Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, February 5, 2023 (EPISODE- 405)
FIRST READING: Isa 58:7-10
Ps 112:4-5, 6-7, 8-9. "A Light rises in the darkness for the upright."
SECOND READING: 1 Cor 2:1-5
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 8:12). Alleluia, alleluia! I am the light of the world, says the Lord. The man who follows me will have the light of life.
GOSPEL: Matt 5:13-16
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Vector ID: 297360155 - Vector : Christ the Redeemer vector background - Vector Contributor: anueing
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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers, and homily), for Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, February 5, 2023, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-fifth-sunday-of-ordinary-time-year-a-episode-405 (EPISODE- 405)
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According to the gospel this weekend... we are called to be "good-for-something" - real and active ingredients in the mix of life..... not just unfathomable religious observers who undertake mysterious repetitions of rituals without any reference to the world around us and have no impact on the lives of those around us, especially those in need. No, Jesus came to show us that being part of the family of God is something that all are invited into, and authentic service of God has real and practical effects on the welfare of those around us. We are called to be Salt, Light and a City...
The three images in the gospel are powerful this weekend...
We are to be Salt... Light... and a City built on a hilltop.......
It is interesting that all three of these images are not self-serving. the purpose of these three things is to serve the needs of others.... salt adds flavour to food... light helps show the way... and a city gathers a community together, shares resources and skills and supports the good of all. So too, the Kingdom of God.. it is not for what i can get out of it, but rather, what i can give to God and others.
Salt is really only is useful when its mixed with food or water.... or interacts with food.. to flavour, preserve and purify it... Our faith only makes sense when it mixes in with practical actions and loving care and charity.
In different parts of the different gospels, there is a similar idea used by our Lord, our identity and the Kingdom of God is involved with being mixed well into the rest... whether its salt mixed into food... or - leaven kneaded into the dough... both give that image of really immersing oneself into life and mixing in with it and lifting it to new levels... transforming it - for the better.
In the first reading, we have the question: What kind of fasting pleases you most, O God? And the Lord answers ... A true and pleasing fast - is shown by feeding the hungry; helping the homeless; clothing the naked; loosening the unjust bonds that tie up the poor; breaking yokes and freeing from slavery; and stopping speaking badly of others, an end to gossiping and slandering others... avoiding any hateful speech, refraining from pointing fingers.
Jesus shows us a vision of the Kingdom that involves practical kindness and care of others and contributing to the raising of dignity and the increase of compassion.
Light guides our steps and draws us to safety,.. and of course, a vast, attractive, welcoming city on a hill cannot be hidden... It is seen by all and inspires and draws people to it.
If any of God's servants spent their days performing the actions of the disciple but like someone who is 'play-acting' or 'going through the motions,' we would be as useless and as stale salt and unhelpful as a light never turned on. and as uninspiring and repulsive as a city, hidden away and unwelcoming.
If Our Lord's disciples and his church are meant to be like a "lighthouse," then the following excellent quote makes a lot of sense... "Lighthouses don't primarily blow horns... they just shine...." - so the shining light of their example is much of a guide and inspiration than a whole lot of hot air and noise...
In the second reading, we again see the instruction that it is essential that we put our hope and dependence on God and not merely our human willpower, strength or ambitions. We are disciples of the Kingdom of God. we are not here to build up the Kingdom of "self."
This weekend's readings clearly point us to how we live our discipleship. "To be generous, merciful and to share of oneself, a sharing that hurts, and can be a cross to carry... " But with God's grace, we can be that disciple... Salt, Light, and a City built on a hill!
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly;
Kersten, J. (2013). New-- St. Joseph Sunday missal Canadian Edition. New Jersey: Catholic Book Publishing Corp., p.p.215; Link, M. (1992). Vision. Year A. Allen, Tex.: Tabor Pub.
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Vector ID: 297360155 - Vector: Christ the Redeemer vector background - Vector Contributor: anueing
To listen to the Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks
Also found at - https://tinyurl.com/FHLpwk
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A (Sunday, February 5, 2023) (EPISODE- 405)
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
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{{I am very grateful for you joining us for this special time of prayer and reflection.}}
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 have revealed yourself as the way to the Father: Lord, have mercy//You have poured out on your people the Spirit of truth: Christ, have mercy//You are the Good Shepherd, leading us to eternal life: Lord, have mercy.//
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
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Ps 112:4-5, 6-7, 8-9. "A Light rises in the darkness for the upright"
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 8:12). Alleluia, alleluia! I am the light of the World says the Lord. The man who follows me will have the light of life.
Memorial Acclamation
2. When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.
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PREFACE: Sundays Ordinary IV
Euch prayer III
(theme variation: 3)
(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)
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{I am very grateful for you joining us for this special time of prayer and reflection.}
Go in peace.(glorifying the Lord by your life)
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Archive of homilies and reflections: http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email: paulwkelly68@gmail.com
To listen to 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 - 2023]
May God bless and keep you.
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