Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, July 30, 2023 (EPISODE- 431)

Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, July 30, 2023 (EPISODE- 431)

 
Readings for Sunday, July 30, 2023 - Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A
FIRST READING: 1 Kings 3:5, 7-12
Psalm 119:57+72, 76-77, 127-28, 129-30. "Lord, I love your commands."
SECOND READING: Romans 8:28-30
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Matthew 11:25). Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed are you, Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth. You have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
GOSPEL: Matthew 13:44-52 or 13:44-46

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Vector ID: 1432897322 - book pearl of great price, vector illustration eps 10 - Vector Formats. 300 • JPG. Vector Contributor: AStudio-1  
+  
Stock Illustration ID: 171963344. A precious pearl in an oyster shell in a row of shells 3D render.
Illustration Contributor: Michael D Brown
++++
Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers, and homily) for Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, July 30, 2023, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-seventeenth-sunday-in-ordinary-time-episode-431-year-a-2023/s-004U1RZ1tcb  (EPISODE-431)
+++++
GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
Prologue: ["Gospel values" included in the readings:
God's wisdom –that is, having an understanding heart - is a treasure greater than gold or long life; God's Kingdom is more precious a treasure than any other earthly thing, and our efforts and priorities can reflect this] 
+++
In the Gospel parable today, a man discovers a treasure in a field and immediately sets about selling; EVERYTHING else he has, in order that he could HAVE THAT one perfect treasure.

The Treasure of infinite value is God's Kingdom,..//  Jesus' Good news…//  Being united forever with Jesus in God's family……/  

IT IS LIKE A RARE TREASURE… of   a price that cannot be named.

God's wisdom –that is, having an understanding heart - is also a treasure greater than gold or long life;.

God's Kingdom is more precious a treasure than any other earthly thing, and our efforts and priorities rightly reflect this.  It is worth giving up everything else to attain it…//… 

It has a richness and a depth that cannot ever be fully plumbed……  

One of these treasures is revealed in the first reading…   King Solomon is promised any gift he likes…  (he could ask for anything!)   -  but instead of asking for wealth or long life, or the defeat of his enemies,,, he asks for wisdom..  He prays for an "understanding heart."       

God offers us a way of looking at life that is more valuable than anything else…   - It changes everything we see; and everything we think.
It changes our priorities, according to God's ways of seeing things.

An understanding heart..  that can discern what is truly good and worthwhile….That is something of  abiding worth…….///  It is just so beautiful….

As I read that parable of the treasure in the field….…..I am reminded of the quote from G.K. Chesterton, (the great English scholar and writer)…  (and I am paraphrasing it liberally here)….  He writes….. 'It's not that Christianity hasn't worked, it is just that nobody's really tried it yet !' 

And he has a very interesting point there. 

I can say that after twenty-five + years of priestly ministry and reflection on the gospels;  and before that, seven years of training for the priesthood,  and also a lifetime of participation in the prayer and sacraments of the Catholic church…..     After all that, --- I can STILL truly say, feel very much like I am only just scratching the surface of the riches of Jesus' Good news.// ..//

I believe that I have plumbed a few of the beautiful depths of the Christian treasury, but having said all  that – because this exploration is of a priceless treasure; for me is truly just scratching the surface of the faith, and the gospels, the sacraments, the teaching of Christ's church, and the wonderful writings of the saints. We could not possibly read all of them before our life ends. 

The Gospel (and the sacraments and teachings of Christ's church, and its two thousand years of writings and reflections,…   four thousand when one counts the Hebrew Scriptures) ….are like a rich and huge diamond seam -  With much of it under the surface;  and at times little bit of polished or unpolished diamond peeks out through the surface.

To look at that bit only and dig no further would be the greatest tragedy of all time…..  / And quite ill-advised. 

If we dig, deeply, into the riches of the church's treasury; we will certainly find;  and if we will keep finding; and we will never get to the bottom of it. It is so Rich. 

The absolute richness of what God offers us, never ceases to astound us and draw us deeper. It never ceases to satisfy. It will never be exhausted! 

"The more we search…. the more we find! The more we find; the more we search O Lord." -- as one of the great Saints wisely observed. .

Our faith is a treasure of incredible depth. If one has searched and delved into this treasure of incredible value, and claims to have grasped this Christian Faith enough find it wanting….  I am really not sure where they have been digging!!! ???

The gospel continues to be a priceless, precious, and worthy treasure – worthy of all our efforts to explore- 

So I must admit; when one hears of people saying, that they explored the Christian faith and then went off somewhere else to find "greater truth" –
I really do wonder what they've been doing! And how  could they possibly have plumbed the depths of this infinite gift. Really what on earth were they exploring?

May God, who has so graciously accompanied and given success to our work, so often in the past, continue this good work in us and bring it to perfection.
+++++
References:

Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Vector ID: 1432897322 - book pearl of great price, vector illustration eps 10 - Vector Formats. 300 • JPG. Vector Contributor: AStudio-1  
+ 
Stock Illustration ID: 171963344. A precious pearl in an oyster shell in a row of shells 3D render.
Illustration Contributor: Michael D Brown


Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A  (Sunday, July 30, 2023) (EPISODE- 431)

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
+++++++++++++
{{Joy and peace to everyone}}

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.
You were sent to heal the contrite of heart. Lord, have mercy.// You came to call sinners: Christ, have mercy. // You are seated at the right hand of the Father to intercede for us: Lord, have mercy.//
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Ps 119:57+72, 76-77, 127-28, 129-30. "Lord, I love your commands."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Matt 11:25). Alleluia, alleluia! Let your face shine on your servant. And teach me your laws.

Memorial Acclamation
3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection, you have set us free.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PREFACE: Sundays Ordinary I
Euch Prayer One
Communion side: 

(theme variation:  4)

(pre+post variation: v2-long)
++++
{May God's love, strength, mercy and kindness guide you all this week.}

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


[ Production -  KER -  2023]
May God bless and keep you.

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, July 23, 2023 (EPISODE- 430)

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, July 23, 2023 (EPISODE- 430)

Readings for Sunday, July 23, 2023 - Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A
FIRST READING: Wis 12:13, 16-19
Ps 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16. "Lord, you are good and forgiving."
SECOND READING: Rom 8:26-27
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Matt 11:25). Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed are you, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth. You have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
GOSPEL: Matt 13:24-43 or 13:24-30

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. stock photo ID: 1372767668 - Quail perched on a post surrounded by yellow mustard seed flowers. Photo Contributor: zaranda
++++
Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers, and homily), for Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, July 23, 2023, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-sixteenth-sunday-in-ordinary-time-episode-430-year-a-2023  (EPISODE-430)
+++++ 

Prologue -   A Quality that describes God in the readings this weekend is "Forbearance"  -which is defined as: "patience, being long-suffering, tolerance, or "the act of refraining from enforcing a debt, obligation or right."   (Merriam Webster Dictionary Online)

 

+++++

"God is all-powerful, but is gentle and always wants to give us time for change, for transformation, and for repentance." (Abbot's homily, Monastery of Christ in the desert).

 

I love the lines in the first reading… They are so beautiful… it gives us a deep insight into God's nature and God's message: Lord… Although your strength is sovereign.. you judge us in mildness, you govern us with forebearance… and by these you teach us to be KIND… and have hope, because you allow us to repent of our sins……. (paraphrased)\

 

The more I delve into the beauty of the gospels…  the more I realise that, in the end, the Gospel is about profound kindness, compassion and love, as found in God..  I wish I could say that in every situation, particularly the trying times, that I have responded with kindness and compassion…   I wish I could say that, but sometimes I have not…  but I certainly can say, as we all do, that we want to be kind..  especially in the difficult situations..  we want to be ever-more gentle and compassionate, merciful and fair….  And God is at work to grant this in our lives… 

 

The gospel this weekend, uses, among other examples, the image of the kingdom of God being like 'the yeast a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour till it was leavened all through.' Surely our mission as Christians is very fittingly described as that. We each seek to implement the good news of Jesus in a "whole"  or "holistic" way… That is we desire that our discipleship flows 'right throughout every aspect of our lives' ………so that the gospel is part of everything……. and not merely something that has been "tacked-on" to the end of an otherwise "non-Christian set-up"… but rather… it is "worked-in" (kneaded in) ……and becomes an integral part of who we are and what we do. … Just like yeast is mixed seamlessly into flour….. It becomes part of it, and then raises it up into a new and more beautiful creation…. All of us are like that too in our daily lives…… // Daily, we get glimpses of the kingdom at work in our everyday lives…// The Spirit is working into and amongst the everyday events and values of our days………

 

We are all, as Christians, to be "leaven in the dough"…// We are called to be 'So much part of society' as to be integral… and all-the-while bringing the life, joy and compassion of the Gospel effortlessly into all we do and say… (and often not even in a very 'obvious' way, but perfectly naturally)…… being part of God's transformation of all things into God's image…. 

 

Jesus tackles the age old question… why are there bad things in the world? Why does God allow bad people to do bad things?…. Why does God permit the 'destructive' to thrive alongside the 'constructive'?…….. I suppose we can all be glad that God doesn't dispose of anyone who is imperfect… Thank goodness that God does not strike with "a bolt of lightning" anyone who has ever sinned, made a mistake or who was weak, or who was not entirely living up to the Gospel message…….

I for one am very glad that God is patient..  ….That God gives us time to be fully transformed by the gospel…….. I am sure we have all benefited from that most reassuring of Divine qualities… "forbearance and mercy." 

 

Contradictions exist not only around us… but also in our own individual lives too. – We too live with the "wheat and the weeds" within our own heart. ……For all our good intentions and efforts, we will probably continue to struggle with some issues, some contradictions all our lives. The garden of our soul will always need a little weeding. These inner struggles will continue to call us to conversion and we will continue to need to call on the Lord and allow God to be the gardener of our souls. Knowing the weeds and wheat within our own individual lives can help us be a little more patient and compassionate of the weeds and wheat around us – in our families, communities, our Church. This is not an invitation to complacency, and we can never merely say "this is just who I am with my sins, and that is as good as it gets."  God always calls us upward and forward and wants us to grow in grace and virtue and never stop being open to this transforming grace…  But it is a reminder for us to 'stay real' and see the bigger picture.***

 

God has unconditional love for us…. God made us, ///and the Lord sees into our hearts…..and sees the enormous potential and possibilities that lie within us….. God sees us as we truly are… and loves us…… giving us time and grace…in order that we might foster the virtues and positive attributes of the Kingdom,  … and allow God to transform and heal those areas that are in need of forgiveness, and conversion….. 

 

God appears to err on the side of human freedom so that we may be fully free to respond with love to all that God wants for us…….The all powerful God has deliberately constrained himself to permit human free will and choice…... (this is both an enormous gift and an awful responsibility). We know that many people have used their God-given gift of "free will"  to do great acts of charity and love.  Sadly, we also know that throughout history, many people have used their God-given gift of freedom to do terrible harm and shocking acts of evil. It was never God's intention for people to use their free will to do harm. God never gave permission for wrongdoing, but people have tragically abused this gift.  

 

One thing is certain…. … we are invited to focus more than ever on doing as much good as we can, in being people of kindness, mercy, justice and compassion in deeper ways with each passing day..….. let us not allow the hurts and sins of the world stop us from doing yet-more good, ….to love more deeply than before. When the weeds around us might otherwise prompt us to respond with negativity, bitterness, revenge or hate//…. where sin and hurt abounds// .. let us ensure that the grace, kindness and forbearing love of Christ all the more abound…. in all that we do and say…

 

+++++
References:

FR. PAUL W. KELLY;

 

 ***Mary Coloe. LiturgyHelp.com;  

 

MONASTERY OF CHRIST IN THE DESERT. ABBOT'S HOMILY.

 

IMAGE: stock photo ID: 1372767668 - Quail perched on a post surrounded by yellow mustard seed flowers. Photo Contributor: zaranda

 

["'gospel' values included in the readings:"  mercy, kindness, forbearance, wholeness, consistency, slowness to anger, allowing time to change and to grow, hope- (because of allowing for repentance and forgiveness), graciousness, steadfastness in love, faithfulness, being a person of encouragement, The Spirit prays in us, God forebears to leave freedom of will and wrongdoing – God plays the "long game," so as to gain as many people as possible - the presence and action of the Kingdom is not grand and overwhelming but subtle and down-to earth…..modest eg -shrub, leaven in the dough… ]

 

 

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 

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A  (Sunday, July 23, 2023) (EPISODE- 430)

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
+++++++++++++
{{Love and joy be with everyone}}

As we begin the Holy Eucharist, let us acknowledge our sinfulness, so as to worthily celebrate the sacred mysteries.
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.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Ps 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16. "Lord, you are good and forgiving."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Matt 11:25). Alleluia, alleluia! Let your face shine on your servant. And teach me your laws

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
Eucharistic Prayer II
Communion side: 

(theme variation:  3)


(pre+post variation: v1-short)
++++
{I pray that you have a wonderful and grace-filled week.}

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 -  2023]
May God bless and keep you.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
[ Production -  KER -  2023]

May God bless and keep you.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

 

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, July 16, 2023 (EPISODE: 429 )

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, July 16, 2023
(EPISODE: 429 )

Readings for Sunday, 16 July 2023
FIRST READING: Isa 55:10-11
Ps 65:10, 11, 12-13, 14. "The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest."
SECOND READING: Rom 8:18-23
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION ((no bibl. ref.)). Alleluia, alleluia! The seed is the Word of God, Christ is the sower. All who come to him will live forever.
GOSPEL: Matt 13:1-23 or 13:1-9

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: Stock Vector ID: 1734373853. Closeup view dry good cereal crop twig. White text space. Black hand-drawn Lord Jesus Christ new word sharp prickly stem anger icon border pattern picture design. Retro art cartoon line sketch style. Important information. Release information: Signed property release on file with Shutterstock, Inc. Vector Contributor: ArtMari
++++
Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, July 16, 2023 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-fifteenth-sunday-in-ordinary-time-episode-429-year-a-2023

(EPISODE: 429 )
+++++
(Fr Paul): The wonderful image of the sower and the seed that falls on all sorts of different environments reminds us that just as a seed has within it everything needed to produce a viable plant, it will produce nothing unless it is properly watered and nourished and finds the right soil or medium to take hold.  It is similar to the idea of a delicious meal that contains all the nutrition needed to help a person stay healthy - But the meal is useless unless it is eaten. It is also like a light bulb that has the potential to light up a room but only if it is fitted into the socket and switched on.     How important is the environment in which the Word of God is received? We need to keeping constantly close to the water of Life… God's living word and sacraments.  

Our Lord tells us that the seed represents the WORD of GOD…  and we could also say that the seed also represents FAITH in Jesus (and faith in WHO he is, in what he teaches and (just as importantly) how he lived…..   AND……., faith in the gospel.

This "seed"  could also represent the many opportunities that we all have been given to help build up the Kingdom of God. 

We cannot underestimate how important is  1. the environment with which the Word of God is received and nurtured  and 2. Our response and our promoting of and living the values and God's word,    ……   These factors are essential in helping God's values to flourish everywhere. God wants and needs our cooperation and our working with him in helping God's Kingdom Come.

True, like the first reading, God is absolutely determined that the Word that comes from his mouth will NOT return empty and will achieve what God wants.  However, we humans can cooperate with what God is doing and (sadly) we are capable of resisting and even trying to block what God is doing.  God is determined to get around our resistance and to achieve his plans, but we should not take this lightly --   The non-cooperation of people, or the resistance of people could seriously slow down the progress of God's vision for the world. God may have to take alternate steps or 'go the long way around' in achieving God's goals, due to human resistance or lack of openness.  

Just as a seed needs good soil, water, shelter, nourishment and protection, so too our faith, our knowledge, our life needs to continue to be planted and lovingly nurtured in an environment that will foster continued growth and learning.

There are many challenges in life too, we must be careful that the precious seed of faith is planted; nurtured and attended-to daily, or else it will not grow. Other things, other priorities and values might "crowd-out" the growth of faith. Setbacks and hardships have the potential to stifle what we have. We need to actively protect, promote and encourage the good treasure we have received so that it will indeed bear much fruit.

We believe that the sacraments of the Church are concrete guarantees and tangible experiences of an inner reality. So, when a priest says the words of forgiveness in the sacrament of penance, (in the name of the church and in the name of Jesus), we believe that this effectively conveys the sacrament of God's forgiveness and healing. And when the church baptizes a person, we believe that the "God-given gift of FAITH is very much really and truly passed on in this action of pouring the water, professing Trinitarian faith and conducting the prayers. 
And if a person is baptized, faith is definitely given, (100% guaranteed)….but just like this gospel reminds us today.., if one has baptism and then hardly does anything to nurture, deepen or nourish that faith, then that real and effective "seed of faith" (which is surely there), would be rather like a seed in 'un-watered, un-tended and unplowed, hardened ground,' it can hardly be expected to bear much or any fruit.

Mind you, God can achieve amazing results of grace and love in what seems to be the most inhospitable situations, but we never take this for granted.. and strive to give God's word the most nurturing environment possible…  with prayer, reflection and good works. 

Have you ever seen a rather healthy looking plant springing up from a roof gutter of a house?  It shouldn't be there and how has it gotten what it needs to grow?  We don't quite know; however, life finds a way! But again, we do not underestimate the power of working in every way we can to give the seed of God's word the very best environment and every opportunity to produce the greatest harvest. 
 
Interestingly Jesus even realized that the results in his kingdom would be at times patchy, because notice he says that the good seed produces One-hundred, sixty, thirty. Notice, that is actually a declining sequence of numbers. So we have to be prepared for all sorts of results in the sowing of God's effective word. And, although God's word never returns without bearing fruit, it still remains very much our task to ensure that the word is given the nourishment and encouragement it needs to bear the most fruit.
 
So, in baptism, and the other sacraments. They are certainly effective, but they cannot be disconnected from the concepts of conversion of heart,// of the practice of the faith,// of personal engagement,// daily prayer, participation in the sacraments regularly, regular spiritual reading and faith-study and reflection, and of course practical, loving and compassionate  action in our daily lives and priorities. The forgiveness and healing given in the sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance) are quite real,  but the sacrament bears most fruit when watered by the moving tears of repentance and nourished by a change of heart, attitude and behaviour.    
  
Our Lord frequently begged his disciples…  pray and fast often ..  so that you will not come into the time of trial…   he appeared also to be saying..  pray and prepare so that God will give you strength during times of trial,   to avoid the cares of this world crowding in around us,…..

Our Lord teaches us that we not only ought to pray, reflect and prepare for the possibility of hard times, (and difficult environments), but we must expect them, and use every spiritual resource God gives us to nurture and strengthen the graces and gifts from God,  -   lest the wonderful seed of faith and the fruits of the Kingdom it produces might be very poor. …

God has sown the seed in the hearts of each of us, and now we must nurture and feed and water and nourish that seed of faith and love daily…/.   And even more so when we sometimes find the environment around us rocky, weedy, scorching or crowded…   then staying constantly connected to the water of life, will sustain us come what may.

+++++
References:

Fr Paul W. Kelly. 

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: Stock Vector ID: 1734373853. Closeup view dry good cereal crop twig. White text space. Black hand-drawn Lord Jesus Christ new word sharp prickly stem anger icon border pattern picture design. Retro art cartoon line sketch style. Important information. Release information: Signed property release on file with Shutterstock, Inc. Vector Contributor: ArtMari

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

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A  (Sunday, July 16, 2023)  (EPISODE: 429  )
The Lord be with you.
+++++++++++++
{{Hi everyone}} welcome everyone, we gather -  Reflect upon the Holy Scriptures On this Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A

As we prepare to celebrate the great Sacramental feast of God's love, let us pause, recall our sins, and trust in God's infinite mercy.
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.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Memorial Acclamation
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ps 65:10, 11, 12-13, 14. "The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION ((no bibl. ref.)). Alleluia, alleluia! The seed is the Word of God, Christ is the sower. All who come to him will live forever.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PREFACE: Sundays Ordinary V
Eucharistic Prayer III
Communion side.  pwk: 
(theme variation: 2 )

++++
{thanks everyone. And may God sustain you with his grace and love.}

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: 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).

"Quiet Time."  Instrumental Reflection music. Written by Paul W Kelly. 1988, 2007. & This arrangement: Stefan Kelk, 2020.

Lenten Hymn: "Have Mercy"  Inspired by Psalm 50(51). Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2020.

Sound Engineering and editing -  P.W. Kelly.
Microphones: - Shure Motiv MV5 Digital Condenser.

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.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, July 9, 2023 (EPISODE- 428)

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, July 9, 2023 (EPISODE- 428)

 

Readings for Sunday, July 9, 2023 - Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A
FIRST READING: Zech 9:9-10
Sunday, July 9, 2023. "I will praise your name forever, my king and my God"
SECOND READING: Rom 8:9, 11-13
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Matt 11:25). Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed are you, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth. You have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
GOSPEL: Matt 11:25-30

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID149824163: Jesus Chris monument on the way to Sant'Ana di Vinadio sanctuary high in the Alps with a plaque for the passengers that says: "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you relief" - Photo Contributor: supergenijalac.
++++
Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers, and homily), for Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, July 9, 2023, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-fourteenth-sunday-in-ordinary-time-episode-428-year-a-2023  (EPISODE-428 )
+++++

 There are so many wonderful readings and many of them we know so well,  yet every time we hear them again we can get something new from them – a deeper richness to their timeless message.

 

For example, just the other day I discovered something about this familiar passage of the Gospel, "my yoke is easy and my burden is light"….. The Greek word in the original text of this gospel uses the word for easy or gentle as "Chrestos"        which is astounding.  IT is so similar to the word Christos, meaning the Christ, the anointed one, the Messiah and King.

 

In the time of Our Lord, people expected that the Messiah was going to be a warrior King who would come with power and force and violently overthrow the occupying forces of the Roman Empire and establish a new Kingdom on earth.  They also believed that this Messiah or Christ would seek retribution upon anyone who had not lived up to God's law and bring down vengeance upon them. Then, along comes Jesus as the true messiah and he is not violent, forceful or military, but he is gentle and humble…  The Christos turns out to be Chrestos…   that is…  The Christ is gentle..  his burdens on us, easy.   Astounding and beautiful.   Our Lord says himself,  learn from him for he is gentle and humble…

 

Often when we describe a yoke….. or a burden….. these words create the impression of hardship and difficulty……… and yet… it is good to remind ourselves…… that a yoke was ultimately designed to be used in order to make the task easier….. to make it manageable… and tolerable…. // With a heavy task, a yoke allows a person or an animal to lift a weight and carry a weight in such a way that distributes the weight and makes it possible and tolerable… over an extended period of time……..

 

So, it is in that sense that Our Lord uses the image of a yoke and a burden…… He has frequently warned his disciples (and anyone who proposed to follow him as disciples) that there is a definite cost to discipleship……. //That the path would be far from easy….//  Following Christ does not promise us earthly success or freedom from hardship or persecution. Jesus gave no guarantee of a dream run…….. it is a task…...... a burden….. 

However…, it is a bit like that moving song…..  (based on an even older Scottish Legend)……   '"He''s not heavy…; he''s my brother.'"

 

The focus is not on the difficulty…, but the passion for the cause. The goal…… of  our mission is to spread God''s love to all the world… in word and action…… and this is a wonderful vocation…….. It is a beautiful burden. It is a wonderful duty and a superb task…. And… it is a task of love….. and in that sense ….. it makes the burden a light one….. and Christ always offers to bear for us the greater load….

 

Jesus also invites us to learn from him……. And, what we have to learn is that Jesus is loving in all his dealings….. and he is gentle….. and humble…… and just.   A true disciple must be humble and gentle and compassionate and loving.  How do we learn to be these things in a hard and tough world?  We watch and learn from Our Lord, whose actions and teachings were all about humility and justice and gentleness and compassion.

 

It makes me wonder…..many hardships and burdens come our way throughout life…. Some are avoidable, some seem unavoidable………. But to what extent are some burdens made all the more heavier (more unbearable) …by the opposite of gentleness and the opposite of humility…….. Jesus also seems to be offering to teach us…… a path of gentleness….. compassion and love….. and a path of true humility of spirit….. which can make many burdens so much lighter than they might otherwise be.  I think of things like natural disasters.   Some of them are seemingly unavoidable…  but isn't it true that even in unavoidable situations, there are many things that can be done to lighten people's suffering and ease their burdens and sadly there are many things that people can do to make peoples suffering even worse.  I am thinking of when a natural disaster strikes, people come out and help in any way they can. We see amazing heroism and assistance.. we see generosity and help at a time that nothing else can be done.  And isn't it also true that in times of disaster and suffering people can also be capable of making things so much worse…   we see looters and people taking advantage of those who are suffering…  we see people being thoughtless and selfish. This makes the suffering ten times worse.   Our Lord is seeking to make healing and love out of even the worst situations and God is at work trying to lighten the burdens of people in their lives, and we can too.

 

I think of an illustration. Imagine that two people are experiencing the exact same difficulty…; a major burden and hardship in their lives…. And picture these people have the exact same circumstances…… the only difference is that one of them is extremely proud…, unreasonably self-sufficient, and refusing to face even the truth of their difficulty and railing against every development and turn of bad fortune…. Whilst the other is gentle, humble…, accepting that which cannot be changed…and battling that which can be, and (not so much giving up, but rather surrendering to God's care in a spirit of humility) to the new situations and circumstances that this person now faces…. Could it not be said that the one who is proud and forceful might be putting on themselves an even greater, unbearable burden than the other? Perhaps in this sense, Jesus means us to learn from him… and open up to his vision and response to the world and its unpredictable and often capricious turns. …

 

A yoke is also something used to join two creatures together so that they act as one entity…

 

Was Jesus saying… "join yourself to me… and join your hopes and cares…, your fears and struggles to me…. And let me work with you as one…… and see what wonders will result….."

 

I love the meaning of this gospel today…. there is a deep and sturdy realism to the Gospel message Jesus offers us….. it is the perfect combination of idealism AND realism…… Jesus does not promise an easy ride…. But he does promise us that his WAY makes any burdens capable of being transformed by love and service. 

 

Our Christian joy and hope is not a joy borne out of denying the reality of the struggles and pains of life….. Rather, ours is a joy that says…: "We are at peace, we are at rest… and we continue to love… even with the tragedies and tensions of sin and pain……." This is a message the world needs to hear more than ever. This is the faith we unite in witnessing in our lives.

 

May God richly bless us and give us the joy, the rest and the relief that comes with this faith…, hope and love. 

 

+++++

References:

Fr Paul W. Kelly

 

William Barclay - Commentary on Matthews Gospel.   

 

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID149824163: Jesus Chris monument on the way to Sant'Ana di Vinadio sanctuary high in the Alps with a plaque for the passengers that says: "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you relief" - Photo Contributor: supergenijalac.

"In Palestine ox-yokes were made of wood; the ox was brought, and the measurements were taken. The yoke was then roughed out, and the ox wigs brought back to have the yoke tried on. The yoke was carefully adjusted, so that it would fit well, and not gall the neck of the patient beast. The yoke was tailor-made to fit the ox.

There is a legend that Jesus made the best ox-yokes in all Galilee, and that from all over the country men came to him to buy the best yokes that skill could make. In those days, as now, shops had their signs above the door; and it has been suggested that the sign above the door of the carpenter's shop in Nazareth may well have been: "My yokes fit well." It may well be that Jesus is here using a picture from the carpenter's shop in Nazareth where he had worked throughout the silent years.

Jesus says, "My yoke fits well." What he means is: "The life I give you is not a burden to gall you; your task is made to measure to fit you." Whatever God sends us is made to fit our needs and our abilities exactly.

 

Jesus says, "My burden is light." As a Rabbi had it: "My burden is become my song." It is not that the burden is easy to carry; but it is laid on us in love; it is meant to be carried in love; and love makes even the heaviest burden light. When we remember the love of God, when we know that our burden is to love God and to love men, then the burden becomes a song. There is an old story which tells how a man came upon a little boy carrying a still smaller boy, who was lame, upon his back. "That's a heavy burden for you to carry," said the man. "That's no' a burden," came the answer. "That's my wee brother." The burden which is given in love and carried in love is always light."

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A (Sunday, July 9, 2023) (EPISODE- 428)

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
+++++++++++++
{{Peace and Goodness to you all as we gather - Listening to God's Word.}}

Our God's love and mercy knows no bounds, and so let us recall our sins so as to worthily celebrate this Holy Sacrifice.
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 145:1-2, 8-9, 10-11, 13-14. "I will praise your name forever, my king and my God"

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Matt 11:25). Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed are you, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth. You have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
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 I

(theme variation: 1)

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

 

{Peace and Goodness to you all as we gather - Listening to God's Word.)

 

(pre+post variation: v1-long)
++++
{heartfelt thanks to you all for uniting in prayer and reflectying upon God's goodness and care.}

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 the weekly mass/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  (https://eepurl.com/hpETjf)

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 Masters v10.27. Multitrack Studio Recording Software
NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 17.42

Sound Processing: iZotope RX 6 Audio Editor v.6.10.4320

[Production - KER - 2023]
May God bless and keep you.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++