AUSTRALIA DAY - NATIONAL DAY (26TH JANUARY) (EPISODE: 403)
Shutterstock licensed image: Photo ID: 214578130 - Kangaroo traffic sign- Photo Contributor: Petr Kratochvila
THE LITURGY OF THE WORD
First Reading: Isaiah 32:15-18. The effect of justice will be peace.
Psalm: Ps 84:9-14. R. "The Lord speaks of peace to his people."
Second Reading: Rom 12:9-13: Work for the Lord earnestly.
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom. Alleluia! (Cf Mt 11:25)
Gospel: Lk 12:22-32: It has pleased your heavenly Father to give you the Kingdom.
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers, and reflections for the AUSTRALIA DAY NATIONAL DAY (26TH JANUARY) - by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-australia-day-isaiah-romans-luke-episode-403 (EPISODE: 403)
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Australia Day -
In so many ways, we truly are a "lucky country." God has blessed us all with so many beautiful gifts and graces. We are truly grateful for the Lord's blessing on our land and ask the Lord to continue to bless and protect us and grant us true peace and goodwill to all. Certainly, no country is perfect, and each country and culture has its own blessings, (as well as its own share of trouble and shame) but it is always nice to know that our home is a place where there is so much for which to be grateful:
- Our beautiful environment
- The democratic freedoms,
- Freedom to practice religious faith....
- Freedom to speak responsibly........
- Thanks be to God, our land enjoys a high experience of peace and security; where even those badly struggling are caught by various safety nets of social support..........
We are grateful for an excellent standard of living, (especially when compared with man other nations who have such dire needs, and shockingly minimal support systems), we live in a land blessed with many and varied natural resources, an excellent climate ......
And any problems we might think we have in relation to overcrowding and pollution, or other social situations, positively pale into insignificance when compared with other lands, not to mention the situation of healthcare and unemployment support we have - again despite the strains on those systems we have heard of in recent years.
Today, we give thanks to God for the many gifts we have been given, and we are reminded that we live in a commonwealth… //and that this commonwealth is for the common good…. the gifts we have, are gifts to share for the benefit of one other…..
Truly we here can echo the words of Isaiah in the first reading... "integrity will bring peace, justice give lasting security. My people will live in a peaceful home, in safe houses, in quiet dwellings." We commit ourselves to living justly and peacefully and also acting with justice and peace towards others in need.
And on this day, we hear and respond to the teaching of the second reading (Paul to the Romans)..... We must not let love be a pretense, but sincerely prefer good to evil. Love each other as much as brothers and sisters should, and have a profound respect for each other. Work for the Lord with untiring effort and with great earnestness of spirit. ......... Do not give up if trials come; ....and keep on praying. If any of the saints are in need you must share with them, and you should make hospitality your special care.
This means we as a nation and as a Christian community commit ourselves to the hospitality of spirit which means, respect, openness to listening to our others and their experiences... and respecting each other as brothers and sisters in the one human family....
Isaiah also beautifully tells us that the effect of true justice is peace….. Or to put it another way…. One cannot have true peace, without achieving true justice.
Given that the day has been celebrated on various dates and under different names in the past 100 years, -
This National Day was not always called Australia Day and was not always celebrated on this date.
The commemoration is not without its different experiences and controversy, which reflects our nation's colonial past, as with many nations.
There are at least three different groups who have had a sincere historical difficulty with the name and date of our national celebration over the last century.. (Some of the groups might surprise some)…..
(not in any specific order)
1. Catholics...... yes - Australian catholics...... Us Catholics too, in Australia, had our own problems with a celebration of past National days……. At the time called "Empire Day." In 1911, "Australia Day" was used by the Roman Catholic community for May 24, which was usually celebrated as Empire Day, in protest at the day's allegedly Protestant character and the experiences the Catholic community had and was suffering under that sectarian time - including the suffering and inequCatholicscatholics in practising their faith in a colony that treated catholicism with suspicion.... . This slight to a day that was intended to bring the British Empire together was viewed unfavourably by some.#
2. People who were brought here initially as convicts..and their immiediate ancestors….. .. also did not look upon the landing of the first fleet as the happiest of days,,,,,The passengers upon the first fleet – were of course a mix of prisoners and military personnel. This date marks when those ships from Britain, filled with prisoners in a wretched state, landed to establish a largely convict settlement.... Far too many of these convicts were sent here for shockingly minor offenses.... Now seen as a way of sending another nation's social problems away to a far-off land.....
3. And finally..... "The controversy over Australia Day on January 26 for Australia's First Nations people, the day marks ...(the start of European settlement here that saw many Indigenous Australians dispossessed of their traditional lands, countless deaths, and with Aboriginal culture and society forever changed. This controversy is actually (also) not just recent...... Indeed, as early as January 26, 1938, a protest called this date a "Day of Mourning".
There has been an increasing conversation and awareness that many First Nations people of this land do not find this date a unifying or inspiring choice.
Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples feel that moving the date would be a starting point for creating a new dialogue and platform for Reconciliation. The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council agrees and advocates that Australia Day should be celebrated on May 27 – the day in 1967 that Australians voted by an overwhelming majority, to amend the Constitution to allow the Commonwealth to make laws for Aboriginal people, and to include them in the Census. The Catholic Church in this archdiocese, and around the nation, desires to foster closer bonds of compassion and reverence and listening. {https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtcGkj31eg,I }
Again, in thanksgiving to God we can thank the Lord that we live in a country where people can share their experiences and difficulties and be heard and respected and for us to search for effective ways to move forward into the future with hope, justice and respect for all.....
The way forward is for us to see ourselves as 'all in this together." We are many cultures and traditions and (acknowledge the mistakes and wrongs of the past), we nevertheless, as Christian people of hope and compassion, and justice, commit ourselves to truly walking together and listening respectfully to each other and reverencing our different heritage and cultures; and committing ourselves to practical steps to keep improving the welfare of all people.
We pray that people everywhere will deepen their sense of belonging to a commonwealth for the common good of all …. That there will be peace, respect, harmony and care for all others in our society…. That we will respect people as we would like to be treated ourselves... That we might always spare a thought for the person less fortunate, whether they be next door or in the next country…… And today, (as every day) we pray that our nation and its people develop within ourselves a deeper yearning for the values of Christ's gospel..... including .. // Humility,// Gentleness, // compassion, A passionate and practical commitment to working for Justice, // and to be people of peace—A people who are single-minded in serving God's vision for the world…..
On this Day….. It is good for us to stop and give thanks for God's many gifts to us, in this blessed Southern land of the Holy Spirit…..
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly
An Opportunity to Listen: Exploring 26th January - full interview -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtcGkj31egI - In the lead-up to January 26 Archbishop Mark spoke with three First Nations Peoples from the Archdiocese of Brisbane. This interview explores what this date has meant to each of them personally throughout their lives and the historical significance of this date to those within their local communities. This interview is part of the Archdiocese of Brisbane's ongoing commitment to truth-telling, historical acceptance and institutional integrity. All are fundamental elements of the Archdiocese of Brisbane Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). As Pope Saint John Paul II quoted the prophet Ezekiel in Alice Springs in 1986, "I am going to... gather you together... and bring you home to your own land... I shall give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you... You shall be my people and I will be your God": we are one people. We pray that opportunities such as this help us all to listen and develop a deeper understanding of the experiences of First Nations Peoples in light of our commitment to reconciliation. To learn more about our RAP - Please visit https://evangelisationbrisbane.org.au
https://socialjustice.catholic.org.au/event/australia-day-survival-day-2021-01-24-2023-01-22/
Online article from Cairns catholic diocese - 26 January 2022
#Amanda Laugesen. "Australia Day to Invasion Day: A difficult history." In Sydney Morning Herald, 25 January 2017 6:30pm.
https://www.smh.com.au/opinion/australia-day-to-invasion-day-a-difficult-history-20170125-gty5oq.html
Shutterstock licensed image: Photo ID: 214578130 - Kangaroo traffic sign- Photo Contributor: Petr Kratochvila
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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)- Australian Edition.
Scriptures – Jerusalem Bible (1966) - Australian Lectionary
"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 reflection music and hymn - Original musical composition by William John kelly (1942-2017)
Lyrics based on the Song of Praise by the Three Young Men, The Book of Daniel 3:24-9. By Paul kelly. Arranged and sung, and with adapted lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2021
- "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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AUSTRALIA DAY NATIONAL DAY (26TH JANUARY)
(EPISODE: 403 )
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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Coming together as brothers and sisters in Christ, let us pause and reflect upon our sins, in order to celebrate the Holy Eucharist.
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.
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Prayers Of The Faithful
READER
* For our nation on this Australia Day. That we renew our determination to work together for justice, reconciliation and the common good. (PAUSE). Lord, hear us:
* For our indigenous brothers and sisters, the first peoples of Australia: That we have the grace to listen to their stories, understand their mourning and walk gently with them on this ancient land. (PAUSE). Lord, hear us:
* For all who are sick…..
* For children and teachers returning to school. that they begin the year with energy and enthusiasm for the wonderful adventure of learning. (PAUSE). Lord, hear us:
For all who have died… especially all whose lives have helped build this nation with the gospel values as a sure foundation…. ….
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Memorial Acclamation
When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.
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Australia Day Preface
Eucharistic Prayer II
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Go in Peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.
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**First Reading
Isaiah 32:15-18 (JB)
A reading from the prophet Isaiah
Once more there will be poured on us
the spirit from above;
then shall the wilderness be fertile land;
and fertile land become forest.
In the wilderness justice will come to live
and integrity in the fertile land;
integrity will bring peace,
justice give lasting security.
My people will live in a peaceful home,
in safe houses,
in quiet dwellings.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
**Responsorial Psalm
Ps 84:9-14 (JB)
R. The Lord speaks of peace to his people.
I will hear what the Lord God has to say,
a voice that speaks of peace.
His help is near for those who fear him
and his glory will dwell in our land. R.
Mercy and faithfulness have met;
justice and peace have embraced.
Faithfulness shall spring up from the earth
and justice look down from heaven. R.
The Lord will make us prosper
and our earth shall yield its fruit.
Justice shall march before him
and peace shall follow his steps. R.
**Second Reading
Romans 12:9-13 (JB)
A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Romans
Do not let your love be a pretence, but sincerely prefer good to evil. Love each other as much as brothers and sisters should, and have a profound respect for each other. Work for the Lord with untiring effort and with great earnestness of spirit. If you have hope, this will make you cheerful. Do not give up if trials come; and keep on praying. If any of the saints are in need you must share with them; and you should make hospitality your special care.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
or
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (JB)
A reading from the first letter of St Paul to the Corinthians
There is a variety of gifts but always the same Spirit; there are all sorts of service to be done, but always to the same Lord; working in all sorts of different ways in different people, it is the same God who is working in all of them. The particular way in which the Spirit is given to each person is for a good purpose. One may have the gift of preaching with wisdom given him by the Spirit; another may have the gift of preaching instruction given him by the same Spirit; and another the gift of faith given by the same Spirit; another again the gift of healing, through this one Spirit; one, the power of miracles; another, prophecy; another the gift of recognising spirits; another the gift of tongues and another the ability to interpret them. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who distributes different gifts to different people just as he chooses.
The word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God.
**Gospel Acclamation
cf Matthew 11:25 (JB)
Alleluia, alleluia!
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;
you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom.
Alleluia!
Or Matthew 5:9 (JB)
Alleluia, alleluia!
Happy the peacemakers:
they shall be called children of God.
Alleluia!
**Luke 12:22-32 (JB)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke
Jesus said to his disciples, 'That is why I am telling you not to worry about your life and what you are to eat, nor about your body and how you are to clothe it. For life means more than food, and the body more than clothing. Think of the ravens. They do not sow or reap; they have no storehouses and no barns; yet God feeds them. And how much more are you worth than the birds! Can any of you, for all his worrying, add a single cubit to his span of life? If the smallest things, therefore, are outside your control, why worry about the rest? Think of the flowers; they never have to spin or weave; yet, I assure you, not even Solomon in all his regalia was robed like one of these. Now if that is how God clothes the grass in the field which is there today and thrown into the furnace tomorrow, how much more will he look after you, you men of little faith! But you, you must not set your hearts on things to eat and things to drink; nor must you worry. It is the pagans of this world who set their hearts on these things. Your Father well knows you need them. No; set your hearts on his kingdom, and these other things will be given you as well.
'There is no need to be afraid, little flock, for it has pleased your Father to give you the kingdom.'
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
or
Gospel
Matthew 5:1-12 (JB)
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew
Jesus began to speak to the crowds. This is what he taught them:
'How happy are the poor in spirit:
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Happy the gentle:
they shall have the earth for their heritage.
Happy those who mourn:
they shall be comforted.
Happy those who hunger and thirst for what is right:
they shall be satisfied.
Happy the merciful:
they shall have mercy shown them.
Happy the pure in heart:
they shall see God.
Happy the peacemakers:
they shall be called sons of God.
Happy those who are persecuted in the cause of right:
theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
'Happy are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.'
The Gospel of the Lord.
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
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AUSTRALIA DAY SACRAMENTARY :
Entrance Procession
Entrance Antiphon (Australia Day)
I will praise you, Lord, among the peoples,
among the nations sing psalms to you,
for your mercy reaches to the heavens,
and your truth to the skies.
Collect
Collect (Australia Day)
Let us pray.
Grant, we pray, O Lord our God,
that as the Cross shines in our southern skies,
so may Christ bring light to our nation,
to its peoples old and new,
and by saving grace, transform our lives.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Prayer over the Offerings
Prayer over the Offerings (Australia Day)
Pray, brethren (brothers and sisters),
that my sacrifice and yours
may be acceptable to God,
the almighty Father.
May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands
for the praise and glory of his name,
for our good
and the good of all his holy Church.
As we come before you with the fruits of the earth,
tended by our hands, O Lord,
we pray that these offerings
may bring a blessing on our land
and peace to all who dwell here.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Preface (The Eucharistic Prayer)
Preface (Australia Day)
The Lord be with you.
And with your spirit.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right and just.
It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation,
always and everywhere to give you thanks,
Lord, holy Father, almighty and eternal God,
and to praise, bless, and glorify your name
through Christ our Lord.
For from ancient times you made this land
a home for many peoples,
and became their rock of strength;
when they were hungry, you gave them food,
and when thirsty, water even in the desert.
To all, your providence has proclaimed
the Good News of Jesus Christ, your Son,
sent by you to be the Saviour of all the world,
who has brought peace by his sacrifice on the Cross.
And so, we lift our voices to you this day,
and with the people you have made your own,
from every race and tongue, every place and time,
we join in the song of the Angels in heaven,
as in exultant praise we acclaim:
Communion Antiphon
Communion Antiphon (Australia Day)
Bless the Lord, my soul,
and never forget all his benefits.
Prayer after Communion
Prayer after Communion (Australia Day)
Let us pray.
May our partaking of this sacrificial meal, O Lord,
grant us strength to walk together in the ways of justice,
and behold one day the new heavens and new earth
you prepare for us in Christ your Son.
Who lives and reigns forever and ever.
Amen.
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