Thirty-Second Sunday Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, November 12, 2023 (EPISODE: 447)

Thirty-Second Sunday Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, November 12, 2023  (EPISODE: 447)

Readings for Sunday, 12 November 2023
FIRST READING: Wis 6:12-16
Ps 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8. "My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God"
SECOND READING: 1 Thess 4:13-18 or 4:13-14
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Matt 24:42a+44). Alleluia, alleluia! Be watchful and ready. You know not when the Son of Man is coming.
GOSPEL: Matt 25:1-13

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 445598635 - WASSERALFINGEN, GERMANY - MAY 07: Stained glass window in the parish church of St. Stephen in Wasseralfingen, Germany on May 07, 2014. Important information- Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Zvonimir Atletic
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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily) for Thirty-Second Sunday Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, November 12, 2023, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-thirty-second-sunday-in-ordinary-time-year-a-episode-447/s-6xhbJE7JHS8  
(EPISODE:447 )
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GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
 * PROLOGUE: (Fr Paul) - [Gospel values included in the readings: humility, preparation, alertness, wisdom, and trusting in God's promises whilst not taking them for granted]
 
The only thing that seems excessive Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids, (five who are wise and five who are foolish), is, okay, so they were not prepared for the arrival of the bridegroom!!... They messed up!! So?........... Surely it is a happy occasion when everyone is celebrating and in a good mood. The bridegroom is also surely a nice guy. Why lock out the bridesmaids because they were a bit disorganised and unprepared????
 
But this parable is designed to shock and surprise people out of their complacency.
 
And also…. On a broader level….. the parable has at least two universal warnings. (i) It warns us that certain things cannot be obtained at the last minute. It is far too late for a student to start preparing for a major exam when the examination day has arrived. It is much too late for a person to acquire a skill, or a personal quality or character if they do not already possess it when the need arises for that quality to be implemented.
 
It is like a medical expert telling a patient suffering a major medical episode, "Come back later. I haven't become good enough at treating THAT particular illness yet. I will go on a training course to perfect this next week. Come back then! Or, couldn't you have come to me with something else that I WAS prepared for!" No such chance!
 
Similarly, it is easy to leave things so late that we can no longer prepare ourselves to respond. And likewise, one can leave things too late to prepare to meet with God.
 
In 1660, Mary, the Princess Royal, lay dying from smallpox. She had a visit from her chaplain who, seeing her on her deathbed, sought to speak to her urgently about the ways of salvation. Her answer was delightful:
"I have not left such a matter to this hour."
 
Well said! To be too late is always a tragedy. And if it is too late, it does not reflect on the goodness of the one who has already closed the door and turned the key with finality. (ii)
 
This parable warns us that there are certain things which cannot be borrowed.
The foolish bridesmaids found it impossible to borrow oil when they discovered they needed it.
Neither can a person borrow a relationship with God; They must possess it for themselves.
 
A person cannot borrow a character; they must be clothed with it, wear it like a second skin through their life.
 
We cannot always rely on the spiritual "capital" which others have been nurturing. There are certain things we must gain or acquire for ourselves, for we cannot borrow everything from others.
 
Two words that are the saddest of words: - "too late!"
 
We know that God is patient and compassionate and gives us so many opportunities and new starts…. But this parable is warning us not to take this for granted, because eventually, the time will come for the door to close and so we must be ever-humble, diligent and prepared.
 
 It takes most people a lifetime for God to enrich us and develop our character into those qualities consistent with the Gospel of Jesus. It requires, on our part, a sincere openness of heart, a humility and a willingness to change and be transformed by God - And also a true state of readiness, that simply cannot be left to the eleventh hour!.
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References:

THE DAILY STUDY BIBLE. GOSPEL OF Matthew (REVISED EDITION). BY WILLIAM BARCLAY.

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 445598635 - WASSERALFINGEN, GERMANY - MAY 07: Stained glass window in the parish church of St. Stephen in Wasseralfingen, Germany on May 07, 2014. Important information- Editorial Use Only.Photo Contributor: Zvonimir Atletic


Thirty-Second Sunday Ordinary Time. Year A  (Sunday, November 12, 2023)  (EPISODE: 447 )
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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{{May Our Lord's gift of hope encourage you.}} welcome everyone, we gather -  Praise and Worship of our God. On this Thirty-Second Sunday Ordinary Time. Year A

Brothers and sisters, the Lord is full of love and mercy. And so, as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries, let us acknowledge our sins.
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
3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.
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Ps 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8. "My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God"

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Matt 24:42a+44). Alleluia, alleluia! Be watchful and ready. You know not when the Son of Man is coming.
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PREFACE: Sundays Ordinary III
Eucharistic Prayer One
Communion side.  pwk: 
(theme variation: 3 )

(post version: v1-short)

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{heartfelt thanks to you all for uniting in prayer and reflecting upon God's goodness and care.}

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: 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).

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.

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.)

[ Production -  KER -  2023]

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

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, November 5, 2023 (EPISODE:446)

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, November 5, 2023
(EPISODE:446)

Readings for Sunday, 5 November 2023
FIRST READING: Mal 1:14b—2:2b, 8-10
Ps 131:1, 2, 3. "In you, Lord, I have found my peace."
SECOND READING: 1 Thess 2:7b-9, 13
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Matt 23:9b+10b). Alleluia, alleluia! You have one Father, your Father in Heaven. You have one teacher; the Lord Jesus Christ.
GOSPEL: Matt 23:1-12
 
 Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 1334273180- 16 February 2015 St. Petersburg Russia sculpture on St. Isaac's Cathedral. betrayal of Judas, Judas Jesus Roman governor Pontius Pilate. Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: mrivserg
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Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, November 5, 2023 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-thirty-first-sunday-in-ordinary-time-year-a-episode-446/s-rz1fRn7S15Y  
(EPISODE:446)
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 [Gospel values included in the readings: brotherly and sisterly love amongst all people, humility, fairness, impartiality, service, support of others, self-sacrifice, and above all - consistency in our outward actions and words with our inner hearts and motives. SO as to become more and more like Christ in compassion and service]

We are all brothers and sisters of one heavenly father...   we are united as one, and so we must be reverent, consistent, fair and even-handed with one other.

We are invited to be more giving than taking; more uplifting to others, than actively burdensome.

Interestingly, Jesus in his teaching makes a very strong distinction.  He criticizes the leadership of his day for not practising what they preach. He attacks their scandalous hypocrisy, but he refuses to deny their teaching authority.  Rather, he is saddened by the fact that they are not living up to what they are teaching; and that means a great deal.
 
it is deeply distressing and tragic when one hears another say: "I gave up Christianity because people who called themselves Christian were not living up to its message." It shows how much people take our actions as speaking louder than our words.  Christians who are not living according to their proclaimed discipleship are an enormous obstacle to the faith of others. But we have to be so careful not to "throw out the baby with the bathwater." 

Our Lord never gave anyone permission to do the wrong thing. He never taught people to misuse their position or to live in a hypocritical way. In fact, he consistently called people to model themselves on his lived values and live exactly as we proclaim; in service, consistency, justice and humility and self-sacrifice.  Our role model and guide is Christ himself. He lived and proclaimed the Kingdom perfectly and consistently.  Christian leaders and in fact every Christian is ultimately judged by the standards of how they followed their role-model, Jesus, and how they were guided by Christ's values and priorities and not their own.  Christ is the absolute model of service, self-forgetting love, compassion, justice and obedience to the Heavenly Father and to the welfare of his beloved children.
 
Jesus teaches us to listen and learn from anyone who has something worthwhile to say….   But to be discerning and wary about any contradictions between their proclaimed values and their actual behaviour and attitudes.
 
In the Second reading is a refreshing contrast to the failures of the other religious leaders. Saint Paul is a different kind of leader.  Although Our Lord criticizes those who make a big show of outward appearances, to the cost of others around them, St Paul is very down-to-earth.  He is so passionate about his fellow Christians. He has come among them as a brother and he has an enormous affection for all of them…  (In this letter, He even goes so far as beautifully describing himself as..)....being like a protective nursemaid…  // a loving and doting mother,// closely watching over her own children with love and care; and great concern…

      St Paul came into the community to assist them, to serve them in Christ, (using Christ as his role-model), and not be any kind of burden on them. He worries about them like a parent and speaks up to encourage them and at times to challenge them, but only for their good and for the good of the gospel, not for his own needs.  This is so different from those whom Our Lord spoke against. They want to make themselves better than others, created double-standards and forgot they are there for the support and encouragement to others and service of others and not for their own self-serving purposes. 
 
Christ's teaching is virtually always framed in positive terms. It is often not about "don't do this and don't do that"  - He leaves those kinds of words to his enemies. He devotes his actions and his teachings to the opposite.   (That is,) to being someone who IS loving, who is a servant, a brother, and caring about those around him. Giving himself completely in service and love for all.
 
Our Lord was most often on the front foot, initiating events, whilst his enemies were on the back foot, reacting negatively to things that happened. Christ was pro-active whilst his opponents were re-active.  Jesus did many good works of healing, inclusion, service and love, while his opponents would argue and complain (after the fact) about his actions.  Our Lord did not spend much time arguing with them about their complaints, as he was too busy moving onto the next good work, the next good project, the next person to be healed, included or forgiven.

Jesus had little time for 'don't do this and don't do that'   - he was too busy (rather) DOING what WAS worthwhile…   and encouraging people to imitate him…   When someone stopped him and told him 'you shouldn't have healed that woman on the Sabbath,"  or "you shouldn't have forgiven that man," or  "you shouldn't have restored that person to the community…"  he had already done so, and was already off onto the next good work…leaving them behind to argue about words, while he was already at work on his next activity.

The wonderful picture of Jesus is this.  His enemies would come up to him and say, "you had no right to do that action."  Jesus would effectively reply, "too late, it is already done."  Then they would ask "Why have you done this? What right have you got to do this"  - to which Our Lord would reply: "I am doing my Father's work, and it is always a good time to do good."  And then Jesus would add: "Anyway, I cannot stay and argue, I am off to do my next work of healing and love.  I suppose you will want to criticise that, but off I go anyway. Talk about it amongst yourselves all you want, but I am busy with much to do."

That, I truly think, is the key to the message of Christ… Action backing up talk. Positive! Not negative.  Doing something instead of endlessly arguing about it or complaining afterwards about what others should or should not be doing. And being pro-active, not merely reactive.
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References:

Fr Paul W. Kelly

Break Open the Word 2011

My Daily Visitor Sep-October 2011
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 1334273180- 16 February 2015 St. Petersburg Russia sculpture on St. Isaac's Cathedral. betrayal of Judas, Judas Jesus Roman governor Pontius Pilate. Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: mrivserg

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Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A  (Sunday, November 5, 2023)  (EPISODE:446  )
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
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{{May Our Lord's courage, uphold you.}} welcome everyone, we gather -  To take time to reflect upon the meaning of God's word for our everyday lives. On this Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A

My brothers and sisters, we have gathered to celebrate the Holy Eucharist, - so let us pause and reflect upon our sins, so as to rejoice in God's loving mercy.
Lord Jesus, you have revealed yourself as the way to the Father: Lord, have mercy//You have poured out on your people the Spirit of truth: Christ, have mercy//You are the Good Shepherd, leading us to eternal life: Lord, have mercy.//
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
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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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Ps 131:1, 2, 3. "In you, Lord, I have found my peace."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Matt 23:9b+10b). Alleluia, alleluia! You have one Father, your Father in Heaven. You have one teacher; the Lord Jesus Christ.
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PREFACE: Sundays Ordinary II
Eucharistic Prayer II
Communion side.  pwk: 
(theme variation: 2 )

(post version: v2-short)

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{Bless you all and May God's grace guide you each and every day.}

Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.

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

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

You are welcome to subscribe to Fr Paul's homily mail-out by sending an email to this address: 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).

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.

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.)

[ Production -  KER -  2023]

May God bless and keep you.
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Homily All Souls Day - Second November - Mass - Year A - 2023

Homily All Souls Day - Second November

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD

First Reading: Isaiah 25:6, 7-9.

Psalm: Ps 26. "I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord, in the land of the living."

Second Reading: Romans 5:5-11

Gospel Acclamation: John 6:40. "This is the will of my Father, says the Lord. That all who believe in the Son have eternal life. And I will raise them up to life again on the last day."

Gospel: Matthew 11:25-30

Stock Photo ID: 1997392616 - VIENNA, AUSTIRA - JUNI 18, 2021: The symbolic fresco of Jesus good Sheepherd in Herz Jesu church from begin of 20. cent. by autor with F.Z. initials. - Important information - Editorial Use Only.

Photo Contributor- Renata Sedmakova

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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the All Souls Day - Second November by clicking this link here https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/fhl-commemoration-of-all-the-faithful-departed-all-souls-day-2nd-november-year-a/s-qbA9nEeVGvw

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I could not think of a better person to commend our dear departed loved ones, friends and colleagues to the eternal care of, than the one who formed them with love.... and walked with them every step of their life's journey...  and loved them as a doting parent...  that is, Our God. God is love...  God who created everything from the dust...  and who never hates anything he created, because he made it... and with love beyond telling.....   We commend our departed loved ones and all souls to God, who understands us better than we even understand ourselves...   it is God Who knows every situation, every circumstance, every hardship, every context to all our actions and decisions, and every blessing and grace of each person's life.  God sees and knows everything that made us free to make the decisions we made in our lives... and God also sees all restricted us in our freedom to think and act too.....  // And amazingly, many times, we don't see those factors clearly - even in the events of our own lives! 

We mortals, act with imperfect vision and knowledge. God knows that, and sees it all and allows for these factors. God has the whole picture and sees us with clear but loving eyes. 

God who is all compassionate, merciful, kind. loving and faithful.

In his earthly ministry, Jesus physically raised from the dead only a few people.  And naturally, this astounding miracle was met with incredible wonder, awe and amazement.  But we know that the people he raised back to life, with compassion deep in his heart, would eventually go the way of all humans, and die again...  (but hopefully this time, after a long and happy life).  

These rare incidents of Christ raising the dead (in his earthly ministry), show us the heart of God towards all who mourn.  This heart is filled with unfathomable love and compassion.  Our Lord himself knew what it was to mourn the loss of loved ones.  His step father Joseph passed away at some time in his young life.  It was have been a deep loss and sadness...   He must have been tempted to raise him back up...  but he did not. Instead entrusting him to his Heavenly Father who is always faithful...  He also wept at the death of Lazarus, even though he believed in Heaven and the ultimate resurrection of all the dead...  but he still keenly felt grief and loss nevertheless...   Our Lord knows what we mean when we are deeply grieving.  

Jesus says to each of us... I WILL raise you up anew to eternal life.  To the fullness of life in Heaven.  

Those few examples of physical resurrection, (of which Christ himself is the absolute fullness of examples),  are a promise and foretaste.   This poor widows only son was raised up out of compassion  to remind everyone that God promises to raise up our bodies in the fullness of time.  it also shows Christ's faithfulness, love and care for all who are bowed down by grief and loss.  God promises to fulfil his words to us. We too, can join with those in the first reading who acclaimed:  "See, this is the one in whom we trusted. IT is God in whom we hoped. And we were right to do so, for see, he has saved us!"  

In life, and in the life of each one of us, we come across sadness, tragedies, loss and disaster.  More times than we care to count.  Some disasters are naturally occurring, freak incidents, or inexplicable developments, and other disasters are tragically due to human action; -  mistakes, sins, negligence or malice.  These are even harder to bear.  today's feast of ALL SOULS is a reminder that God is our Faithful shepherd. A good and loving shepherd and parent.. who is never just content with saving the 99% of the flock...  but who will not rest and who keeps searching until the last sheep is recovered and carried back to be reunited with everyone else. 

Jesus shows us that it is right and good to keep trusting and hoping and praying - for God is truly faithful. God is gentle and kind and compassionate. 

Today we pray for all Holy Souls.  We are consoled and peaceful in the knowledge that we are praying and commending all these precious souls into the hands of the one has has the last loving say on everything. 

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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

Stock Photo ID: 1997392616 - VIENNA, AUSTIRA - JUNI 18, 2021: The symbolic fresco of Jesus good Sheepherd in Herz Jesu church from begin of 20. cent. by autor with F.Z. initials. - Important information - Editorial Use Only.

Photo Contributor- Renata Sedmakova
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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: 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).

"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.

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.)

[ Production -  KER -  2023]

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

All Souls Day
(Second November)


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

          PENITENTIAL ACT:

As we prepare to celebrate the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, let us pause, recall our sins, and trust in Gods infinite mercy.

Lord Jesus, you raise the dead to life in the Spirit. Lord, have mercy.

You bring pardon and peace to the sinner. Christ, have mercy.

You bring light to those in darkness. 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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Preface I of Christian Death

EPII

Memorial Acclamation

We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.


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SOLEMN BLESSING:

Let us bow our heads and ask for God's blessing.
May the God of all consolation bless you,
for in his unfathomable goodness he created the human race,
and in the Resurrection of his Only Begotten Son
he has given believers the hope of rising again.
Amen.

To us who are alive, may God grant pardon for our sins,
and to all the dead, a place of light and peace.
Amen.
May we all live happily for ever with Christ,
whom we believe truly rose from the dead.
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 for ever.
Amen.

Priest:

Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.

The Solemnity of All Saints - (Special) 2023

 The Solemnity of All Saints - (Special) 2023

Readings for
THE LITURGY OF THE WORD

First Reading: Revelation 7:2-4. 9-14
Psalm: Ps 23:1-6 "Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face."
Second Reading: 1 John 3:1-3
Gospel Acclamation: Matthew 11:28 Come to me all you that labour and are burdened, and I will give you rest, says the Lord.
Gospel: Matthew 5:1- 12
 

Image Credit: Shutterstock Photo ID: 2347316281 Candle lights on graves and tombstones at a cemetery in Poland during All Saints Day, Zaduszki day, and Day of the Dead. Lit candles illuminate the graves at a Christian cemetery at night.Photo Contributor: Mazur Travel

Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for All Saints - First November, 2023 by clicking this link here https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-the-solemnity-of-all-saints-special-2023

  

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* Prologue: This feast began in the East to commemorate all martyrs and was progressively adopted in the West. Celebrated on this day in the eighth century and soon widely observed. Honoured today are all holy men and women in glory with Christ: known or unknown, mighty, or lowly, all whose lives were modelled on the Beatitudes and on the great commandment of love.

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The feast of "All Saints" is the feast of all Christians. In fact, being a disciple of Jesus implies striving to be holy as our heavenly Father is holy (Mt 5:48). We are all called to holiness…  and we are all called to be saints…  In fact, in the early years of the church, the Saints was a title used to describe members of the Christian Church living and dead…  since eternal life with Christ begins with baptism….  It has already begun but is not fully revealed…. 

Matthew's Gospel tells us that those who are sensitive to the needs of the poor will enter the kingdom.

The eight beatitudes speak to us of the fundamental attitudes of Jesus' disciples and of all Christians. Disciples must totally trust God (poor in spirit); they must share the suffering of others (those who weep). Just as the Lord is, (Mt 11:30), so too must we be kind to others (the meek). They must fervently want justice to reign in this world (those who hunger and thirst for righteousness). Moreover, disciples must bear in their hearts the poor (the needy) - they must be ready to soften their hearts to those who are trying to turn back ..(the merciful). They must be consistent and upright in their lives (the pure in heart). They must do their best to establish peace as the outcome of justice (the peacemakers). All of this means that they will be opposed by those who refuse to recognize the rights of others (the persecuted for righteousness' sake).  Matthews Gospel goes on to put this in practical terms….. disciples are those who feed the hungry, give a drink to the thirsty, etc., in other words, those who are committed to the needy. The poor in spirit translate their love of God and of others by being in solidarity with the real poor in a material sense. In their actions for the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed, they will encounter Jesus himself: "you did it to me." And encountering the Lord is a grace.

As Pope Saint John Paul II wrote, "It is impossible to embrace the cause of the poor, and in doing so, verify our fidelity to Christ (see John Paul II, On Human Work, no. 8), without causing resistance and hostility, without going through "the great ordeal" (Rv 7:14). Receiving the grace of being children of God (1 Jn 3:1) involves creating practical and authentic friendship and justice in our society."

Having said all this, we have known many people like this…   we know them now…  in our families, in our friends, colleagues, members of our communities…   People who have modelled in their lives, their attitudes and decisions have lived the Beatitudes…  so they saw God as he really is… and continue to see him in Heaven. 

This feast is especially for all the unnamed saints,… officially proclaimed saints have their own special feasts and memorials.. (though of course they are included today), but this is especially the feast day of the saints not listed on earthly books, but listed in God's book of life…  and we have known them.. we have lived with them.. we have been inspired by them…  we hope to join them in heaven…  

Sometimes the practicality of the Beatitudes is illustrated best by contrast…  those who are puffed up and proud, and self-focused…  those without empathy for others…  those who refuse to be kind…. Those who make excuses for injustices when they could do something to help… those who are violent and ruthless to those who cry out to mercy -even those whose predicament is sometimes of their own making…./   These people are not the ones who will inherit the Kingdom.  The Kingdom is NOT inherited by those who crush others under their feet on their way to their goals…  they are not those who abuse and use others for their own selfish ends… nor are they ones who have no concern for the plight of the poor, the outcast, the sinner, the needy….  The ones who see no fraternity in people of other places, cultures or situations, when these people are truly our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Rather, It is those who stand up for and with those who call for justice and peace who stand before God's presence.  

We thank and praise God for inspiring us by the close example of these wonderful 'lights of Christ in our lives'…  may we continue to live these virtues in our own lives…   The saints pray for us, before the very face of God. We are in wonderful company.
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

 

Prologue by Fr Paul Kelly,  (Ref. Liturgy Brisbane)

Gutiérrez, G. and Dees, C. (1997). Sharing the Word through the liturgical year. 1st ed. Maryknoll: Orbis Books. Pp. 278-9

Image Credit: ShutterStock Photo ID: 2347316281 Candle lights on graves and tombstones at a cemetery in Poland during All Saints Day, Zaduszki day, and Day of the Dead. Lit candles illuminate the graves at a Christian cemetery at night. Photo Contributor: Mazur Travel

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All Saints 

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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Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins,
and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.

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.
Lord have Mercy
Christ Have Mercy
Lord Have Mercy
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Memorial Acclamation

We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
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all saints PREFACE

Euch prayer two 

Communion side. pwk: RH
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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

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.

[ Production - KER - 2023]

May God bless and keep you.