Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, August 9, 2020. EPISODE 245

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, August 9, 2020

EPISODE 245

Shutterstock licensed image stock photo ID: 1211556307. Biblical vector illustration series, Jesus calms the storm. Peace Be Still. By rudall30  

Readings for 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time - A

FIRST READING: 1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a

Psalm 85:9ab+10, 11-12, 13-14. "Lord, show us your mercy and love, and grant us your salvation."
SECOND READING: Romans 9:1-5

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION, (cf. Psalm 130:5).Alleluia, alleluia! I hope in the Lord. I trust in his Word.
GOSPEL: Matthew 14:22-33

 

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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, August 9, 2020, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ordinary-19a-episode-245 EPISODE 245
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(Fr Paul). Prologue: In the first reading, Elijah meets God; whose presence is indicated by a "tiny whispering sound," or as a "gentle breeze," which is also translated in some texts as "the sound of sheer silence".... And then, in the Gospel, Jesus is encountered taming the wild, raging, stormy waters. God is gentle and also immensely powerful at the same time. God is more powerful than ANY storms, dramas or "clamours" in life. God is quiet but also entirely authoritative, (not needing to "out-yell" any contrary voices). His quiet but profound TRUTH will prevail over even the biggest, loudest and scariest of situations or people.

 

We have learnt all too well that the loudest voices in the world are not necessarily the ones that hold the key to eternal truth. Jesus' voice was by no means the loudest voice of his time, but his message is ultimate truth and life, and his gentle, quiet voice of truth has resounded powerfully down the centuries, further than any other voice ever could.

 

And so, whether it be storms or silence… / dramatic or ordinary…/ The message is the same: God is present and active amongst us and with us.  And the signs are there, if we search and listen with the "eyes and ears" of faith.

 

Like Saint Peter, we too have to be willing to get out of the boat, "with heart pounding and mind racing," (and do so despite the fear, and the doubts), and all the while, keep our eyes fixed firmly on Jesus. 

 

Fr. Paul Kelly

(References: Alice Camille; and WILLIAM BARCLAY . THE LETTER TO THE ROMANS. REVISED EDITION. 1975 . The Saint Andrew Press. Edinburgh, Scotland).

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19^th Sunday Ordinary Time – Year A - 2020

 

One of the most helpful books I have ever read, had the rather unusual title of "The Lost Art of Walking on Water" by an American priest, Michael Heyer. It was more than just helpful, it rescued me when I felt I was sinking under the weight of too many decisions and expectations. Just like Saint Peter, it lifted me up when I felt I was sinking. I believed at the time I was up to my neck in problems, real or imagined – trying to do the impossible and not listening to the sound advice of others around me who saw and cared about what was happening.

The subtitle of the book best indicted why it helped. "Re-imagining Priesthood". The intention of the book was to remind the reader to stop trying failed solutions to the same old problems. I was instructed to name the problems honestly and search for new possibilities. While it initially made clear sense, the execution was far from easy, clinging on to unhealthy solutions, and slow to move away from the less challenging approaches, even though they were adding to the problem. Perhaps like many believers, I thought that having faith was enough to protect me from the trials of leading a busy life. What I came to learn eventually was that faith gives us the strength to face the issues, not avoid them.

Some people think that if you have enough faith, life will all be plain sailing. If that was the case then Jesus himself would have had an easy road through his short life. But we know that truthfully his life was far from worry and difficulties. Lesson number one from the book: simply wishing it was otherwise, does not shield us from the problems of life.

We see this from the life of the great prophet Elijah in our first reading. While clearly a man of faith in God, we see him flee into the desert taking refuge in a cave, a beaten and broken man. And in that deserted place of despair did he come to recognise God's presence in the whispering wind.

We see the same thing in the early Christians, when they encountered persecution they thought that the Lord had abandoned them. Yet through the guidance and inspiration of Paul and his messengers they had their faith revived and they were again able to face their trials and dangers.

The story of Peter sinking and being saved is a strange one, as it represents something that really did happen to Peter, not a parable this time, but a real event. It's a reference to his failure to acknowledge Jesus during the passion, and his restoration after the resurrection.

It is strangely comforting for us to see that at times the early Christians were weak and fearful, even though they had heard the comforting words of the Lord. In other words, they were just like us. Even though we start off thinking we are strong and courageous, however as we go along and difficulties arise we discover that our faith is really only strong when things are going well. We get caught between faith and doubt, and it's at those times, if we allow it, we can discover that in our weakness then we can best experience the strength of God. As it has been said "it's not we who keep the faith. It's the faith that keeps us."

If we are to live this life to full then we will have to contend with an outer struggle against the lure of things worldly, and an inner struggle against ourselves. To some extent, the whole life of a Christian is a kind of "walking on water, in so far as it implies walking in faith, which means relying sometimes only on the word of God. Many times we are asked to step out into the deep and unknown relying on his word and take his hand so that he may haul us on board to the safety of his presence. 

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References:
Homily:  Fr Peter Dillon

 

Prologue: Fr Paul W. Kelly. (References: Alice Camille; and WILLIAM BARCLAY . THE LETTER TO THE ROMANS. REVISED EDITION. 1975 . The Saint Andrew Press. Edinburgh, Scotland).

Shutterstock licensed image stock photo ID: 1211556307. Biblical vector illustration series, Jesus calms the storm. Peace Be Still. By rudall30 

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A (Sunday, August 9, 2020)

EPISODE 245
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
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{{Peace and Goodness to you all}}

 

My brothers and sisters, trusting in Gods mercy and love let us call to mind 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.
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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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PREFACE:  Sundays VII
EP II

 (OPENING THEME VARIATION:  3)
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{{Cheers and thanks everyone for this time of prayer and reflection - I hope you have a blessed week.}}

Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.

 

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

To listen to my weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here.
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.

 

"Quiet Time."  Instrumental Reflection music. written by Paul W Kelly. 1988,  2007. & this arrangement:  Stefan Kelk 2020.

- "Today I Arise" - For Tricia J Kelly. Original words and music by Paul W. Kelly. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019. 

May God bless and keep you. 
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Australian Solemnity of Mary of the Cross (Mackillop). August 8th. EPISODE:244

Australian Solemnity of Mary of the Cross (Mackillop) August 8th. (EPISODE: 244 )

Homily Australian Solemnity of Mary of the Cross (Mackillop) August 8th.

 

Please pray for the repose of the soul of a friend of mine who I have known for the longest time. Paul Giacomantonio, (8th October 1968- 6th August 2020 - the feast of the Transfiguration).  May he rest in the peace of Christ forever.   

As Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop once wrote: 

"Remember we are all but travellers here."

 

 

 

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
First Reading: 1 Kings 17:8-16
Psalm: Ps 62:1-8. "My soul clings to you; your right-hand holds me fast."
Second Reading: Colossians 3:12-17
Gospel Acclamation: Matthew 27:55
Gospel: Matthew 6:25-34

Photo Credit: Shutterstock photo ID: 1343087762.  Sydney NSW Australia: Statue of Saint Mary of the Cross an Australian canonised nun outside of St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney NSW Australia. By Keitma

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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass (readings, prayers and reflections) for the Australian Solemnity of Mary of the Cross (Mackillop) August 8th.by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-solemnity-of-mary-of-the-cross-mackillop-australia-and-new-zealand-2020/s-ihguiOQ8dXT    

(EPISODE: 244 )
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 Prologue: In Australia(solemnity) and New Zealand (feast Day) ... St Mary of the Cross,  Mary of the Cross is a national Patron and also Patron of the Brisbane Archdiocese here).

Mary Helen Mackillop, was born in Melbourne (Australia) in 15^th January, 1842. And entered eternal life in Sydney on this day (8^th August) in 1909. Mary took the religious name "Mary of the Cross."  Mary responded to the isolation of colonial families by pioneering a new form of religious life to provide education for their children. She and her sisters shared the life of the poor and the itinerant, offering special care to destitute women and children. Remembered for her eagerness to discover God's will in all things, for her charity in the face of calumny, and for her abiding trust in God's providence. [ having been born in Melbourne, I am sure Saint Mary Mackillop will be interceding for us here in Australia, particularly Victoria, and the whole world as it undergoes great trials with the covid-pandemic).
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Some wonderful quotes from the Life of Saint Mary of the Cross, Mackillop, give us a superb taste of her spirituality and faith:

"Whatever troubles may be before you, accept them bravely, remembering Whom you are trying to follow. Do not be afraid. Love one another, bear with one another and let charity guide you all your life. God will reward you as only He can."

And this quote: 
"Find happiness in making others happy."

And this:
"We must teach more by example than by word."

"Let us all resign ourselves into His hands, and pray that in all things He may guide us to do His Holy Will ... When thoughts of this or that come; -  I turn to Him and say: "Only what you will, my God. Use me as You will".

"Be eager in your desires but humbly patient in their accomplishment."

"Remember we are all but travellers here."

"never see a need without doing something about it"

"Pray to be ever ready for God's will, even when it takes you by surprise."    1880

"Do all you can with the means at your disposal and calmly leave the rest to God."    1891

"Try to at least excuse what you cannot understand."   1877

And my absolute favourite quote from her:
"Many things that seemed unaccountable worries have proved indeed to be hidden blessings."  – 1870   (in this time of pandemic, these words ring even truer this year than previous years). 
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For most people… it is easy to be gracious when everything is going well….  When people speak well of us and treat us nicely….     And everything is going our way….   Flowing according to plan……..But it takes a saint to be gracious in times of intense difficulty…… when everything seems to be going wrong.   
 
Jesus is the model for all saints…  and a saint is so named because they allow the person and message (and qualities) of Jesus to shine through their lives and find a home in their actions and attitudes…..
 
Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop is a wonderful example of that…  It is an absolute miracle of God's grace that such a wonderful woman has been canonized by the church so that Mary MacKillop's life might be an inspiration to Christian discipleship everywhere.
 
It is utterly amazing that someone who was once excommunicated by the church, (albeit unjustly and wrongly – the judgement being reversed by the bishop who proclaimed it, and who repented of his mistake on his deathbed)   would  be proclaimed a saint, …   whose praises are sung throughout the world…….   But it is this 'grace under fire'   this gracious reflecting of God's love and faithfulness and justice, even in the face of lies and condemnation, that show the qualities that Jesus speaks of in the beatitudes…
 
Saint Mary MacKillop's life is also an example of complete trust in God's providence….   But this is not some kind of helpless waiting around and doing nothing …  but, rather Saint of the Cross (MacKillop) knew that God's providence was revealed through the love and care of human beings… So, Mary became famous for her attitude (and actions)summed up in that saying. I quoted earlier: "never see a need without doing something to help." 

Mary saw a need for education, for shelter and for support of those most in need; namely poor children, and destitute men and women.. and so set up schools and shelters for people in need….
 
We can all make a difference  by responding to the needs around us and believing that we can make a difference, with God's grace and providence. ….
 
May Our Lord inspire us to be people of care, compassion, graciousness and love (in season and out of season) – to respond to the setbacks and acts of malice in the world the loving way Mary Mackillop did, with compassion and perseverance, and may we also continue to be people of practical action, making a difference to those most in need..
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

Photo Credit: Shutterstock photo ID: 1343087762.  Sydney NSW Australia : Statue of Saint Mary of the Cross an Australian canonised nun outside of St Mary's Cathedral in Sydney NSW Australia. By Keitma
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Australian Solemnity of Mary of the Cross (Mackillop) August 8th
(EPISODE: 244)

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
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My brothers and sisters, trusting in Gods mercy and love let us call to mind our sins.

 

Lord Jesus, you are GOD WHO GIVES GENEROUSLY TO ALL. LORD, HAVE MERCY

 

You are our HELPER in time of need. CHRIST, HAVE MERCY.

 

You ARE FAITHFUL TO YOUR PEOPLE TO THE END OF TIME. LORD, HAVE MERCY.

 

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Lord Jesus, you were lifted up to draw all people to yourself: Lord, have mercy//You shouldered the cross, to bear our suffering and sinfulness: Christ, have mercy// You open for your people the way from death into life: Lord, have mercy//
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
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Memorial Acclamation

2. When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.

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preface of Saints I

EUCH PRAYER  II

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

Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.

 

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

To listen to 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.

 

"Quiet Time."  Instrumental Reflection music. Written by Paul W Kelly. 1988, 2007. & This arrangement Stefan Kelk 2020.

- "Today I Arise" - For Tricia J Kelly. Original words and music by Paul W. Kelly. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019. 

KER 2020

May God bless and keep you. 

(weekday Feast) The Transfiguration of the Lord. Year A (Special weekday solemnity ) - Thursday August 6th, 2020

The Transfiguration of the Lord. Year A

(Special weekday solemnity ) - 

THURSDAY 6^TH August 2020
Readings for The Transfiguration of the Lord

Please pray for the repose of the soul of a friend of mine who I have known for the longest time. Paul Giacomantonio, (8th October 1968- 6th August 2020 - the feast of the Transfiguration).  May he rest in the peace of Christ forever.   

As Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop once wrote: 

"Remember we are all but travellers here."

FIRST READING: Dan 7:9-10, 13-14 or 2 Pet 1:16-19

Psalm: 96: 1-2, 5-6, 9 "The Lord is King, the most high over all the earth."
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION, (Mt 17:5).Alleluia, alleluia! This is my son, the beloved. In whom is all my delight. Listen to him. Alleluia. .
GOSPEL: Matthew 17:1-9

 

Image: Shutterstock Licensed stock illustration 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 Transfiguration of the Lord. Year A -  by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-feast-of-the-transfiguration-year-a/s-q11VV0v7mMg  
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This feast of the Transfiguration, had its origin in the East in the fourth century as the commemoration of the dedication of the church of the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor. It was observed in the West from the eighth century and extended to the entire Western Church in the fifteenth century. The feast celebrates the divine radiance shining in Christ's human flesh and God's glory shining forth in the lives of Christians.
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 Jesus was transfigured on the mountain top and revealed, to these privileged disciples, a truth that would soon become known to countless generations. Jesus in the only begotten son of God.

 

The important thing following this is, "did the disciples become transfigured (or changed) by this revelation……"   It is important that the eventually did. Because this revelation was for them and us…. To encourage us to look deeply into Jesus life and learn from what it tells us about God…….   Jesus life, his words, his actions, his parables, who he ate with, how he treated sinners and outcasts, his way of living, his way of dying…  shows us just what God is like……     and encourages us to learn and take in the values embodied by Jesus life, words and actions……..  to be transfigured, by his example.

 

The old testament has the example of Moses, who after speaking with God came away literally glowing….his face shining……. The encournter with the God of transformation made him glow……..   I think we can all think of people who, because of their love, compassion, and energy, appear to be radiant… glowing…..     filled with grace and light…..  such people are contagious…. Their energy, vitality, radiance also is transforming…..

 

Jesus is the best example of them all….. he glows with the divine light of God…… he did this all the time…. Even when this was not physically visible,,,,,  he shone with God's light in happy times, in times of suffering……….    His life was a transformation, and he invites his followers to walk this difficult path of transformation too….

The feast of the transfiguration is a special one…..   the date also coincides with other world events….…..    Such as today also being, the 75^th  anniversary of the first atomic bomb ever exploded over over  a populated region….   Hiroshima…. (Our Prayers are that there be a universal end to weapons of mass destruction and misery….)….  And in this time of suffering and war through the world…. Today is an important  opportunity to pay to God for a peace and understanding and goodwill and respect between all nations and cultures and creeds….   A Peace..that only God can give our hearts and minds….  And tranforming peace…..   peace that brings the light of hope and peace and love into a world struggling with hatred, violence and revenge…..   May God help break the cycle of violence, retribution and counter-retribution that has wrought tragedy over countless generations through history. …

 

I also note that it's the anniversary of the death of Pope Saint Paul VI, who entered eternal life on this feast of the transfiguration, back in 1978.   Reading his biography a few years ago…..   and being struck by Pope Paul's passion and love and his vision for the world, including a vision for peace….. it was Pope Paul who ensured that the Vatican Council begun by Pope John the XIII and so transofmring with the spirit the church to address the needs of today….    It was Pope Paul who kept it going after Pope John's death halfway throuhg the council threartened to derail the work begun……..   they said of Pope Paul,    it may have needed a saintly man like Pope John to laucnh the second vatican counctil. But the spirit seemd to need a man of the vision and clarity of Pope Paul to bring it back to port…….   

 

Each and every Christian vocation…    lay, religious priests….   And especially those who are in and amongst the world working with God's Spirit to transform according to God's vision

 Let us pray that God will tranform our heart and mind and transfigure them according to God's good will…  and shape our hearts and attitudes according to the mind and heart of Christ and his vision for a world made new…. The Light of the Resurrection, the Light of God's glory… and the light of peace, hope and love.

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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

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

The Transfiguration of the Lord. Year A

(Special solemnity - weekday) ()

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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and

of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

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

{{Hi}}

 

Coming together as brothers and sisters in Christ, on this Solemnity of the Transfiguration of the Lord, let us prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries by recalling our sins and remembering Christs greater mercy.

Lord Jesus, you are the light of the world. Lord have mercy

You grant that all who follow you, will have the light of life. christ have mercy.

You lead us through the darkness of this world to the radiant glory of your kingdom. Lord have mercy.

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

Save us, Saviour of the world,

for by your Cross and Resurrection,

you have set us free.

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PREFACE: THE MYSTERY OF THE TRANSFIGURATION

Communion side. pwk: RH

(OPENING THEME VARIATION:   verse 2 )
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{{Many thanks for participating in this time of praise and reflection upon our loving God. May God's radiant light shine upon and guide us always.....

·              Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.

            All:      Thanks be to God.

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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.

 

"Quiet Time."  Instrumental Reflection music. Written by Paul W Kelly. 1988, 2007. & This arrangement Stefan Kelk 2020.

- "Today I Arise" - For Tricia J Kelly. Original words and music by Paul W. Kelly. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019. 

KER 2020

May God bless and keep you. 
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Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, August 2, 2020. EPISODE 243

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, August 2, 2020

EPISODE 243

Readings for 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time - A

FIRST READING: Isaiah 55:1-3

Psalm 145:8-9, 15-16, 17-18. "The Lord is king, the most high over all the earth."
SECOND READING: Romans 8:35, 37-39

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION, (Matthew 4:4b).Alleluia, alleluia! No one lives on bread alone. But on every word that comes from the mouth of God.
GOSPEL: Matthew 14:13-21

 

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed image stock photo ID:  ID: 1184313556. Biblical vector illustration series, Jesus feeds the five thousand. By rudall30
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, August 2, 2020, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ordinary-18a-episode-243  (EPISODE: 243)
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Prologue: "What Christ gives us is quite explicit if his own words are interpreted according to their Aramaic meaning. The expression 'this is my Body' means 'this is myself.' [Jesuit Theologian, KARL RAHNER (1904-1984)].

 

These reading remind us that in every age the Lord ensures that he feeds us with his Body and Blood; He nourishes us with his life-giving and transforming Word; He strengthens us with his grace;  restores us with his mercy and ….(first and foremost!), He loves us as his own, as sons and daughters…….with a bond of love that simply can never be broken.  Not even death, nor life, not distance nor time, nothing at all can separate us from God's love. And then……. this gracious God sends us out as his family……his friends, his people, …….disciples and co-workers, to be an instrument of God's nourishment and strength for others.

 

Jesus is still at work in our lives and in the world; inspiring people of goodwill everywhere to respond with compassion and practical action to help the starving, the homeless, the guilty, the dispossessed, the ill.. and so many others in need.

Let us always remember Jesus advice... "YOU give them something to eat, yourselves!"

 

(REFERENCES: Break Open the Word).

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18 Sunday Year A

 

This intriguing event of the distribution of the loaves and fish was primarily intended for those followers of Jesus who were worried about the possibility of persecution from the legal authorities, other religious groups, even friends and family members, and also worried by what seemed to be the very slow progress of Christianity. The story reminds them, as President Roosevelt said when he was inaugurated in 1933, the only thing to fear is fear itself, blind unreasoning terror that paralyses our every action. The impossible will now seem reasonable when we choose to follow and accept this man of God. This is a reassuring story for the early Christian community but also for us today.

 

When we read the Gospels, besides taking in the details of the parable or factual event, we should pay close attention to what the disciples are doing. Are they on the periphery, watching and listening? Are they questioning Jesus? Are they sharing in the action? Most importantly, what are they learning? They represent us today. What they saw and experienced is what we are supposed to absorb. We need to understand their apprehension as well as their wonder, their hesitation as well as their courage. The disciples wanted to send the people away, and make them responsible for their own food. A natural response when the task seemed beyond their comfortable capacity to respond to the problem. They were still an inward-looking group, unable to move outside their own, self-contained little world, even though they were centered on Christ. They were looking to him, as usual, to deal with the tough stuff, and Christ's answer to this was significant and astonishing: Feed them yourselves.

 

They said this was impossible and quite beyond their powers and their means; all they had was five loaves and two fish.

 

So, once again it was up to him to show and teach them. he took the little food they had, made a ritual blessing, and told the disciples to distribute it among the people. The disciples did so, moving among the people and feeding them. All were fed, with much left over. The disciples thus became instrumental in the saving work of Christ; the disciples, the learners, had received a valuable and significant lesson in discipleship, the following of Christ; that the mission of Christ was to all who hear and follow him, not to a select few.

 

Sometimes when we pray for divine intervention, God's answer to us is, "But you, you can do that yourselves." This is what we see in today's gospel where the disciples are so concerned about the hungry crowd that they instruct Jesus to dismiss them so that they could go and buy themselves something to eat. Jesus turns and says to them, "Hey, you give them something to eat. You can take care of that yourselves." Only then do they remember the seemingly insignificant person with five loaves and two fish. Suddenly, to their surprise, there was more than enough to satisfy the enormous hunger of all the people. That is the essence of what we traditionally know as the miracle of the Feeding of the Five Thousand. But it is more significantly, the increase in the awareness of what can be done by the collection of individuals who can make great things happen when they cooperate for the good of all.

 

Teresa of Avila, great Spanish Carmelite mystic and saint of the sixteenth century said: 'We cannot be sure if we are loving God, but we can know quite well if we are loving our neighbour. And be certain that, the farther advanced you find you are in this, the greater the love you will have for God.'

 

This insight from Teresa and the subtext of this gospel event is at the very heart of the hope we have as a Eucharistic community Whenever the Church gathers round the altar at Mass, it hears the word of God, the word of life, and shares in the sacramental body of Christ, All are fed from the same source, there is a communion, all become one in Christ.

 

 Christ established a clear association between word and food; both are life-giving, both are necessary. In this passage we can glimpse, for a brief moment, a church, an assembly gathered around Christ, hearing the word of life, and receiving the food of life. All heard the same word, all received the same food. There was a communion. This was one of the things the apostles and disciples had to learn. The feeding of the 5000 is intimately linked to the institution of the Eucharist. Most telling is the use of the same verbs to describe what Jesus does in the miracle: he takes, blesses, breaks and gives. Just as he will do again at the Last Supper and just as we do in the Eucharist.

 

In the Eucharist we are both the ones who are fed and the ones who must enable Christ's nourishment to reach others. If we can access this food, like the 5000, we will eat our fill, and yet there will be plenty left over. The task for us, like to disciples seems initially impossible, but as the prayer of Saint Oscar Romero encourages us:

 

We lay foundations that will need further development.

We provide yeast that produces far beyond our capabilities.

We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that.

This enables us to do something, and to do it very well.

We are workers, not master builders; ministers, not messiahs.

We are prophets of a future not our own.

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References:
Homily:  Fr Peter Dillon

 

Prologue: Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed image stock photo ID:  ID: 1184313556. Biblical vector illustration series, Jesus feeds the five thousand. By rudall30

Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A (Sunday, August 2, 2020) (EPISODE: 243 )
The Lord be with you.
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{{Peace and greetings to you all.}}

 

My friends in Christ, to worthily celebratethe sacred mysteries, let us first acknowledge our sins.
Lord Jesus, you were lifted up to draw all people to yourself: Lord, have mercy//You shouldered the cross, to bear our suffering and sinfulness: Christ, have mercy// You open for your people the way from death into life: Lord, have mercy//
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
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Memorial Acclamation
2. When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.
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PREFACE:  Sunday  I
Euch prayer III
Communion side. pwk: RH

(OPENING THEME VARIATION:  2)
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{{May God's love, strength, mercy and kindness guide you all this week.}}

Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.

 

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Archive of homilies and reflections: http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
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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.

- "Faith, Hope and Love" theme hymn - in memory of William John Kelly - Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

 

"Quiet Time."  Instrumental Reflection music. Written by Paul W Kelly. 1988, 2007. & This arrangement Stefan Kelk 2020.

- "Today I Arise" - For Tricia J Kelly. Original words and music by Paul W. Kelly. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019. 

May God bless and keep you. 
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