The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary And Joseph. Year C – (episode 511) 29th December 2024

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary And Joseph. Year C – (episode 511)

29^th December 2024t

 Readings: Year C

1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28
Psalm blessed are those who dwell in your house O lord.
1 John 3:1-2, 21-24
Luke 2:41-52

Image: https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/dKeusvSeHw6vas1HvBbd/the-presentation-of-jesus-in-the-temple-by-mary-and-joseph-and-watched-on-with-joy-by-elderly-simeon?ru=Paul-Evangelion 

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary And Joseph. Year C - 

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Please listen to the audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary And Joseph. Year C - by clicking this link here:
https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-the-holy/s-0WNWOZPxJWW   (Episode: 511)
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I came across a wonderful poem on the birth of Christ and the Holy Family by a British poet called Godfrey Rust, and it's called "Midnight in Bethlehem, 0 A.D."  -   In part, it says,

 

"No room at the inn, no room anywhere,

they gave him the only place they could spare,

and the promised Messiah was born that night

on the floor of a stable without any light,

and while Mary slept there exhausted and cold,

 Joseph sat by feeling helpless and old.

 This wasn't the way he had thought it would be,

when the angel had told him the destiny,

chose them to look after the Holy One.

 

No, this was a farce.

What God had done was

to trust the care of the Saviour instead

to a man who could not even find him a bed.

 

If only he'd planned it more carefully then,

if only he could go back and do it again.

But when the shepherds burst in all breathless and wild,

and stopped in their tracks when they saw the child,

 they shifted their gaze from the baby's bed,

and their eyes met his, and he nodded his head,

 

standing awkwardly, not knowing quite what to do.

Now they all knew for certain the story was true.

They stayed there for minutes, it might have been years.

Not one of them spoke.

Their hopes and their fears were gathered around this helpless God,

as their minds tried to grasp what it meant.

 

Where he stood, Joseph was silent,

as finally he saw this was how it was planned to be.

 That the smell and the dark and the dirt and the pain

were not Joseph's mistake, but God's choice once again.

 

Past midnight in Bethlehem, Joseph knew that men would be saved

despite all they might do.

He could not control it, he did not understand.

He felt like a baby himself in God's hand.

He remembered the angel had said that his name would be Jesus.

'God saves!'"

 

That's a beautiful poem.

 

It's a wonderful picture of confusion, chaos and uncertainty that occurs in times of crisis. It would be familiar to any family when things aren't going the way they were planned. It's a reminder that God is even at work in the messiness and thwarted plans and unexpected situations of our lives.

 

The helplessness felt by Joseph is actually reassuring to all of us when things aren't going well, or we don't understand where things are going.

Today we pray for peace, peace in the world, peace in our families, peace in our own hearts. As with every worthy desire, the holding of an idea is often easier than putting it into practice, we know that.

 

The readings today remind us of something extremely important. That God's peace indicates not an absence of external conflict. Peace doesn't promise an absence of differences.

True peace does not necessarily indicate an absence of misunderstanding, nor of opposing opinions. No, true peace implies holding contradictory or opposing forces in harmony. Perhaps such a definition might be more helpful when we seek the meaning of an ideal community, or an ideal marriage, or even an ideal family and so on.

We don't mean uniformity but rather two solitudes embracing. A unity, a communion of differences enriching each other, and respecting each other, reverencing each other.

 

Joseph and Mary have wonderful care and support for each other.

They're open to God's will in their lives and they're dedicated to supporting and assisting each other and their wonderful child Jesus as a family unit and in their individual vocations in life; and that's inspiration for us all and a wonderful model of every family and community. I mean is there really any family that can say we're perfectly average? Every family is unique and has its own individual characteristics, because it's made up of individuals.

 

In the gospel our Lord is already wise beyond his years. He's a smart kid and he quickly realizes that being about his father's affairs at this stage of life means that he must go back with his family, with his foster-father Joseph and his mother Mary and he must learn from them and grow as he learns from their wisdom and guidance. Mary realizes she must ponder and reflect and learn from Jesus and the events of his life and prayerfully contemplate the meaning of his vocation which is unique and special. We too must follow Mary in constantly reflecting on the meaning of Jesus' life and actions for our lives too.

 

We must be brave and open. We must be ready to have regular shifts of thinking and attitude of openness and discipleship. The Holy Family's respect and openness to listen and learn from each other, to support each other in the calling each person has, is very important.

 

We might all have plans and hopes for members of our family but the best thing we can do is ultimately listen and dialogue with them about their inner calling or vocation that is unique to each of them. They're called to search for and live that vocation out and this might be a vocational calling that's different from our hopes or expectations for them. In the end, openness to God, who is at work in the lives of each of us, is the most important thing and living and working with each other in respect and love, gentleness and mercy.

 

Where did that last year go? The years seem to speed up each time.

 

I pray that this new year will be a time of peace and grace for us all as we, with Mary, ponder and treasure the things that God is doing in our lives and may God grant us peace in our hearts and in our lives and give us open, prayerful and grateful hearts.

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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

 

Some ideas adapted from 'Sharing the Word through the Liturgical Year, by Gustavo Gutierrez.

Joseph and the shepherds. Written for the carol service at St John's, West Ealing in 1989.  Of course, it is fairly certain that Jesus wasn't born in 0 AD (more likely sometime between 5BC and 2BC), and 0 AD doesn't exist as the calendar goes from 1 BC to 1 AD, and these days it's correct to call them 1 BCE and 1 CE, but hey, it's a poem. © Godfrey Rust,godfrey@wordsout.co.uk  . See here for details of permissions for use.

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The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary And Joseph. Year C
(Sunday)  (episode 511)

"How happy they who dwell in your house, O Lord."

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
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Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins,
and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.
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.
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Memorial Acclamation

Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.

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Nativity of the Lord II

Euch Prayer II

Communion side.  pwk:  RH
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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.
NB - It is often a week or so Ahead:  https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks

Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:

"Faith, Hope and Love - Christian worship and reflection" - Led by Rev Paul Kelly

Roman Missal, 3rd edition, 2010, (ICEL)

Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989, and 2009 by the NCC-USA.

"The Psalms" by The Grail - 1963, 2009.


Prayers of the Faithful - Robert Borg "Together we pray" - (1993).

St. Ralph Sherwin Gloria  - written and sung By Jeffrey M. Ostrowski.  2011 ccwatershed.org.

Christmas Hymn - "Word Made Flesh" by Paul W. Kelly. Based upon: John's Gospel 1:14; 1 John 4:9; & Isaiah 9:2, 6, 7. (Written on 8/5/20; 10/9/20).  Arranged and sung by Stefan Kelk, with adjusted lyrics.  2020. https://www.airgigs.com/user/stefankelk

Traditional hymns: performed by the Bobby Cole Chamber Choir, licensed via Shockwave-Sound.com   (https://www.shockwave-sound.com)
[Production - KER - 2024]
May God bless and keep you.

urgent - Stella Maris Church - Broadbeach - has had a major incident - Panels from the inner ceiling of the church, have fallen down inside the church. The Stella Maris Church is now closed until further notice

Urgent news - 

Sadly - Stella Maris Church - Broadbeach -  has had a major incident - 

Panels from the inner ceiling of the church, have fallen down inside the church. 

The Stella Maris Church is now closed until further notice - for repairs and safety assessment of the whole ceiling.   This could take several weeks. 

There will be no masses this weekend or in the future until the problem is resolved. 

Our apologies for any inconvenience. Fortunately this happened during the night when the church was closed, and after the busy Christmas period. 

Please let anyone know who might not receive this message.  

Also, subscribing to this email list also ensures that when urgent matters occur we can swiftly send out a message to keep parishioners informed. We encourage parishioners to stay subscribed to this service. 

Sincerely, 

Fr Paul. 

www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au

Our parish office location is found here:  Please see here for details of the location of the parish office.

The SOLEMNITY of the Nativity of the Lord. [Year ABC]- - December 25 -

The SOLEMNITY of the Nativity of the Lord. [Year ABC]- - December 25 -

https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/WAutWg0Ci6rCrMjveAw4?ru=Paul-Evangelion

 

Readings for All Christmas Masses will be the Readings for Mass during the Night (as follows):
FIRST READING: Isa 9:1-6
Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 11-12, 13. "Today is born our saviour, Christ the Lord."
SECOND READING: Titus 2:11-14
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 2:10-11). Alleluia, alleluia! Good news and great joy to all the world. Today is born our Saviour, Christ the Lord.
GOSPEL: Luke 2:1-14
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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers, and homily), for the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord. - December 25 - by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-christmas/s-LW0yGIPc2AZ

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To listen to the Christmas Mass (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) -  If the Mass for Christmas is not yet published, please re-visit regularly a day or so before Christmas 

https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks    

Also found at -   https://tinyurl.com/FHLpwk  

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My brothers and sisters in Jesus, whose birth saved the whole world and brought true hope to our hearts. As we gather at this Christmas at Mass, and as we move through the community at this time, it's wonderful to see the smiling faces of family and friends, the wonder in the eyes of children, and the warmth that fills our hearts. Christmas is indeed a very special time of joy.

 

Time for shared meals, catch-ups, laughter, and even tears. It's a moment when we reconnect, not just with those nearby, but also with those who may be far away, yet close in spirit and close to our hearts. This season reminds us of God's peace, love and kindness, which we can carry with us throughout the whole of the coming year.

 

It's a time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the baby, God the Son, who came to dwell among us. He is the embodiment of hope, born into a world that often seems far from hope, chaotic and uncertain. At Christmas we proclaim peace on earth, but as we look around the world and even at times closer to home, we can ask, where is this peace? When will it be fulfilled? That's indeed a good question.

 

It feels like the world has hardly ever seemed less peaceful. But then we remember peace isn't a thing. It's not a concept.

 

Peace is a person. It is the person and presence of Christ. Jesus is our peace.

 

United to Christ, God's Son, who became human to share our condition and be with us always, He is our peace. United to Him, He lives in our hearts, minds and actions. Jesus is our way through the darkness.

 

He's our truth in a world clogged with contradictions and lies, our hope when we need it the most. The way He lived, in His earthly ministry, the values He embodies, the priorities He made, this is our faith, hope and love. He wants to stay with us and guide us by joining His life to ours forever.

 

He and His life and all His teachings and compassion, His mercy, love and justice is a true light shining out in the darkness to illuminate our path, to show us the way. This fills us with hope and peace in every situation, come what may. We know that today celebrates that the eternal Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us.

 

I came across a beautiful poem by British writer Godfrey Rust, which speaks about this idea of the Word made flesh. It's entitled The Word. Sometimes words are not enough for everything we have to say.

 

Words can't beat like a heart. A verb won't sweat or bleed. A noun doesn't get thirsty.

 

An adjective cannot feel pain. Something gets lost in the translation into words. So when God needed to express a love deeper than words, He used body language of a kind not known on earth before.

 

How beautifully put. So this Word, this living Word, became flesh and blood and shared life with us and in us. This Word was living and active and has saved us.

 

Think back to that first Christmas night over 2,000 years ago when Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Mary and Joseph faced tremendous difficulties. No place to stay, no warm room for the birth of their child.

 

They found refuge in a stable, a humble beginning for the King of all creation. This was not a mere accident. It was part of God's divine plan from the outset.

 

Amid the worry and strife, God chose to enter our world, reminding us that His love is not dependent on perfect circumstances. Just as the birth of any baby will not wait for ideal conditions, God's love does not wait either. God enters our lives, messy and complicated as they may be, offering us hope and salvation and companionship along the journey.

 

We often forget that the first announcement of Jesus' birth was made to shepherds, those who were marginalized and looked down upon in that society. Yes, it was to these simple, humble workers that God revealed His greatest gift. These shepherds were likely tending the flocks destined for sacrifice in the temple.

 

These were the first to witness the Lamb of God. Isn't it beautiful to think that those charged with caring for the sacrificial lambs were the first to meet the ultimate sacrificial Lamb, Christ our Savior? And let us not overlook the heavenly choir that welcomed Jesus into the world. Since there was no earthly music to welcome this King of the Universe, the angels stepped in and sang a glorious hymn, better than any hymn could ever be sung, to celebrate His birth.

 

This reminds us that in our lives, when earthly joy seems absent, God provides His own beautiful music, His very presence, to lift our spirits and to give us the strength we need to keep going. As we reflect on the story of Christmas, let us remember that Jesus came not in grandeur, but in humility. He did not choose a palace to reveal Himself as a King, but a stable.

 

And this shows us that true greatness lies not in trappings of power and symbols of great wealth, but in love, compassion, and being present with one another in our struggles, as well as our joys. God's message is very clear. He wants to dwell in our hearts, always.

 

Yet, like the innkeepers at Bethlehem, we often find ourselves too busy or too preoccupied to make room for Him. This Christmas, let us open our hearts wide and our lives wider to Christ. As 18th century poet Alexander Pope wrote, what does it profit me if Jesus is born in thousands of Christmas cribs all around the world, but not in my own heart? Let us create a great space for Jesus.

 

Let Him be born in our own hearts too, the stable of our own heart. Let us open wide our heart to His peace, His love, and His transformative power of compassion and mercy. As we celebrate Christmas, let's also commit ourselves to following His example.

 

Let us be bearers of His love and peace in a world that desperately needs, perhaps more than ever before, this peace. Let us choose to be part of the solution and not the problem. Finally, I want to share a heartfelt thought from a parishioner who sent me a Christmas message.

 

It beautifully encapsulates the essence of our celebration. God, in His immense love, chose to be with us, to walk alongside us, and to share in our lives, in our joys and sorrows, our graces and temptations. This is the profound truth of Christmas.

 

God is with us always. And so this beautiful Christmas message that I received, and I pass on to you.

 

May you have the spirit of Christmas, which is peace.

May you have the gladness of Christmas, which is hope.

And may you have the heart of Christmas, which is love.

 

May we carry this message in our hearts and share it with everyone, embodying the love we celebrate today.

 

Merry Christmas to you all, and may the joy of this season utterly fill your lives with love and peace of mind, now and also throughout every day of the coming year.

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References:

 

Fr Paul Kelly

 

Alain de Botton. "The Course of Love -By: ISBN: 9781501134517 - Penguin Books: 20th June 2017. P112-113}

 

https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/WAutWg0Ci6rCrMjveAw4?ru=Paul-Evangelion

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The SOLEMNITY of the Nativity of the Lord. [Year ABC] - December 25 -

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

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On this Feast day of The Birth of Our Lord, Heaven has been joined to earth. God has become flesh and dwelt among us.
A blessed, happy and peaceful Christmas to everyone.
 

My brothers and sisters, we have gathered to celebrate the Holy Eucharist on this wonderful Solemnity of the Birth of Our Lord. So let us pause and reflect upon our sins to rejoice in God's loving mercy.

Lord Jesus, you came into the world to give us eternal life. Lord have mercy.

You are the eternal light, who shines in the darkness. Christ have mercy.

You are the word made flesh, to make us all children of the light. Lord have mercy. 

May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.

GLORIA - SUNG   
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COLLECT- (The Feast of the Nativity of the Lord)

Let us pray,
O God, who have made this most sacred (night/day) radiant with the splendour of the true light, grant, we pray, that we, who have known the mysteries of his light on earth, may also delight in his gladness in heaven. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
Amen.

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Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 11-12, 13. "Today is born our saviour, Christ the Lord."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 2:10-11). Alleluia, alleluia! Good news and great joy to all the world. Today is born our Saviour, Christ the Lord.
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Memorial Acclamation
When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.
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Nativity I

Eucharistic Prayer II

(pre+post variation: v1-long)

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Prayer after Communion- (The Feast of the Nativity of the Lord)

Let us pray.
Grant us, we pray, O Lord our God, that we, who are gladdened by participation in the feast of our Redeemer's Nativity,
may through an honourable way of life become worthy of union with him, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
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I pray that you have a truly blessed and joyous Christmas and that Our Lord's love and peace will completely fill your hearts and minds, //and safe travelling to and from your destinations …
 
God bless.


(Solemn Blessing)
The Lord be with you.

(Let us bow our heads and pray for God's blessing)

May the God of infinite goodness,
who by the Incarnation of his Son has driven darkness from the world, and by that glorious Birth has illumined this most holy (night/day),
drive far from you the darkness of vice
and illumine your hearts with the light of virtue.
Amen.

May God, who willed that the great joy
of his Son's saving Birth be announced to shepherds by the Angel,
fill your minds with the gladness he gives
and make you heralds of his Gospel. Amen.
And may God, who by the Incarnation,
brought together the earthly and heavenly realm,
fill you with the gift of his peace and favour
and make you sharers with the Church in heaven.
Amen.

And may the blessing of almighty God,
the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit
come down on you and remain with you forever.
Amen.

Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.

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

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


Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:

"Faith, Hope and Love - Christian worship and reflection" - Led by Rev Paul Kelly

Roman Missal, 3rd edition, 2010, (ICEL)

Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989, and 2009 by the NCC-USA.

"The Psalms" by The Grail - 1963, 2009.

Prayers of the Faithful - Robert Borg "Together we pray" - (1993).

St. Ralph Sherwin Gloria  - written and sung By Jeffrey M. Ostrowski.  2011 ccwatershed.org.

Christmas Hymn - "Word Made Flesh" by Paul W. Kelly. Based upon: John's Gospel 1:14,  1 John 4:9, & Isaiah 9:2, 6, 7. (Written on 1988, 8/5/20; 10/9/20).  Arranged and sung by Stefan Kelk, with adjusted lyrics.  2020. https://www.airgigs.com/user/stefankelk

Traditional hymns:
O Holy Night (Vocal Duet),
Joy to the World (Choir),
Away in a Manger (Choir), performed by the Bobby Cole Chamber Choir, licensed via Shockwave-Sound.com
(https://www.shockwave-sound.com)

 [ Production - KER - 2024]

May God bless and keep you.
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Mass – Readings, prayers and homily, for the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Year C - Sunday, December 22, 2024, (Episode 510)

Mass – Readings, prayers and homily, for the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Year C - Sunday, December 22, 2024, (Episode 510)

https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/YfADCBmLQxU50eGDo2f5?ru=Paul-Evangelion

  

GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND. (Episode 510)

 

Readings for Sunday, December 22, 2024 - Fourth Sunday of Advent. Year C

FIRST READING: Micah  5:2-5a

Psalm 80:1ab+2, 14-15, 17-18. "Lord make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved"

SECOND READING: Hebrews 10:5-10

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 1:39-45). Alleluia, alleluia! I am the servant of the Lord. May his will for me be done.

GOSPEL: Luke 1:39-45

 

Image Credit: https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/YfADCBmLQxU50eGDo2f5?ru=Paul-Evangelion

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Please listen to the audio recording of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Year C - Sunday, December 22, 2024, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-advent-3/s-PlMiVzVnbPt  - (Episode 510)

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Homily: Fourth Sunday Advent. Year C - Sunday, 22 December 2024

*Prologue
"Yes, truly blessed is she who believed that the promise made to her by the Lord would be fulfilled" – And blessed are we, when we hope and trust and believe that the lord will be faithful to us and fulfil the promises, he made to us.

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Mary and Elizabeth meet with an unspoken bond, born of their shared condition. They're each expecting a baby. They know they cannot face this alone.

 

And they also know that God has no intention of letting them face this alone. God is with them, really with them. This yes from these two ladies will need an ongoing commitment.

 

It will need care, time, and of course, God's sustaining grace. They know they are God's partners in bringing to birth hope and life in a very real way. This beautiful gospel today illustrates the importance of giving thanks and expressly naming our blessings.

 

I remember hearing a story about a man who would always write down the significant things that happened to him. He had two methods of writing these things that happened to him in his life. He said he would write in the sand, all the list of hurts that he had received.

 

But he also would carve in stone, all the blessings he received. When he was asked, why do you do this? And why do it differently? He said, I inscribed the hurts and wrongs in sand, so that the winds of forgiveness and love can eventually erase them after a time. But just as importantly, I remember to carve all my blessings and graces in stone, so that time, busyness, or even misfortune or circumstance will be unable to erase those memories.

 

Carving our blessings in stone. What a wonderful thing!

It serves as a constant reminder to all of us of the things for which we are eternally grateful and ought to remember always.

 

Why do I suspect that for many of us, including myself, we do things the other way around. We write the countless acts of kindness, love, generosity and grace and blessedness on shifting sands of memories, whilst carving in stone all the hurts and grudges and bad memories and misfortunes and the list of our own and others' sins and weaknesses. And that doesn't do us any good at all.

 

The Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Elizabeth are wonderful examples of faithful discipleship. They notice the graciousness of God happening all around them and within them. They both delight in praising God and in thanksgiving.

 

They make a deliberate and vocal decision to name those blessings of God and to give voice to the presence of God. It is truly an inspiring moment, a moment of true and abiding praise and thanksgiving. The other thing that strikes me about this well-known passage today is the importance of family, including extended family, our family of faith, our parish, our friends, our colleagues and the wider community as well.

 

The Virgin Mother must have been daunted and filled with awe by what she knew was happening to her and what her future would be. Not everyone would understand what God was doing in her life. Not everyone would be happy and certainly not everyone would have goodwill towards her and assume that the Holy Spirit was at work in this extraordinary event.

 

Mary went to visit Elizabeth. Together they meet in great joy and affection. They gain enormous support from each other.

 

How very important is the support and encouragement we give to one another in times of joy and times of trial. This weekend, as Advent comes very quickly to a close, let's take some time to carve a few things in stone. Let's look back.

 

Who are some of the people we need to give thanks for from this past year and all past years for that matter? Let's recall in our hearts and minds every act of kindness and love that we could possibly think of. So many people have shown us these acts of kindness and love daily and let's remember the people, the many people, through whom we have experienced Christ's graced presence, his love, compassion and mercy, his kindness. Let us remember and give thanks for all these people and all the blessings in our hearts and minds and show this gratitude in our words and in our actions.

 

And let us take time to be aware that in the very midst of our busy preparations for the celebration of Christ's birth in ancient Bethlehem, Christ is reborn each year and each day in the Bethlehem of our homes and in our daily lives and in our hearts. Let us take time, slow down, be still, be awake to the divine mystery that looks so common and so ordinary yet is so wonderfully present. Let's seek out people like Elizabeth and the Blessed Virgin Mary who have grateful remembering hearts, who focus on the positives and show us the world in all its goodness for us to build our lives upon. People who don't dwell on negatives and who do not get us more and more upset or downcast by focusing on everything that is wrong.

 

Let's be attentive to the ways in which God is present to us, especially God's abiding presence in action in the people with whom we socialise, work and live.

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References:

Fr Paul W. Kelly

 

(A)    Alice Camille, 2009:  A Book of Grace-filled Days).

 

https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/YfADCBmLQxU50eGDo2f5?ru=Paul-Evangelion

   

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Fourth Sunday of Advent. Year C  (Sunday, December 22, 2024)  (Episode 510)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
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{{Peace and greetings to you all.}}
INTRODUCTION

 

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

 

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

 

We continue our Advent journey. We now light the fourth Advent Candle. The "Angel's Candle" Reminding us of the message of the angels: "Peace on earth, to people of goodwill. .

 

(The Presider/helper, lights the fourth candle)

 

O Rising Sun, you are the splendour of eternal light and the sun of justice. O come and enlighten those who yearn for you. Lord Have mercy.

 

O King of all, Come and save humanity, whom you formed from the clay. Christ Have mercy.

 

O Emmanuel, Lord our God, Come and save us. Lord Have mercy.

 

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(no Gloria in Advent)

 

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Psalm 80:1ab+2, 14-15, 17-18. "Lord make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved"

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 1:39-45). Alleluia, alleluia! I am the servant of the Lord. May his will for me be done.

Memorial Acclamation
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
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PREFACE: Advent II
EP II
Communion side.  pwk:  RH

(theme variation: v3 )

(pre+post variation: v2-lonjg)
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{Thank you for giving generously of your time and prayer.}

Go in peace.(glorifying the Lord by your life)

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

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

Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:
"Faith, Hope and Love - Christian worship and reflection " - Led by Rev Paul Kelly

"O Come. Lord. (Advent) " - In Memory of Paolo Mario (Paul) Giacomantonio (1968-2020).
By Paul W. Kelly. Based on the Ancient church "O Antiphons " of Advent.
Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics, By Stefan Kelk, 2020.

[ Production - KER - 2024]

May God bless and keep you.

{extra text : unspoken for Advent -

Roman Missal, 3rd edition, 2010, (ICEL)

Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989, and 2009 by the NCC-USA.

"The Psalms " by The Grail - 1963, 2009.

Prayers of the Faithful - Robert Borg "Together we pray " - (1993) }

Sound Engineering and editing - P.W. Kelly.

Microphones: - SHURE MOTIV MV5

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 - 2024]

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

Readings for Sunday, December 15, 2024 - Third Sunday of Advent. Year C (EPISODE: 509)

Readings for Sunday, December 15, 2024 - Third Sunday of Advent. Year C (EPISODE: 509)
FIRST READING: Zephaniah 3:14-18a
Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6. "Cry Out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and holy one of Israel"
SECOND READING: Philippians 4:4-7
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 3:10-18). Alleluia, alleluia! The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he sent me to bring the Good news to the poor. Alleluia!
GOSPEL: Luke 3:10-18

Image Credit- https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/rJPira9rQSynlXriMSQp?ru=Paul-Evangelion 

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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Third Sunday of Advent. Year C - Sunday, December 15, 2024, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-advent-2/s-fQ65pViw6Ij  (EPISODE: 509)
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There's something really reassuring and pleasant about today's Gospel. In the readings this weekend, the tone of Advent lightens, particularly. There's a theme of gladness in the air.

 

The readings speak of rejoicing. The approaching birth of the Lord brings joy. Even the name for this Sunday of Advent is traditionally known as "Rejoice Sunday."

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In this time of Advent reflection, there's building excitement for the imminent celebration of the birth of our Lord. When we look at the readings, it's interesting to note that the reason why we should rejoice and be glad is not that everything is going well, although good fortune and success are even further causes for joy and thanksgiving, but in the Scripture, we rejoice and are glad because God is near. No matter what is happening, success or failure, sickness or health, freedom or oppression, God is near to us.

 

God is always with us, very, very near to us. In our hearts and minds, our God comes to us to sustain us, save us and grant us forgiveness and hope. Also, God gives us peace in answer to our prayers.

 

Saint Paul refers to this when he writes, don't worry, but if you need anything at all, ask for it and God will grant you his peace. That's really important. The first response God offers us, no matter what our prayers or requests is, God gives us peace.

 

And by implication, God's peace is everything we need to cope with whatever is happening. The mark of a civilised nation is surely to be found in how it cares for and protects its most vulnerable members. I'm thinking of children, the young and all vulnerable adults, the elderly, the frail.

 

Let's continue to build a safer and non-violent society that particularly and absolutely values life and protects all its members, especially the young and vulnerable. So let's continue to pray for people suffering the effects of hatred, violence, destruction and war. May those who die from senseless acts of violence be taken to the place of peace and rest in the compassionate arms of our Lord.

 

Let's pray and work together, inspired by these prayers, that the world will find new and better ways to put an end to this kind of violence and devastation and bring peace and safety to all people's lives. It's their right. It's what they need.

 

It's what God desires for them. The world has been blessed by God's gift of inspiration and genius to so many people of goodwill, to so many people of love who are working constantly to create a better world, who are reaching out to those especially in need. God has lovingly inspired people who desire to fill in the valleys of prejudice and hatred, to level the mountains of ignorance, selfishness and pride, and to straighten the paths of hatred and violence.

 

So, let us pray that these minds and hearts of love and peace will prevail. John the Baptist today is getting everyone prepared for the coming of the Messiah. He tells everyone, repent of your sins, turn around, change your ways, because the Lord is near.

 

And the people of all different vocations and stations in life all ask some natural questions in response to this. Okay, if we are to change, what must we do? This is a question we all ask. Lord, show us what we have to do to make the changes you desire in our lives.

 

John shows us those changes. He says, share your food and material goods with those who have nothing. Act fairly, justly and honestly with others.

 

Never act with intimidation or threat. Avoid disgruntlement, envy, dissatisfaction, jealousy and criticism or negativity. And we could add so many other wonderful practical actions and attitudes that show the reverence we have to our God of justice and mercy, of love and kindness and practical charity.

 

And all of these beautiful things flow through to how we treat one another. God our Father knows that we're not perfect and that only with his grace can we respond daily to his love. Every new day our Father raises us up and invites us to again trust in him, to seek his help, so that we can grow deeper in practical ways in faithfulness and love.

 

I think of Mary, the mother of God, who although she doesn't feature expressly in today's gospel, she does feature in the readings over the coming week. Mary treasured all these things in her heart. Mary treasured or pondered the things that were happening to her, even when some of those events that were occurring were not exactly happy times.

 

Mary treasured things in her heart that were confusing and alarming, disorientating, all sorts of things. She treasured everything because she utterly trusted in God's love and care and treasured and pondered on everything that was happening in her life. Mary constantly pondered the fact that God was near to her and was faithful to her.

 

Let's rejoice and take heart that the nearness of the Lord always, particularly at his coming at Christmastime, will sustain and strengthen us in good times and in bad. We're promised peace from God. We're promised that God is near to us as we stay attentive to God's ways and active in justice and compassion.

 

God's inner peace does not necessarily promise that everything's going to go well in our environment or our world, but God's inner peace will sustain us and guide us in times of both tranquility and also, just as importantly, this peace will guide us and sustain us in times of outer turmoil. God's peace will be given to us in our constant combination of prayer and thanksgiving. God's grace will lift us up in times of joy and celebration and also God's grace will sustain us and help us and carry us through in times of trouble.

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References:

Homily by Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image Credit:

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Third Sunday of Advent. Year C (Sunday, December 15, 2024) (EPISODE: 509)
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
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{{Good wishes to you all.}}
In the Name of the Father (+) and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Lord be with you.

We continue on our Advent journey. We now light the third Advent candle. The "Shepherd's Candle" - reminding us of the Joy the world experienced at the birth of Christ.

(The Presider/helper lights the third candle)

O Lord and leader of Israel. Come and save us with your mighty power. Lord Have mercy.

O Stock of Jesse, Come to deliver us, without delay. Christ, Have mercy.

O Key of David and sceptre of Israel, Come to free those who sit in the valley and shadow of death. Lord, Have mercy.

*(no Gloria in Advent)*

COLLECT:
 Let us pray,
O God, who see how your people
faithfully await the feast of the Lord's Nativity,
enable us, we pray,
to attain the joys of so great a salvation
and to celebrate them always
with solemn worship and glad rejoicing.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit. God, forever and ever.

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Prayer after Communion

Let us pray, 
We implore your mercy, Lord,
that this divine sustenance may cleanse us of our faults
and prepare us for the coming feasts.
Through Christ our Lord.

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DISMISSAL:
Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.
 +++++++++++++++++++++
Isaiah 12:2-3, 4bcd, 5-6. "Cry Out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and holy one of Israel"

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 3:10-18). Alleluia, alleluia! The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he sent me to bring the Good news to the poor. Alleluia!

Memorial Acclamation
3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PREFACE: Advent II
EP III
Communion side. pwk: LH
(theme variation: v2 )
(pre+post variation: v1-lshort)
++++
{May God's grace strengthen your love and hope and faith, and may God's love surprise you even in the trials and challenges of the week.}

Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.

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

To listen to my weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here.
NB - It is often a week or so Ahead: 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

"O Come. Lord. (Advent) " - In Memory of Paolo Mario (Paul) Giacomantonio (1968-2020).
By Paul W. Kelly. Based on the Ancient church "O Antiphons " of Advent.
Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics, By Stefan Kelk, 2020.

[ Production - KER - 2024]

May God bless and keep you.

{extra text : unspoken for Advent -

Roman Missal, 3rd edition, 2010, (ICEL)

Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989, and 2009 by the NCC-USA.

"The Psalms " by The Grail - 1963, 2009.

Prayers of the Faithful - Robert Borg "Together we pray " - (1993) }

Sound Engineering and editing - P.W. Kelly.

Microphones: - SHURE MOTIV MV5

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 - 2024

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