Thursday, August 19, 2021

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B - Sunday, August 22, 2021- (EPISODE: 317)

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B - Sunday, August 22, 2021

faith-hope-and-love-ordinary-21b-episode-317
(EPISODE:317)
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* (Prologue: Fr Paul Kelly)
Trust in Our Lord, especially in trying times.

The readings this weekend remind us that God is faithful to us and that we should not let challenges stop us from trusting in God's care and protection. In the first reading, the people wisely choose to continue to trust in their God rather than chase after false idols. They REMEMBER the care and protection God gave them in the past and continue to trust in God. The psalm also reminds us that we should continue to sing of God's praises and God's gifts. God has made a covenant with us like a husband and wife make a covenant with each other in marriage. It is one of equality and looking out for the needs of the other because they are truly a part of each other. In the Gospel, Jesus challenges the people with his revolutionary teaching on the Eucharist. Some of his followers are horrified by it and turn away - refusing to follow him anymore. The Apostles, though, refuse to stop following him because they rightly say "where else could we go. YOU have the words of everlasting life." It is so important, especially in times of difficulty, challenge and change, that we all continue to remember the graces, give thanks for God's gifts and keep trusting in God's wisdom and guidance. For Jesus does indeed have the answers, even though he leads us through a new and often challenging territory.

Homily -

In the first reading, the people are faced with a decisive question: Will you keep following the Lord, or will you go after other priorities and values and false gods. The response of the people is very telling: 'We have no intention of deserting the Lord our God who brought us and our ancestors out of the land of Egypt, the house of slavery, who worked those great wonders before our eyes and preserved us all along the way

This is yet another example of the people REMEMBERING. The people are calling to mind, in a very clear way, the blessings and graces of the past. If we DO NOT keep remembering the gifts of the past, we will almost certainly fall by the wayside. We MUST keep thanking God and remembering the countless blessings and graces that God has already given us along our life journey. Then, we too can say to the Lord, We have no intention of deserting the Lord who has done so much to support and accompany us along the way.

And this leads us to (as the psalm says) …. " bless the Lord at all times, his praise always on my lips"

The second reading is meant to be understood as acknowledging the equality and dignity of man and woman and encouraging people to put each other first, the way one would treat one's own very self. !!!! It seems to me, that when this is practised, the needs of both are respected as if they were one's own. A recipe for a very respectful and loving marriage.

The Gospel affirms Jesus as the source of all inspiration and grace. In the midst of very challenging new concepts and ideas, that really challenge the would-be disciple and follower of Jesus, there is this simple reply: "Lord, who shall we go to? You have the message of eternal life, and we believe; we know that you are the Holy One of God.' This foundational belief in Jesus being our source of eternal life and of truth, allows us to keep trusting, keep believing and keep going deeper into our heart and soul so that we will truly follow Jesus even in times of challenge.

In this life, we must constantly be alert to keep our faith alive. This requires a daily decision to abide in the Word of the Lord, and to let that Word form us and to allow the Word to convert everything that is not consistent with the Lord's values. This means, prayer, spiritual reading, reflection on the scriptures and openness to the formation and challenges of Our Lord's words of eternal life; -- Words which challenge and impel us ever more forward, and often take us well out of our comfort zones.

Naturally, there are many good things about society and our world today, but there are some strong values and philosophies around that are so dominant and so powerful in our society that if we were to accept them, it could make our lives really miserable. Some values in our world can send us down a path of futility.

The way the secular world assesses the value of the person. The world that is stuck only in the flesh, puts too much importance on appearances. It does not understand the difference between DOING and Being. It does not take much to see that if you scratch the surface of modern society, there are some very worrying values in our society. For example: there is a concerning attitude whereby a person says 'my value is in my job and without that job I am nothing." This is not consistent with Jesus' message or actions. Also, if one were to say, " y true value is all about my ability to be able to do certain things. If I cannot do these things anymore I have no value." .... That is also frighteningly misleading. Christ has given each of us intrinsic value within ourselves, irrespective of our abilities. OR,..."my value is in what I own" or in "where I stand on the ladder of society....' - If I lose all my possessions or lose my reputation or social standing, I am of no value." Again - Jesus clearly shows that this is NOT where our true value lies at ALL. Our value is in being eternally beloved sons and daughters of a loving God. But his words are too hard for many people and they stop following him. Which is tragic, because although Christ's world view is challenging and new, it is freeing and very helpful especially when so many things we depend on fail us or cease to be possible.

Jesus, thank goodness, does not water down his teaching in order to keep those who are turning away. In fact, he steps up the strength of his message even more. He will not back down. And thankfully, he turns to his disciples and says... 'Are you going to leave too?" and St Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit replies bravely and truthfully... "where else could we go... there is nowhere else to go....YOU have the words of everlasting life." YOU have the truth Lord, why would we turn away from true meaning.... no matter how challenging....

Lord, help us to keep following your ways, (even when it is most challenging), and help us to reject all that is contrary to your values..... May your life and your Gospel transform our hearts, minds and bodies and our lives.

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References:

Homily –Fr Paul W. Kelly

Barclay, W. (1975). The Gospel of John Part I. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: St. Andrew Press.

Abbot's Homilies - Benedictine Abbey of Christ in the Desert. . [online] Benedictine Abbey of Christ in the Desert. Available at: https://christdesert.org/updates/abbots-homilies/

Shutterstock Licensed Image Credit: ID: 1991663219 -Jerusalem – June 26, 2015 – View of Jerusalem's cityscape through the Christian altar and stained-glass window the Sanctuary of Dominus Flevit (Roman Catholic church) at the Mount of Olives. Jerusalem, Israel. By Mltz

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B (Sunday, August 22, 2021) (EPISODE:317 )
The Lord be with you.
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{{Good day everyone}} welcome everyone, we gather - Ponder with reverence, God's word and sacrament.

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

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
3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.
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Ps 34: 2-3, 16-17, 18-19, 20-21 . "Taste and see the goodness of the Lord."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. John 6: 63c+68c). Alleluia, alleluia! Your words, Lord, are spirit and life. You have the words of everlasting life.
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PREFACE: Sundays iii
ep ii

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

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

You are welcome to subscribe to Fr Paul's homily mail-out by sending an email to this address: paulkellyreflections+subscribe@googlegroups.com

Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:
"Faith, Hope and Love - Christian worship and reflection" - Led by Rev Paul Kelly

Prayers and chants — Roman Missal, 3rd edition, © 2010, The International Commission on English in the liturgy. (ICEL)

Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989, and 2009 by the NCC-USA. (National Council of Churches of Christ - USA)

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

Prayers of the Faithful - " Together we pray" by Robert Borg'. E.J. Dwyer, Publishers, (1993) . (Sydney Australia).

Sung "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" - By Jeffrey M. Ostrowski. The Gloria, Copyright © 2011 ccwatershed.org.

- "Faith, Hope and Love" theme hymn - in memory of William John (Bill) Kelly (1942-2017) - Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

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

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

Sound Engineering and editing - P.W. Kelly.

Microphones: - Shure Motiv MV5 Digital Condenser.

v Editing equipment: NCH software - MixPad Multitrack Studio Recording Software

v NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 12.44

v Sound Processing: iZotope RX 6 Audio Editor

[ Production - KER - 2021]

May God bless and keep you.
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Friday, August 13, 2021

The Solemnity of the Assumption Of The Blessed Virgin Mary – SUNDAY 15th August, 2021. (episode: 316)

The Solemnity of the Assumption Of The Blessed Virgin Mary – SUNDAY 15th August 2021.

(episode: 316)

Readings
FIRST READING: Revelation 11:19; 12:1-6, 10
Psalm: Ps 44:10-12, 16. "The queen stands at your right hand, arrayed in gold."
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 15:20-26
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION, (Alleluia, alleluia! Mary is taken up to heaven, and the angels of God shout for joy. Alleluia!).
GOSPEL: Luke 1:39-56

Shutterstock Licensed Image Credit:   stock vector ID: 270796268 -Blessed Virgin Mary Queen in triangle style - By mashabr

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To listen to an audio recording of the readings, prayers and reflections for this feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, please click this link here:
https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-assumption-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary-sun-15th-august-21-broadcast-version-e-316   (episode: 316)
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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
{{Good wishes to you all.}}

On this special (Solemnity of) The Assumption Of Mary
Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.

Lord Jesus, you glorified your mother; the ark of God. Lord have mercy.

You raised the blessed virgin mary, body and soul, into heavenly glory. Christ have mercy.

Mary's assumption is the first fruits of the victory you won for the human race. Lord have mercy.

May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
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PREFACE: Glory of Mary assumed into heaven (solemnity)
Euch.Prayer: 3

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

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{thanks, everyone. And may God sustain you with his grace and love.}

Dismissal:

Go in peace
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Prologue: This feast originated in Jerusalem before the fifth century as the "Falling-Asleep of the Mother of God." It was adopted in Rome in the mid-seventh century and was renamed the "Assumption" in the eighth century. It celebrates Mary's passing over, body and soul, from this world into the glory of her risen Son. The foretaste and forerunner of what will be the reward of all the faithful at the fullness of the resurrection on the last day.
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Fr Peter Dillon - Homily - Feast of the Assumption of Mary – 15 August 2021
We have something a little different this Sunday because what is normally a weekday feast honouring the assumption of Mary replaces the Sunday Masses with its own proper songs and prayers and texts. Let me point out just a few interesting and, in fact, I think surprising things about this feast and then, a fascinating story about the gospel that we just read

The doctrine of Mary's assumption into heaven is very, very new. Although devotion and prayer and celebrations around the welcome of Mary into heaven go back certainly as early as the sixth century, with, at times, enormous popularity among all believing Christians, with sermons and hymns and decades of the rosary. Still, it was only November 1st, 1950, that Pope Pius XII officially declared as part of Catholic belief, declared infallibly, "that when the course of her earthly life was finished Mary was taken up, body and soul, into the glory of heaven." 1950, the first surprise!

"Body and soul"- When the Church uses that language, as it does of Christ in the Eucharist, it means the whole person. It means the real person. Here it is used to describe Mary's unique historical personality and to say that Mary, who she was and who she is now, is safe with God.

Most of the time when we hear the phrase "The Pope is infallible" or "Papal infallibility" we don't figure he is using that infallibility all the time. (He gets up in the morning and he says, "It's going to be a beautiful day," and then it rains! Oh, my goodness! Where did infallibility go?!) But, rather, we figure it is frequent enough whenever he comes out with a major edict, proclamation, encyclical, and that he must gather the information somehow mystically, almost as if by magic. Well, the 1950 declaration by the Pope about the assumption of Mary suggests something very different, in fact, just the opposite.

Guess how the Pope went about making this declaration. He contacted every bishop in the world and all the major universities and schools of theology and their faculties, and said, "Is this what you and your community believe as Catholic Christians?" ....He checked it out with the People of God. That's what he did.

Since the Church has officially declared and announced that the Pope can exercise infallibility, how often has it happened? In the many, many years, how often has it happened? .... Once! This is it! Once and once only. This is it.

Why did he decide to make this declaration and underline this feast? We know because, in the declaration, Pope Pius XII said explicitly why he was doing it. He said clearly and explicitly because the previous fifty years had included the slaughter and genocide of the Armenian people, the loss of ten million lives in World War I, the loss of forty million lives in the Russian Revolution, the loss of six million Jewish lives in the Holocaust, the loss of fifty-million lives in World War II, and the invention and use of a new weapon of mass destruction called the atomic bomb. Pope Pius XII referred explicitly to this history. He deplored the destruction of human life, the desecration of human bodies right and left, and the increasing loss of reverence and respect for the God-given identity of every human being. And he said, "What I intend, I intend that the celebration of the Assumption of Mary might make clear the sacredness and the high destiny of every single human person."

Well, I read the newspaper every morning. The loss of life from terrorism and organized assault is, if anything, increasing. We still very much need this feast. By honouring the destiny of a poor young girl from Nazareth, we might remember to honour one another, all our brothers and sisters on earth, as well.

Now, the gospel designated to be read at this Mass each year on August 15th has a fascinating story connected with it. Two decades ago, Pope John Paul II visited Latin America and including all the then military dictatorships. And he found his visit carefully censored by government officials. One text was removed from his planned visit. It was never allowed to be read, never allowed to be heard. The forbidden text is today's gospel. "Our God has shown the strength of his arm and has scattered the proud in the conceit of their hearts. God casts down the powerful from their thrones and he lifts up the lowly. God fills the hungry with good things and the rich he sends off empty-handed." That was forbidden.

I want to suggest that I think there is a need for ourselves to be careful, not to censor that out of our lives either. There are two driving forces that come up again and again in our lives and in our society. One is sheer self-interest and the other is the use of power to get our own way. And that needs to be challenged again and again in our society and in our own hearts. The common good seemed to be the standard for making decisions, and not all, but many major corporations saw as their constituency their customers and their employees. Things like a living wage, decent working conditions, health coverage and job security were seen either as their responsibility or, at least, as an acceptable price for doing business in this land. We might lament that today for many major corporations stockholders are the constituency, and the profit margin is a major concern and every other possible concern is a distant, distant second.

Now, I know business and economy and politics and our personal lives are enormously complicated. They are not simple. And all of us may well argue and disagree and debate over the wisdom of specific plans or proposals and ways of doing things. And that's fine. But we need to keep ourselves in tune with the values and vision of the gospel. That's got to be a starting point. And we need to keep ourselves in harmony with the song of Mary, who celebrated and became an instrument of a God Who raises up the lowly and is faithful to all people. May our lives magnify the Lord. May our spirits rejoice in God, our Savior. Amen.
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References:

Prologue -Fr Paul W. Kelly
Homily – fr Peter Dillon

Shutterstock Licensed Image Credit:   stock vector ID: 270796268 -Blessed Virgin Mary Queen in a triangle style - By mashabr

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

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

You are welcome to subscribe to Fr Paul's homily mail-out by sending an email to this address: paulkellyreflections+subscribe@googlegroups.com

Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:
"Faith, Hope and Love - Christian worship and reflection" - Led by Rev Paul Kelly

Prayers and chants — Roman Missal, 3rd edition, © 2010, The International Commission on English in the liturgy. (ICEL)

Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989, and 2009 by the NCC-USA. (National Council of Churches of Christ - USA)

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

Prayers of the Faithful - " Together we pray" by Robert Borg'. E.J. Dwyer, Publishers, (1993). (Sydney Australia).

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

Hymn – "Rainfall – Mother of Mercy." Music by Paul W. Kelly. 1994, 2021. Words adapted by Paul W. Kelly, based on the Traditional Salve Regina Hymn. Arranged & with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2021. https://www.airgigs.com/user/stefankelk

Marian Hymn – "Whom Earth and Sea and Sky Proclaim." Traditional 6th Century Hymn. Melody: Bartholomaus Gesius (d.1613). #376 - Brébeuf Hymnal. From https://www.ccwatershed.org/hymn/

Marian Hymn -   "Salve Regina Mater Misericordiae." (Traditional 11th Century). Melody: Mainz (1712), Hymn #783 - Brébeuf Hymnal. From https://www.ccwatershed.org/hymn/

Magniﬁcat (Praise and sing to God) - Music by Paul W. Kelly. (1985, 2010, 2021), Lyrics inspired by Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55). Music arranged, with adapted lyrics by Stefan de Freyne Kelk. [https://www.airgigs.com/user/stefankelk] July 1, 2021.

[ Production - KER - 2021]

May God bless and keep you.
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Acknowledgement of Country - This is Kombumerri Country - The Traditional Custodians of this region.
We respectfully acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First People of this country. We pay our respects to the Kombumerri people, who are the traditional custodians of the land we live and work upon, throughout this parish of Surfers Paradise. We acknowledge Elders, past and present and emerging, as they hold the memories, traditions, culture and hopes of our Indigenous people. We pay tribute to those who have contributed in many ways to the life of the community. We affirm our commitment to justice, healing, and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

Saturday, August 07, 2021

Saint Mary of the Cross (MacKillop) (Solemnity in Australia) - Sunday, August 8, 2021 (EPISODE: 315)

Saint Mary of the Cross (MacKillop) (Solemnity in Australia) - Sunday, August 8, 2021
(EPISODE:315 )

Readings for Saint Mary of the Cross (MacKillop) (Solemnity in Australia)
FIRST READING: 1 Kings 17: 8-16
Psalm 62: 1-8. "My soul clings to you; your right-hand holds me fast."
SECOND READING: Colossians 3: 12-17
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Mt 27: 55). Alleluia, Alleluia. Many women were there by the cross, watching from a distance, the same women who had followed Jesus and looked after him, Alleluia.
GOSPEL: Matthew 6: 25-34

Image Credit: Image Credit: Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, - Paint and Tapestry Artwork (c.2009-10) by Mr. Terence Michael (Terry) Lynch, (d. 12/1/2014). (And the Maryborough Parish ladies- Tapestry located in Saint Mary's Catholic Church, Maryborough, Queensland, where Saint Mary visited and set up a convent and school.
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Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers, and homily), for Saint Mary of the Cross (MacKillop) (Solemnity in Australia) - Sunday, August 8, 2021 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ep-315-solemnity-of-mary-of-the-cross-mackillop-australia-and-new-zealand-2022/s-IG8aKpcstHw
(EPISODE: 315)
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* (Prologue: Fr Paul Kelly)
As Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop once wrote:

"Remember we are all but travellers here."
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) on 15th January 1842. And entered eternal life in Sydney on this day (8th 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 lies, 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, and the whole world as it continues to work towards recovery from the great trials being caused by the ongoing covid-pandemic).
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(Homily: Fr Peter Dillon).
Homily – Feast of Mary McKillop 2021

When he came to Australia to beatify Mary MacKillop, Pope
John Paul spoke of Mary as embodying "all that is best in your nation
and in its people …" He spoke of Australians as being marked by:
· a genuine openness to others;
· a generous hospitality to strangers and to the needy;
· a strong sense of justice to those unfairly treated;
· a rich kindness and compassion for the suffering; and
· an ability and willingness to persevere in the face of adversity.
He expressed the hope that Mary Mackillop's example would inspire
Australians to take pride in their Christian heritage and to work for a
better society for all.

During this time of reflecting on the canonization of Mary and its meaning for
us, I find myself asking: Are we really that people, that nation who
holds such hospitality and openness, such generosity and perseverance,
such justice and compassion as our deepest values? For better or worse
Australia has seen many changes in these past 20 years:
Are we still that people of whom John Paul spoke – hospitable to
strangers and generous to those in adversity?

Twenty years ago our INDIGENOUS PEOPLE could have held on to
the hope that with the Bringing Them Home Report, Sorry Days
and Bridge Walks some sort of attitude change was taking place
among us. What do they think now that political disinterest and
the opposition has just about ground the Reconciliation movement
to a halt? Now that opinion has been tamed to the point that
public conversation and discourse have been silenced? It isn't so
easy to recognise ourselves as that person who in John Paul's
words, "Do justice to those unfairly treated".

Twenty years ago, political leaders and concerned Australians
actually talked about NARROWING THE GAP between the very
rich and the very poor. Today not even a Vincent de Paul report
exposing shoddy statistics and showing that the tax reforms of the
last budget widen rather than narrow the gap – not even this can
get the conversation restarted. It is an unfortunate example for a
people who persevere in the face of adversity.

And what of the ASYLUM SEEKERS who, twenty years ago, may
have believed that they had the right to flee oppressive regimes,
war and torture? Asylum seekers who, twenty years ago, may have
believed that we would uphold the UN Charter on Human Rights?
What do they think now after years of detention, after the
ongoing exposure of human rights denied, wrongful deportation
and the incarceration of mothers and their children? In John
Paul's words we are supposed to be a people with a strong sense
of justice for those unjustly treated.

Twenty years ago the reality of terrorism had not yet
dawned on us here in this land. In just a few years we seem to have been willing to alienate our own responsibility in favour of powerful leaders of our
own and other nations; It may not be long before we allow ourselves to become so
threatened by our brothers and sisters that we begin to see
each other as potential enemies against whom we require
protection. It seems that we have lost our confidence in the values we
held as basic to who we are, and pride in our Christian
heritage has turned into defensiveness and suspicion against
those of other faiths.

Today's Gospel, however, puts before us a very different vision of
how life might be. "Do not worry about your life", Jesus says "Is not
life more than food and the body more than clothing?"
Is not life more than the mindless gathering of possessions, the undue
desire to be surrounded by all that the heart desires, whether we need it or not? More than the hapless use of the earth's resources to ensure our own comfort and security – as if it were not there to be shared among all, both rich and poor and our children of generations yet to come? More than protecting ourselves, our property and our lifestyles at the expense of those who have nothing? More than appropriating the riches of another's land, of another's culture and story as if we had it by right of
domination? more than the creation of unequal power structures and the
submission of those less powerful?

Today's gospel puts before us the question:
Can we not be satisfied with what is basic to our human need so
that there may be life with dignity for all – in which all our
brothers and sisters are invited and able to participate?
Can we not trust in the good ness of a God who names himself in
today's gospel as Father – and names us as daughters and sons – a
God whose loving Providence will supply all our needs?
And the answer which the gospel gives:

Life IS about more than what we are to eat, what we are to drink,
what we are to wear. "Seek FIRST", Jesus says, "the KINGDOM OF
GOD and GOD'S JUSTICE WHERE do we seek this KINGDOM and its JUSTICE? Matthew's gospel, from which we read today, is at pains to assure us that it is
already among us; we need only stay awake and be attentive. Given the
experience in our country over the past ten years we may want to claim
that this Kingdom of God and its justice is very difficult to recognise!
But have not our eyes been opened and our ears unstopped by God's
gift to us – in the person of Mary MacKillop, and in the lives of all who
share her spirit?

We know her story and we recognise in it the depths of her love for God and humanity, expressed in her life of service, especially of the powerless, the needy and those on the margins; we hear the all-pervading certainty that what she was doing was God's work, and her unfailing trust was that God would provide. We are heartened and encouraged by the very humanness of her seeking the Kingdom and its justice, of her failures and the weight of her burdens at times, of her courage and determination that whatever the opposition God's will would be done in her.+++++
References:

Homily – Fr Peter Dillon

Prologue - Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image Credit: Image Credit: Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, - Paint and Tapestry Artwork (c.2009-10) by Mr. Terence Michael (Terry) Lynch, (8/5/1932-12/1/2014). (And the Maryborough Parish ladies- Tapestry located in Saint Mary's Catholic Church, Maryborough, Queensland, where Saint Mary visited and set up a convent and school.

Saint Mary of the Cross (MacKillop) (Solemnity in Australia) (Sunday, August 8, 2021) (EPISODE: 315 )
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
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{{Hi}} welcome everyone, we gather - Praise, Worship of God

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 sure helper in time of need. Christ, have mercy.

You are are loving and faithful to your people to the end of time. 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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Psalm 62: 1-8. "My soul clings to you; your right hand holds me fast."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Mt 27: 55). Alleluia, Alleluia. Many women were there by the cross, watching from a distance, the same women who had followed Jesus and looked after him, Alleluia.
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PREFACE: Preface I or II of saints
Various Occasions 1
(theme variation: 1 )

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{Many thanks for participating in this time of praise, worship and reflection upon our God's infinite love.}

Go forth, the Mass is ended.

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

You are welcome to subscribe to Fr Paul's homily mail-out by sending an email to this address: paulkellyreflections+subscribe@googlegroups.com

Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:
"Faith, Hope and Love - Christian worship and reflection" - Led by Rev Paul Kelly

Prayers and chants — Roman Missal, 3rd edition, © 2010, The International Commission on English in the liturgy. (ICEL)

Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989, and 2009 by the NCC-USA. (National Council of Churches of Christ - USA)

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

Prayers of the Faithful - " Together we pray" by Robert Borg'. E.J. Dwyer, Publishers, (1993) . (Sydney Australia).

Sung "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" - By Jeffrey M. Ostrowski. The Gloria, Copyright © 2011 ccwatershed.org.

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

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

Sound Engineering and editing - P.W. Kelly.
Microphones: - Shure Motiv MV5 Digital Condenser.

Editing equipment:- NCH software - MixPad Multitrack Studio Recording Software

NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 12.44

Sound Processing: iZotope RX 6 Audio Editor

[ Production - KER - 2021]

May God bless and keep you.
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