Ash Wednesday - Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Ash Wednesday - Wednesday, February 26, 2020

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
First Reading: Joel 2:12-18
Psalm: Ps 50:3-6. 12-14. 17. "Be Merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned."
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:20 - 6:2
Gospel Acclamation: cf Ps 94:8
Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6. 16-18
Homily
Blessing and Distribution of Ashes
       Distribution of Ashes
       Song
Prayer of the Faithful

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed stock vector ID: 590506187. Banner with bowl with ashes of some palm branches that represents the beginning of the Lent on Ash Wednesday.By PenWin
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Ash Wednesday - Wednesday, February 26, 2020 by clicking this link here:   https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ep-208-ash-wednesday-2020/s-EVwqs  (EPISODE: 206)
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PROLOGUE

We begin today the great season of Lent.  Which is a season of six-and-a-half weeks' length, which is modeled on the forty days in the wilderness, with prayer and fasting, that Our Lord undertook, prior to beginning his public ministry.   The Lenten season is slightly longer than forty days as it does not include the weekends, largely because every Sunday is considered a little-Easter in itself.  Lent is marked by a spirit of additional prayer, penance and fasting and acts of charity.   It is a wonderful season of renewal and growth as we prepare for the great feast of Easter. 

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Ash Wednesday is neither a Sunday nor a holy day of obligation,

Yet churches across Australia and the world are often packed. Why is this day and its ceremony so important and popular with so many? ...  whether they be Catholic or not...  since anyone who wants can come forward to receive the ashes...  I believe it is because we want to be marked with ashes as a sign of repentance and new beginnings, and of recognizing our real need for God's generous love, grace and mercy in our lives.

 

The ashes are made from the palm leaves used on Palm Sunday,  the previous year.

 

These ashes, then, are the product of a "death" - in the sense that these dead palm branches,  having been used as such a powerful symbol in Palm Sunday, have been dried out and burned and turned into a fine powder of ash. We use this sign of death at the beginning of Lent to mark our journey from death toward a new life. 

When we think about Lent, we generally think in terms of giving something up - which is a kind of 'dying' to self.

 

But the readings for today suggest to us that merely 'giving up' something cannot be an end in itself.

Lent is about beginnings,m about allowing God to help us to :

1.       Come to new life,

2.       Deepen our relationship with God and others, and

3.       Transform who we are and how we live.

 

Why do we perform Lenten deeds of penance (alms-giving, prayer, fasting)?

 

Not for the passing reward of public acclaim,  but for the everlasting reward of God's transforming grace (see second reading).

 

Our penance is thus "rewarded" by a deeper relationship with God and each other that comes from returning to God with our whole heart (see first reading). And the reward is given now.

 

One an anonymous writer once described this Lenten time by saying:

LET TODAY BE THE END OF WHO WE HAVE BEEN AND THE BEGINNING OF WHAT GOD HAS CALLED US TO BECOME.

 

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POPE FRANCIS has been attributed to the following SUGGESTIONS FOR FASTING!

It is never too late to give something up for Lent.

Nor is there a rule that prevents you from changing your fasting objects during Lent.

 

And so, if you want to fast this Lent:

Fast from hurting words and say kind words

Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude

Fast from anger and be filled with patience

Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope

Fast from worries and trust in God

Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity

Fast from pressures and be prayerful

Fast from bitterness and fill your heart with joy

Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others

Fast from grudges and be reconciled

Fast from words and be silent so you can listen

{Attributed to Pope Francis}.

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Back in 2011, I was on a pilgrimage, in the desert region in what is now the country of Jordan. I saw and touched the waters of the Jordan river where John the Baptist was baptizing…. and it was a profound moment of reflection and faith. 

 

This Gospel reminds me that, after Jesus was baptized, the voice of his Heavenly Father said… "this is my son, my beloved….  I am well pleased with him… listen to him…."….   So, what did Jesus do next….    he had just received the most perfect and most important and public affirmation from none other than God the Father, himself....  and in response, Our Lord Jesus felt absolutely impelled, by the Holy Spirit, to go immediately into the wilderness for 40 days…..    This tells us that the love and favour of the Heavenly Father was more than sufficient for everything Our Lord truly needed. ……    Since he knows he has that love and faith place in him, then Christ knew that fame, fortune, possessions or earthly influence meant nothing……..    And the wilderness… the desert reminded him of his total connection to his Father in heaven, and the need to reject anything that was not of his Father …..   If people were to listen to him.. he must speak ONLY that which comes from his Father's will …. His father's word….. this needed a deep time of preparation and prayer…. And letting go of everything, except that which lasts forever…….

 

Love, given freely without expectation,

Kindness and mercy, without expectation of return….   

Acts of charity not for recognition or approval but for the sake love alone…..     

Random acts of kindness for which no one will ever know we are the instigators.   (setting up a pattern not only for the 40 days of Lent but for every day of our lives after that....) 

 

Lent is a time of renewal to deepen that extraordinary movement of the heart ever-closer towards God.  Moving deeper into the Love of God which is its own reward....    Where we seek no other reward but to love God and be very close to God... and closer to one another.  For the glory and praise of God alone…

 

This time of prayer, penance and fasting is still a wonderful, joy-filled time of self-denial and making space for God… fostering positive habits for the year-round….  

 

To mark the start of the Lenten season last year, Pope Francis prayed the traditional Stations of the Cross at St. Anselm Church in Rome. He said, "We will never move forward if we are heavily weighed down," he continued. "The poverty of the wood, the silence of the Lord, his loving self-emptying show us the necessity of a simpler life, free from anxiety about things."

 

"The small mark of ash, which we will receive, is a subtle yet real reminder that of the many things occupying our thoughts, that we chase after and worry about every day, nothing will remain," he stated. "Earthly realities fade away like dust in the wind," he said, reminding Catholics that no material possessions or wealth go with them past the grave.

 

"Lent is the time to free ourselves from the illusion of chasing after dust," he urged. "Lent is for rediscovering that we are created for the inextinguishable flame, not for ashes that immediately disappear; for God, not for the world; for the eternity of heaven, not for earthly deceit; for the freedom of the children of God, not for slavery to things."

"We should ask ourselves today: Where do I stand? Do I live for fire or for ash?" 

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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

https://catholicherald.co.uk/news/2019/03/07/lenten-fasting-is-a-wake-up-call-for-the-soul-pope-says/

 

+ Quotes from the commentary section in :  "Liturgia" © Copyright Liturgy Brisbane 2020. 

 

Pope Francis on giving up for Lent,,...  similar in theme to this message:   https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2019/03/give-up-gossiping-for-lent-pope-suggests/

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed stock vector ID: 590506187. Banner with a bowl with ashes of some palm branches that represents the beginning of the Lent on Ash Wednesday. By PenWin
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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.
NB - It is often a week or so Ahead:  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

Ash Wednesday  (Wednesday, February 26, 2020)  (EPISODE: 206 )

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 faithfulness to you all}}

 

No penitential rite, ashes after Homily replaces this.

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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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Preface: Lent III
Eucharist Prayer II
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Communion side.  pwk:  LH
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{my heartfelt thanks for your participation in this time of reflection, prayer and praise.}

Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord. 

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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. }

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

 [ Production -  KER -  2020]

 May God bless and keep you. 

 

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, February 23, 2020

Homily Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, February 23, 2020

Readings for 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time - A
FIRST READING: Lev 19:1-2, 17-18

PSALM: Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 8+10, 12-13. "The Lord is kind and merciful."

SECOND READING: 1 Cor 3:16-23

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (1 John 2:5). Alleluia, alleluia! Whoever keeps the word of Christ, grows perfect in the love of God.

GOSPEL: Matt 5:38-48

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed photo. ID: 2772179 Model of Jerusalem dating from the time of the Second Temple. By Khirman Vladimir
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, February 23, 2020 by clicking this link here:   https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ep-207-seventh-sunday-ordinary-time-a/s-ccYMT  (EPISODE: 207)
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Note:  continuing from last week....   the source and the goal of discipleship is to share in the heart of God....   to dwell in God's love and reflect God's love....   love is at the heart of everything. to become truly Christ-like; not only in our appearances but in essence...  which is to BE love...   // this changes everything...   we focus not on perfecting external actions...  but put all our energies into allowing God's love and compassion to grow in our hearts and flow out into our attitudes and actions...   //

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Saint Paul uses a wonderful image to show us that God is building us up into a worthy dwelling place for him to live in us. But he says that we are not being formed into any old home for God,…… "We are invited to become not just an occasional holiday shack for God, but a permanent home and, (even moreso...), a "Temple" for God to live in.  And the Greek word for "temple" used here implies not just the facade of the Temple of Jerusalem, but the inner sanctuary - the "Holy of Holies" (where only one priest could enter at a time. Apparently the priest on duty had a rope tied around them so if they fainted or died while in this inner sanctuary they could be hauled out by the rope without anyone else entering!)   
 
So, each of us is invited to become, body, soul and mind,  an extremely holy place for God to dwell. 
 
What renovations do we need God's grace to create in us, to make us a worthy place?  (a temple)? 
 
A temple is building which is "purpose built". Every room and every item in that place is there for the purpose of worshiping God (who abides in that temple), and for doing God's works. …… 
 
So, our lives, and everything about us, is similarly put to the use of God; We become willing instruments of God's Kingdom…  We are God's temple, says Saint Paul, and this is an amazing thought. 
 
This weekend, with the Gospel, there are two words that bear deeper reflection; and need a bit of clarification.  
 
Firstly we are told by Jesus:  "Be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect" – 
This is not an invitation to perfectionism (which is quite a different thing).  
In fact, we actually see in Our Lord's life and ministry, that he was the opposite of a "nit-picking" legalist, who was prickly around other people because they didn't do everything "just right." The Greek word "perfect," here, actually means "Telios" that is (like the word 'telescope')/ an unfolding to achieve its maximum potential/  achieving full capacity/ Reaching maturity/ Becoming whole or complete…/  "To be best suited for its purpose"…. (For example.. a 'tailored suit' is Telios – that is, it is designed to perfectly fit the wearer's proportions)
….
So, we are invited to allow God's Kingdom to fit us like a designer Baptismal garment/.. matching just right !/ …. But, we are the ones who are being shaped to fit God's ways, and not the opposite... of us trying to cut-down God's Kingdom to suit our convenience.   
 
The second problematic saying is "love your enemies"… 
This is extremely difficult for teaching. "Pray for those who hurt you"…… 
Firstly the Greek word used here is not like the love of husband and wife. Also, this word is (understandably) nothing like the love that one has for a family member or a close friend…. It is 'agape" - That is, the different kind of love that wishes well to the other, show basic human respect and indicates an act of reason. It is not so much a love coming from the heart, but (surprisingly in this situation), it is a decision (made by the head and enabled by a conscious, considered resolution), 
 
It is a deliberate choice to SHOW respect/ kindness, restraint, and regard to all people, irrespective of their actions, and irrespective of our feelings towards them. 
 
For doing this is mirroring how God treats us all. 
 
(This does NOT mean that we become doormats or punching bags for Christ! That would be unjust and unacceptable. And in any case, Jesus is giving this teaching to disciples, most of whom would have been quite capable of knocking the head off someone who slapped them even once!  Christ's new followers would have needed to use their willpower not to strike back !. Christ is teaching us that, Abiding in God's love, we don't have to lower our response or attitude, to that of those who seek to harm us. We do not need to return evil for evil – which would simply continue the vicious cycle of violence and hate.  
 
This is asking us something that does not come naturally. The bonds of natural affection and friendship are in some ways easier, but this is about the call of God's love - not the limits of the "bare minimum" God might expect. 
 
To the demands of the law, there are always limitations and exceptions …./ But to the claims of love, there are limits or exceptions/  And such a concept as "limits" makes no sense, to one who loves.
 
"A basic mistake in earthly wisdom is to think of life in terms of the law, instead of love. If we love a person deeply, passionately, humbly and selflessly, we will be quite sure that (in a poetic sense) if we were to give that person all we possessed, we will still be in default; That if we gave that person the sun, the moon and the stars, we will still be in debt, (a willing debt of love, that is !)/ 'One who is in love is always in debt'; The last thing that enters their mind is that they have earned a reward or can demand a response. If a person has a legalistic view of life, they may think constantly in terms of reward that has been won and what is "owed" to them;/ But, if a person has a loving view of life, the idea of reward would be jarring. …. (Again, here I think of parents… They love their children unconditionally… They give because they love… If they were doing it for reward or expecting the balance sheet one day to be truly "evened up"…., they will most certainly be waiting a long time !…… but that is not how a loving parent acts… and God does not think that way either… 
 
(Jesus invites us to enter into this mindset deeper and deeper each day). 
 
How much is sufficient? how much is enough? when given to one's beloved?…..
(how long is a piece of string?) …. It is a totally different way of seeing the world…"# 
 
So, Are we ready for this astounding invitation, from today's Gospel?"A person will be perfect ('Telios') (GSN5046) …. (or to put it more precisely… "mature and fit for the purpose for which we were created)," when we reflect the image and likeness of God, (for that is what God intended from the beginning of creation) (The Book of Genesis).
 
God's qualities are A universal benevolence and kindness, unconquerable goodwill, 
Constant seeking of the highest good of every person. 
God is love and shows love (to the saint and to sinner alike). 
No matter what people do in response, God seeks nothing but their highest good. 
 
Jesus is laying down three great rules—(which I feel anxious to lay down without watering it down or explaining it away, even though it calls us to go deeper than is comfortable or familiar)….The Christian avoids resentment or retaliation for insults, 
(no matter how deliberate); returning kindness and reverence, in the face of injury. 
 
The Christian does not stand or fall upon their legal rights or on any other rights they may believe themselves to possess; The Christian thinks not about their right to do as they like, but rather think always of our duty to be of help and to do good work with all our ability for the glory of God. We cannot achieve this alone. This can ONLY be achieved when the grace and love of God abide in us and flows outwards, into actions of kindness, mercy and compassion. "When we love, we are a sign and sacrament of the Kingdom of God… And, Jesus says to us:  'Love !, (not as others love but as I love), and BE that SIGN !"   
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References:
 
Fr Paul W. Kelly
 
Strong's Biblical Concordance: HelpsBible.com. copyright © 1987, 2011 by Helps Ministries, Inc.
 
# Barclay, W. (1975). The Gospel of MATTHEW. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: St. Andrew Press.
 
Cronin, G. (2003). Celebrating the Gospels. 1st ed. Liguori, Mo.: Liguori.
 
DeBona, G. (2013). Between the Ambo and the altar. 1st ed. Minnesota: Liturgical press.
 
Hodge, Vincent.  Note on the Greek word for "Temple," used in 1 Corinthians 3:17,  also see http://www.godrules.net/library/strongs2b/gre3485.htm

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 2772179 Model of Jerusalem dating from the time of the Second Temple. By Khirman Vladimir
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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.
NB - It is often a week or so Ahead:  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 -     Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

"Today I Arise" - For Patricia 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 -  2020] 

May God bless and keep you. 
Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A
(Sunday, February 23, 2020)

(EPISODE: 207)

The Lord be with you.
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{{May Our Lord's gift of dignity and community enliven you. }}

As we prepare to celebrate the great Sacramental feast of Gods love, let us pause, recall our sins, and trust in Gods infinite mercy.
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

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

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Sundays Ordinary VI

Euch prayer two

Communion side.  pwk:  RH
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{Many thanks for participating in this time of praise and reflection upon our loving God.}

Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, February 16, 2020

Homily

First Reading: Sirach 15:15-20

Psalm: 118:1-2. 4-5. 17-18.33-34. Happy are they who follow the law of the Lord.

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:6-10

Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed are you, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth. You have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.

Gospel: Matthew 5:17-37

Image credit:  Shutterstock Licensed -stock photo ID: 482177065.  TOP-150 Bible Verses about Love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: "Love your neighbour as yourself." By Oleg Golovnev

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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, February 16, 2020 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ep-206-sixth-sunday-ordinary-time-a/s-wMqRg  (EPISODE:206)
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Prologue:  Our Lord turns the heat up in this weekend's readings.   He really lays things on the line...   We have been given real freedom, so no excuses.  We are called to be children of God, not petty rule makers or breakers.  The Lord wants to share his heart with us...   wants to implant his love deep in our souls....   and from that, true discipleship flows....  which reaches out, gives, includes and helps.....   

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While Mahatma Gandhi was a practising Hindu, Christianity intrigued him greatly. In his reading of the Gospels, Gandhi was deeply impressed by Jesus. He wanted to know more about this Jesus that Christians referred to as "the Christ, the Messiah."

 

One Sunday morning Gandhi decided that he would visit one of the Christian churches in Calcutta. Upon seeking entrance to the church, he was stopped at the door by the ushers.

 

He was told he was not welcome, nor would he be permitted to attend this particular church as it was for either "high-caste Indians or  whites only." He fitted neither of those narrow descriptions. Because of the rejection, the Mahatma turned his back on Christianity saying:  'If it weren't for Christians, I'd be a Christian?' (%%)

 

Sadly, this is another in the list of history's all-too-many examples of Christians becoming a stumbling block for those trying to approach Christ.  An unspeakable tragedy that repeats itself far too often.  Even to this day, we have to be so vigilant against being unchristian Christians.

 

This can happen in really big ways, and also in small but still quite devastating...  and the results can be the same...  the contradiction witnessed by observers; between the love from God (on one hand) and the legalism and the harshness of some of God's disciples (on the other), can be a real "turn-off."

 

  (I am sure many of us can blush when we recall times when we ourselves modelled the complete opposite of Christ's loving message in our own actions and reactions. These contradictions are a trap into which any one of us can fall. The Lord doesn't want us to lose heart or give up but warns us to be very wary and constantly on our guard against our contradictions, and to repent and work with God's grace to reshape our attitudes without delay). And save us, Lord, from acting opposite to your ways and not even seeing the contradiction!  Christ didn't preach, heal, forgive,  suffer, die and rise again, for that kind of self-indulgence and lack of self-awareness.

 

Today's Gospel is summed up beautifully in this quote from the British writer, Michael Green: "(God's) Law is not the limit of obedience;  rather, it is the springboard from which we dive into the (wonderful, refreshing, life-giving and deep waters of) love and devotion to Our Lord. The Law of God is the "curbing" along the road of love."1.  (paraphrased). We don't spend all our time looking at the sides of the road, but by travelling wonderfully down the centre lane of this highway of God's love.

 

The law was never meant to be the end in itself, but rather a distillation and expression of God's values. When people only focus on the letter of the law or outward observances, they are completely missing the point.

 

Jesus was warning the Pharisees that this is exactly what they have ended up doing. They had not gone deeper into the meaning and Spirit behind the law, and so they had become hollow. The "Pharisees" are not just those people who opposed Jesus 2000 years ago...  Not merely the actual pharisees who were living like hypocrites, but this group also represent anyone - even today...  even within our own Christian faith tradition, who  keeps outward observances whilst their  hearts (and attitudes) remain far from the Lord. Our Lord preaches to the Pharisees of this day and even the pharisee that might be lurking away in our own hearts.

 

God's wise saying to us in the first reading is quite powerful. God says, 'Of course I have given you true freedom. You are free to touch the cool water.. it will feel cool…. And you are free to touch your hand to the flame if you want. but beware… choosing to touch fire will burn you. So choose wisely.. choose the good… avoid the harmful. Use your freedom to choose life and choose God's ways. At the heart of God's desire for us, is to walk the paths that are for our good and avoid any avenues that will prove nothing but harmful to us.

 

Jesus is calling as his disciples to learn the meaning purpose of Gods law and not merely its outward expressions or legalistic constraints.   We hope that God will grant us the  wisdom to discern the loving-kindness and compassion behind the rules and regulations and apply ourselves to that love.

 

Jesus is inviting us to never just settle for the outward shell of observance, but rather dive deeply into being a loving disciple who lives truly as a son or a daughter of God amongst many siblings.

 

"love of God and Love of neighbour is the one law that admits of no exception!  Furthermore, all other laws must be held against the litmus test of how they apply this overarching law of LOVE."

 

So, it is not good enough merely to keep the commandments by 'not killing anyone' because we also must strive not to have anger and uncharitable thoughts against our brother or sister. It is not sufficient to say "I have never actually been unfaithful" when it is possible to break the spirit of this command by being disrespectful in the way we  look at others — or how it's sadly possible to treat others as objects, devoid of their person-hood.  What a parody one could make of God's law by limiting it only to extremes l, or diluting it with endless lists of curious observances.

 

It is not good enough to do everything in the 'name of Jesus' if our ordinary everyday 'yes' is not reliable, or our 'no' does not mean what it says. _this particular passage really interests me more than ever...  a simple yes or no is powerful. but a yes or a no with additional extra added explanations, reasons or comments.... are quite often little more than excuses, fibs, self-justifications or gripes. So truly, our yes needs to be yes, and our no, no...  No more, no less.

 

And, even more challenging; the readings today remind us that we should never blame God for our own failings: "Do not say it is the Lord's doing that I fell away." These are merely excuses that try to remove our own adult, free responsibility. Whilst we have real freedom, we are reminded quite sharply by this weekend's scriptures: The Lord never gave people permission to sin or to ignore his laws.

 

Yes, God has given us true freedom, but this is a freedom to  -// To live God's law and to act responsibly, maturely,  and lovingly.

 

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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

(%%) [ By LAMA CHUCK STANFORD and ARVIND KHETIA.  Article - APRIL 17, 2015 07:00 AM:  from https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.kansascity.com/living/religion/article18756585.html ]  //

 

Also referenced in Link, M. (1992). Vision.  Year A. Allen, Tex.: Tabor Pub

My Daily Visitor, (Our Sunday Visitor).

 

Break Open the Word

 

Image credit:  Shutterstock Licensed -stock photo ID: 482177065.  TOP-150 Bible Verses about Love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: "Love your neighbour as yourself." By Oleg Golovnev
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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.
NB - It is often a week or so Ahead: 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 -     Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

 

"Today I Arise" - For Patricia 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 -  2020] 

 

May God bless and keep you. 

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A
(Sunday, February 16, 2020)

(EPISODE: 206 )

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 Mercy renew us. }}

Our Gods love and mercy knows no bounds, and so let us recall our sins so as to worthily celebrate this Holy Sacrifice.?
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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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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Sundays Ordinary V

Euch prayer two

Communion side. pwk: RH
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{thank you for your company as we have given thanks and praise to our God. }

Go forth, the Mass is ended.

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, February 9, 2020

Homily Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, February 9, 2020

First reading. Isaiah 58:6-10

Responsorial Psalm 111(112):4-9. "A Light rises in the darkness for the upright"

Second reading. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 
Alleluia, alleluia! I am the light of the World says the Lord. The man who follows me will have the light of life.

Gospel. Matthew 5:13-16

Shutterstock Image: stock photo ID: 1053699263. Historic Hilltop Church with Painted Hill Side Buildings at Sunset (Guayaquil, Ecuador).By Daniel Andis
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, February 9, 2020 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ep-fifth-sunday-ordinary-time-a/s-jXbVh
 (EPISODE:205)
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Prologue:  According to the gospel this weekend...  we are called to be "good-for-something"  -  real and active ingredients in the mix of life.....  not just unfathomable religious observers who undertake mysterious repetitions of rituals without any reference to the world around us and having no impact on the lives of those around us, especially those in need.  No, Jesus came to show us that being part of the family of God is something that all are invited into, and authentic service of God has real and practical effects on the welfare of those around us.  We are called to be Salt, Light and a City....    

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The three images in the gospel are powerful this weekend...   

We are to be Salt....  Light... and a City built on a hilltop.......    

What is interesting about all three of these images is that they are not self-serving. the purpose of these three things is to serve the needs of others....    salt adds flavour to food...  light helps show the way... and a city gathers a community together, shares resources and skills and supports the good of all.  So too, the Kingdom of God..  it is not for what i can get out of it, but rather, what i can give to God and others.

Salt is really only is useful when its mixed with food or water....  or interacts with food..  to flavour, preserve and purify it...  Our faith only makes sense when it mixes in with practical actions and loving care and charity.  

In different parts of the different gospels, there is a similar idea used by our Lord,  our identity and the Kingdom of God is involved with being mixed well-into the rest...  whether its salt mixed into food... or -  leaven kneaded  into the dough... both give that image of really immersing oneself into life and mixing in with it and lifting it up to new levels...  transforming it - for the better.

In the first reading we have the question posed...  what kind of fasting please you most, O God.  And the Lord answers ...  A true a pleasing fast....   - is shown by feeding the hungry...   helping the homeless....   clothe the naked....    loosening the unjust bonds that tie up the poor.... ....   breaking yokes and freeing from slavery...  and stopping speaking badly of others, an end to gossiping and slandering others...   avoiding any kind of hateful speech...    refraining from pointing fingers...   

Jesus shows us a vision of the Kingdom that involves practical kindness and care of others and contributing to the raising up of dignity and the increase  of compassion.

Light guides our steps  and draws us to safety,..      and of course a huge, attractive, welcoming city on a hill cannot be hidden...  It is seen by all and inspires and draws people to it.  

If any of God's servants spent their days performing the actions of the disciple but like someone who is 'play-acting'  or 'going through the motions'   we would be as useless and as stale salt and as unhelpful as a light never turned on.  and as uninspiring and repulsive as a city, hidden away and unwelcoming.  

If Our Lord's disciples and his church is meant to be like a "lighthouse"  then  the following excellent quote makes a lot of sense...  "Lighthouses don't primarily blow horns... they just shine...."  - so the shining light of their example is much of a guide and inspiration than a whole lot of hot air and noise... 

In the second reading, we again see the instruction that it is essential that we put our hope and dependence on God and not merely our own human willpower, strength or ambitions.We are disciples of the Kingdom of God. we are not here to build up the Kingdom of "self"

The readings this weekend clearly point us to how we are to live our discipleship.  "To be generous, merciful and just and to share of oneself, a sharing that hurts,  and can be a cross to carry.... " But with God's grace we can be that disciple...  Salt, Light, a City.
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

Kersten, J. (2013). New-- St. Joseph Sunday missal Canadian Edition. New Jersey: Catholic Book Publishing Corp., p.p.215.

Link, M. (1992). Vision.  Year A. Allen, Tex.: Tabor Pub.

Shutterstock Image: stock photo ID: 1053699263. Historic Hilltop Church with Painted Hill Side Buildings at Sunset (Guayaquil, Ecuador).By Daniel Andis
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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.
NB - It is often a week or so Ahead: 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, A time of 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, revised - 2009 by the NCC-USA. (National Council of Churches of Christ - USA).

"The Psalms" ©1963, 2009, The Grail - Collins Publishers. 

Prayers of the Faithful - from "Together we pray". by Robert Borg'. © 1993. E.J. Dwyer, Publishers.

{Sung "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" - by Jeffrey M. Ostrowski. Including The Gloria. Copyright © 2011 ccwatershed.org} 

"Faith, Hope and Love" hymn - in memory of William John Kelly - Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music Paul W. Kelly. © 1996. Updated lyrics by Paul Kelly and Stefan Kelk, arranged and sung by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

Please visit homilycatholic.blogspot.com

Production - Kelly Enterprises Resources.            May God bless and keep you. 

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A
(Sunday, February 9, 2020)

(EPISODE: 205 )

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 grace and love abide in you}}

My brothers and sisters, trusting in Gods mercy and love let us call to mind our sins.
Lord Jesus, you are the image of the unseen God: Lord, have mercy.//You are the firstborn of all creation: Christ, have mercy//You are the head of the body, the Church: Lord, have mercy//
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
+++++++++++++++++++++

Memorial Acclamation

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

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sundays Ordinary IV

Eucharistic Prayer One

Communion side. pwk: LH
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{Thanks for joining us for this time of prayer and reflection}

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

 

Sunday - The Presentation of the Lord - Sunday, February 2, 2020

Homily The Presentation of the Lord - Sunday, February 2, 2020

Malachi 3:1-4;

Psalm 23:7-10. "Who is this King of glory? It is the Lord!"

Hebrews 2:14-18;

Gospel Acclamation:  Luke 2:32 Alleluia, alleluia! This is the light of revelation to the nations, and the glory of your people, Israel. Alleluia!

Luke 2:22-40

Shutterstock Licensed Image: ID: 1232605426.  Casorate Primo, Italy. 2017/12/8. A stained glass window depicting Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus and the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the church of San Vittore Martire. By Adam Jan Figel

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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for The Presentation of the Lord - Sunday, February 2, 2020, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ep-204-the-feast-of-the-presentation-of-the-lord-february-2nd/s-hhZgO  (EPISODE: 204)

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Prologue:  This weekend, the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord occurs on a Sunday, and as a Feast day of the Lord it overrides the usual Sunday calendar of readings.  This feast originated in Jerusalem before the fifth century and was adopted in Rome during the seventh century. Celebrated forty days after Christmas, commemorating the ritual as prescribed by the Law of Moses, which the Holy Family fulfilled at this time when they presented the child Jesus, at the temple.  At this time, Lukes Gospel recounts the encounter of Jesus with Simeon and Anna in the temple. This Feast day is also a traditional time in the Christian calendar for the blessing of candles for prayer use, - the blessing of which is found in the introductory rites and the candles are carried in the entrance procession. This is because  of the reference by Simeon in his prayerful song....  that Christ is "the light to enlighten all nations".

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All of Israel longed and Hoped for the Christ…. Mary and Joseph.. and Elizabeth and Zechariah… and so many more.. had longed and waited for the fulfilment of God's promises…

Waiting, Hoping, and longing for the coming of the Lord, and the establishment of God's Kingdom, in and through the Christ.

And we too, long and hope for all that God has promised us would one day be completed…..

Today's Feast reminds us that Our Hopes and deepest longings WILL be FULFILLED, - - BY our faithful God. We will be satisfied, for all our longing that match with the values and longings of the Kingdom of God.

Also in the Scriptures, this weekend is: "Freedom from Fear" and "forgiveness of sin." We can trust that God is an unconditionally loving parent… who sent us his only beloved Son, Jesus Christ to save us and show us his mercy. Christ, who is one of us, and who atones for our sins on our behalf.. and who is compassionate and trustworthy… and empathises with our struggles and temptations, … Jesus shows us the fullness of what God is like – So its inconsistent with this vision to see our God as a scary, capricious, temperamental,  inconsistent or an unpleasant Being with whom we do not know where we stand or where we doubt that we have any chance to be saved….This is not God as revealed by Christ.

We "fear God" only in the original sense of that word...  of being in "Awe" of God's astounding greatness and goodness. And although we would never dare to act in such a way that we presume on God's forebearance, taking it for granted or using it as an excuse in advance of doing the wrong things… We are, nevertheless, right to trust and hope in humble, penitential, confidence.

Anna was said to be always in the temple, praying, hoping and watching… And Simeon is an upright, and godly man who longs for God's Kingdom. They are wonderful expressions of the hope-filled, faithful, prayerful and loyal disciples of God which we all strive to be…….. Simeon and Anna, were representative of the type of people who can be described as the "Quiet in the Land." (as in  Psalm 35: 20), - people who live peaceful, amiable and religious lives. These peaceful, gentle and hopeful people held no desires for a violent and terrible overthrowing of the nation's enemies,.. Nor did they long for a Warrior-like Messiah (a dreadful warrior King) arriving to bring down the enemy and subdue them with the force of armies with swords and banners; Rather, they believed in a life of constant prayer and quiet watchfulness until God should come and bring in his Kingdom of peace, justice, mercy and abundance.

All their lives they waited quietly, patiently and peacefully upon God. Simeon and Anna were like that; in prayer, in worship, in humble and faithful expectation, they were waiting for the day when God would arrive and comfort his people. One also gets the strong impression that they weren't just like wallflowers in the temple or in daily life. They were surely putting their faith and prayer into action...   engaging with people who visited on pilgrimage...  helping people out and listening to their troubles and praying with them and strengthening them.  Being so long in the temple Anna must have seen countless joys, sorrows, tragedies and victories of ordinary people's lives and shared with them in their laughter and in their tears. 

God had promised Simeon, through the Holy Spirit, that his life would not end before he had seen God's own Anointed King in the flesh. Finally, in his advanced old age, Simeon recognised that the baby Jesus, being presented in the Temple, by his loving mother Mary, and his faithful step-father Joseph, that this child was indeed 'coming home' in a sense that he was arriving in his Heavenly Father's House by arriving at the temple.  Simeon recognised that his was the long-hoped-for Messiah and King...  And Simeon was overjoyed! Now he was ready to depart in peace and his words have become another of the great and precious songs of praise taken up by generations of believers in the  Church…. "At last all powerful master, you give leave to your servant to go in peace, according to your promise.... for my eyes have seen the salvation of the Lord…."(%%) (Wonderful, beautiful… ) (%%)

We also see in the gospel…. Anna the widow. She has surely  known sorrow, tragedy and hardship in her long and humble life.  And yet she has never lost hope or joy. Anna… did not let difficulties, sorrows, pain or advancing age make her hard, bitter, resentful, or rebellious against God. But rather, Anna remained kind, positive, gentle,, sympathetic, hope-filled, prayerful… faith-filled - and very, very close to God…(%%) .

Anna.. spent her days in the temple…. Sees God as not distant and detached; but rather as intimately connected with her own life and all of our lives, with God having his hand on the helm.  She was delighted and happy to be a servant in God's house. (%%)

She never ceased to worship. She spent her life in God's house with God's people. God gave us his church to be our mother in the faith. We rob ourselves of a priceless treasure when we neglect to be one with his worshipping people regularly. (%%)

She never ceased to pray. Public worship is great; but private worship is also great. As someone once said, "They pray best together who first pray alone." (but two aspects are in fact inseparable .. private and public worship are essential. complimentary aspects of the same thing). The years had left Anna wise and with unshakable hope because day by day she kept her contact with him who is the source of strength and in whose strength our weakness is made perfect." %%

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References:

Fr Paul W. Kelly

(%%) - quoted from and adapted from Barclay, W. (1975). The Gospel of Luke. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: St. Andrew Press.

Shutterstock Licensed Image: ID: 1232605426.  Casorate Primo, Italy. 2017/12/8. A stained glass window depicting Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord Jesus and the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the church of San Vittore Martire. By Adam Jan Figel


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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 weeklyhomily audio podcast, please click thislink here.

NB - It is often aweek or so Ahead: 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 -     Inspired by  1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music by Paul Kelly. Arranged, with additional lyrics and sung by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

"Today I Arise" - For Patricia Kelly.  By Paul W. Kelly.. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer.  Arranged, with additional lyrics and sung by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

[ Production -  KER 2020 ]

May God bless and keep you.

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The Presentation of the Lord

(Sunday, February 2, 2020)

(EPISODE: 204)

The Lord be with you.

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{{May Our Lord's gift of hope encourage you.}}

My friends in Christ, to worthily celebrate the sacred mysteries, let us first acknowledge our sins.?

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.

+++++++++++++++++++++

Memorial Acclamation

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

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The Mystery of the Presentation of the Lord

Eucharistic Prayer II

Communion side. pwk: LH

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

Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.