Fourth Sunday of Lent. Year A - Sunday, March 22, 2020

Fourth Sunday of Lent. Year A - Sunday, March 22, 2020

Readings for 4th Sunday of Lent A
FIRST READING: 1 Samuel 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a
Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6. "The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want"
SECOND READING: Ephesians 5:8-14
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 8:12). Glory to you, Word of God, Lord Jesus Christ.  I am the light of the world, says the Lord. whoever follows me will have the light of life. Glory to you, Word of God, Lord, Jesus Christ.
GOSPEL: John 9:1-41 - Man Born Blind
 

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed ID: 1344225065. Biblical vector illustration series. Jesus heals the blind man. By rudall30
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Fourth Sunday of Lent. Year A - Sunday, March 22, 2020, by clicking this link here:   https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ep-214-lent-4-a-2020/s-uJa3u  (EPISODE: 214)
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This weekend, we hear the wonderful psalm, that has brought so much comfort and strength in times of difficulty…  the Lord is my Shepherd…  I shall not want.. He leads me along the right paths; He preserves my soul…".    In addition, we have the amazing incident of Our Lord healing the blind man and the experts in the law refusing to accept it. This is a profound call for us to beware of any spiritual blindness our willfulness can cause.  The lord has come to shine his light of love, truth and healing upon the world and he invites us to stand on the right side of history.  

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For people throughout the world dealing with the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. That the Lord will grant healing and strength and support the medical and emergency response people. Lord hear us.  Lord Save us. 

We continue to pray for all people throughout the world - the many people- who are suffering due to the Coronavirus pandemic -  We pray for those who have died, that the Lord will receive them into his care. For bereaved family and friends, who also have experienced the isolation from loved ones at this time of health-restrictions and quarantine. We also pray for everyone affected by this terrible illness, including all suffering the isolation and the severe economic and financial effects. May the Lord inspire people of goodwill to find practical solutions to help and heal and lessen the burdens of so many.

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Many of you might remember the old Royal Brisbane Hospital -  It stood where the new high-tech buildings stand in Brisbane opposite the show grounds.  I remember visiting relatives at the old Royal Brisbane hospital as they recovered from surgery.  Back in the original days, there was a wonderful long open-balcony where patients could be wheeled out to sit in the sun because the benefits of getting a bit of sun was an important part of healing. The new building dispensed with this pleasing aspect. 

This little bit of history reminds me of the teaching in this weekend's second reading.   The Light of Christ casts away all darkness and not only shows up any flaws and faults but also shines its healing light upon our wounds.  The image is a powerful and positive one. 

Back in the days of Our Lord, the local merchants and their stalls would line the streets. Each one inside a little booth, covered in shade-cloths. A wise customer, when attempting to buy some fine silk or other precious items would take the product outside the entrance of the shop and hold it up to the sunlight, so that any flaws or damage would be easily revealed, which would be invisible to the eye in a darkened booth.  The wisdom of this image of Christ as the divine light who scatters the darkness of sin and death is powerful and deeply reassuring.

We Christians are encouraged by Saint Paul to be like children of light, and put away all the works of darkness. And the SIGN of being a child of light shines through in one's actions -    for he says, "the effects of the light are seen in complete goodness, right living and truth. And are completely inconsistent with the futile works of darkness."   We witness to the light of Christ shining in our hearts, by actions and attitudes which contrast sharply with the ways of secrecy, shame and darkness. The things which are done in secret are things that people are ashamed even to speak of; /  Sunlight exposes flaws…  But, sunlight also has medicinal value too, as we have mentioned. Its healing qualities for "killing off the bad" by opening up the wounds to the sunlight. So, our Christian path is not only about avoiding the exposure of our sins and the condemnation that follows, but more positively, to bring about healing and spiritual and moral resilience.'''

I love that first reading.  It reminds us that God is primarily concerned with what is within -  not merely outward appearances. God judges the heart and not by externals.  Look at that wonderful scene where God asks the Prophet Samuel to anoint the future King as the successor to King Saul. He visits Jesse and looks at each of the brothers.  The older brothers all look strong and tall and imposing, but none of them is acceptable to God. God judges from the heart…  they eventually run out of brothers, until Samuel finds out that the youngest and least likely one is not there. He has been overlooked. He is out looking after the sheep.  He is called in and chosen by God. God, by CHOOSING AND ANOINTING DAVID and not any of his BROTHERS, BY SAMUEL. The Oil is poured over his head, as a sign of God's choice and commissioning. He is not made king there and then. He actually goes back to his shepherding. But God has already chosen and anointed him for his future. Note, too that although God chooses from what is in the heart and not just the outward appearances, nevertheless, we are told that David still has a find bearing.   Being someone who is engaging to others, appealing and can draw people to oneself, this is an important value of a leader, but also, inside are innocence, godliness, righteousness, (later in this same chapter, he is described to King Saul as a "brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with him. All these inner qualities are also important. "(1 Sam 16:18, NIV).  

And then, in the wonderful Gospel, there are a FASCINATING SERIES OF ENCOUNTERS… and scenes. Our Lord cures a BLIND MAN ON the SABBATH. This leads to ridiculous arguments and questioning from the religious authorities. They question the once-blind man and when he answers them honestly, they don't want to hear his answer and throw him out saying "why would we listen to you. You are a sinner."  But THEY are the ones asking him the question. They are clearly able to see, but quite obviously spiritually blind and don't even know it. That very fitting saying – "there are none who are so blind as they who will not SEE!"  Meaning, of course – "Understanding cannot be forced on someone who chooses to be ignorant" or also the very similar saying "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink."

Again, it is so important for us to realise that this incident is not in the Gospels to tell us how stubborn and willfully blind and stubbornly deaf people were two thousand years ago.  We too are quite capable of hearing without listening and looking without seeing. Refusing to be challenged or to change when the light is shone on our own faults or areas for growth.  

The man who was cured, meets Jesus again, (or actually, Jesus searches for him and finds him again). The cured man has a wonderful OPENNESS OF HEART AND MIND…    and he says to the Lord: "LET ME KNOW who this Son of Man is, so I CAN BELIEVE IN HIM…."  - "I want to believe, just show him to me." And Jesus says, "You are looking at him, it is me! " This man was open and ready. He did not say to our Lord. "look I am old and I have been through enough. I don't want any more. I am too set in my ways to change, so this is as far as I go. No, he was ready and willing.

 "What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know. It's what we know for sure that just ain't so."   ― Mark Twain

 Show us lord and we will believe and we will worship you!   Always open us,  so as to go deeper and immerse ourselves more fully into the light of Christ and the endless depths of Christ, who is THE  water of eternal life.
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

Barclay, W. (2002). The letters to the Galatians and Ephesians. 3rd ed. Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Press, pp.189-191.

Payne, D. (1982). I and II Samuel. Philadelphia: Westminster Press. P 81-83

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/there_are_none_so_blind_as_those_who_will_not_see

** Jer. 5:21 (King James version): "Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not."      / "There are none so blind as those who will not see. The most deluded people are those who choose to ignore what they already know. The proverb has been traced back in English to 1546 (John Heywood), and resembles the Biblical verse: Jer. 5:21. In 1738, it was used by Jonathan Swift in his 'Polite Conversation,' and is first attested in the United States in the 1713 'Works of Thomas Chalkley'..."   https://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/5/messages/1614.html 

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed ID: 1344225065. Biblical vector illustration series. Jesus heals the blind man. By rudall30
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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).

Lenten Hymn: "Have Mercy"  inspired by Psalm 50(51). Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2020. [ Production -  KER -  2020] 

May God bless and keep you. 
Fourth Sunday of Lent. Year A  (Sunday, March 22, 2020)  (EPISODE: 214 )
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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{{Hello}}

Coming together as brothers and sisters, with confidence let us ask the Fathers forgiveness, for he is full of gentleness and compassion
You were sent to heal the contrite of heart. Lord, have mercy.// You came to call sinners: Christ, have mercy. //You are seated at the right hand of the Father to intercede for us: Lord, have mercy.//
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
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Memorial Acclamation
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
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Sunday Lent IV
Eucharistic Prayer I
Communion side.  PWK:  LH
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{thank you so much for taking this time with me to listen to God's word and for praising God for his goodness and care.}

Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.

St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 19 March 2020

St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 19 March  Solemnity
(This is a weekday Feast)

Readings

2 Samuel 7:4-5, 12-14, 16;

Psalm 88:2-5, 27, 29 R. "The son of David will live forever."

Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22;

Gospel Acclamation: (Ps 83:5). "Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ! How happy they who dwell in your house, O Lord; continually they sing your praise! Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!"

**Luke 2:41-51

 Stock illustration Shutterstock licensed image - ID: 586044503 – "Holy family of Jesus, Mary and St Joseph the worker."  Artistic abstract religious design. By Thoom.

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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Solemnity of St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary  by clicking this link here:   https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ep-213-saint-joseph-2020/s-3Jiqn  (EPISODE:213)
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Today we commemorate Saint Joseph. SPOUSE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY and step-father to the Lord Jesus.

A carpenter, though born of the royal house of David, Joseph was an upright man who, as the husband of the Virgin Mary, cared for Mary and the child Jesus. Venerated in the East after the fourth century and his veneration spread throughout the West during the fifteenth century, especially following the development of medieval nativity plays, the Christmas crib, and due to increased devotion to Mary.
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For people throughout the world dealing with the Coronavirus pandemic. That the Lord will grant healing and strength and support the medical and emergency response people. Lord hear us.  Lord Save us.

We continue to pray for all people throughout the world - the many people- who are suffering due to the Coronavirus pandemic -  We pray for those who have died, that the Lord will receive them into his care. For bereaved family and friends, who also have experienced the isolation from loved ones at this time of health-restrictions and quaranteen. We also pray for everyone affected by this terrible illness, including all suffering the isolation and the severe economic and financial effects. May the Lord inspire people of goodwill to find practical solutions to help and heal and lessen the burdens of so many.

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Saint Joseph is an excellent and very fitting person to honour and have devotion to.  He had such wonderful qualities:  he was  -
Good, pure, faithful, a beautiful guardian and step-father to Our Lord, a faithful and devoted husband to the Blessed Virgin Mary, hardworking, trusting, utterly and immediately obedient to God, humble, an excellent protector and provider, a loyal servant of God and faithful to God's plan at all times.

Saint Joseph's words are not recorded in the Scriptures,  but his actions, his faithfulness and obedience and care are clearly attested there.

Many people throughout history have spoken of the significance of Joseph.  Here are some excellent quotes:

Some Quotes about Saint Joseph

St. Joseph was chosen among all men, to be the protector and guardian of the Virgin Mother of God; the defender and foster-father of the Infant-God, and the only co-operator upon earth, the one confidant of the secret of God in the work of the redemption of mankind. - St. Bernard of Clairvaux
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Saint Joseph was a just man, a tireless worker, the upright guardian of those entrusted to his care. May he always guard, protect and enlighten families. - Pope John Paul II
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(moved position)
Would that I could persuade all men to be devoted to this glorious Saint [St. Joseph], for I know by long experience what blessings he can obtain for us from God. I have never known anyone who was truly devoted to him and honored him by particular services who did not advance greatly in virtue: for he helps in a special way those souls who commend themselves to him. It is now very many years since I began asking him for something on his feast, and I have always received it. If the petition was in any way amiss, he rectified it for my greater good . . . I ask for the love of God that he who does not believe me will make the trial for himself—then he will find out by experience the great good that results from commending oneself to this glorious Patriarch and in being devoted to him .- St.Teresa of Avila
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We should, indeed, honour St. Joseph, since the Son of God Himself was graciously pleased to honour him by calling him father. The Holy Scriptures speak of him as the father of Jesus. "His father and mother were marvelling at the things spoken  -concerning Him" (Luke 2:33). Mary also used this name: "in sorrow, thy father and I have been seeking thee" (Luke 2:48). If then, the King of Kings was pleased to raise Joseph to so high a dignity, it is right and obligatory on our part to endeavour to honour him as much as we can.  - St. Alphonsus Liguori
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St Alphonsus goes on to say:

Go, then to Joseph, and do all that he shall say to you;
Go to Joseph, and obey him as Jesus and Mary obeyed him;
Go to Joseph, and speak to him as they spoke to him;
Go to Joseph, and consult him as they consulted him;
Go to Joseph, and honour him as they honoured him;
Go to Joseph, and be grateful to him as they were grateful to him;
Go to Joseph, and love him, as they love him still.
- St. Alphonsus Liguori
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and also:

The two disciples, going to Emmaus, (Lk. 24:13-31) were inflamed with divine love by the few moments which they spent in company with our Savior, and by His words. What flames of holy love must not, then, have been enkindled in the heart of St. Joseph, who for thirty years conversed with Jesus Christ, and listened to His words of eternal life; who observed the perfect example which Jesus gave of humility and patience, and saw the promptness with which He obeyed and helped him in his labours, and all that was needed for the household! - St. Alphonsus Liguori

(taken from http://thecatholicreader.blogspot.com/2013/06/quotes-about-st-joseph.html

Saint Joseph, (Step-father and Guardian of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and faithful husband to the Blessed Virgin Mary), pray for us.
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

Seasonal information - Liturgy Brisbane. Liturgybrisbane.

Quotes about Saint Joseph. (2020). [online] Thecatholicreader.blogspot.com. Available at: http://thecatholicreader.blogspot.com/2013/06/quotes-about-st-joseph.html [Accessed 12 Feb. 2020].

Stock illustration Shutterstock licensed image - ID: 586044503 – "Holy family of Jesus, Mary and St Joseph the worker."  Artistic abstract religious design. By Thoom.
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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. 
St Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 19 March Solemnity (EPISODE: 213 )
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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{{Good day everyone}}

Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.
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
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
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Easter I
Euch Prayer One
Communion side.  pwk:  RH
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{thanks everyone. And may God sustain you with his grace and love.}

Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.

St Patrick, Bishop. 17 March. Solemnity

St Patrick, Bishop. 17 March. Solemnity
(This is a weekday Feast)

ST PATRICK, bishop (Seasonal colour- white). Mass of the Solemnity.   Gloria, Creed, Preface of Holy Pastors.  (JB Lectionary, vol. 1, p. 979)

Readings:

Jeremiah 1:4-9;

Ps 116. R. "Go out to all the world, and tell the Good News."

Acts 13:46-49;

Gospel Acclamation. (Luke 4:18-19). "Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus Christ! The Lord sent me to bring Good News to the poor, and freedom to prisoners. Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus Christ!"

Luke 10:1-12,17-20

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed  stock illustration ID: 580108297 St Patrick, bishop, patron saint of Ireland. Abstract artistic digital illustration. By Thoom.
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Saint Patrick's Solemnity by clicking this link here:   https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ep-212-saint-patrick-solemnity-in-australia-2020/s-SpMwv  (EPISODE:212)
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We continue to pray for all people throughout the world - the many people- who are suffering due to the Coronavirus pandemic -  we pray for those who have died, that the Lord will receive them into his care. For bereaved family and friends. We also pray for everyone affected by this terrible illness, including everyone suffering the isolation the severe economic effects. May the Lord inspire people of goodwill to find practical solutions to help and heal and lessen the burdens of so many.

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Today we commemorate Saint Patrick of Ireland. Born in Roman Britain around the end of the fourth century. He Died in Ireland about the middle of the fifth century. Faced hardship as a missionary bishop in Ireland, and opposition even from his friends and fellow Christians. Yet worked to unite and reconcile people, to evangelise, and to educate local chieftains and their families. Remembered for his simplicity and pastoral care, for his humble trust in God, and for his fearless preaching of the gospel to those who had enslaved him in his youth. Specially honoured in Australia because the many Irish people who came to settle here brought with them the faith and zeal of St Patrick. fittingly we now hear a hymn inspired by SAINT Patrick's prayer...  today I arise ....  and a happy feast day to my mum Patricia and all whose patron is St Patrick. Faith hope and love —-  
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Qualities:  
Listening - Empathy - Healing - Awareness – He was clearly aware of his own weaknesses and the culture of the Celtic Irish. Persuasion - His ability to convert strong leaders, Chieftains and Kings. Conceptualization – The use of the shamrock to articulate the Trinity. Foresight - The strategy he employed in charting his mission throughout Ireland, carefully choosing each step. Stewardship - He saw the future of Ireland and the care of its people as the core of his mission. Commitment to the growth of people - He trained clergy and so sustained and consolidated each location before moving on to the next.  Building community - The sites he used as Churches were at or near the seats of Chieftains and Kings, many were founded as monastic settlements and became population centres at a time when few existed.
 (taken from https://www.probuilder.com/blog/st-patrick-10-lessons-leadership) 
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Listening - The time he took to listen, talk and answer questions was a recurring theme.
Empathy - Based the trials of his own life his empathy was displayed when he encountered the trials of others. This was especially clear in his letter to Coroticus.
Healing - At the end of his Letter to Coroticus he offers the opportunity for them to repent, even after what they had done, the chance for healing.
Awareness – He was clearly aware of his own weaknesses and the culture of the Celtic Irish.
Persuasion - His ability to convert strong leaders, Chieftains and Kings.
Conceptualization – The use of the shamrock to articulate the Trinity.
Foresight - The strategy he employed in charting his mission throughout Ireland, carefully choosing each step.
Stewardship - He saw the future of Ireland and the care of its people as the core of his mission.
Commitment to the growth of people - He trained clergy and so sustained and consolidated each location before moving on to the next.
Building community - The sites he used as Churches were at or near the seats of Chieftains and Kings, many were founded as monastic settlements and became population centres at a time when few existed.
 (taken from https://www.probuilder.com/blog/st-patrick-10-lessons-leadership) 
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QUOTES: 

1.) "So I turned with all my heart to the Lord my God, and he looked down on my lowliness and had mercy on my youthful ignorance. He guarded me before I knew him, and before I came to wisdom and could distinguish between good and evil. He protected me and consoled me as a father does for his son." (Confessio, 2)
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2.) "This is how we can repay such blessings when our lives change and we come to know God, to praise and bear witness to his great wonders before every nation under heaven." (Confessio, 3)
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"This is the one we acknowledge and adore – one God in a Trinity of the sacred name." (Confessio, 4)

6.) "In the knowledge of this faith in the Trinity, and without letting the dangers prevent it, it is right to make known the gift of God and his eternal consolation. It is right to spread abroad the name of God faithfully and without fear, so that even after my death I may leave something of value to the many thousands of my brothers and sisters – the children whom I baptized in the Lord." (Confessio, 14)
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7.) "I didn't deserve at all that the Lord would grant such great grace, after hardships and troubles, after the captivity, and after so many years among that people. It was something which, when I was young, I never hoped for or even thought of." (Confessio, 15)
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 9.) "It was in the strength of God that I went – God who turned the direction of my life to good." (Confessio, 17)
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10.) "For that reason, I give thanks to the one who strengthened me in all things, so that he would not impede me in the course I had undertaken and from the works also which I had learned from Christ my Lord." (Confessio, 30)
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8.) "More and more the love of God increased, and my sense of awe before God." (Confessio, 16)
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15.) "So I want to give thanks to God without ceasing." (Confessio, 46)________
Before I was humiliated I was like a stone that lies in deep mud, and he who is mighty came and in his compassion raised me up and exalted me very high and placed me on the top of the wall.
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I am Patrick, a sinner, most uncultivated and least of all the faithful and despised in the eyes of many.
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if I did or showed forth anything however small according to God's good pleasure; let this be your conclusion and let it so be thought, that - as is the perfect truth - it was the gift of God.
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Christ beside me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me.
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The Lord discovered to me a sense of my unbelief that, though late, I should remember my transgressions and that I should be converted with my whole heart to the Lord my God.
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I only seek in my old age to perfect that which I had not before thoroughly learned in my youth, because my sins were a hindrance to me.
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I plainly told them, 'Be ye sincerely converted, and with your whole heart, to the Lord our God, for nothing is impossible to Him, that He may today send you food on your road, even until you are satisfied, because He has everywhere abundance.' And, with God's help, it was so done: Behold! A herd of swine appeared on the road before our eyes.
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I have a Creator who knew all things, even before they were made - even me, his poor little child.
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I partly know why I have not led a perfect life like other believers. But I avow to my Lord, and I do not lie, that from the time when I first knew him, the love of God and the fear of him has grown in me from my youth so that I have, by the power of God, always till now kept the faith.
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Let who will scoff and revile - I will not remain silent; neither will I conceal the signs and wonders which have been shown to me by the Lord, who knew all things even before the time of this world, many years before, just as they happened.
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Sufficient for me is that honour which is not seen of men but is felt in the heart, as faithful is He who hath promised and who never lies.
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I have had the good fortune through my God that I should never abandon his people whom I have acquired in the extremities of the earth.
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I most certainly believe that it is the gift of God that I am what I am. And so I dwell amongst barbarians, a proselyte and an exile, for the love of God.
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Believe Avarice is a deadly sin.
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I was freeborn according to the flesh; I am born of a father who was a decurion, (Roman cavalry officer in command of a squadron (turma)), but I sold my noble rank - I blush not to state it, nor am I sorry - for the profit of others. In short, I am a slave in Christ to a foreign nation for the unspeakable glory of the eternal life which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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It was not any grace in me, but God that put this earnest care into my heart, that I should be one of the hunters or fishers whom long ago God foreshowed would come in the last days.
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I see that already in this present world I am exalted above measure by the Lord. And I was not worthy nor such a one as that he should grant this to me since I know most surely that poverty and affliction become me better than delights and riches.
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I have vowed to my God to teach the heathen, though I am despised by some.
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 The Lord is greater than all: I have said enough.

(taken from https://epicpew.com/17-breathtaking-quotes-saint-patricks-confessio/  and https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/saint-patrick-quotes)

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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

(taken from https://epicpew.com/17-breathtaking-quotes-saint-patricks-confessio/  and https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/saint-patrick-quotes)

(taken from https://www.probuilder.com/blog/st-patrick-10-lessons-leadership   ) 

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed
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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. }

"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. 
St Patrick, Bishop. 17 March. Solemnity  (EPISODE: 212)
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 empathy abide in you.}}

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 Gods loving mercy.

Lord Jesus, you came to gather the nations into the peace of God's kingdom: Lord, have mercy// You come in word and in sacrament to strengthen us and make us holy: Christ, have mercy//You will come again in glory with salvation for your people: Lord, have

May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
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Memorial Acclamation
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
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Pastors
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Go and Announce the Gospel of the Lord.

Third Sunday of Lent. Year A - Sunday, March 15, 2020

Third Sunday of Lent. Year A - Sunday, March 15, 2020

Readings for 3rd Sunday of Lent A
FIRST READING: Exodus 17:3-7

Ps 95:1-2, 6-7b, 7c-9. "If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts."

SECOND READING: Romans 5:1-2, 5-8

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. John 4:42+15). Glory to you, Word of God, Lord Jesus Christ. Lord, you are truly the Saviour of the World. Give me living water, that I may never thirst again.

GOSPEL: John 4:5-42 - Samaritan Woman

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed ID: 1074985223. BOLOGNA, ITALY - APRIL 18, 2018: The icon of Jesus and Samaritans at the well; a scene in church Chiesa di San Pietro by Giancarlo Pellegrini. By Renata Sedmakova
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Third Sunday of Lent. Year A - Sunday, March 15, 2020 by clicking this link here:   https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ep-211-lent-3-a-2020/s-jS0TZ  (EPISODE: 211)
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As our Lenten journey continues, We have the wonderful incident of Our Lord meeting and speaking with the Samaritan Woman at the well.  This extraordinary encounter and discussion bring home to us that Jesus came to bring about unity, through the salvation of the entire people of Israel, not just the tribe of Judah, but the whole of Israel. Including the Samaritan people and in fact people of every tribe, nationality or tongue.   Our Lord's sensitivity and care and concern for all people shines through brightly in this meeting.  
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We are very familiar with this delightful meeting of Christ with the Samaritan woman at the well.  Even so, it is important that we always remain open to the many layers and deeper truths that can always be plumbed from God's living word, and approach this incident with minds and hearts open to being further nourished. 

There are so many wonderful elements in this scene. We know that even the disciples are described as surprised to see Jesus talking with this woman. It is often assumed that this is because he is speaking with a woman, but actually it is not so unusual that an exhausted and parched traveller might ask for some water from anyone they come across. The biggest surprise was that he was speaking to a Samaritan. And the most astounding thing for this lady is that he seemed to be asking for her to share her water container, as he had none. It was well known that Samaritans and Jews did not associate and certainty didn't share eating or drinking implements, for they thought of each other as heretics.  Despite this, they believed many of the same things and their practices were not so different. They differed massively in where the proper place for worship was, with Jews saying God's temple, and the Samaritans, Mount Gerizim.

Despite this, they had the same spiritual ancestors and were all descended from the different tribes of the originally united Israel, (combining Judah and Israel, the latter which included Samaria). 

Over the centuries many assumptions have been made about the woman at the well that are not necessarily borne out by the text. We are fortunate that as we collect more and more perspectives from the Jewish cultural practices and beliefs of the time, a richer window opens up to us.  For example, it has been often assumed that the woman was at the well in the heat of the day, to avoid her fellow Samaritans with the thought that she may have been a woman held in low esteem in the village. But, there is nothing to suggest that this is summertime, it could be the middle of winter. Also, the hottest part of the day would not be midday but 3 pm.

In any case, there are heaps of reasons a person might be avoiding their fellow townsfolk, other than sin; including illness, sorrow, depression, tragedy. She may have withdrawn from others due to what seems like a tragic series of events that had befallen her and her family. We know that the lady had been married several times but again it is unfairly assumed that she was morally poor, or a public sinner. Her husbands may all have died through tragedy. (Perhaps like the awful incident in the Book of Tobit where a woman's newly we husbands - all seven husbands in a row- each died on their wedding night – in that famous biblical scene, the people felt pity for her, and some thought she might be cursed, but they did not cast her out, but the woman in that scene felt shame and distress). Or this Samaritan woman's husbands may have divorced her, with no-fault attributed to herself, as only men could divorce women and without any particular reason.

Jesus points out that she is not married, as the man she lives with is not her husband, but again, this man could be a relative or a son. He could well be simply pointing out that with no husband she was in that culture and time-dependent on the charity of distant relatives.  This lady may have been depressed and downcast having suffered so much personal tragedy in her life...  The people might have felt that God was not blessing her, had abandoned her, because of all that had happened in her life.   Our Lord's gentle words can be taken to say, "I know all that you have been through. I know what has happened to you. God's Kingdom is for you too."  This would be very fitting of one who came to heal and to reach out to those bowed down.   

If the lady was truly an outcast, she would not be so readily believed by the townsfolk when she told them she had met the messiah. Why believe the word of a woman of ill-repute. We are told they believe her and go to see themselves and then believe no longer because of what she said but because of meeting him.   Astoundingly, we are also told something often missed. HE stays with the Samaritans three days.  He eats with them, stays in their shelter and talks with them. This is absolutely amazing. 

The other clue, is at the start...  It says..  the well is the one Jacob built...   the bones of prophet Joseph are buried here.  They are heirs like the Jews, to the promise of Jacob and Joseph and the forefathers.  Our Lord in deep theological discussion with the woman at the well, promises that he is the living water, from heaven...  and he offers her and the Samaritans this as well.  He indeed says salvation is from the Jews, but he is the Messiah, who comes to reunite the divided kingdom -- And it is the reunited Jews, (from Judah and from Samaria), he is preaching and bringing back into the fold.  When Our Lord tells the woman all about herself, she feels welcomed and understood. He is filled with compassion for her suffering. Is he comparing her to the experiences of Joseph, whose suffering at the hands of his brothers and his being sold into slavery in Egypt eventually led to the salvation of his family and his people.  Was Our Lord assuring the lady that her suffering and pain over all these years, will be healed by his ministry and inclusion. Through her inexplicable suffering, the Lord, the water of life, was giving not only her but her whole township new and eternal life... and reunion with the one Kingdom of Israel.

The most amazing part of this encounter is when Jesus says to her: "We worship in Jerusalem, and you on this mountain here..." (which sounds initially very inflexible and with no room to move for either "side")... but then he adds something that astounds and amazes everyone:   "but there will come a time when we will worship not on this or that mountain, but will worship God in Spirit and Truth."  That time has already come, through Christ, who is the living temple and from whom the waters of life flow to all. Christ, again finds ways of healing, reconnecting and unifying all people, not through compromise, but from a thoroughly liberating wider perspective and way of truth and life where all sides can move forward as God's people.  Jesus' example shows us that the solution to division and disagreement, is compassion, respect, listening, healing and lovingly being open to the fullness of vision that doesn't stand on narrow refusal to have a meeting of heart and mind.  
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

The Samaritan Woman Reconsidered. Kindle Edition. Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg  (Author), Pinchas Shir (Editor), Ludmila Lizorkina (Editor). ISBN: 1713300362. December 1, 2019

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

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed ID: 1074985223. BOLOGNA, ITALY - APRIL 18, 2018:The icon of Jesus and Samaritans at well scene in church Chiesa di San Pietro by Giancarlo Pellegrini. By 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.
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).

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

[ Production -  KER -  2020]

May God bless and keep you. 

Third Sunday of Lent. Year A  (Sunday, March 15, 2020)  (EPISODE: 211)
Grace to you and peace fRomans God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
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{{May Our Lord's generosity inspire you.}}

As we prepare to celebrate the paschal mystery, let us admit our failings and ask the Lord for pardon and strength.
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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Sunday Lent III
Eucharistic Prayer II
Communion side.  PWK:  RH
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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.

Second Sunday of Lent. Year A - Sunday, March 8, 2020

Homily Second Sunday of Lent. Year A - Sunday, March 8, 2020

 

Readings for 2nd Sunday of Lent – A

 

FIRST READING: Genesis 12:1-4a

 

PSALM: Psalm 33:4-5, 18-19, 20+22. "Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you."

 

SECOND READING: 2 Timothy 1:8b-10

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Matthew 17:5). Glory and Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ! From the shining cloud, the Father's voice was heard. This is my beloved Son, hear him.

 

GOSPEL: Matthew 17:1-9 – Transfiguration

 

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 1206378808. The Holy Transfiguration of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ. Illustration - fresco in Byzantine style. By Julia Raketic

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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Second Sunday of Lent. Year A - Sunday, March 8 2020, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ep-210-lent-2-a-2020/s-OaIE2  (EPISODE: 210)

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The Transfiguration of Our Lord on the mountain is another powerful affirmation that the Messiah, God's Son, truly is intended to walk the path of suffering and give his life on the Cross and by this means achieve glory and our salvation.  it was so difficult for both disciples and opponents alike to get rid of their preconceived ideas that the Messiah would come in power and military victory and that God's approval will be shown by showering Jesus with success, spectacle and worldly power.  Already Our Lord has had to correct Peter about the path of Calvary he must take. Glory and affirmation would come through his faithful endurance of so much sacrificing love.  This mountain top experience is a powerful but brief confirmation that Jesus is in the right path. A difficult path. this is faith hope and love. 

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In the gospel, we are told that Jesus shone like pure light… and the aspect of his face was changed….

 

In the Old Testament, we hear of Moses' face shining with light after praying to God.

 

In the case of Jesus, the transfiguration reveals what was the case all the time, but not always obvious…. That Jesus is truly God and truly human. And that his glory as God would be revealed again in and through his suffering, death, resurrection and ascension.

 

In the case of Moses, his shining face is slightly different from Our Lord's radiant face. Jesus' light shines from within his own divine nature. Whilst, Moses' face is "reflected light." (Moses  is reflecting that glory which had experienced in his prayerful encounter with the presence of God and in his worship of God).

 

The fact is, Jesus wasn't actually momentarily glorified... He was always glorious… He was always "shining brightly"… In every moment of his life… 

 

He was, at all times, utterly alive with the glory of being both fully God and fully human… However, for most of the time, people only perceived an ordinary-looking man, seemingly just another person walking the same dusty roads like everyone else. The disciples only glimpsed this inner glory occasionally. but it was always there… It didn't come and go at different times of his life, even if it was more obvious at some high-points than other times. Christ shone with glory in what he did and in what he said, and in his priorities and teachings….. He was glorious in the "every day and the ordinary," as well as the extraordinary.  The three Apostles' mountaintop glimpse of Christ's abiding glory, teaches us to see and hear with the eyes of faith. the apostles were encouraged to keep looking for the glory of his truth even when they came back down from the mountain-top to the ordinary and the every-day as well as the challenging and the awful moments of life. 

 

In this revelation of Christ, the Heavenly father says…  "this is my son… I am well pleased with him… listen to him!"   -  … This invites us to  a deep, new openness to see and hear the "new" and the "different." Christ is inviting to go much deeper and to see what lies within. 

 

If we are to truly accept Jesus' glorification, we must also accept the advice that went along with it. We must do what he tells us to do; (and live as he has taught us).

 

One scripture commentator asks a good question about what the disciples saw on the mountaintop. "Was Jesus transformed, or were his disciples' eyes opened?" That is, on one special day, for a few precious seconds, they glimpsed fully, and astoundingly the glorious truth about their friend and teacher, Jesus, - the Truth that was always there to be seen  – Whether realized by others or not

 

Even though the Transfiguration of our Lord is a rather unique moment of revelation about the divine nature of Christ, we Christians, not unlike Moses, shine with this light of Christ in us.

 

We have received the light of Christ at our baptism -  we are children of the Light. We carry the light of Christ to all we meet….

 

We are called to shine that light for all to see, so that people can in turn worship God, the source of that light…

 

We have seen, throughout the generations, people whose lives have been truly transfigured by God's love and grace…. They are people we have known who truly shine with God's love and graciousness…. People who certainly do seem to radiate God's love, forgiveness, compassion and kindness…- their faces almost literally shine… And it is not the glow of good health, or a good moisturizer, or the radiance of good fortune.... or even the glow of youth. Since, many of these saints have shown that inner glow- A radiating love-  I am sure WE have all met people like this - people who shine out with God's love even though age, extreme ill health and misfortune are very much part of their daily lives… It is nothing short of a miracle- and it is truly God's grace that shines out….

 

Sadly, we have probably all come across some who do not radiate this light- this grace… and we pray that no matter what is happening in our lives, we can all radiate that serenity and grace that implanted in our hearts by our loving and faithful God.

 

May this lent enlighten all of us, so that we may, no matter what our situation, radiate God's love and light to all … / May the light of Christ expose all those dark and false areas of our lives. Things that distract and misdirect us -  leading us away from the light of God's love and self-forgetting service) ……

 

After all, this is our calling, this is the gift God gives to us…. And this is our final destiny… to be with God, in Jesus, who is light from light!!!

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References:

Fr Paul W. Kelly

 

Image Credit: "Shutterstock" Licensed. ID: 1206378808. The Holy Transfiguration of our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ. Illustration - fresco in Byzantine style. By Julia Raketic.

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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 

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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).

 

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

 

[ Production - KER - 2020]

May God bless and keep you.

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 Second Sunday of Lent. Year A. Sunday, March 8, 2020  (EPISODE: 210)

 

The Lord be with you.

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{{May Our Lord's care, comfort you}}

 

Coming together as brothers and sisters in Christ, let us prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries by recalling our sins and remembering Christ's greater mercy.

 

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.

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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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Sunday Lent II

 

Eucharistic Prayer III

 

Communion side. pwk: LH

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{I am very grateful for you joining us for this special time of prayer and reflection}.

 

Go forth, the Mass is ended.