Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B - Sunday, August 29, 2021 (EPISODE:318)

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B  - Sunday, August 29, 2021
(EPISODE:318)

Readings for Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B
FIRST READING: Deut 4: 1-2, 6-8
Ps 15: 2-3a, 3b-4a, 4b-5. "The just will live in the presence of the Lord."
SECOND READING: Jas 1: 17-18, 21b-22, 27
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (James 1: 18). Alleluia, alleluia! The Father gave us birth by his message of truth. That we might be as the first fruits of his creation.
GOSPEL: Mark 7: 1-8, 14-15, 21-23

Shutterstock Licensed Image Credit:   stock vector ID:  721701574 -SAN GIMIGNANO, ITALY - JULY 11, 2017: Judas receives thirty pieces of silver to betray Jesus. Fresco in the Collegiata of San Gimignano, Italy. By jorisvo
++++
Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B  - Sunday, August 29, 2021 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ordinary-22b-episode-318  
(EPISODE: 318)
+++++
* (Prologue:  Fr Paul Kelly)
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS
This weekend's readings take a very practical angle on the meaning of discipleship. We are called to take special care to be just, honest, and charitable toward everyone. What a different tone the world would take if everyone took that angle.
 
As Christians, the proper application of our religious beliefs leads to very important practical consequences for our lives and actions. The readings this weekend send a powerful message: What is the point of calling ourselves "Disciples of Christ and servants of God" (in other words: "Christians"), unless our practical actions REFLECT justice, SHOW charity, really put forgiveness into action and SHOW loving/practical acts of kindness (that God asks us to show to one-another).
 
'True and untarnished religion is this: acting justly, helping the poor, the widow and the orphan.' - In fact, helping all those who are most in need. Jesus warns his critics that if their religion goes no further than blind observation of symbolic rituals whilst at the same time not living the message of practical love, kindness, and fairness, it will do no good whatsoever. The sacraments SHOW, AND POINT TO AND STRENGTHEN God's compassion and love abiding within us – This is the nature and purpose of Christ's sacraments - They convey to us, in a real, touchable way, Christ, who is love, mercy, justice and compassion.
 
"The value of a person's good works is not based on their number and excellence," says Saint John of the Cross, "but on the love of God within them, which prompts the person to do these things in the first place." [Saint John of the Cross (1542-1591)]
 
 "Love, justice, and charity are the more key indicators of authentic discipleship than mere outward observances of one's rituals. Ideally, the two go together and reinforce and nurture each other."
 
++++
 
It is clear from the Gospel that by the time of Jesus, people had indeed started adding to God's law and loading people down with unnecessary burdens and difficult observances that, for most people, were impractical and actually impossible to achieve. So, living in God's favour became something exclusive, and reserved only for a lucky minority. The large majority of people were too busy just keeping alive, and dealing with the messy demands of everyday life to be able to keep every single rule or ritual that they were being burdened with. And if they were unable to keep these rules, they were not considered righteous or good. "Holiness" and "peace" became rare commodities, which were now well beyond the reach of most people. That was never God's plan!
 
Keeping the commandments of the Lord is meant to "demonstrate wisdom and understanding." ((Deuteronomy 4:1-2. 6-8). This starts to make things clearer: The whole point of God's law was that it was given to people for their welfare and growth; so that people could deeply live and reflect the values and priorities of God  in their actions and attitudes.
 
I particularly like scripture passages that expressly NAME the virtues and qualities of the Christian life. As you name them, you can feel a deep stirring desire to deepen those virtues within your heart. It is as if those values and virtues start to take a deeper hold in our souls as we reflect upon them.
 
The Psalm this weekend goes on to explain in detail:
The just will live in the presence of the Lord BY MEANS OF …….
- Walking in the ways of blamelessness,
- Acting with justice,
- Speaking honestly,
- Avoiding wrongdoing,
- Not gossiping or slandering others,
- Honouring the Lord,
- Keeping our promises,
- Not "ripping-off" people,
- Not allowing oneself to be "bought off" from their principles; not "selling out."
 
The Second Reading (James 1:17-18. 21-22. 27) confirms this practical advice: and that we should always aim to "do what the word tells us, and not just listen to it and deceive yourselves." It is a reminder that we can easily deceive ourselves about our true motives and intentions. But we should be on guard against such self-justifications that can arise in our hearts covertly.  Not merely us saying "I am doing this for the good of others and I have no self-serving motives in my actions." But rather, The true test of "pure, unspoiled religion," is "coming to the help of people who are in need, and distancing oneself from the values in the world that are not consistent with the gospel."
 
Finally, in the gospel, Jesus warns us about people who "honour God with only lip-service, and all the while their hearts are actually far from God." Our Lord asks us to look inside ourselves and see the things that distort our faithfulness. These are the inner movements of the heart and they can be, (and need to be), crowded out by the positive values, graces and virtues of God: Namely, faithfulness, purity, reverence, respect, detachment from material things, love, honesty, appreciation, affirmation, self-sacrifice, and so on. The virtues of the gospel build us up and crowd out anything that is not consistent with the gospel. (There is no room for the negative qualities because God has filled us with good values).
 
Christianity is not primarily a set of doctrines and Laws…. Christianity is a Person (Jesus), and a relationship with that person – Christ, who is THE revelation of God and the perfection of the Law.
 
Christianity is a relationship, not a concept or a philosophy or merely a set of rules…. And whenever it is turned into mere concepts or only a set of rules or philosophies, it can get disconnected from the person and values of Jesus. Naturally, there are indeed Rules and Doctrines and Dogmas in Christianity. There certainly are. But all of them serve to point us to Christ who is THE ONE Rule, The ONE Word.
 
Jesus was struggling valiantly against legalism. The lawmakers and law keepers seemed to be more interested in what people could not do, rather than focusing on what they could be doing in response to life's real problems. It would be equivalent to a person saying: " I have kept all ten commandments. Wherever it said.. "thou shalt not"… I "did not!!"… That is all very well, God might reply, but "you actually did not Do anything else either!!!! " - Surely our Christian faith is also about positive acts as well as refraining from negative ones.
 
The lawmakers in Jesus time focused too much on appearances….. and outward actions, whilst ignoring the inner realities of their terrible attitudes and hypocrisy….. They were Focusing more on what one should refrain from doing rather than encouraging inner growth and nurturing constructive attitudes and loving responses towards others…….There is a certain safety in refraining from doing things, and avoiding things………
 
Jesus corrected that error….
Jesus is shown positively living his message, by his actions -  Christianity is a verb not a NOUN!  As we see by Our Lord going through life….. … loving, sharing, forgiving, healing, including, forgiving, uplifting, unburdening, feeding, encouraging, and … risking everything. Giving absolutely everything in his desire to address every genuine human need.
+++++++++++++
References:

Homily –Fr Paul W. Kelly

Shutterstock Licensed Image Credit:   stock vector ID:  721701574 -SAN GIMIGNANO, ITALY - JULY 11, 2017: Judas receives thirty pieces of silver to betray Jesus. Fresco in the Collegiata of San Gimignano, Italy. By jorisvo


Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B   (Sunday, August 29, 2021)  (EPISODE: 318 )
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
+++++++++++++
{{Welcome everyone}} welcome everyone, we gather -  Listen to God's Word and contemplate the sacraments. 

As we begin the Holy Eucharist, let us acknowledge our sinfulness, so as to worthily celebrate the sacred mysteries.

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 mercy.

May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Memorial Acclamation
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ps 15: 2-3a, 3b-4a, 4b-5. "The just will live in the presence of the Lord."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (James 1: 18). Alleluia, alleluia! The Father gave us birth by his message of truth. That we might be as the first fruits of his creation.
++++++++++++++++
PREFACE: Sundays iv
EP III
(theme variation: 3 )

++++
{My heartfelt thanks to you, for your participation in this time of reflection, prayer and praise. }

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

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

To listen to 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.

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.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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

(EPISODE:317)

Readings for Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B
FIRST READING: Josh 24: 1-2a, 15-17, 18b
Ps 34: 2-3, 16-17, 18-19, 20-21 . "Taste and see the goodness of the Lord."
SECOND READING: Eph 5: 21-32
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. John 6: 63c+68c). Alleluia, alleluia! Your words, Lord, are spirit and life. You have the words of everlasting life.
GOSPEL: John 6: 60-69

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
++++
Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year B  - Sunday, August 22, 2021 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-ordinary-21b-episode-317  
(EPISODE:317)
+++++
* (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.

+++++++

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.
+++++++++++++
{{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.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Memorial Acclamation
3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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.
++++++++++++++++
PREFACE: Sundays iii
ep ii

++++
{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.

++++++++
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.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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

++++
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)
+++++
 
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.
+++++++++++++++++++++


++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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.

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


Dismissal:

Go in peace
++++++++
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.
+++++
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.
++++
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

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