelly SHARING THE WORD THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR. GUSTAVO GUTIERREZ. Living Liturgy – Homily reflection notes. Prepare the Word, reflections 2013. Image licensed by Shutterstock: By Lazarenka Sviatlana. stock photo ID: 1354734821, Doorman at the door on the background of blurred people. Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C (Sunday, October 2, 2022) (EPISODE- 385) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. +++++++++++++ {{Good day everyone}} Our God's love and mercy knows no bounds, and so let us recall our sins so as to worthily celebrate this Holy Sacrifice. I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault,* through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God. May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +++++++++++++++++++++ Ps 95:1-2, 6-7ab, 7c-9. "If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts." GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 17:5-10). Alleluia, alleluia! The word of the Lord stands forever. It is the word given to you - the good news. Memorial Acclamation 3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PREFACE: Sundays Ordinary I Eucharistic Prayer I Communion side: (theme variation: v4) (pre+post variation: v1-long) ++++ {thanks everyone. And may God sustain you with his grace and love.} Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord. ++++++++ 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: Subscribe to mailing list to keep up-to-date 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 Digital Condenser (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. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [ Production - KER - 2022] May God bless and keep you. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish sends these emails in order to speedily keep in touch with parishioners, including for the occasional urgent/emergency emails affecting parish schedules (which has come in handy already for several unexpected events in the past - which people were grateful to receive quickly - So, we ask that you please consider keeping subscribed to this mailing list, as it helps us keep in touch in all sorts of changing situations. We have had times when parishioners said they did not know of an important development within the parish and it turns out that they had opted out of this central email). Copyright (C) 2022 Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Office 50 Fairway Drive CLEAR ISLAND WATERS, QLD 4226 Australia Add us to your address book Our mailing address is: Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Office 50 Fairway Drive CLEAR ISLAND WATERS, QLD 4226 Australia Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, September 25, 2022 (EPISODE- 384)

 

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, September 25, 2022 (EPISODE- 384)

Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish - Weekly Parish Mass - podcast of Eucharist, including readings, prayers, homily) Greetings from Surfers Catholic parish!  Please find linked below the latest edition of the Parish weekly Homily and link to the (audio) podcast of the mass, especially produced for those who are unable to be with us at mass.  https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-26c-ordinary-time-2022-episode-384/s-L3tzjq6DtbW Many thanks, The Parish Team  Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, September 25, 2022 (EPISODE- 384) Readings for Sunday, September 25, 2022 - Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C FIRST READING: Amos 6:1a, 4-7 Ps 146:6c-7, 8-9a, 9b-10. "Praise the Lord, my soul!" SECOND READING: 1 Tim 6:11-16 GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 16:19-31). Alleluia, alleluia! Jesus Christ was rich but he became poor. To make you rich out of his poverty. GOSPEL: Luke 16:19-31 Photo Credit: Shutterstock licensed photo ID: 313796105 DUBLIN, IRELAND - AUGUST 16, 2015: Homeless Jesus statue on August 16, 2015 near Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin ++++ Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers, and homily), for Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, September 25, 2022, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-26c-ordinary-time-2022-episode-384/s-L3tzjq6DtbW (EPISODE- 384) +++++ This weekend, God's word emphasizes the importance of empathy and compassion. -- particularly, having the eyes of compassion, which are not blind to the suffering of others around us. The readings give a "big serve" to all who enjoy every kind of luxury but who are quite ignorant of people in extreme need (for even the basic necessities) - - People who are "hidden in plain sight." The Lord wants everyone to know that the sick, the poor, and the outcast, are very dear to him. They are cherished children, as dear to God as the loftiest person on earth. The Lord desperately wants us to see and recognize our fellow brothers and sisters and to respond to them as we would a brother or sister in need. Their welfare is our welfare, since we belong to the same family of God. This is faith, hope and love.  ++ The Parable in this weekend's Gospel is often called The Story of "Lazarus and "Divés". These are supposedly the names of the poor man, who certainly is called Lazarus, and the rich man, who is actually not named - and I think he is deliberately not given a name in this parable. The word "Divés" is a Latin word which translates as "Rich". So, it is actually not a name, but rather a description. In many Biblical stories, and in the culture of the time, the importance of the person is often shown by the fact that they are given a "name". To know the name of someone is to know and understand the importance of that person. It is an error, then when commentators attempt to give a name to the rich man when it is clearly not intended in the parable. This story is deliberately turning the usual conventions on its head. Usually, the rich and influential person is regarded as so important that they must have a name in the drama, whilst the unimportant, insignificant character of the poor person remains nameless, as well as being without food, shelter, or supplies. However, Our Lord's parable makes it quite clear that the most important person in this story is Lazarus! The whole point of the story is to overturn the usual expectations of status and importance. Tragically, this point is also lost on the rich man who, even in the torment of Hades, still misses the point badly. He ignorantly requests Abraham to command Lazarus to cross over to Hades to serve him with a little taste of water. However, his request is rightly denied. Lazarus is poor no longer! he is no longer unseen and without value in the eyes of those around him. He is no longer at the beck and call of the powerful and influential who would only have noticed him if he were of some practical use to them at the time – (and if he was of no use to them, he would be quite invisible to them). As St. Basil said in one of his homilies on this parable, "Tell us the reason why you have received your possessions. Is it so that God may be unjust? God who unequally distributes those goods necessary to life? Why are you rich and another poor? To the hungry belongs the spare bread that you keep. To the naked, the cloak you keep tucked away. You commit as many injustices as there are people to whom you could give." One of the great failings of the rich man in this parable is that he isignorant and apathetic to the poverty and need of people around him; -- people who turn out to be his brother, and his sister in God's Kingdom. … SO, these needy people are co-heirs to the Kingdom which this uncaring man will never inherit…. This parable invites us to change our way of seeing things. The gospel tells us in countless ways that the last will be first. Our Lord calls upon us to truly build up a world based upon true gospel values….. a world and a Kingdom of God which is filled with many people like Lazarus, who are despised now by those who, according to the parable, do not deserve to have a name. The parable leaves no room for doubt. The unnamed rich man tries to say he had no idea about the plight of the poor. However, "Father Abraham" will have none of this! He dismisses this categorically, saying "you have the word of God to listen to." The words and teachings of the Scriptures are more than enough to guide us in how we should live. In spite of the clarity of the gospel message, we admit that we too can look for excuses or ask for more obvious signs before we respond to the blatant demands of justice and compassion. The priorities of the gospel are really quite plain enough, without any further embellishment…. we only have to pay attention.- to look, and listen and feel.... Those who ignore the poor are rejected by the Lord. Saint Paul gives us the reason for such a behaviour: "the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." Greed leads us to place our trust in money, when all true power rightly comes only from God. This is why Paul calls it 'idolatry.' And the poor are victims of this distorted worship, which separates people by a great chasm, -- unable to be crossed over. But all is not lost… This parable continues on from the earlier parables in this section. Although we are told that the rich man faced a great gulf between himself and the Kingdom of God, where Abraham and Lazarus in Paradise. …. Jesus has already given his carefully attentive listeners a hint… and a key… There is actually one way out of this seemingly impossible situation -- In theory, this rich man can be saved….. But he is so ignorant that he cannot even comprehend it; and so in practise he probably will never access this reprieve… He must act just as the foolish younger son did in the parable of the Prodigal Son…. He must, come to his senses and see the folly of his ways. He must say to his heavenly Father (from the depths of his heart) --…. "Father, I have sinned against heaven and against earth… I no longer deserve to be called your son, treat me as one of your hired servants…. "….. Because we KNOW, (from Jesus' own lips), what the Heavenly Father's response will be to those who realise their error, and who awake from their apathy, truly repent… and turn back……. Again. Luke's gospel is particularly addressed to influential and affluent Gentiles who want to be good Christians. Our Lord did not tell this parable so that people will give up in despair, because their unavoidable destiny is Hades. He teaches this parable to wake them up from their apathy, and get them to show their fraternity to those who are bowed-down. Someone once write into a publication to share a little example: One day they received an appeal from a reputable foreign mission, asking for an aid donation. The person wrote a little cheque out to support the mission appeal and felt good about it. Then they went out to the local shopping centre and promptly spent twice as much on discretionary spending. Suddenly this person shares that their eyes were opened and they were overcome with a sense of shame as they realised the chasm between the two actions. This person quickly returned home and wrote five more cheques out, explaining that they were doing this to "catch a few more 'Lazaruses,' at the door"….(or even further afield)……. +++++++++++++++++++ References: Fr Paul W. Kelly SHARING THE WORD THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR. GUSTAVO GUTIERREZ. Fr. John Fuellenbach, SVD, (Rome), Sabbatical Lectures 2007. Rome. (Notes of Paul Kelly) A BOOK OF GRACE-FILLED DAYS. BY ALICE CAMILLE. (2010) Photo Credit: Shutterstock licensed photo ID: 313796105 DUBLIN, IRELAND - AUGUST 16, 2015: Homeless Jesus statue on August 16, 2015 near Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C (Sunday, September 25, 2022) (EPISODE- 384) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You) +++++++++++++ {{Greetings}} My brothers and sisters, trusting in God's mercy and love, let us call to mind our sins. 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. +++++++++++++++++++++ Ps 146:6c-7, 8-9a, 9b-10. "Praise the Lord, my soul!" GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 16:19-31). Alleluia, alleluia! Jesus Christ was rich but he became poor. To make you rich out of his poverty. Memorial Acclamation 2. When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PREFACE: Sundays Ordinary VI Eucaristic Prayer II Communion side:  (theme variation: v3) (welcome cycle- (welcome 6) Good evening/morning. Welcome to this Eucharist as we celebrate the NNN Sunday in SSSSSS. For all who are celebrating special events at this time, may God's blessing and care be deeply experienced for you and your families. Please check to see that your mobile devices are switched off or turned to silent. Our Presider tonight / today is Fr………………………… Please stand as we sing our entrance hymn: "__________" *) (pre+post variation: v2-long) ++++ {heartfelt thanks to you all for uniting in prayer and reflectying upon God's goodness and care.} Go forth, the Mass is ended. ++++++++ 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: Subscribe to mailing list to keep up-to-date 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 Digital Condenser (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. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, September 18, 2022 (EPISODE- 383)

 

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, September 18, 2022 (EPISODE- 383)

Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish - Weekly Parish Mass - podcast of Eucharist, including readings, prayers, homily) Greetings from Surfers Catholic parish! Please find linked below the latest edition of the Parish weekly Homily and link to the (audio) podcast of the mass, especially produced for those who are unable to be with us at mass. https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-25c-ordinary-time-2022-episode-383-master/s-QxaXqTA7zRS Many thanks, The Parish Team Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, September 18, 2022 (EPISODE- 383) Readings for Sunday, September 18, 2022 - Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C FIRST READING: Amos 8:4-7 Ps 113:1-2, 4-6, 7-8. "Praise the Lord, who lifts up my soul" SECOND READING: 1 Tim 2:1-7 GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 16:1-13 or 16:10-13). Alleluia, alleluia! Jesus Christ was rich but he became poor. To make you rich out of his poverty. GOSPEL: Luke 16:1-13 or 16:10-13 Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Vector ID: 1310016229 - Filling the checklist. Correction of the text. Proofreading in pencil. Amendment to the text. Vector image. The icon of the hand write- Vector Contributor: e.s design ++++ Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers, and homily), for Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, September 18, 2022, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-25c-ordinary-time-2022-episode-383-master/s-QxaXqTA7zRS (EPISODE- 383) +++++ Prologue: Lk.16:13 lays down the rule that no slave can serve two masters. The master possessed the slave and possessed him exclusively. Nowadays, a servant or a worker can quite easily do two jobs and work for two people. They can do one job and another in their spare time. But a slave had no spare time; every moment of his day, and every ounce of his energy, belonged to his master. He had no time which was his own. So, serving God can never be a part-time or a spare-time job. Once a man chooses to serve God every moment of his time and every atom of his energy belongs to God. God is the most exclusive of masters. We either belong to him totally or not at all.%% ++++++ Homily - Today's parable of the "dishonest steward" would have to be one of the most confounding parable in the gospels. At first glance, Our Lord seems to be praising the dishonesty and unscrupulous behaviour of the manager who gets fired for dodgy practisss. But a closer look shows that Jesus is actually contrasting the behaviour and priorities of people who have a worldly focus with those who have a focus on the Kingdom of God…. A parable that looks initially foreign to us, actually tells us something significant… This initially jarring parable actually has a lot in common with another parable of Jesus… namely… the parable of the rich fool. And also the parable of the rich man and the poor man Lazarus at his gate. All of these parables are trying to tell us that collecting money and possessions is not the most important thing in life… its establishing significant and lasting relationships with our brothers and sisters around us…. That is - everyone! "In Jesus' mind, relationships are more important than money and should be served by money rather than the other way around. This is why the master praises the manager—not because he stole his money, but because the manager didn't allow money to distract him from the greater goal of relationships. This is how Jesus views money and calls his followers to view it. This parable forces the listener to decide what it is they trust."** "Whether we live for Jesus and his Kingdom forces a moment of decision on us. Will we trust that Jesus is more trustworthy than all the economic structures around us? If those who don't know Jesus cheat one another because they know the value of relationships over money, then how much more should we use the money God has freely given us by God for the benefit of others?"** {A BAD MAN'S GOOD EXAMPLE (from Barclay)} In today's parable, the '"dodgy" steward knew that he had lost his job. He, therefore, had a brilliant idea. He falsified the entries in the books so that the debtors were debited with far less than they owed. This would have two effects. First, the debtors would be grateful to him and emotionally owe him in the future; and second, and much more effective, he had involved the debtors in his own misdemeanours, and, if the worst came to the worst, he was now in a strong position to exercise a little judicious blackmail!"%% terrible and dishonest behaviour for sure…… As Jesus says of this parable…..the sons of this world are wiser in their generation than the sons of light. That means that, if only the Christian was as eager and ingenious in their attempts to attain goodness as the people of the world are in their attempts to attain money and comfort, we would be a much better people. If only we would give as much attention to the things which concern our souls as others do to achieve the things which concern their business, we would be very profitable for the kingdom. "Over and over again a person will expend twenty times the amount of time and money and effort on his business endeavours and his pleasure, his hobby, his garden, his sport as he does on his church. Our Christianity will begin to be real and effective only when we spend as much time and effort on the things of God, as we do on our worldly activities.%% People who are successful in the ways of this earthly world…. Spend days and nights plotting, scheming, working, and planning for things that will produce good profits and material benefits… how much, more importantly, should we spend our time, energy, and planning and honest scheming to produce the fruits of the Kingdom of heaven!!!%% It is quite clear from these parables and from Jesus' teaching that Our Lord had a very healthy suspicion and aversion to money and material possessions. He knew they were imperfect and tainted. He was a realist. Many people could not totally avoid dealing with money and material goods… but that doesn't mean we should put much trust in them…. It is to be used with caution and with a healthy suspicion for its inadequacy and shallowness….%% According to Our Lord's teaching, material possessions should be used, if they must be used, to cement the friendships and relationship s wherein the real and permanent value of life lie.%% The Rabbis had a saying, "The rich help the poor in this world, but the poor help the rich in the world to come." Ambrose, commenting on the rich fool who built bigger barns to store his goods, said, "The bosoms of the poor, the houses of widows, the mouths of children are the barns which last forever." It was a Jewish belief that charity given to poor people would stand to a man's credit in the world to come. A man's true wealth would consist not in what he kept, but in what he gave away.%% Lukes gospel, we must keep in mind, was written and addressed largely to gentile Christians of Greek backgreound who were people of influence and wealth and social status… So the gospel is clearly teaching them…… "A person can use his wealth selfishly or he can use it to make life easier, not only for himself, but for his friends and his fellow-person. How many a scholar is forever grateful to a rich man who gave or left money to found bursaries and scholarships which made a university career possible! How many people are grateful to a better-off friend who saw them through some time of need in the most practical way! Possessions are not in themselves a sin, but they are a great responsibility, and the person who uses them to help their friends has gone far to discharge that responsibility."%% +++++ References: Fr Paul W. Kelly **https://bibleproject.com/podcast/finding-meaning-in-the-parables/ %%Barclay, W. (1975). The Gospel of Luke. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: St. Andrew Press Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Vector ID: 1310016229 - Filling the checklist. Correction of the text. in pencil. Amendment to the text. Vector image. The icon of the hand write- Vector Contributor: e.s design Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C (Sunday, September 18, 2022) (EPISODE- 383) The Lord be with you. +++++++++++++ {{Hi}} My friends in Christ, to worthily celebrate the sacred mysteries, let us first acknowledge our sins. 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. +++++++++++++++++++++ Ps 113:1-2, 4-6, 7-8. "Praise the Lord, who lifts up my soul" GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 16:1-13 or 16:10-13). Alleluia, alleluia! Jesus Christ was rich but he became poor. To make you rich out of his poverty. Memorial Acclamation 1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PREFACE: Sundays Ordinary V Eucharistic Prayer III Communion side: (theme variation: v2) (welcome cycle- (welcome 5) Good evening/morning. Welcome to this Eucharist as we celebrate the NNN Sunday in SSSSSS. To all visitors to our parish, you are most welcome and may this be a peaceful and special time for you. Please check to see that your mobile devices are switched off or turned to silent. Our Presider tonight / today is Fr………………………… Please stand as we sing our entrance hymn: "__________" *) (pre+post variation: v1-short) ++++ {Bless you all and May God's grace guide you each and every day.} Go in peace.(glorifying the Lord by your life) ++++++++ 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: Subscribe to mailing list to keep up-to-date 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 Digital Condenser (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. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish sends these emails in order to speedily keep in touch with parishioners, including for the occasional urgent/emergency emails affecting parish schedules (which has come in handy already for several unexpected events in the past - which people were grateful to receive quickly - So, we ask that you please consider keeping subscribed to this mailing list, as it helps us keep in touch in all sorts of changing situations. We have had times when parishioners said they did not know of an important development within the parish and it turns out that they had opted out of this central email). Copyright (C) 2022 Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Office 50 Fairway Drive CLEAR ISLAND WATERS, QLD 4226 Australia Add us to your address book Our mailing address is: Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Office 50 Fairway Drive CLEAR ISLAND WATERS, QLD 4226 Australia Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

Twenty-fourth Sunday. Year C - Sunday, September 11, 2022 (EPISODE-382 )

 

Twenty-fourth Sunday. Year C - Sunday, September 11, 2022 (EPISODE-382 )

Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish - Weekly Parish Mass - podcast of Eucharist, including readings, prayers, homily) Greetings from Surfers Catholic parish!  Please find linked below the latest edition of the Parish weekly Homily and link to the (audio) podcast of the mass, especially produced for those who are unable to be with us at mass.  Twenty-fourth Sunday. Year C - Sunday, September 11, 2022 (EPISODE-382 ) https://on.soundcloud.com/4Uja Many thanks, The Parish Team  Twenty-fourth Sunday. Year C - Sunday, September 11, 2022 (EPISODE-382 ) Readings for Sunday, September 11, 2022 - Twenty-fourth Sunday. Year C FIRST READING: Exod 32:7-11, 13-14 Ps 51:1-2, 10-11, 15+17. "I will rise and go to my Father" SECOND READING: 1 Tim 1:12-17 GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 15:1-32 or 15:1-10). Alleluia, alleluia! God was in Christ, to reconcile the world to himself; And the Good News of reconciliation he has entrusted to us. GOSPEL: Luke 15:1-32 or 15:1-10 Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 78145189 - Lost and lonely lamb - Photo Contributor: David Lade ++++ Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers, and homily), for Twenty-fourth Sunday. Year C - Sunday, September 11, 2022, by clicking this link here: https://on.soundcloud.com/4Uja(EPISODE-382 ) +++++ This weekend's parable of the prodigal son is surely one of the greatest and best-loved parables in the bible. I used to think that prodigal meant bad or misguided but in fact, it means prodigious ... exceeding or excessive ... in that sense all three main characters in this parable are prodigal .. but each in different ways... . ... one, (the younger son), is excessive in waste and recklessness .. the other, (the older son), is excessive in resentment and a sense of grudging slavery, and the last, (the loving father), is excessive in love and mercy. It is ironic that one of the best-known stories in the bible has yet to fully be grasped for its astounding message about Gods love and mercy for us....  ++++++++ We only have to look at the situation of Saint Paul, to be overjoyed that God doesn't write-us-off when we make terrible mistakes... even huge ones! .....  Saint Paul was a wonderful disciple and messenger for Christ, and God's Kingdom... but if we had applied merely earthly standards he would have been banished from the Christian life forever, for his earlier merciless persecutions of the Christians. ... and all he had to offer would have been scorned and lost. ... Instead.. he has become the foremost example of how God can make use of even those who have gotten the message so wrong... but who turned back and were forgiven and renewed... and then cooperated, with God's grace, in the wonderful things God was doing. It is Inspiring!  And anyone who witnessed this would rightly rejoice and join in God's happiness, at gaining back a beloved and once-lost son.  "My son, you are here with me always; everything I have is yours." The whole parable of the "prodigal son" and the other parables in this section are best explained by the first two sentences of Today's gospel…. …."The tax collectors and the sinners were all seeking the company of Jesus to hear what he had to say, and the Pharisees and the scribes complained. 'This man' they said 'welcomes sinners and eats with them.' So he spoke this parable to them" It would seem then, that this set of parables is primarily aimed at all who, like the Scribes and Pharisees, are acting like the resentful, begrudging older son, acting more like 'good righteous slaves' rather than 'well-beloved sons'……. The parable reveals how shockingly resentful the so-called righteous leaders of the time were towards their heavenly Father and how begrudging towards all who turn back to God and seek mercy.  The most striking theme today's readings is God's infinite mercy. What a wonderful set of readings this weekend.  We are reminded that, first and foremost, we are God's beloved sons and daughters, by virtue of God's great love and not because we have earned this position.  God is an unconditionally loving parent….  We know that a child does not earn the love of his or her parent… They just simply and fully HAVE that love …. It exists as from the beginning…. Well before they were even born…. It is there throughout their lives….. It is always there…. Irrespective of the child's actions and choices….. Naturally a loving parent can get severely hurt by their child's actions…. But they do not stop loving them…. They cannot stop loving their child because it would be like denying their very self…. Which they simply cannot do……  As with an unconditionally-loving parent, is God's love for us. … but infinitely more-so God LOVES us./ God will always love us./ Like a doting parent./ The parable portrays God the Father as an almost foolishly loving and generous parent.  The father is prodigious in his love, his hope.... his generosity and mercy….  And the younger son is sadly prodigious in his wastefulness and recklessness.. But he is also quite prodigious and accurate in his assessment of his father's kindness ...... He knows he has sinned (He realises that now, with shame)…/ The son KNOWS his father is a good and just man who would at least treat him better than the people he was slaving for at the pig-farm, where he found himself starving to death….  Even the older son is prodigious.... in his resentment. and his "working and slaving resentfully"… and all the time thinking that this somehow entitles him to a reward, but ends up just making him bitter and ironically he becomes more distant from his father than the younger, wasteful son.  But at least the younger son realizes his error.  The older son does not even realise his folly.  Fortunately Jesus, Our brother, reveals to us that The heavenly Father... is the best kind of parent… truly a loving, unconditionally doting and giving Father….. who makes us his children …. We do not earn it …. And it the love God has for us is not diminished by 'undeserving' actions.. although it pierces his heart terribly.... …… …  we wander away from the Father and his love and care at our own peril…. For, we NEED our loving God…..and who knows what will happen if we stray too far and do not turn back….  A less obvious, but profoundly important theme relates to the older son. He is seemingly 'faithful' to his father in his duty, working hard to serve, but very hesitant to celebrate the return of his brother. Why? Is it jealousy or an 'it's not fair' attitude? Is he feeling let down or unimportant? Such toxic thoughts are certainly not aligned with the love his father has for him. 'My son…everything I have is yours.'  How often do we feel like that older son? Do we forget that we are beloved sons and daughters... and not begrudging slaves..... Do we actually believe in what the father tells us : "EVERYTHING I have, is yours."  Let us open our the Father's love to fill us with joy.^^ Saint Luke's Gospel today is long and wonderful. First Jesus tells us the reason for eating with sinners and enjoying their company: He knows us and comes very close to us... inviting us to share His life. Jesus explains that seeking out sinners is not a rejection of the just people. It is clear, however, that a truly just person will love sinners the way that Jesus does and the way that Moses did in the first reading. The truly just person wants all people to be saved and perhaps in a special way wants the salvation of those who have wandered far from the truth and from God's love. being a true sona dn daughter of God is sharing in the Father's passion for each and every one of his children... God is not even content with 99 saved sheep.. but will not rest until ALL 100 are safely home where they belong.  Saint Luke's Gospel also shows us that we can hope even for those who run as far away as possible from love. The story of the son who takes his inheritance and completely uses it up in wasteful living, is a clear teaching from Jesus. Even those of us wander far from God are still longed for - that they will return and be held closely. There is more than one story like this in the Gospel, showing that whenever a sinner wants to return to the Lord, the Lord is always there to receive Him with open arms. How many times? As many times as it takes - because that is the love of God. Brother and sisters in Christ, you and I are the sinners portrayed in the Gospel. We can choose between the younger son or the older son. Perhaps at different times, we may have been in the position of both of the brothers. We are invited to return to the Lord time and time again. We can turn around each day, each moment, and know that God is always loving us and forgiving us. This is the heart of the Gospel of Jesus: God is compassionate love. God is forgiveness - a countless number of times.  God wants us to know His love, even when we doubt that love. even if we only start to turn back to him because of an initially 'rather pragmatic self-interest,'... May this Sunday give us a full taste of God's love and an ever-deepening desire to live constantly in that care which is fully and completely ours…** This is the unearned possession of all who accept it; our neighbour, our friends; - Those we meet: everyone… +++++ References: Fr Paul W. Kelly ^^Madonna Magazine. http://www.pray.com.au/gospel.php?date=091513;  **Monastery of Christ in the Desert. Abbot's homily} Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 78145189 - Lost and lonely lamb - Photo Contributor: David Lade Twenty-fourth Sunday. Year C (Sunday, September 11, 2022) (EPISODE-382 ) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. +++++++++++++ {{Hello}} Coming together as God's family, let us call to mind 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. +++++++++++++++++++++ Ps 51:1-2, 10-11, 15+17. "I will rise and go to my Father" GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 15:1-32 or 15:1-10). Alleluia, alleluia! God was in Christ, to reconcile the world to himself; And the Good News of reconciliation he has entrusted to us. Memorial Acclamation 3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PREFACE: Sundays Ordinary IV Eucharistic Prayer II Communion side:  (theme variation: v1) (welcome cycle- (welcome 4) Good evening/morning. A special Gold Coast welcome to everyone, especially visitors to this part of the world. We hope your stay is enjoyable and blessed. Please check to see that your mobile devices are switched off or turned to silent. Our Presider tonight / today is Fr………………………… Please stand as we sing our entrance hymn: "__________" *) (pre+post variation: v2-short) ++++ {thank you so much for taking this time with me to listen to God's word and for praising God for his goodness and care.} Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life. ++++++++ 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: Subscribe to mailing list to keep up-to-date 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: - RODE MV-USB MINI; and Shure MV5 Digital Condenser (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.

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, September 4, 2022 (EPISODE- 381)

 

Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish - Weekly Parish Mass - podcast of Eucharist, including readings, prayers, homily) Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, September 4, 2022 (EPISODE- 381) Greetings from Surfers Catholic parish! Please find linked below the latest edition of the Parish weekly Homily and link to the (audio) podcast of the mass, especially produced for those who are unable to be with us at mass. https://on.soundcloud.com/ZgBX Many thanks, The Parish Team Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, September 4, 2022 (EPISODE- 381) Readings for Sunday, September 4, 2022 - Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C FIRST READING: Wis 9:13-18 Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14+17. "In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge" SECOND READING: Phlm 9b-10, 12-17 GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 14:25-33). Alleluia, alleluia! Let your face shine on your servant. And teach me your laws. GOSPEL: Luke 14:25-33 Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 223987429 - TRNAVA, SLOVAKIA - OCTOBER 14, 2014: The neo-gothic fresco of four evangelists (Mark, Luke, Matthew, John) by Leopold Bruckner (1905 - 1906) in Saint Nicholas church. Photo Contributor: Renata Sedmakova ++++ Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers, and homily), for Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, September 4, 2022, by clicking this link here: https://on.soundcloud.com/ZgBX (EPISODE- 381) +++++ HAPPY FATHERS DAY This weekend, the first Sunday of September, we give thanks to all Fathers; for their love, care, and generosity. We pray that God grants them joy in their family and friends, health, and strength. Also, for all fathers who have passed into eternal life. May God give them a permanent place at the heavenly feast; the reward for all their goodness and kindness. Happy Father's Day to all our Dads in the community. May God bless you and grant you peace and joy. To become a full disciple of Christ comes at a considerable cost. Being a fully-fledged follower of Christ means accepting a value system often at odds with other values. This can lead to us being ridiculed and ostracised - throughout history, it has led to people losing their friends, family members, reputation, position in society, and even their lives... The cost is worth it, but our Lord wants us to know that the values of The Kingdom of God will turn on its head, many values of the world... Those benefitting from keeping things as they always were will not surrender their position and privilege. Our Lord doesn't desire divisions, but he warns us there are no fence-sitters in the Kingdom of God. We have to jump in wholeheartedly and be prepared for the opposition. which will not fight fair. Sadly, those who oppose Christ's values oppose his vision of true justice, compassion, inclusion, love, and peace. ____ Why would Jesus counsel his followers to "hate" their families or lives? Again, it seems contrary to the consistent message of love, inclusion, mercy, and graciousness that Our Lord has been proclaiming throughout his ministry. (Barclay)…. "When Jesus made this declaration, he was on the road to Jerusalem. He knew he was on his way to surrender everything for us all... / to suffer and die on the cross; the crowds with him thought he was on his way to an empire. No wonder he turned around and spoke so clearly and bluntly to them in this way.... // In the most vivid way possible, he told them that anyone who wanted to follow him was not on the road to worldly power and glory, but rather: they must be ready for the loyalty which would sacrifice the dearest things in life and ready for suffering which would be like the agony of a man upon a cross (and for Christ himself - and some of his closest disciples it was literally to be such agony). But we must understand his words as intended ... and with all the nuance of the Eastern language, it was spoken...which is always as vivid as the human mind can make it. When Jesus tells us to "hate" our nearest and dearest, he does not mean that literally. He means that no love in life can compare with the love we must bear to GOD. Christ knew if anyone who followed him had him in second priority or lower, then when the first of many challenges, threats and suffering came along, these people would fall away swiftly... So, this passage teaches us that: (i) It is possible to be a follower of Jesus without being a disciple; to follow the army (so to speak) wherever it went, without being a soldier of the Monarch; to be a hanger-on in some great work without pulling one's weight. There is a modern-day story where a person talked to a great scholar about another person name-dropping his connection with that scholar. "So-and-so tells me that he was one of your students." The great scholar replied, "He may have attended my lectures, but he was not one of my students." It is the same with the Christian church --- there are so many distant followers of Jesus, but how many are real disciples? (ii) A Christian's first duty is to count the cost of following Christ. But if the high demands of Christ daunt us, let us remember that we are not left to fulfill this task alone. Christ who called us to this steep path will walk with us every step of the way and be there at the end to meet us."## Our Lord's constant practical example and his wider teachings show us that we must love and cherish our family and loyally keep our commitments and our duties that we owe to our parents and family… / Our Lord saved one of his most stinging criticisms for people who used religious excuses to justify neglecting their duty to their parents and family. / So, when Our Lord says in the Gospel that we should 'hate our lives or families"…. The actual point of Jesus' message today is not to reject or abandon the bonds of the family... the ties of blood... but to WIDEN our vision of FAMILY… ( ……)…. So, Jesus is telling his disciples that HIS definition of "family" includes not only our traditional ties of "blood relations"…… but also to include all who follow Jesus and act on his word/ all who hold the values of the Kingdom, and all people…….. (which he means to be taken seriously). Also, we DO know that Jesus had a deep respect and love for his family, both his earthly family and His Heavenly Father. So, faithfulness to Christ and love and respect for our family need not be any kind of contradiction. Hopefully, our faith, values, and relationship with our family and friends will be mutually consistent and supportive. But, if there has to be a choice between following God and remaining a part of our loving family, something must have gone awry in that family. Jesus is asking here, "You've got to be in this 'discipleship thing' 100 percent! Half measures will never do. ………. Being the Body of Christ makes us complete sharers in the life of Jesus! And Jesus was never known to do things half measures. There may very well be a bit of "hating" at the time of Christ's ministry, though the hating was not by Jesus or his followers. Rather, some people hated Jesus' message; wanted to destroy him and his message, and persecute his disciples - precisely because they are seen to be welcoming outsiders and strangers into the "family-fold" whom they think should not be there… // Unintended (but very real) conflict and loss will be suffered because of choosing to follow Jesus; because people are included in Jesus' plan who others think should be left out. Hatred and persecution will come from those who are very comfortable with things. Because they are doing very well, thanks, while others are doing very badly. A change in this situation will be detrimental to them and helpful to everyone else. And they will not stand for it. The plain truth is: Our goal is not merely to be a good person and avoid doing wrong. …… Being a disciple of Jesus is the goal. Discipleship is an expensive proposition. It costs everything we have. (Jesus needs us to give all we have in energy and time). Why is the price so high? Because the stakes are just as high. And his Kingdom is filled with the wonderful values and virtues that are worth fighting for and are life-giving and lasting. Christ is asking us to put our lives, energy and resources into the service of his plan for building up the Kingdom of God and its radically transforming values. Jesus knows that following him will lead to tensions and pain…. Not because he wants us to reject family but because his message INCLUDES more people in the family than others (under the old system) can cope with…. IN Our Lord's Kingdom… water is thicker than blood…. (the water of baptism, that is) …. In the Kingdom…the waters of Baptism bind us more closely and are infinitely more important than even the utterly-deep ties of family …. And so this turns the whole system on its head…. //. If people everywhere extended to all those we meet that same love, loyalty, and unconditional bond of generosity that we share with people who are related to us, … what a different world it would be… and it would be a world ever-closer to the Vision of Christ's Kingdom. We see an example of this transformation perfectly illustrated. Saint Paul… a true and inspiring disciple of Christ… speaks about a fellow Christian; a runaway slave … who has become like a son to him because he is a fellow disciple in Christ…. Paul writes to another disciple and begs him to accept his runaway slave not as a slave anymore but as a brother…. this is consistent with Jesus' gospel…. there is a considerable change in our lives and relationships when we become true disciples of Christ…. Things change quite dramatically… old values and old ways of doing things. END…… and old advantages and arrangements are changed forever… the owner of that slave has paid a big price for becoming a Christian… he has lost his slave; who is now a free person… because in Christ there is no distinction between slave and free.. we are all free… Whatever happened to Onesimus... was he freed as Paul requested?... Let us move on about fifty years. Saint Ignatius, one of the great Christian martyrs, is being taken to execution from Antioch to Rome. As he goes, he writes letters--which still survive--to the Churches of Asia Minor. He stops at Smyrna and writes to the Church at Ephesus, and in the first chapter of that letter, he has much to say about their wonderful bishop. And what is the bishop's name? It is Onesimus, and Ignatius makes the same pun as Paul made--he is Onesimus by name and Onesimus by nature (a word which means "profitable" - he is the "profitable or useful" one to Christ. It may well be that the runaway slave had become Ephesus's great bishop with the passing years. ^^ How wonderful are God's ways! well worth staying on this difficult path. ++++ References: Fr Paul W. Kelly ## Barclay, William. 1975. The Daily Study Bible – Luke's Gospel. Edinburgh: St Andrew Press; ^^Barclay, William. 1975. The Letters Of Timothy, Titus And Philemon. Edinburgh: Saint Andrew Press; SHARING THE WORD THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR. GUSTAVO GUTIERREZ Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 223987429 - TRNAVA, SLOVAKIA - OCTOBER 14, 2014: The neo-gothic fresco of four evangelists (Mark, Luke, Matthew, John) by Leopold Bruckner (1905 - 1906) in Saint Nicholas church. Photo Contributor: Renata Sedmakova Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C (Sunday, September 4, 2022) (EPISODE- 381) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You) +++++++++++++ {{Shalom (peace)}} welcome everyone, we gather - Reflect upon the Holy Scriptures and the values of the Lord. 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 are mighty God and Prince of peace. Lord have mercy// You are Son of God and the Son of Mary. Christ have mercy// You are Word made flesh, the splendour of the Father. Lord have mercy. May Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Ps 90:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 14+17. "In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge" GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 14:25-33). Alleluia, alleluia! Let your face shine on your servant. And teach me your laws. the Lord be with you' +++++++++++++ Memorial Acclamation 2. When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again. PREFACE: Sundays III EP II (theme variation: full) (pre+post variation: v1-long) ++++ {my heartfelt thanks for your participation in this time of reflection, prayer and praise.} Father's Day blessing - God our Father, in your wisdom and love you made all things. With give thanks for and ask you to Bless all Fathers. Grant them the wisdom and love to always be good fathers. Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honour them always with a spirit of profound respect. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen. And may almighty God bless you all, the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit. R. Amen. Dismissal: + Go forth, the Mass is ended. ++++++++ 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: Subscribe to mailing list to keep up-to-date 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: RODE NT-USB MINI 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. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [ Production - KER - 2022] May God bless and keep you. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish sends these emails in order to speedily keep in touch with parishioners, including for the occasional urgent/emergency emails affecting parish schedules (which has come in handy already for several unexpected events in the past - which people were grateful to receive quickly - So, we ask that you please consider keeping subscribed to this mailing list, as it helps us keep in touch in all sorts of changing situations. We have had times when parishioners said they did not know of an important development within the parish and it turns out that they had opted out of this central email). Copyright (C) 2022 Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish. All rights reserved. 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