Immaculate Conception 8/12/2025

 

https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-the-2?ref=clipboard&p=i&c=1&si=2CF9C666B6BA40198ACF4A0CA05EA840&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing 

2nd Sunday of Advent - A - Sunday, December 7, 2025 (EPISODE-559)

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2nd Sunday of Advent - A - Sunday, December 7, 2025 (EPISODE-559)

https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/y14DqEqW9MkbA6yiJQaH/john-the-baptist-thin-and-ascetic-with-unkempt-hair-and-curly-unbrushed-hair-and-tattered-clothes-ma?ru=Paul-Evangelion

Readings for Sunday, December 7, 2025 - 2nd Sunday of Advent - A
 FIRST READING: Isa 11:1-10
 Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17. "Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever"
 SECOND READING: Rom 15:4-9
 GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 3:4+6). Alleluia, alleluia! Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: all people shall see the salvation of God. Alleluia!
 GOSPEL: Matt 3:1-12
 
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 Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers, and homily), for the 2nd Sunday of Advent - A - Sunday, December 7, 2025, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ep-559    (EPISODE-559 )
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 Prologue:
 John the Baptist went about proclaiming that the day of the Lord was near and that now was the time to repent and change our ways or else.

 All of a sudden, he sees in the distance Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism and repentance. He calls out the equivalent of, "well, well, look who we have here. If it isn't the snakes escaping the disaster, who told you what was coming?"

The Pharisees and Sadducees were well known for focusing on external things and for wanting to be seen doing the right thing, whether or not they really were. But this didn't fool John the Baptist. Your lives, he said, have to change.

External rituals are not enough unless your heart changes as well. You need to have your heart broken in repentance and sorrow and a change of mindset. God does not judge by what the eye sees or what the ear hears, but from the heart with righteousness and equality.

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Many years ago a man was shocked when he opened up his morning paper, and there read his own obituary.

His death was mistakenly reported, but what shocked him even more was how the obituary described him as someone who had devoted his life to making weapons of war. That morning, he resolved to turn his energies in new directions, working for world peace and human betterment. That man was Alfred Nobel, founder of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Alfred Nobel was known as the man who invented dynamite. Nobel also owned an iron and steel company, which he transformed into a major manufacturer of cannons, torpedoes, and other armaments. 

In 1888 Alfred's brother Ludwig died while visiting Cannes, and a French newspaper erroneously published Alfred's obituary, mistaking him for his brother.

It condemned him for his invention of dynamite. The obituary stated, "the merchant of death is dead," and went on to say, "Dr. Alfred Nobel, who became rich by finding ways to kill more people faster than ever before, died yesterday."  In actual point of fact, Nobel truly despised war, but knew that his creations would forever link him to what he called the "horror of horrors."

Of his inventions and patents, he wrote that "there's nothing in the world which cannot be misunderstood or abused." The shock of reading his own obituary, and its condemnation of his life, is said to have brought about his decision to leave a better legacy by instituting and bequeathing the Nobel Peace Prize and associated awards for human and scientific excellence, which is reminiscent of the warning that John the Baptist gives to us all, "turn away from your sins," make a change of heart and mind. 

Nobel's decision to turn his energies in a new direction challenges us to make an inventory of our lives and reassess our own life goals.

John the Baptist is a precursor to Christ, a word that literally means "one who runs ahead of another." So, John is coming before the Lord, calling out, "get ready, clear the path, the Lord is coming, make way, he's coming, get ready, watch out." 

I hadn't noticed this before, but with the coming of John the Baptist, here was a battle between humble priests and oppressive priests.

As the priests and Sadducees came out to see what was happening in the Jordan River, John called out to them, "brood of vipers," this is really saying "you're sons of snakes, not sons of humans," this is very important. People in this time were born into noble or humble positions due to their family association. There were rich city priests, and then there were humble and poor priests such as Zechariah, John the Baptist's father.

The gap between them was enormous and wasn't right. John was saying birthright alone means nothing to God. One is a child of God by their actions and their fruits, and being called a son of Abraham won't count for much if they don't show it by their lives turned towards God's justice. Because, as John points out so vividly, if those called to be children of the kingdom should fail to produce the fruits of their calling, God could raise up a new set of ancestors from Abraham from the rocks that surround them. 

The result of the full establishment of God's kingdom will be peace. But true peace is only achieved by ensuring true justice, justice given to those who are bowed down by the state of things as they are.

The powerful signs of repentance and conversion undertaken by John the Baptist have one major qualifier in them. The change he's calling for in people is not merely achieved by undertaking external rituals or outward signs. The change being proclaimed must be made worthy by the fruits that are produced by this conversion. Timely advice indeed. 

Conversion, repentance, lives of justice, compassion, practical assistance to the needy, and above all love, are the only right paths to God's kingdom. The Lord is indeed coming, he will not delay, and he must find us awake and alert and busy about the Father's work.

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 Fr Paul W. Kelly
 
 Gutiérrez, G. and Dees, C. (1997). Sharing the Word through the liturgical year. 1st ed. Maryknoll: Orbis Books.
 
 #Link, M. (1992). Vision - PRAYING SCRIPTURE IN A CONTEMPORARY WAY. Year A. Allen, Tex.: Tabor Pub. P.20. ISBN: 0883474328
 
 Pilch, J. (1995). The Cultural World of Jesus. SUNDAY BY SUNDAY, CYCLE A. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press.
 
 **"Alfred Nobel". 2019. En.Wikipedia.Org. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Nobel
 
 **https://www.ozy.com/flashback/the-newspaper-error-that-sparked-the-nobel-prize/40007/
 
 Image Credit-

https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/y14DqEqW9MkbA6yiJQaH/john-the-baptist-thin-and-ascetic-with-unkempt-hair-and-curly-unbrushed-hair-and-tattered-clothes-ma?ru=Paul-Evangelion

 
 2nd Sunday of Advent - A  (Sunday,December 7, 2025)  (EPISODE-559 )
 
 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
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 We continue our Advent journey.
 
 We now light the second Advent candle. The "Bethlehem Candle" - symbolizing the journey of Faith. Reminding us of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem.
 
 The Presider lights the second candle
 
 Lord Jesus. You call us to prepare the way and make straight pathways for God. Lord have mercy.
 
 You invite us to paths of righteousness, faithfulness and justice. Christ Have mercy.
 
 O Wisdom, Come to teach us the way of truth.. Lord Have mercy.
 
 (no Gloria in Advent)
 
 COLLECT:
 
 Almighty and merciful God,
 may no earthly undertaking hinder those
 who set out in haste to meet your Son,
 but may our learning of heavenly wisdom
 gain us admittance to his company.
 Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
 
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 Prayer after Communion
 
 Replenished by the food of spiritual nourishment,
 we humbly beseech you, O Lord, that, through our partaking in this mystery, you may teach us to judge wisely the things of earth and hold firm to the things of heaven.
 Through Christ our Lord.
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 Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17. "Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever"
 
 GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 3:4+6). Alleluia, alleluia! Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: all people shall see the salvation of God. Alleluia!
 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: Advent I
 Euch prayer two
 
 (theme variation:  2)
 
 (pre+post variation: v2-short)
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 {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.
 
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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
 
 "O Come. Lord. (Advent) HYMN" - 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.
 
 Quiet reflection music and hymn - Original musical composition by William John kelly (1942-2017)
 Lyrics based on the Song of Praise by the Three Young Men, The Book of Daniel 3:24-9. By  Paul kelly.
 Arranged and sung, and with adapted lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2021
 
[ Production - KER - 2025]
 
 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) .+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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Blessings

Fr. Paul Kelly

Parish Priest

1st Sunday of Advent - A - Sunday, November 30, 2025 (EPISODE-558)​

1st Sunday of Advent - A - Sunday, November 30, 2025 (EPISODE-558)

Image: https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/vgXHw10mPrdDDAf3hZ5M/jesus-christ-returns-in-glory-at-the-last-judgement?ru=Paul-Evangelion

 

1st Sunday of Advent - A - Sunday, November 30, 2025 (EPISODE-558)

Readings for Sunday, November 30, 2025 - 1st Sunday of Advent - A
FIRST READING: Isa 2:1-5
Ps 122:1-2, 3-4a, 4b-5, 6-7, 8-9. "Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord"
SECOND READING: Rom 13:11-14
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Ps 85:8). Alleluia, alleluia! Lord, show us your mercy and love, and grant us your salvation. Alleluia!
GOSPEL: Matt 24:37-44

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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers, and homily), for 1st Sunday of Advent - A - Sunday, November 30, 2025, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ep-558?si=9dd203182c244111b33626f21c32d076&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing  (EPISODE-558)
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Our Church year begins on this weekend with the first Sunday of Advent.  a time of preparation,  expectation, and waiting.  but it's not idle waiting.  we are called to be awake and prepared.  Particularly using this time before the Feast of Christ's birth at Christmas,  to be aware of our need to be busy and active in our cooperating with God in the building up of God's kingdom in the places we live and work, and socialize.  We make room for Christ so that his coming will find our hearts open to respond to his values and his leadership.  May this be a wonderful time of preparation for the feast of God who lives with us.  

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Advent has two particular qualities: It is a season to prepare for Christmas when Christ's first coming to us, we remember; and secondly, Advent is a season where our minds and hearts are directed to awaiting Christ's Second Coming, at the end of time.
(Roman Calendar, 1969)

ADVENT IS UPON US. A time of waiting and of new beginnings.

Advent literally translates as "Arrival" or "coming."

We are preparing for the commemoration of when Jesus arrived in Bethlehem.  Jesus comes to us in so many ways in our daily lives, and invites us to be open to receive him and respond to his action we also await his coming on the last day.

You will have noticed a couple of things are a little different in this Advent season we are now celebrating.  Every season of the church year takes on a distinct tone and feeling. Firstly, the colour of the season of Advent is Purple (or "Violet").  

Naturally in the lead up to Christmas, (in this time of waiting and preparing), the Gloria is not sung (or recited) again until Christmas night.  

With the start of Advent, a new Church year has begun and with it comes a new reading cycle.  We are in YEAR A, the year where we systematically read the Gospel of Matthew. The Gospel of Matthew, tied to its Jewish heritage, written within a strongly Jewish-Christian community and particularly pointed out the ways in which Christ is the fulfillment of the Judaic Law and the Prophets. Matthew's Gospel originated around 80 to 90 AD, probably closer to 90.

The Gospel of Matthew has five basic sections:  the Sermon on the Mount (Ch.5-7), the Mission Instructions to the Twelve (Ch.10), the Three Parables (Ch.13), Instructions for the Community (Ch.18), and the speeches at the Mount of Olives (Ch.24-25). This echoes the structure of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Today we remember to stay awake and stay alert.  There is no time like the present to be about God's work.  since we do not know the day of the Lords coming, God expects us to be like faithful members of The masters household who have the Lord's interest at heart and not just our own self- interest.  So, whilst we do not know the day or the hour we can ensure that our priorities and choices, values and actions are at all times consistent with the values of Christ in the gospel.  To deepen our fundamental core values to be based on love,  compassion,  generosity,  empathy,  justice, mercy and practical assistance to those who are in need.  we should not be waiting like people who are afraid of their employer since God invites us to share in his vision and way of seeing the world.  If the master comes unexpectedly, even in the events and circumstances of our daily lives, we hope our reaction will be joy and welcome.  Look, Lord, we have been working away at the things you love.  We hope you are pleased with our priorities and actions.  At Christ's coming, Lord, may we be found to be at peace with you and our neighbour and our hearts filled with love and kindness.
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

Brown, R., Fitzmyer, J. and Murphy, R. (1993). The New Jerome

Bible handbook. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press.

 

Image: https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/vgXHw10mPrdDDAf3hZ5M/jesus-christ-returns-in-glory-at-the-last-judgement?ru=Paul-Evangelion

1st Sunday of Advent - A  (Sunday, November 30, 2025) (EPISODE-558)

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

The Lord be with you.

[Presider blesses the wreath with the sprinkling of holy water, using these words]:

As we begin our Advent Journey, in preparation for Christmas,

We bless this Advent Wreath.

May the sprinkling of this water
remind all of us gathered here
of our first sharing in the grace of baptism.
During this time of Advent
may we prepare for the Lord's coming
with open hearts and minds.
May this wreath be a symbol to us
(+) of this time of prayerful watching and waiting
For the coming of the Lord.

{Presider now blesses the wreath and sprinkles it with holy water}

• We now light the candle for the 1st Sunday of Advent. The "Prophet's Candle" Symbol of Hope. Reminding us that Jesus is coming.

{Presider takes taper and lights first candle on Advent wreath}

 

·        Lord Jesus your coming was proclaimed by the prophets of old. Lord Have Mercy.

 

·        Lord Jesus, call us to lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armour of light. Christ Have Mercy.

 

·        You instruct us to STAY AWAKE, for our salvation is near at hand. Lord, Have Mercy.

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

(No Gloria during the Advent season).

Collect:  Let us Pray….

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Ps 122:1-2, 3-4a, 4b-5, 6-7, 8-9. "Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord"

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Ps 85:8). Alleluia, alleluia! Lord, show us your mercy and love, and grant us your salvation. Alleluia!
Memorial Acclamation
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
PREFACE: Advent I
Eucharistic Prayer II

(theme variation:  1)

(welcome cycle-   (welcome 4) Good evening/morning. A special Gold Coast welcome to everyone, especially visitors to this part of the world. We hope your stay is enjoyable and blessed. Please check to see that your mobile devices are switched off or turned to silent.  Our Presider tonight / today is Fr………………………… Please stand as we sing our entrance hymn: "__________" *)

(pre+post variation: v1-long)
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{Cheers and thanks everyone for this time of prayer and reflection - I hope you have a blessed week.}

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 weekly homily 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

 

Theme Hymn -   "O Come. Lord. (Advent) HYMN" - In Memory of Paolo Mario (Paul) Giacomantonio (1968-2020).

Music by Paul W. Kelly.  Words based on the Ancient church "O Antiphons" of Advent. 

Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics, By Stefan Kelk, 2020.

 

Quiet reflection music and hymn - Original musical composition by William John Kelly (1942-2017)

Lyrics based on the Song of Praise by the Three Young Men, The Book of Daniel 3:24-9. By  Paul kelly.

Arranged and sung, and with adapted lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2021

 

 [ Production - KER - 2025]

 

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) .+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. -Year C - Sunday, 23 November 2025 (EPISODE: 557)

Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. -Year C -  Sunday, 23 November 2025 (EPISODE: 557)

Readings for Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.- Year C
FIRST READING: 2 Samuel 5:1-3
Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4a, 4b-5. "Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord"
SECOND READING: Colossians 1:12-20
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Mark 11:9b+10a). Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed is he who inherits the Kingdom of David our father. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
GOSPEL: Luke 23:35-43
 

Image Credit- https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/a3yhf6TNfcFfHP2Tm1RH/christ-the-king-of-the-universe?ru=Paul-Evangelion++++
Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Year C - Sunday, 23 November 2025 - by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ep-557-our/s-mzzgK9VyedW  (EPISODE: 557)
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The Church's liturgical year is slightly different to the calendar year, by about a month. The last Sunday of the Church liturgical year, that's this Sunday, ends rightly with a celebration of Christ, who is the King of Heaven and Earth. Christ has already won the victory over sin and death, and now he is rightfully King of the Universe.

 

God's Kingdom is established and present among us, now and within us, but it's not yet been fully revealed. At the end of time, all things will be under Christ's feet. Meanwhile, we disciples of Christ are happy to assist in the building up of the Kingdom of God by our everyday actions and choices.

 

God's Kingdom is one of peace and justice, compassion and love. We yearn for the fullness of this Kingdom and rejoice that its foundations are firm and everlasting. Nothing can hold out against the Kingdom of God.

 

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What a perfect gospel to represent the kingship of our Lord, even if it's surprising and thought-provoking. It reveals a stark contrast. A king is ordinarily portrayed sitting in glory on a magnificent golden throne, dressed in fine clothes, with attendants at his side and surrounded by the trappings of his power.

 

But here is Jesus, the king of the universe, ruling from the cross, with no trappings of power, except the power of love and self-giving. As a wonderful reflection says,** what should the worldly wise do with an unkingly king, who flatly refuses to take authority over armies, who will not grant cabinet posts to cronies, who will not even for one day live in a palace, who refuses to hate enemies or plot their downfall, who mixes in common crowds without any sense of royal dignity, who won't have a bodyguard or wear a safety vest, who refuses to play political games or engage in betrayals or backstabbing in order to increase his power, who will not dress in gilded robes or wear a jewelled crown. Oh indeed, what on earth would the worldly-wise do with such an unkingly king? **(Poet: Bruce Prewer)

 

Today is the day when we are asked to turn an idea upside down, to firmly take words such as king and power, strength and victory, and turn the meaning of these things inside out.

 

Christ is our king, the monarch of all things, but he is humble, compassionate. He is a person who never went to university, never wrote a book, never held any public office, had few if any friends in high places on earth. His adult life, he never travelled too far from his tiny home country, never met anyone much more important than a provincial governor or some foreign wise men.

 

His only crown was a terrible, painful wreath of thorns, his only throne was two planks of wood forming a cross. No earthly court for this king, rather at his right hand and at his left, two dying thieves. It's fitting that the end of the church year declares that Jesus is the king of heaven and earth, king of the universe.

 

At the end of all things, Christ's universal kingship will be fully revealed. The Lord is rightly the king of our world, he is also the king of our lives, our priorities, our plans, our hopes and our dreams. If only the Lord Jesus would establish his kingdom values in our lives fully now.

 

We long to have our lives transformed by the peace, justice, love and forgiveness that mark his gospel. On this feast of Christ the King, I am thinking particularly of the complete transformation God has wrought in our concepts of kingship, power, authority, and even the usual definition of victory or success. Our previous human concepts of these words and meanings are, to put it bluntly, shabby.

 

Not far from the surface, many people have the ingrained belief that power is about domination, having the upper hand over others. It often goes hand in hand with the use or the threat of force. In rather limited human terms, many think that authority is about who can push their point of view the loudest, longest, or strongest.

 

Kingship is often considered to be about separation, distance, privilege, prestige, and aloofness. Power is often seen to be about winners and losers. It's also considered to be about survival of the fittest, all is fair in love and war and eat or be eaten.

 

So in comes God and through the life and example of Jesus, God made flesh, totally transforms the meaning and definition of these things. It's such a surprising transformation that one can hardly recognize it as the same thing and many in this world will never accept or recognize that God's definition of these things is the right one. God with us came down very close to us.

 

He was not at all distant in his authority but one who lived in our flesh and knew our experiences. He was being there for others and that's such an important gift and skill for all of us. Time is the most important gift we can give and it can be given generously, but sometimes work, illness or circumstances hampers our availability to be there for others but we keep searching for different ways of being present to others in need, whether it's by letters, cards, phone calls or making a special effort to be around for special events.

 

Jesus sets clear principles for behaviour. We all know the golden rule: be compassionate, forgiving, and so on. We need to love the way Jesus loves, setting clear principles in our lives so that we and those around us can be the best selves with our behaviour that makes us fully human and fully alive as God wants.

 

Jesus loves us and wants what is best for us but that's very different from telling us to do what we like. Jesus sets the example. The behaviour our Lord wants us to do he himself did first.

 

Our Lord did in actions what he said with words. Christ loves us as a parent loves us, not for what we can give back but simply because we're created in God's image as are all people, and God loves us. The world cries out for this newly renovated definition of authority, power, victory and kingship, which is more about family and relationships, care, protection and love.

 

Out goes survival of the fittest and in comes a kingdom of people who ensure that the frail and the weakest members are not left behind and indeed who are carried along with us if needed on our tough journey as we all walk towards God's house. The kingdom shows us that a truly Christ-like community is discerned by how much the most vulnerable are protected by the strongest. Today we celebrate that we desire more than anything to participate in and hold the true values of Christ, the King and his kingdom, which we joyfully and humbly admit is the true way in all things.

 

"To you, Christ our King, we bring before you our lust for power and set it down before your rejection of power. We bring our love of money and place it before your will in poverty. We bring our stubborn pride and set it before your utter humility.

 

We bring our payback mentality and lay it before your mercy. We bring our desire for self-glory and place it before your passion for the Father's glory, not yours. We bring our inveterate self-interest and rest it before your self-giving.

 

We bring our vain wisdom and lay it before the folly of your cross." ##  (Kym Harris, a Benedictine nun).

 

To Jesus, Lord of all heaven and earth, to you be honour, glory and true power and authority forever and ever. Amen.

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References:

Homily  Fr Paul W. Kelly

 

**Brief Prayers for Busy People. Author: Bruce D Prewer. ISBN 978- 1- 62880- 090- 6). Web site www.acresources.com.au

 

## Kym Harris, a Benedictine nun from Tanby near Rockhampton. On "Celebrating Jesus' authority."

 

Image Credit- https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/a3yhf6TNfcFfHP2Tm1RH/christ-the-king-of-the-universe?ru=Paul-Evangelion

 

Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.  Year C  -(Sunday, 23 November 2025)  (EPISODE: 557 )
2. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
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{{Goodness and kindness  to you all}} welcome everyone, we gather -  To take time to reflect upon the meaning of God's word for our everyday lives On this Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.

My friends in Christ, to worthily celebrate the sacred mysteries, let us first acknowledge our sins.
option two on the cards Have mercy on us, O Lord. For we have sinned against you. Show us, O Lord, your mercy. And grant us your salvation.
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
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Memorial Acclamation
3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.
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Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4a, 4b-5. "Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord"

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Mark 11:9b+10a). ). Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed is he who inherits the Kingdom of David our father. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
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PREFACE: universal king
Eucharistic Prayer various 3
(theme variation: theme 4 )

 

(post version: v2-short)

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{1. Thanks for joining us for this time of prayer and reflection}

4. Go in peace.

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

Details 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 (1942-2017) - 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 Motiv MV5 Digital Condenser. And (2024+) Rode Nt-1 + AI-1 Sound Mixer.

Editing equipment:    -- MixPad Multitrack Studio Recording Software v10.49 (NCH Software).

NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 17.63 (NCH Software)

Sound Processing:  iZotope RX 10 Audio Editor (Izotope Inc.)

Text transcription as per recorded podcast version is transcribed by TurboScribe.ai

{excellent and accurate transcription from voice to text}

[Production -  KER -  2025]
May God bless and keep you.
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Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time. -Year C - Sunday, 16 November 2025 (EPISODE: 556)

 Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time. -Year C -  Sunday, 16 November 2025 (EPISODE: 556)

Readings for Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time.- Year C
FIRST READING: Malachi 3:19-20a
Psalm 98:5-6, 7-8, 9. “The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice”
SECOND READING: 2 Thessalonians  3:7-12
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 21:38). Alleluia, alleluia! Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.
GOSPEL: Luke 21:5-19

Image Credit- https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/8Y7pZjogIQe3rqIM8vq0/jesus-foretells-the-destruction-of-the-jerusalem-temple-by-the-romans-in-70-ad?ru=Paul-Evangelion 

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Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, 16 November 2025 - by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ep-556  
(EPISODE: 556)
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It is what is inside that counts.  That could be one theme that jumps up from this weekend's scriptures.  .Our Lord, who is God made flesh, was born into this world to usher in the Kingdom of God.  He did and said many things in the furtherance of this Kingdom. But each and every action he did was an expression and a consequence of his nature as God and as a concrete exposition of the values of God in action. Our Lord today warns his disciples, yes, the ornaments and workmanship of God's Temple in Jerusalem is superb. But this beauty is merely a shadow of the inner significance of God who lives with his people. Its God within us which matters. And in any case, this outer fabric of the Temple will be torn down and destroyed, but the inner reality of God's abiding presence with his people never ends, no matter what happens.  Amidst the shocks and tragedies around every corner of this uncertain life, if we stay firmly focused upon and connected to the inner reality of Christ, in all things, we will stand strong no matter what happens.   

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The scene in the gospel today is really shocking. Some people were rightly admiring the beauty of the superb temple of God in Jerusalem.

 

Loved by the people of Israel. Only for Jesus to reply to their horror, there will come a day when not one stone will be left lying on another. The absolute horror of this would be something akin to us admiring the Sydney Opera House and its unique design and beauty, only for a respected leader to say, One day, one day soon, it will all be in rubble, a complete wreck.

 

That's just unthinkable. Shocking. Although the temple of Jerusalem was not just any old building, it was God's house.

 

So it would be more like, in modern days, admiring the beauty of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, and rightly to be unable to comprehend if anyone were to say that this focal point of our universal faith could one day lie in ruins. What an horrific thought. But that's just how shocking were these words to the listeners.

 

And when the temple did indeed lie in ruins, as predicted by Christ, after the Roman armies destroyed it, the people felt utterly lost, as if their soul had been torn out from inside them. It must have seemed like the end of the world had come. Two thousand years later, after the temple was destroyed, people still weep at the small part of the temple wall that has been rebuilt, endlessly mourning its loss.

 

The gospel today shines its insightful light upon the massive efforts we put into building up a vision, only for it to somehow be torn down by circumstances, whether it's by natural disaster or accident, or even by the negligence or even malice of others. It's timely to think of the things like this, as our Lord warns us to put our efforts into building up that which lasts forever, that which can never be touched or torn down. This weekend, Jesus warns his disciples that there are tough, stormy times ahead, for all who follow him, and in fact the wider community, including the Jewish people of Israel in his time.

 

But in the midst of this, he still offers hope. Don't be fooled, the end has not come. Even if it feels like it, the end has not arrived.

 

He rightly predicted that there would be wars and natural disasters, and many of them, many which would shake the foundations of society and frighten people. But amid all of these things, he calls us to remain resolute and keep focusing on the gospel. In all of this, he says, don't be shaken.

 

Do not be thrown by the tumult around you. Keep on working diligently without hesitation. Keep witnessing to the truth of my message.

 

I will be with you. I will be faithful to you. Even if following me causes persecution, and sadly for some, breakups in the closest of relationships, in ordinary family or social relations.

 

But again, this is an invitation to think and pray carefully about what we're putting our energies into. What are we building? Because some buildings, in fact most buildings, will not last forever. And even the ones that are intended to last forever, don't.

 

Jesus is not just talking about physical buildings, of course. What we're putting all our hopes and dreams and energy into is also building up something. Because there may be a time when exactly that which is the object of all our time, all our effort and energy, could be knocked down, whether by accident or design.

 

So Jesus implores us to put our energies and priorities into his kingdom and its values that can never be torn down. The reason that the early Christians endured such persecution, such horrors, and kept faithful, was that they knew Jesus. They had met him.

 

The early disciples. They had walked with him. They'd eaten with him.

 

They had been touched by his preaching and his ministry. And then those who had met Jesus talked about Jesus to those who hadn't. So they would willingly go to their deaths for what they knew their Lord stood for.

 

And it was on solid ground. There is one thing that's quite certain. We will not be left standing unless we connect ourselves.

 

Unless we throw a rope around God and really tie ourselves to the one true spiritual building that does endure forever. Christ. The foundation stone and fortress.

 

We need to daily deepen our knowledge and love of the person and message of Jesus. To deeply allow our Lord to immerse us in his heart and mind. So that we might catch on fire with his person, his message, and values.

 

And let us reflect often, opening ourselves up to this spiritual question about what our real priorities and choices are. What are we building? Are we building something so closely connected to Christ's gospel that it truly can never be torn down?

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References:

Fr Paul W. Kelly

 

My Daily Visitor reflections, Nov/Dec, 2010
Homily  Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image Credit- https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/8Y7pZjogIQe3rqIM8vq0/jesus-foretells-the-destruction-of-the-jerusalem-temple-by-the-romans-in-70-ad?ru=Paul-Evangelion


Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time.  Year C  -(Sunday, 16 November 2025)  (EPISODE: 556 )
2. 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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{{Kindness and grace  to you all}} welcome everyone, we gather -  To offer or praise, prayers and intercessions to our loving God On this Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Coming together as Gods family, let us call to mind our sins.
Lord Jesus, you raise us to new life: Lord, have mercy Lord Jesus, you forgive us our sins: Christ, have mercy Lord Jesus, you feed us with your body and blood: Lord, have mercy
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
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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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Psalm 98:5-6, 7-8, 9. “The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice”

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 21:38). ). Alleluia, alleluia! Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.
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PREFACE: Ordinary 7
Eucharistic Prayer 2
(theme variation: theme 3 )

 

(post version: v1-long)

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{17. Thanks everyone, and have a grace-filled and compassion-filled week.}

3. 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 the 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 visting here:

https://surfersparadiseparish.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=85b9ddd594b242276d423bfe9&id=002282d9e0 

Details 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 (1942-2017) - 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 Motiv MV5 Digital Condenser. And (2024+) Rode Nt-1 + AI-1 Sound Mixer.

Editing equipment:    -- MixPad Multitrack Studio Recording Software v10.49 (NCH Software).

NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 17.63 (NCH Software)

Sound Processing:  iZotope RX 10 Audio Editor (Izotope Inc.)

Text transcription as per recorded podcast version is transcribed by TurboScribe.ai

{excellent and accurate transcription from voice to text}

[Production -  KER -  2025]
May God bless and keep you.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++