Surfers Catholic Parish Sunday Mass - Pentecost Sunday. Year C - Sunday, June 5, 2022 (EPISODE:368 )

Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish - Weekly Parish Mass - podcast of Eucharist, including readings, prayers, homily) Greetings from Surfers Catholic parish! Please find linked below the latest edition of the Parish weekly Homily and link to the (audio) podcast of the mass, especially produced for those who are unable to be with us at mass. Pentecost Sunday. Year C - Sunday, June 5, 2022 (EPISODE:368 ) Readings for 05-Jun-22 - Pentecost Sunday. Year C FIRST READING: Acts 2:1-11 Ps 104:1+24, 29-30, 31+34. "Lord, send out your Spirit and renew the face of the earth." SECOND READING: Rom 8:8-17 (new) GOSPEL ACCLAMATION ((no bibl. ref.)). Alleluia, alleluia! Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. And kindle in them the fire of your love. GOSPEL: John 14:15-16, 23b-26 Image Credit Shutterstock Item ID: 2100398038 - Holy Spirit religious symbol, white dove on red background - Vector Formats- Contributor: Xolopiks ++++ Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Mass, Readings, prayers, and homily), for Pentecost Sunday. Year C - 05-Jun-22 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/pentecost-year-c-faith-hope-and-love-2022-episode-368 (EPISODE:368) +++++ The Holy Spirit makes us disciples, able to be the Warm breath of human kindness at times of terrible coldness and need..... In the first book of the Bible, we are told that God "breathed on" us the first day he created us. "Genesis tells us that the Lord put his lips to ours and breathed in us and gave us his spirit of life. And so we became human beings. And John tells us that on the day of Pentecost, the risen Lord breathed on us a second time and gave us new life in The Spirit. Courage replaced caution and a fire was lit in our hearts that has scattered the darkness of fear forever. Those first disciples became new creations and so we are. The new life of the Spirit has been given to us so as to call us to a heroic life, —- to be instruments of God's peace and mercy in a beautiful but broken world." The Gospel today, from Saint John, tells us about the coming of the Holy Spirit. It is clear again that these early followers were hiding behind closed doors, feeling very, very fearful. And they were not imaging the danger. They were right to expect that they would be persecuted and harmed for being followers of Christ. The coming of the Holy Spirit takes their fears away. Interestingly the Spirit does not take the danger away, but it gives us disciples boldness to do what is right and not be frightened into backing down. At the heart of our Christian life, fear is taken away, and peace and forgiveness are given. In turn, we as instruments and living vessels of God's Spirit, - we too can dispel the fears of others and proclaim peace and forgiveness that are given to us in Jesus. Our gifts are different, each person has different gifts. We need all the gifts that each person has so that we can continue the work of Christ in our world. How different our world looks when we begin to recognize that each person brings his or her own gifts and that we need those gifts to live in the fullness of Jesus Christ. We KNOW the Spirit is at work in our lives especially when the love and sacrifice we show is clearly coming from a loving hand far bigger than our own lives and our own finite motives and actions when we do actions that are loving and unselfish, we are deeply aware that there is a power and a loving presence at work in us that is bigger than just ourselves. ….Transcending our limitations … and not explainable only by our own actions… but bigger, ……. And "of which are freely cooperating part…."It is God's Holy Spirit at work in and through us. At work in the world. A power of unselfish, sacrificing love and service. Unconditional love. That is at the heart of creation.As the readings this weekend tell us, we become beloved sons and daughters of God, and heirs to God's kingdom. We have been given the freedom of the children of God. But, this freedom is given to us in order that we too can live as Christ did, being all about service, sacrifice, and self-forgetting love. The Gospel this weekend also reminds us that the presence and action of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the lives of the church will always work to remind us of all that Christ did and said, and keep us close to Christ and his values. The Holy Spirit is the "Spirit of Truth." All who live by the Spirit, strive to live authentic, honest, integrated lives built on truth. Finally… just an interesting insight -- … we often read this text about how (after the Spirit descended) people of different languages and cultures could all hear and understand….. but what is interesting is that the text does not say that the people were not speaking the same language… In fact, they were still speaking in the language of the different cultures present. But even so, they could all understand the same message. This is a reminder that the Spirit brings not uniformity, but diversity and variety. We are all ONE in that rich diversity because the common language we speak is the language of God… and that is LOVE… +++++ References: Fr Paul W. Kelly Also quoting from the St Mary's College daily diary entry on the Holy Spirit; MISSION 2000 – PRAYING SCRIPTURE IN A CONTEMPORARY WAY. YEAR B. BY MARK LINK S.J.; SHARING THE WORD THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR. GUSTAVO GUTIERREZ; MONASTERY OF CHRIST IN THE DESERT. ABBOT'S HOMILY Image Credit Shutterstock Item ID: 2100398038 - Holy Spirit religious symbol, white dove on red background - Vector Formats- Contributor: Xolopiks To listen to the whole Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https:- soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks Pentecost Sunday. Year C (05-Jun-22) (EPISODE: 368 ) The Lord be with you. +++++++++++++ {{Hi}} 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. +++++++++++++++++++++ Ps 104:1+24, 29-30, 31+34. "Lord, send out your Spirit and renew the face of the earth." GOSPEL ACCLAMATION ((no bibl. ref.)). Alleluia, alleluia! Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful. And kindle in them the fire of your love. Memorial Acclamation 1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PREFACE: the Mystery of Pentecost Eucharistic Prayer III (pre+post variation: v2-lonjg) ++++ Go forth, the Mass is ended. Alleluia! Alleluia! ++++++++ 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: Subscribe to mailing list to keep up-to-date 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. -Come Holy Spirit Hymn: inspired by the Hymn by Rabanus Maurus (9th century). Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2020. Sound effects by Mark DiAngelo, "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: - RODE-NT-USB-mini 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 - 2022] May God bless and keep you. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [ Production - KER - 2022] May God bless and keep you. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish sends these emails in order to speedily keep in touch with parishioners, including for the occasional urgent/emergency emails affecting parish schedules (which has come in handy already for several unexpected events in the past - which people were grateful to receive quickly - So, we ask that you please consider keeping subscribed to this mailing list, as it helps us keep in touch in all sorts of changing situations. We have had times when parishioners said they did not know of an important development within the parish and it turns out that they had opted out of this central email). Copyright (C) 2022 Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Office 50 Fairway Drive CLEAR ISLAND WATERS, QLD 4226 Australia Add us to your address book Our mailing address is: Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Office 50 Fairway Drive CLEAR ISLAND WATERS, QLD 4226 Australia Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

ASCENSION OF THE LORD. Year C - 29-May-22 (EPISODE: 367)

ASCENSION OF THE LORD. Year C - 29-May-22 (EPISODE: 367)

Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish - Weekend Homily (Mass) -Ascension Sunday May the Lord's Peace be with you! Please find linked below the Mass for this Weekend: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/ascension-faith-hope-and-love-year-c-2022-367 Our Lord returns to the Heavenly Father, but he is still with us through the Holy Spirit. He now commissions us his disciples to continue his work; to keep spreading his message of good news and to keep living and proclaiming his gospel.   We are on the journey towards the fullness of God's Kingdom. Everything we do and say is directed towards cooperating in God's work of the Kingdom.    If Jesus had not returned to the Father, we would still be saying "there he is over there!" or "here he is only over here!!"; But now, by returning to Heaven and sending the Holy Spirit to us, Jesus is "all IN all" because Christ makes his home in our hearts and in our world, through the Holy Spirit. All the while, we work to make our homes, our workplaces and our city, more and more places of Christian value and action.    The Spirit helps us to make Christ present in the midst of a world which can be too often filled with selfishness, undue privilege, arrogance; and abuse of power or authority. Tragically this world is capable of showing a terrible indifference towards the poor, the hungry and the suffering.    As one scripture scholar puts it:** "Ascension and Pentecost are feasts of Christian maturity. We are now called to continue Jesus' mission with our insight into reality, our criteria, and our decisions.   Luke's Gospel on the Ascension has a fascinating, different, focus from Matthew and Mark's versions.** In these other two gospels, the Disciples are sent out on a mission. In Luke, yes they are implicitly sent on a mission but they are particularly sent out, in the visible absence of Christ, to be witnesses of Christ in their words and actions in the world. Our Lord's absence is not as if he is dead and gone. Rather, he is alive, and with the Father, and he will return at the end to complete all things. In the meantime, we must be his hands and eyes and heart in the world, through the Power of the Spirit.   "For, the "power of the Spirit" (Acts 1:7) is with us. We must not stand still looking up and lamenting the absence of the Lord. We must not sit around waiting for his return in a passive kind of way. Instead, we must set out on our way to take his gospel "to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). We are now adult Christians, not immature, not passive; not merely waiting for answers or tasks to fall out of the sky… but rather shareholders in the kingdom, sons, and daughters of the eternal God, brothers, and sisters of Christ…. with a real part to play in the action. Before Christ's death, the disciples were like young students, being carefully nourished with the message.  After Christ's death, resurrection, ascension, and the coming of the Holy Spirit, they are now not merely waiting to be fed, they are to go out and be nourishment for others.   The Second Vatican Council strongly emphasized this. Being mature in the faith is a requirement of the gospel, and as adults, we all have our carefully thought-out, reflected upon, and prayed-about views and insights into this shared task we share in.   We are encouraged in this by the assurance that the Lord will return (Acts 1:11) because he is alive (Eph 1:20). But we are also alert, for at that time he will ask us to give an account of the talents he has entrusted to us, and the fruits we have been able to produce,"** with our work and cooperation.   Jesus' ascension tells us to "stop standing there looking up into the clouds;" There is work to be done. And, there is no time like the present. In his earthly ministry, Our Lord was in an urgent hurry to bring his gospel and his ministry to all people. He now entrusts this ministry to us, through the abiding presence of his Spirit. There is no time to lose. God wants us to be about his business right away, and, reassuringly, always giving us the 'very present' assistance of God's Holy Spirit abiding in us.    To listen to the whole Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https:- soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks.      (REFERENCES: FR. PAUL W. KELLY;**Gutiérrez, G. and Dees, C. (1997). Sharing the Word through the liturgical year. 1st ed. Maryknoll: Orbis Books. P. 111; MISSION 2000 – PRAYING SCRIPTURE IN A CONTEMPORARY WAY. YEAR c. BY MARK LINK S.J; A BOOK OF GRACE-FILLED DAYS - 2010. BY ALICE CAMILLE)

 

Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year C - Sunday, May 22, 2022 (EPISODE: 366)

Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish - Weekend Liturgy May the Lord's Peace be with you! Please find below the latest edition of the Parish Mass and Homily for this coming weekend: Many thanks, The Parish Team Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year C - Sunday, May 22, 2022 (EPISODE: 366) Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year C - Sunday, May 22, 2022 (EPISODE: 366) Readings for 22-May-22 - Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year C FIRST READING: Acts 15:1-2, 22-29 Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6+8. "O God let all the nations praise you" SECOND READING: Rev 21:10-14, 22-23 GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 14:23). Alleluia, alleluia! All who love me will keep my words, and my Father will love them and we will come to them. GOSPEL: John 14:23-29 [Image Credit: by Kayla Waldron - Abide (32239). Free Download, john 15, dwell, vine and branches. Uploaded:Aug 26, 2015. Via CreationSwap] ++++ Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year C - 22-May-22 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/easter-6c-2022-ep-366 (EPISODE: 366) +++++ The readings this weekend all speak of the Holy Spirit. The theme of the readings is all about the Spirit, as our Easter Season fast approaches Pentecost. We cannot underestimate the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the life of the church. Without the Holy Spirit, the church would be ineffective and we, the disciples of Jesus, need the action and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to be effective in what we seek to achieve. There is a line in the first reading that I really love; the words: "It has been decided by the Holy Spirit and by us"…… or as another translation puts it: "It seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us that……" This shows that the early church and its disciples when faced with new questions for new situations and new times, gathered together in prayer and actively discerned what the Holy Spirit wanted… and then they made a decision which was an authentic act of the Holy Spirit and with active cooperation from the disciples. We can see how the Holy Spirit becomes part of our lives, hearts and minds AND the major decisions of the church. Christian life for us disciples becomes a beautiful, cooperative and unified action both of our own will and intellect and also of God's Holy Spirit. It is interesting, that this phrase has been put to practical effect in the history of the church even now. I believe that some religious orders when their Superior (their leader) is deciding to send a religious person to a new appointment or mission, they would write in the official letter of appointment this beautiful formal phrase….. "It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us that you be appointed to such and such…….." Thus there is a recognition of not only the decision-making process and wisdom of the leader but also the absolutely necessary prayerful discernment, grace and guidance of the Holy Spirit in everything we do. We are invited by Christ to be "so connected to Christ" that our decisions, our actions, and our priorities will be guided by and connected to Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, without any loss of free will. I love that! I absolutely love the Gospel today… It is mysterious, but also very profound. It is so beautiful and so important to our understanding. Jesus says that he and the Father, (through the Holy Spirit), will come and "make their home in our hearts, and make their home in us"….and that we will be connected to Christ,….. united to Christ in the very life of the Holy Trinity….…. We will be "in communion" with Christ in a very real way, through our obedience and love. I love all the passages where Jesus, quite clearly, deliberately and explicitly speaks of the union he shares with the Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit, and how they "abide in each-other," (they live in and within each other)… (they make a home in each other's being). .. This union/ this communion, is inviting us to share and abide in God's life…. This is his unique gift to us who become his disciples. There can be nothing more wonderful. Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to us so that we will always be connected to Jesus (abide in Him and him in us, and Him in the Father and the Father in the Spirit)….. we will abide in his teachings … live in his love…. and this Spirit living within us,,, will constantly remind us of his teachings and his truths……. God will truly live with his people.. and abide in and within us. God will walk with us, his people, always. And God will be the light to show us the way through our journeys through life, so we have nothing to fear even when life is far from easy or simple. Finally, and most importantly, Jesus promises us the gift of peace. This is a gift we all long for, and for which the world longs to receive. Jesus promises us the gift of his peace… a peace the world cannot give and cannot achieve of itself…. God's peace is all we need through all the tragedies and the joys of life… as well as the failures and successes of life…. Jesus has, with the gift of the Holy Spirit, gifted us with God's divine peace and unity and connection to God that can hardly be imagined//…. and also the very real authority to cooperate in and participate in real decisions for Christian living….. So, in union with Christ, we participate in and discern with the Spirit for the issues and questions that come up anew in our lives…. // This authority to discern the Spirit's guidance in new questions is done by God in a way that engages us and all our talents and gifts, and uses all our faculties, - our knowledge and intellect, our understanding of the Scriptures as interpreted by the Church, which itself has been constantly inspired by the Holy Spirit down through the many ages…. This freedom to decide is also a deep and challenging responsibility, that does not give us license, but rather discretion and which frees us to be open to God's ways and values, always with the prayerful guidance and prudence of God's grace. We can trust that God is there to guide us and direct us and inspire us as we contemplate the issue and questions of our present age. (we see this profound discernment and cooperation and love in Pope Francis's exercise of his Papal ministry, which is inspiring to Christian and non-christian people alike, throughout the world.,,, We must trust in the power and authority and discernment that God has given us, as a body of Christ, so that we may continue to apply the gospel in each and every new situation and circumstance of daily life….. for God is with us… God abides with and in us. God guides, leads and inspires us. God's Holy Spirit shows us the way and gives us the direction. +++++ References: Fr Paul W. Kelly+++++ [Image Credit: by Kayla Waldron - Abide (32239). Free Download, john 15, dwell, vine and branches. Uploaded:Aug 26, 2015. Via CreationSwap] Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year C (22-May-22) (EPISODE: 366 ) Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You) +++++++++++++ {{May Our Lord's generosity inspire you.}} Coming together as Gods family, let us call to mind our sins. 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. +++++++++++++++++++++ Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6+8. "O God let all the nations praise you" GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 14:23). Alleluia, alleluia! All who love me will keep my words, and my Father will love them and we will come to them. Memorial Acclamation 2. When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PREFACE: Sundays Ordinary III Eucharistic Prayer III Communion side. pwk: RH (theme variation: full ) (pre+post variation: v2-short) ++++ {I am very grateful for you joining us for 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 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: Subscribe to mailing list to keep up-to-date 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 Mv-5 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 - 2022] May God bless and keep you. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [ Production - KER - 2022] May God bless and keep you. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish sends these emails in order to speedily keep in touch with parishioners, including for the occasional urgent/emergency emails affecting parish schedules (which has come in handy already for several unexpected events in the past - which people were grateful to receive quickly - So, we ask that you please consider keeping subscribed to this mailing list, as it helps us keep in touch in all sorts of changing situations. We have had times when parishioners said they did not know of an important development within the parish and it turns out that they had opted out of this central email). Copyright (C) 2022 Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Office 50 Fairway Drive CLEAR ISLAND WATERS, QLD 4226 Australia Add us to your address book Our mailing address is: Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Office 50 Fairway Drive CLEAR ISLAND WATERS, QLD 4226 Australia Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year C - Mass - 15-May-22(EPISODE: 365)

Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish - Weekly Sunday liturgy for you at home and for further reflection and prayer. May the Lord's Peace be with you! Please find linked below the latest Sunday Message Many thanks, The Parish Team Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year C - 15-May-22 (EPISODE: 365) Readings for 15-May-22 - Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year C FIRST READING: Acts 14:21-27 Ps 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13. "I will praise your name forever, my king and my God" SECOND READING: Rev 21:1-5a GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 13:34). Alleluia, alleluia! I give you a new commandment. Love one another as I have loved you. GOSPEL: John 13:31-33a, 34-35 Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Item ID: 1285938766 - Use your gifts to serve one another with background sunset design for Christianity – Contributor: Josephine Julian ++++ Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year C - 15-May-22 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/easter-5c-2022-ep-365 (EPISODE:365) +++++ We want to love with the love that Christ (God) loves. Because we are limited human beings and we are speaking about Divine Love, which is infinite and unfathomable, we will very likely not attain the fullness of this Love until the fullness of the Heavenly Kingdom. But here and now we already live the beginnings of God's love forming and growing within us. Love is a universal concept held by sacred and secular cultures throughout the world and throughout history. Christian love is a particular and extraordinary concept that challenges us to deepen our understanding and practise in accordance with Christ's vision. And we desire to deepen our understanding and our living of this profound way of loving to which Christ has opened doors. In the first reading today, there is a delightful line: "they put fresh heart into the disciples…" and encouraged the people to persevere in the trials and difficulties that they faced in their following of Christ. It is a reminder, that the purpose of Christ's Church, and all its members, is to encourage, support and strengthen each other; and to be instruments of God's grace, strength, encouragement, power, and mercy to all people. God, (as the second reading reminds us), is making "All things new" - God is constantly at work in his disciples making us a new creation, in God's image. We are being re-shaped and refashioned in the image of Christ and his Gospel. This is a subtle, and daily process that continues throughout life. And when we look back, we see the graces, blessings and re-creating that God has wrought in our lives and the lives of our family and friends around us. One of the ways that God 'renews us' is by giving us new starts and new beginnings. This is an essential aspect of our discipleship. Let us make no bones about this, following Christ and his Gospel vision is very challenging and difficult. Jesus is offering the world a new commandment of Love that challenges us to go so much deeper than some concepts of love held by the world. In other ways, Christ is extending the natural selflessness and unconditionality that one finds in families: parents for their children, the unbreakable bonds of bloodlines.... and making this the image of God's love for his people... a loving parent for his beloved children.. and his challenge for how we live in this world... as brothers and sisters in Christ, one family within the human family.. united by blood.. the blood of Christ. The readings are very encouraging, this weekend. For we are reminded, that "God lives with his people…... God is known as "God-with-them"... and our God lives in our midst; walking along with us; constantly at work taking the pain and tears from our midst. God is at work fashioning "healing and peace" in the hearts of his beloved people. Then we move to the gospel… an intriguing piece of text. It starts by saying… "After Judas had gone…" That is a rather interesting beginning sentence: Jesus makes his speech as soon as Judas, (his betrayer), has left the table to go and sell-him-out!! ...literally..... "Judas has left the building" - not just physically, but spiritually. He has withdrawn his support from Christ and his message, (his gospel). Judas has left the table of the Lord. And, as he leaves, Judas takes with him Judas' selfishness, his greed, his desire for money, his misguided desire for power, and his focus on his own needs. Now, those who remain at the table are all there voluntarily, and with their hearts and minds set on following Jesus and his Kingdom. Now, the ones who remain with Jesus, although they still suffer from weakness; and sometimes doubt, and sometimes stumbling; nevertheless those who surround him are now a group who are totally dedicated to service, love, and sacrifice: According to Jesus' vision!!! Now is the time! Jesus now begins his final instruction to them before he suffers and dies. when a person realises that their time is very short, that their hour is upon them, and that they will shortly die, their deeply held values and desires inevitably come to the fore. And what Christ said and did just before he died shows us very profoundly the things that God thinks are REALLY important and central and what are not. What Jesus did NOT say at this intense moment is as important as what he DID say. For example, Jesus knew that his time had come to suffer and die, so he says, "Listen, my dear children, I am not going to be with you longer... I must tell you this because it is very important. remember this, above all else... And what does he say?? well, he does Not say... 'above all else even if you are not practising the message of the gospel at least appear to be.' He definitely did not say that! Neither did he say, "listen, my time is short, so remember this if you remember nothing else: appearing righteous and keeping the letter of the law is more important than everything else - disassociate yourselves with all who fall short or stumble." he certainly did not say that either!! What he did say, and thanks be to God, is: How you love is what matters above all. He continues to teach us, even to this day, what he means by love, but what a wonderful message. Saint Paul picks up on this powerfully and Saint Therese also writes deeply on this truth. If I do even a good thing for a bad motive and without love, it will do me no good whatsoever and will not please God. Love and compassion are so central. Doing good and keeping God's law is not unimportant of course, but if we do not do these and other things with the love of God in our hearts flowing out into actions motivated by God's love, we have utterly missed the point. So, just before he suffers and dies, he deeply desires to make it clear: "People will know you are my disciples, first and foremost, above any other quality than by the way you love one another! …. This is truly beautiful. The quality of one's love, compassion, mercy, and practical care will be the touchstone of the "Disciple-follower-and-friend" of Jesus Christ….. If this is not witnessed, the lack of love and compassion; mercy, gentleness, and justice, will (without a doubt) be the single-most damaging sign to others of our witness as disciples of Christ. This is what people look for in a Christian. When they see it, they are inspired and moved. And when they do not see and experience it, they are scandalized, discouraged and lose hope and trust, perhaps even faith. Love… true Christian love…. A love that puts others first… seeks what is truly best for the other, even if it is at the cost and sacrifice of our own personal ambitions and desires. This is a love that serves and suffers, sacrifices.... and puts oneself last… and others first (or at least putting others' needs as equal to our own). This is the image Jesus wanted to leave with his disciples before he suffered and died for all. In short; before he showed them the perfect love that holds nothing back, and which strips itself of everything, even that which one may be entitled to...… Christ even lays down his precious, unique life for his friends and even for those who call themselves his enemies. ….. They will know you are Christian by your love…. They will know the quality of our Christianity, by the depth, quality and practicality of our love…… How truly beautiful….. "They will know we are Christians by our LOVE." To listen to the whole Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) - https:- soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks. (Reference: Fr Paul W. Kelly) [Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Item ID: 1285938766 - Use your gifts to serve one another with background sunset design for Christianity – Contributor: Josephine Julian] +++++ References: Fr Paul W. Kelly Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Item ID: 1285938766 - Use your gifts to serve one another with background sunset design for Christianity – Contributor: Josephine Julian Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year C (15-May-22) (EPISODE: 365 ) The Lord be with you. +++++++++++++ {{May Our Lord's care, comfort you}} Brothers and sisters, as weprepare ourselves to celebrate the Lord,s supper, let us recall our sins and acknowledge them in silence. 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. +++++++++++++++++++++ Ps 145:8-9, 10-11, 12-13. "I will praise your name forever, my king and my God" GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 13:34). Alleluia, alleluia! I give you a new commandment. Love one another as I have loved you. Memorial Acclamation 1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PREFACE: Sundays Ordinary II Eucharistic Prayer III Communion side. pwk: LH (theme variation: v20 ) (pre+post variation: v1-long) ++++ {I gratefully acknoweldge and give thanks to God for your prayers at this time of prayer and reflection upon our God.} Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord. ++++++++ 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: Subscribe to mailing list to keep up-to-date 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 MV-5 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 - 2022] May God bless and keep you. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ [ Production - KER - 2022] May God bless and keep you. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish sends these emails in order to speedily keep in touch with parishioners, including for the occasional urgent/emergency emails affecting parish schedules (which has come in handy already for several unexpected events in the past - which people were grateful to receive quickly - So, we ask that you please consider keeping subscribed to this mailing list, as it helps us keep in touch in all sorts of changing situations. We have had times when parishioners said they did not know of an important development within the parish and it turns out that they had opted out of this central email). Copyright (C) 2022 Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Office 50 Fairway Drive CLEAR ISLAND WATERS, QLD 4226 Australia Add us to your address book Our mailing address is: Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Office 50 Fairway Drive CLEAR ISLAND WATERS, QLD 4226 Australia Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year C - 08-May-22(EPISODE: 364)

Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year C - 08-May-22 (EPISODE: 364 ) Readings for 08-May-22 - Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year C FIRST READING: Acts 13:14, 43-52 Ps 100:1-2, 3, 5. "We are his people, the sheep of his flock" SECOND READING: Rev 7:9, 14b-17 GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 10:14). Alleluia, alleluia! I am the good shepherd, says the Lord. I know my sheep and mine know me. GOSPEL: John 10:27-30 Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Item ID: 1969049458 – The good shepherd. 3d illustration, 3d rendering. Contributor: - W.S. Coda ++++ Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year C - 08-May-22 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/easter-4c-2022-ep-364 (EPISODE: 364) +++++ HAPPY MOTHER’S Day! Happy Mother's Day to all mums as we here in Australia celebrate Mother's Day. Different parts of the world celebrate Mother's Day on different dates in the year, but whatever date it is celebrated; it is no coincidence that Christ used the image of an unconditionally loving parent to describe an essential characteristic of God's nature. What better example of unconditional love can be witnessed than the love of a Mother or a Father for their cherished child? Christ wants us to know and experience the deep and abiding love that God has for us, in calling us God's daughters and sons.  This weekend we pray for all mums, that they may be blessed for their goodness, kindness and self-forgetting love.  +++++ "God has an unshakable delight in what --and whom-- GOD has made. God thinks each of His children is wonderful, whether they're a 'hit' in the eyes of others or not. GOD will always think they're wonderful." I reckon any parent knows the truth of this story in a profound way… loving each of their children without reserve. And this brings us to the essential truth about our faith--it is grounded in God's wondrous LOVE for us, just like an unconditionally loving parent. At times we may not feel very lovable, we may even push that love away at times…--but we cannot keep God from loving us. That is God's very nature. God is a shepherd – (a very, very good one – the best, in fact). God is love. Today on Good Shepherd Sunday we remember the truth that God always searches for the one who is lost, or who feels unworthy or unloved and carries them in His arms. Anyone who would follow Jesus (the good shepherd) as a disciple must also be prepared to abide in God's compassionate love. The GOSPEL today is short but straight to the point.. It says so much; in fact, it says everything in these lines…. "no one will ever steal (my sheep) from me." &….. "The Father and I are one." This is so reassuring to us….. Jesus promises God's complete faithfulness to us, now and forever….. Jesus makes us God's children… and Our Lord will be with us to feed us, shelter us and guide us through life, and into the eternal life of Heaven…… Christ promises to be our shepherd and care for us.. and cherish us through the tragedies and struggles of life… of which there can sadly be many…… We know too well, that in life, there are many obstacles… there are setbacks… There seems, at times, to be unassailable worries and trials, but our God (revealed in Jesus, the Good Shepherd), promises to be with us and guide us through these and all trials and struggles…. This is a source of abiding hope and strength. Throughout the world and even close to home, we regularly hear of disasters, (whether they be natural disasters or human-made suffering); where many people are experiencing all sorts of hardship and pain….. including those who silently suffer and whose plight is not known to the world. We keep them all in our prayers… and we take strength and consolation from Christ.. who is our good shepherd…. Who is one with the father.. and makes us one with him… who knows each of us by name and who knows every human being by name (including those forgotten and abandoned and considered unimportant by the standards of the world). God never forgets even one of them, and God never forgets us. The heart of our good shepherd; who cares for and loves each and every human being, must be broken with grief for anyone suffering …… anyone who has been treated without the respect and dignity that all people should be given … as beloved children of God….. irrespective of race, culture or tongue…. For Jesus is the light to all nations… and all peoples…. … Let us commend all who suffer, to the gentle shepherd's care… and let us recommit ourselves each day, to showing practical care and support to all those we encounter, those in need..,. for (in Christ) they are truly our brothers and sisters, and they are fellow members of the Good Shepherd's flock…. May the world be reshaped, with the peace, care and gentleness that the good shepherd wants for the whole world… and all people in it. Let us continue to be people of hope, love, justice and compassion….. and may we be instruments in God's hands, of Christ's vision of care; valuing everyone, even those considered by others to be "the least" -May the Lord show us the full meaning of the fact that "God loves each and every person completely." +++++ References: Fr Paul W. Kelly Vocations day resources Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Item ID: 1969049458 - Jesus parable about the runaway sheep. 3d illustration, 3d rendering. Contributor: - W.S. Coda Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year C (08-May-22) (EPISODE: 364 ) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. +++++++++++++ {{May Our Lord's empathy abide in you.}} As one family in Christ, let us prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries by calling to mind our sins. option two on the cards/ Have mercy on us, O Lord./ For we have sinned against you./ Show us, O Lord, your mercy. And grant us your salvation. May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +++++++++++++++++++++ Ps 100:1-2, 3, 5. "We are his people, the sheep of his flock" GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 10:14). Alleluia, alleluia! I am the good shepherd, says the Lord. I know my sheep and mine know me. Memorial Acclamation 3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PREFACE: Sundays Easter 4 Euch Prayer II Communion side. pwk: RH (pre+post variation: v2-lonjg) ++++ {Many thanks for participating in this time of praise and reflection upon our loving God.} A Prayer in Gratitude and Blessing for Our Mothers   Good and Gentle God, Lord of creation, we pray in gratitude for our mothers and for all the women who have joined with you in the wonder of bringing forth new life and nurturing with love,  young lives. Jesus, you became human through the Blessed Virgin Mary. Grant to all mothers the grace and strength they need to face the uncertain moments that life often brings us all.  Give them the ongoing strength to love and to be loved in return. Give them the faithful support of family and friends and the wider community.  May they receive peace and joy from their family and friends.   Give them joy and delight in their families and friends, to sustain them through joys and sorrows. Most of all, give them the wisdom to turn to you for help when they need it most.  Bless all our mothers and grant them an eternal reward for their unconditional love and kindness. Through Christ our Lord.   Amen.               (Author Unknown (adapted by P. Kelly).  Go forth, the Mass is ended. ++++++++ 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: Subscribe to mailing list to keep up-to-date 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 Mark V 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 - 2022] May God bless and keep you. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish sends these emails in order to speedily keep in touch with parishioners, including for the occasional urgent/emergency emails affecting parish schedules (which has come in handy already for several unexpected events in the past - which people were grateful to receive quickly - So, we ask that you please consider keeping subscribed to this mailing list, as it helps us keep in touch in all sorts of changing situations. We have had times when parishioners said they did not know of an important development within the parish and it turns out that they had opted out of this central email). Copyright (C) 2022 Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish. All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Office 50 Fairway Drive CLEAR ISLAND WATERS, QLD 4226 Australia Add us to your address book Our mailing address is: Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish Office 50 Fairway Drive CLEAR ISLAND WATERS, QLD 4226 Australia Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe