The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, January 15, 2023 (EPISODE-401)

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, January 15, 2023
(EPISODE-401)

Readings for Sunday, January 15, 2023 - Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A
FIRST READING: Isa 49:3, 5-6
Ps 40:2+4, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10. "Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will."
SECOND READING: 1 Cor 1:1-3
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 1:14a+12a). Alleluia, alleluia! The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. He enabled those who accepted him to become the children of God. Alleluia.
GOSPEL: John 1:29-34

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 727445005 - LONDON, GREAT BRITAIN - SEPTEMBER 14, 2017: The "ecce agnus dei" (St. John the Baptist shows to Christ as Redeemer) on stained glass in church St. Michael Cornhill by Clayton and Bell from 19. Cent. Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Renata Sedmakova
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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers, and homily), for Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, January 15, 2023, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-second-sunday-of-ordinary-time-year-a-episode-401/s-CXhAaPCFbsz  (EPISODE-401 )
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Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 727445005 - LONDON, GREAT BRITAIN - SEPTEMBER 14, 2017: The "Ecce Agnus Dei" (St. John the Baptist shows to Christ as Redeemer) on stained glass in church St. Michael Cornhill by Clayton and Bell from 19. Cent. Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Renata Sedmakova

GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
The Church Calendar year returns to Ordinary Time. This season takes up over half of the year, and it is really the time when there are no major seasons, such as Christmas and Easter, or their preparatory seasons of Advent and Lent.  This is when the Kingdom of God quietly and slowly but surely grows in life's ordinary and everyday moments and events.  Since the "ordinary" takes up a big part of our year, it is important to appreciate the subtlety of this time. Whilst there might not be many dramatic and exceptional tones to this season, it is nevertheless essential. Except for the occasional feast Day, Saints day, or memorial, the Church uses this time to quietly and progressively work its way through the flow of the readings assigned for the year. So, we get time to slow down, stop and breathe and deepen our appreciation of God's word and values in everyday life.  This is a time for hidden treasures to be uncovered ... treasures kept in ordinary clay jars...  to use a biblical image...   
 
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Now that Ordinary time has well and truly begun, it is wonderful that the Scriptures speak of "Commissioning" and "sending." From the outset of any new season, it is also good to recall clearly just WHO we are following and why. Including what it is about him that is so important. To be clear about our Lord and master and his values and mission so that we can join in fully and with clear sight.
 
Like Isaiah, we too have been formed by God, called to be a light to ALL nations, not just a few….    We are also called to be open, particularly to OPEN OUR EARS, to God's word, values, and ways of seeing and thinking… (which are often refreshingly different from our own ways). We are commissioned to Keep God's word by NURTURING IT deep in our hearts and cherishing and savouring it….    And also, to unstop our lips and use them to speak of God's goodness….
 
Meanwhile, in the gospel, John testifies that this is Jesus, the son of God is the sacrificial and spotless lamb who would take away the sins of all the world…   The one on whom the spirit rests….  This is also the meaning our discipleship testifies to in word and action.
 
"All who have been baptized in Christ—share that same Holy Spirit and are called to undertake the same mission—being a light to others, serving others, giving of ourselves in love, compassion and generosity, and to be instruments of God's mercy and kindness and justice." (1)
 
In the Gospel today, three names are used to describe Jesus. (3)
 
Firstly, he is called the "Lamb of God," / /"a symbol of strength in vulnerability... The Lamb of God (John 1:29) "takes away" the sinful condition of the world. Twenty-one centuries down the track, there is still violence, hunger, and exploitation on a massive scale. The work of the one strong enough to risk vulnerability so that others may have life, the work of God's Lamb, is never done." (2)  
 
Secondly, Our Lord is called "the one on whom the Spirit descends and remains," Utterly filled with the Spirit and capable of giving this Spirit to others, he has the power and the desire to heal, to forgive, to help in practical ways, to work for justice and to show God's love to all. (3)
 
Thirdly, he is called the "Son of God" (or the Chosen One). …..
 
We can reflect at great length and deeply upon these "names and descriptions" of Jesus. As Our Lord asks Peter in another part of the Gospels, "But you. Who do you say I am?" So it is essential that we reflect upon how we name Jesus. Who is Jesus to us? What qualities of Our Lord particularly move us and inspire us?  The image we choose at this time will reflect our growing understanding of the one we have pledged ourselves to follow as disciples." (3)
 
Such images include, but do not exhaust the list, including….  Divine Mercy, Sacred Heart, Immeasurable and Inexhaustible Compassion, Unconditional love,  Complete and Infinite Love, Suffering Servant, Utter Obedience, True Peace….Self-forgetting Rescuer; The "Perfection of  Kindness and Justice Embracing."    Restorer of Original Innocence.  Perfect Empathy, and so much more… 
 
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References:
 
Fr Paul W. Kelly
 
 (1) Fr Greg Friedman with the "Sunday Soundbite" for St. Anthony Messenger Press, on the Web at FranciscanRadio.org. Post by Christopher Heffron:    https://www.franciscanmedia.org/2nd-sunday-in-ordinary-time/
 
 (2) Sr Veronica Lawson RSM.    https://www.ballarat.catholic.org.au/_uploads/ppage/files/Pastoral%20Ministry%20Office/19%20Jan%202020%20Reflection%20on%20the%20Gospel.pdf
 
 (3) Sr Patricia Stevenson RSJ. Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart. Second Week Ordinary Time A.   https://www.sosj.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/2ndWeekOrdinaryTime-YearA.pdf

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 727445005 - LONDON, GREAT BRITAIN - SEPTEMBER 14, 2017: The "Ecce Agnus Dei" (St. John the Baptist shows to Christ as Redeemer) on stained glass in church St. Michael Cornhill by Clayton and Bell from 19. Cent. Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Renata Sedmakova



(Sunday, January 15, 2023) (EPISODE-401)

The Lord be with you.
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{{Kindness and grace to you all}}

As one family in Christ, let us prepare to celebrate the sacred mysteries by calling to mind our sins.
Lord Jesus, you have revealed yourself as the way to the Father: Lord, have mercy.
You have poured out on your people the Spirit of truth: Christ, have mercy
You are the Good Shepherd, leading us to eternal life: Lord, have mercy.
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
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Ps 40:2+4, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10. "Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 1:14a+12a). Alleluia, alleluia! The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. He enabled those who accepted him to become the children of God. Alleluia.
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Memorial Acclamation
2. When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.
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PREFACE: Sundays I
EP II
Communion side.  pwk:  LH
(theme variation: v7 )
(pre+post variation: v1-long)
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{I gratefully acknowledge and give thanks to God for your prayers at this time of prayer and reflection upon our God.}

Go in peace. (Glorifying the Lord by your life)
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{thank you for your company as we have given thanks and praise to our God.}      /    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 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.

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

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

- "Today I Arise" - For 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 MV5 Digital Condenser (USB)

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 -  2023]
May God bless and keep you.
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Weekday Homily The Baptism of the Lord A - (9th January 2023) - (EPISODE- 400)

Weekday Homily The Baptism of the Lord A - (9^th January 2023)

(EPISODE- 400)

 

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD

First Reading: Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7.

Psalm: 29:1-2, 3-4, 9-10 The Lord will bless his people with peace.

Second Reading: Acts 10:34-38

Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! The heavens were opened and the Father's voice was heard: this is my beloved Son, hear him. Alleluia!

Gospel: Matthew 3:13-17    

 

 

Image: Shutterstock Licensed stock photo ID: 1562076073. OHRID, MACEDONIA - MAY 04, 2019: Baptism of the Lord, fresco in the Church of Saint Paraskeva of the Balkans near Saint Naum Monastery, Ohrid in Macedonia.

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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for The Baptism of the Lord A - by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-weekday-solemnity-the-baptism-of-the-lord-year-a-episode-400/s-wsmmXgTxFRD (EPISODE- 400)

 

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The Christmas season ends today and ordinary time begins, with the celebration of the start of Christ's public ministry. Which is very fitting indeed. John the Baptist giving Jesus Baptism had quite a different effect on his baptising others.  For us, baptism by John would be an admission of our sinfulness and desire for God's mercy. For Jesus, it was the revelation that he was the Son of God, the Messiah. The one to save us from our sins.  Today we recall our baptism and we know that we have been cleansed and united to God, by the waters made Holy and imbued with the power of the Holy Spirit, by Jesus.   What a wonderful mission we are called to.  

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John the Baptist, (who came ahead of Jesus the Messiah, to prepare the way for him), was very confused when Our Lord appeared along with a huge number of penitents and asked John to Baptise HIM!!  John's was a baptism of repentance for sin... and John knew perfectly well, as did our Lord himself, that Jesus had nothing to repent of nor did he have any sins... Also, John had said that the humble baptism he was preaching, was nothing compared to the Baptism with the Spirit that Jesus would give to the world... and yet here the Lord is, asking John to Baptise HIM??!!

 

Jesus reassures John with the mysterious explanation: "Let it be so for now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfil all righteousness." In other words, "we both must do this, as it is the wish of the Heavenly Father, as a part in the plan to save his beloved people." 

The full meaning of righteousness is not able to be accurately translated into English here because one word in English doesn't capture it... and using that word confuses it with more modern uses which bring in ideas of self-righteousness and legalism. In the full original sense, righteousness is not a mere outward quality or an outward series of action, but it is a measure of the qualities of God, who is utterly good and just, perfectly consistent and authentic... So to "fulfil all righteousness" is to act in a way that goes to the inner core and truth of God's heart. It is cooperating with God whose plan is to save his people, to take their side, to be their defender and protector, their patron, and to make the inner life of the heart match the outer expression of one's actions. True righteousness is a quality that only God has fully, as it is God's nature, reflecting authenticity, goodness and justice. (1)

I know I still haven't captured the true meaning of the term "righteousness," but at least this puts a sense of the huge depths the meaning. 

 

Jesus was showing the wonderful quality that he always had... utter obedience to the will of his beloved, Heavenly Father. It didn't matter if things made sense to anyone at this point; this was what the Father wanted and asked for, and Our Lord was going to make sure he fulfilled this desire. John, although obviously confused, was convinced by this and cooperated.

 

Also, by being Baptised as he was, Jesus was revealing what kind of Plan he and his heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit had in mind for his children... and it is consistent with other parts of the scriptures... the answer is revealed also in Pope Francis recent homily on the last day of last year... where he said...

 

"God changed the world through a man born poor, in an undistinguished town of a simple woman of faith.

 

"We must not be afraid or feel inadequate for such an important mission. Let us remember: God doesn't choose us for our "bravura," (our magnificence, our brilliance, our astounding technical skills, or any sort of excellence), but, in fact, God chooses us because we are small and we feel small."

 

"God's decision is clear: to reveal His love, He chose a small, poor, scorned city, and later in his life, when He reached Jerusalem, he joined the population of sinners and the rejected. None of the inhabitants of the city realized that the Son of God made Man was walking through its streets, probably not even initially His disciples."

 

(The Pope stressed that God dwells not only in the temple but among the people). …, "He dwells in the midst of His People; He walks with them and lives their life. His fidelity is strong and palpable... touchable...that is, concrete; it is such a "nearness" to the daily existence and struggles of His beloved children. ...

 

When God wants to make all things new through His Son, He doesn't begin from the Temple, but from the human birth made possible by the cooperation, and obedience of a humble and poor woman of His own People. This choice of God is extraordinary!"(2)

 

So, it was always God's plan that through the love and nearness of Jesus, his beloved son, he would save the people from their sins by immersing himself in their world and into their plight. (Like a modern-day-lifesaver, he dived into the water to save the drowning person), He identified himself and associated with sinners and outcasts and people bowed down by the chains of this world's injustice and tragedy and he even allowed himself to be mistakenly accused of being a sinner himself... he even died a sinner's death, and a criminal's death, so as to take on the sins of all who were guilty.

 

In that sense, we can see why he submitted to baptism. Not to atone or admit for any personal sin, but to be with his people who were drowning in their own sin and alienation. He got into the "muddiness and messiness – the dangerous currents" of life, even though he was blameless himself... in order to save others... He was also approving of and associating himself with the people's sincere movement of repentance and conversion, that John's preaching and preparation, plus the people's heartfelt response was leading to. For this gathering of people and their unprecedented admission that even though they were the chosen people of God, they had strayed and were in need of purification, was a powerful sign of the Kingdom arriving, which Jesus was now ushering in.

 

"Never before had there been such a unique national movement of penitence and of a collective search for God. This was the very moment for which Jesus had been waiting. People were very conscious of their sin and deeply aware of their need for God as never before. This was his opportunity, and in his baptism, he identified himself with the people whom he lovingly came as God made flesh, in order to save them, in this hour of their new consciousness of their sin, and of their search for God. So what better time and place for him to begin his public ministry! (3)

 

And in this complete obedience and humility, The Father searched his heart (which he already knew perfectly well) and found no fault, no sin... and declared to all who would accept it... this is indeed not just a son of mine, (as in one who does God's will) but this is THE son of mine.. my only son... I am pleased with him... listen to him... (and in these words he recalled the ancient predictions that an obedient servant and son would suffer for the sins of others... Jesus is now clearly seen as the messiah and also one whose mission is 'suffering love' to save all who are trapped by sin and injustice.

 

This Gospel also reveals the superb reality that God, the Trinity is utterly involved in this mission... as The Father confirms, the Son obeys and the Spirit empowers. All three persons of the Trinity are featured in this astounding moment. this is the beginning of the Kingdom of Heaven...

 

Christ being baptized is showing us that he takes very seriously his desire to share in our human nature, to be in united with his people…..especially all who are bowed down and trapped in their own sinfulness or hopelessness... God takes on ALL of our humanity and shows us the way to live our lives.

 

Baptism, means literally a "plunging into water" - so too we are plunged into Christ's life and his way of living… immersing ourselves completely in his self-emptying way of loving…. a love that gives everything… even unto death, (on a cross).

 

Jesus invites us, by going into these water, to follow him into the "living streams of his good news as experienced in our daily lives and actions"…. The regular practice of loving as Christ loves, which is at times extremely challenging, to say the least. Jesus the suffering servant, subjects himself to his human condition out of love, service and sacrifice.(4)

 

Christ's Baptism signals the Commencement of his PUBLIC ministry. He has come from quiet and humble obscurity – from 30 or so years of everyday living, and now is dramatically appearing on the public scene… revealed at last as the Messiah, the chosen one…… the suffering servant of the Father…. and the son of God……with whom the Father is well pleased.

 

Jesus' baptism is an invitation for us to reflect upon the public and communal dimensions of our baptismal call…………

 

Jesus shows us that discipleship is not merely a personal thing… not just a private activity…… Being part of Christ's good news is a participation in a very public ministry of Christ himself…….. (not just about me and my sins, or my life, or my own righteousness or lack thereof).

 

And so, it is a good time to ask ourselves "in what ways do I step forward publicly as Jesus did, as a way of announcing and living practically the new reality represented in Christ; 2. what can I do to live-out my baptismal commitment more openly, more publicly, more consistently. Christianity is a distinctly communal religion never solely a private devotion…….There is no such thing as a solo Christian, even when we might be working away on our own.(5).

 

How do we put this into action? …… ……. …..everyone who conducts their daily lives, their family life, their jobs and any other daily activities in the intentional spirit of Jesus' good news (humility, gentleness, justice, mercy, practical care, attentiveness to God's word, attention to my brothers and sisters around me and their needs, and compassionate love in everything)– everyone who daily decides to live this way is living their Baptismal calling in a very practical way…..

 

May the Lord who calls us to follow him into the waters of Baptism, raise us to newness of life, so that, united with Jesus, we may serve him in everything we do and say….. Giving public witness to all, by our love and service …

 

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References:

Fr Paul W. Kelly

 

1.                 "The New Jerome Biblical Commentary." Brown; Fitzmyer; Murphy (eds.). Published by Geoffrey Chapman (1991).

 

        

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

 

 

        https://www.biblestudymagazine.com/bible-study-                magazine-blog/tag/sedeq

 

2. From Pope Francis called forth in his homily on December 31, 2019, paraphrased in parts for clarity.  https://zenit.org/articles/celebration-of-first-vespers-of-solemnity-of-mary-most-holy-mother-of-god-and-te-deum-of-thanksgiving-for-past-year/

 

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

 

4.                 Abbot's Homilies - Benedictine Abbey of Christ in the Desert. [online] Benedictine.

 

5.                 Notes are taken from Prayer Time, Cycle A. Robert J. Heyer, ed. 2007

 

 

DeBona, G. (2013). Between the Ambo and the altar. Year A. 1st ed. Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical Press.

 

Image credit:  Shutterstock Licensed stock photo ID: 1562076073. OHRID, MACEDONIA - MAY 04, 2019: Baptism of the Lord, fresco in the Church of Saint Paraskeva of the Balkans near Saint Naum Monastery, Ohrid in Macedonia.

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The Baptism of the Lord A - (9^th January 2023)

(EPISODE- 400)

 

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

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{{May Our Lord's justice sustain you}}

 

As one family in Christ, let us prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries by calling to mind our sins.?

Lord Jesus, you are the image of the unseen God: Lord, have mercy.//You are the firstborn of all creation: Christ, have mercy//You are the head of the body, the Church: 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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Eucharistic Prayer III

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

Communion side. pwk: RH

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{May God's grace strengthen your love and hope and faith, and may God's love surprise you even in the trials and challenges of the week. }

 

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

 

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Extra notes on the reflection"

 Notes:

https://www.biblestudymagazine.com/bible-study-magazine-blog/tag/sedeq 

"righteousness" is not merely a moral course of action, - rather its God's saving action even in the face of our sin... In some cases where "truth" is used in reference to humans in the psalms, it is better understood and translated as "authenticity." When the hymn, Ps 145,

/

In the Psalms 'emet, (תמא) is frequently paired with khesed, which is translated as "steadfast love" (NRSV, ESV), "lovingkindness" (NASB), and "love" (NIV). All fifteen of these pairings describe attributes of God. This pairing of terms, along with the psalmic prayers and praises that use it, associates 'emet, (תמא) with relational loyalty. Hence, the NRSV and ESV translators use "faithfulness" in these contexts. The echoes in Ps 86:15 point to the famous confession in Exod 34:6: "The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness ('emet)."

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"The New Jerome Biblical Commentary." Brown; Fitzmyer; Murphy (eds.). Published by Geoffrey Chapman (1991).

* note, interpretation by me... righteousness is not a mere outward quality.. but its a measure of the quality of God as good and just... more akin to 'salvation' - going more to the heart of what is authentic, true, real... // inner heart speaks truth...

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Barclay Mt :

Now for the first time in their national history the Jews realized their own sin and their own urgent need of God. Never before had there been such a unique national movement of penitence and of search for God.

This was the very moment for which Jesus had been waiting. Men were conscious of their sin and conscious of their need of God as never before. This was his opportunity, and in his baptism he identified himself with the men he came to save, in the hour of their new consciousness of their sin, and of their search for God.

The voice which Jesus heard at the baptism is of supreme importance." This is my beloved Son," it said, "with whom I am well pleased." That sentence is composed of two quotations. "This is my beloved Son," is a quotation from Ps.2:7. Every Jew accepted that Psalm as a description of the Messiah, the mighty King of God who was to come. "With whom I am well pleased" is a quotation from Isa.42:1, which is a description of the Suffering Servant, a description which culminates in Isa.53.

So in the baptism there came to Jesus two certainties--the certainty that he was indeed the chosen One of God, and the certainty that the way in front of him was the way of the Cross. in that moment he knew that he was chosen to be King, but he also knew that his throne must be a Cross. In that moment he knew that he was destined to be a conqueror, but that his conquest must have as its only weapon the power of suffering love. In that moment there was set before Jesus both his task and the only way to the fulfilling of it.(Barclay – Matthew)

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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:       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.

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

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

- "Today I Arise" - For 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 MV5 Digital Condenser (USB)

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 -  2023]
May God bless and keep you.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sunday 8th January 2023. Sunday – Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. Years ABC -

Sunday 8^th January 2023. Sunday – Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. Years ABC - 

Epiphany of the Lord. Years ABC - 

Readings for  - Epiphany of the Lord. Year ABC
FIRST READING: Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13. "Lord, every nation on earth will adore you."
SECOND READING: Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Alleluia). Alleluia, alleluia! We have seen his star in the East, and have come to adore the Lord.
GOSPEL: Matt 2:1-12

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Illustration ID: 229407499 - Abstract background, Christian Christmas scene with a shining star in the sky, the birth of Jesus, and three wise men on camels, illustration. Illustration Contributor: losw
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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers, and homily) for Epiphany of the Lord. Year ABCC - by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-sunday-the-epiphany-of-the-lord-abc/s-kwBdIFJdExp

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*Prologue (Fr Paul Kelly)
On this feast of the Epiphany, we celebrate that God's glory has been revealed to all the nations, and not just the chosen people of Israel. People from every corner of the earth, of every nation and race. Generations of people. God's revelation, God's invitation, is for all people of all times and places.   
 
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Whenever I read this gospel passage…   I cannot help but be struck by the disturbing irony in it…..
 
King Herod summons the Wise men from the East…  they come to listen to him…. they don't know him,….. they know he is a King… they would probably assume he was a noble and gracious King…. but he is not… is filled with hatred and jealousy…. and murderous intentions….
 
Herod manages to control his emotions while consulting with the Wise men….. he seems genuinely interested in the Star and the possibility of a king being born………  I almost imagine he is choking on his words when he says…  "When you find him, tell me too…  because I too want to go and …..   do….. him………(ahem)…. 'homage'…… We, the listeners…. The audience to this Gospel drama…. Know better….  Herod hates Jesus… and rejects his Kingship….  And wants to kill him….     He might as well have said….      " (when you find him, tell me too…  because I too want to go and …..  'do him in' !!!).
 
Herod wants nothing more than to kill Jesus! he is a liar!     He wants to tear down, not build up! …. to destroy and blot out forever the child who is the hoped-for 'Light for all nations'…..  Can there be any hatred greater than one that wants to blot out HOPE from the earth……for the sake of his own power…  his own comfort????  It is fitting that the Wise Men, after having met Jesus, 'go home by another road' – it says they listened to Herod… but it is clear that they didn't swallow everything he said…..
 
Instead….  they have been converted… they are different….  changed……. New men… in fact… will never again be able to go down the old paths…   it is all-new, having met and discovered Jesus.   ….   They will not go and tell (hateful) Herod about what they have seen… but resolutely go home by a new pathway….   (their lives changed) to live the new reality of what they have experienced……
 
In the gospel today, the Wise Men from the East ultimately FIND the King for whom they had searched so diligently ……..   Jesus! ….   a humble baby lying in the manger… is found to be the revelation of God to the world…….  the LIGHT of revelation for all.
 
The gospel today uses the quote from Micah…. "you Bethlehem are by no means the LEAST"…. this is really important……    not only is Bethlehem FAR FROM BEING the LEAST of all cities… but this humble baby in a humble manger is not by any means the LEAST of all babies….  and the shepherds are not anywhere near the least of all people……   there is more than one REVELATION going on here (for the eyes of faith to see!)…   The message is repeated in later sections of Matthew's gospel: (The wise men, and us too…  are being shown something deeply important…..)
 
….. at first sight, the 'poor and forgotten' of our society are insignificant….  but this is WRONG….  they are in fact GREAT… because it is THROUGH THEM. that the Lord is coming to us……. 
 
The reaction of the Magi is interesting too……    when they enter the presence of God…  revealed in his humble baby in a manger… they immediately open up treasure chests filled with gifts……
 
This must always be our reaction, too, in the presence of God…..      when we come before the presence of Jesus… we too must open up our hearts and offer God our gifts……   the response of a person to the revelation of God's presence is one of openness, generosity and service……… 
 
The Magi… offered Jesus gifts of Gold (for Kingship)//, Frankincense (acknowledging Jesus as Priest and sacrifice)// and Myrrh (for burial- looking to the eventual death of the Lord on the Cross)//…….  We too come before Jesus and we too offer our gifts to the Lord…..
 
 What are the gifts that WE are laying before the Lord??…….   let us think about what gifts we are presenting to Jesus for him to use of……. Gifts God gave us in the first place.
 
 let us take some time, at the start of this new year… to come into the presence of Jesus……   the Light to all nations….. and think about what gift (individual to each of us)……that we are called upon to present before the Lord …..for the Lord to use and transform….. that great first reading, from Isaiah, also shows something interesting…  'what is our response to seeing the revelation of Christ… who is a light shining in the darkness of the world……"…  our response must be this… "arise…  shine… for your light has come,.. and the glory of the Lord has risen upon us…"…. so when we encounter Christ..  we must become lights ourselves…..  going out… to radiate Christ's light to everyone we meet…… 
 
This message reminds us… 'we must believe so that the world can begin to believe'   -  WE must radiate Christ's light to the world.. and all peoples…. so that people can experience Christ's light shining through us too.
 
Today…  we kneel before the Christ child…  we bow… and open up our treasure chests… what gift is it that we lay before our Lord…????
 
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References:
 
Fr Paul W. Kelly
 
also Mark Link: Vision – Year A
 
Gustavo Gutierrez: Sharing the Word through the Liturgical Year
 
Abbot's homily: http://www.christdesert.org
 
Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Illustration ID: 229407499 - Abstract background, Christian Christmas scene with a shining star in the sky, the birth of Jesus, and three wise men on camels, illustration. Illustration Contributor: losw

Epiphany of the Lord. Year C  (Sunday, January 2, 2022)  (EPISODE: 343)
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
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{{Joy and peace to everyone}}

my brothers and sisters, to prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries, let us call to mind our sins.
Lord Jesus, the nations of the world are drawn to your light. Lord have mercy.
You are the radiant star of justice. Lord have mercy
You are the first fruits of the nations. Christ have mercy.
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
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Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13. "Lord, every nation on earth will adore you."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Alleluia). Alleluia, alleluia! We have seen his star in the East; and have come to adore the Lord.

Memorial Acclamation
3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.
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PREFACE: Epiphany
EP II
Communion side.  pwk:  RH
(theme variation: v5 )
(pre+post variation: v1-lshort)
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{thank you for your company as we have given thanks and praise to our God.}

Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord.

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

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

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.

Christmas Hymn - "Word Made Flesh" by Paul W. Kelly. Based upon: John's Gospel 1:14,  1 John 4:9 , & Isaiah 9:2, 6, 7.
(Written on 8/5/20; 10/9/20).  Arranged and sung by Stefan Kelk, with adjusted lyrics.  2020. https://www.airgigs.com/user/stefankelk

Traditional hymn:
"We Three Kings," performed by the Bobby Cole Chamber Choir, licensed via Shockwave-Sound.com
( https://www.shockwave-sound.com )


Sound Engineering and editing -  P.W. Kelly.

Microphones: -      SHURE MV5 usb

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 -  2023]
May God bless and keep you.