Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, January 23, 2022 (EPISODE: 346)

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, January 23, 2022
(EPISODE: 346)

Readings for Sunday, January 23, 2022 - Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C
FIRST READING: Neh 8:1-4a, 5-6, 8-10 ++
Psalm 19:7, 8, 9, 14. "Your Words, Lord, are Spirit and life"
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 12:12-30 or 12:12-14, 27
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 4:18cd). Alleluia, alleluia! The Lord has sent me to bring Good News to the poor and freedom to prisoners.
GOSPEL: Luke 1:1-4; 4:14-21

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 2096412949 - Nazareth, Israel - December 24, 2021: The interior of Synagogue Church. In Nazareth, Israel – Contributor: RnDmS
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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, January 23, 2022, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-third-sunday-of-ordinary-time-year-c-safety-edit-copy-episode-346?si=26fb5114a8854657b6740d59be25d7e2&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing  (EPISODE: 346)
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*Prologue (Fr Paul Kelly)
In the wonderful First reading, we see an ancient example of the people of God gathering to listen to God's word and give praise and worship to the Lord. This pattern all these many centuries later is still familiar.  God's people, including us today, gather to listen to God's word and appreciate the meaning of it for our lives here and now, and it touches our hearts and minds and deepens our dedication to the Lord.  Sometimes God's word challenges us and cuts us to the heart, as it reveals our areas for growth, and at other times, it encourages and nurtures us. But it never fails to be a source of grace and life for all who receive the Word.

May we always open our hearts and minds to God's word...  Cherishing it, being moved by it....    treasuring it and living it...

And what a beautiful second reading!  Saint Paul once again gives us a superb image - Just as the body has many parts but it is still one body.... so, we, God's people, are invited to remember the unity we have with one another... the shared sense of purpose and the lived reality that our good is tied to the good of all people.

We each have gifts... but these gifts are "given to share" with each other, ... so we really need to help and support each other... especially those most in need....

Saint Luke wrote his version of the gospel (which we hear today and through most of this year), and he says he did this to provide an orderly account of things relating to Jesus.  (Luke also wrote the "Acts of the Apostles"... clearly addressing (at the start of both books) to the same person named "your Excellency Theophilus"  - (a name that means lover of God") - who was obviously a Gentile believer; with a high rank and status in society... This gospel particularly speaks to influential and powerful Gentiles, who are trying to work out what Jesus' asks of them and what God's core values are. And Luke's writing is inviting and challenging in equal measure.

And at the very start of Our Lord's ministry, God's ancient words are announced as being fulfilled "right here and right now, as you listen.." -  In this extraordinary speech at the synagogue of his own home town Jesus, spells out the "blueprint for his ministry" – (an incredibly generous and compassionate ministry at that), ….,

It is a stunning declaration of the dawning of a new era of God's favour, kindness, and grace…..   Where all the hopes and dreams of the poor and the needy have been noticed by God and committed to God's care. God really cares a lot, about how badly people are faring and God means to do something about it through Jesus and his followers. God wants people to see their destiny as bound-up with the worries of others too. And use their gifts and influence to make a difference, not just for ourselves or our families and friends, but for the good of all people - whom we united to, through God.

Jesus' home town of Nazareth, was a very, very important location….. It was a city of some 20,000 people. And so, Jesus' speech at Nazareth, a town in Galilee – (Galilee means 'circle of the nations – probably because of the large number of people from other nations who settled there), is timely and perfectly-placed.  At the crossroads of the nations, God has intervened in our history… and has come to give us news… and thank goodness; it is very good news indeed ……for the poor and the needy.(1)

"The poor" are all of us, in one way or another)…  Many of us are captive to one thing or another in our lives……   we all desperately need the news Jesus has to give us… so this news from Jesus is for all of us.  And for everyone… //  And we take heart that Jesus has us in mind when he begins his mission to save and help people in need… and free us from whatever imprisons and impoverishes us all…

The first step seems to be 'freedom' – To be Free from anything that stops us being the loving people God calls us to be…. /  Free to respond compassionately and justly to those in need….. //  Free from wasting our time and energy on that which does not last.

Jesus words are not merely 'talk'  - He sets about immediately doing what he has just announced to the people. Involving himself fully in the lives of those who are suffering and who feel lost.

Let us, as one body in Christ, recognise that we are all in this together....  It is not "them or us" or "every person for themselves"….  It is "us, gathered and united by Christ," to be open to/. cooperate with/ and trust in our Lord, who is good news in everything he says and does//.. in fact, he is the very best news we will ever hear….

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Homily (Fr Peter Dillon)
HOMILY – 3^RD SUNDAY ORDINARY TIME YEAR C 2022

Returning to your hometown after a long absence can be a confronting exercise.
Will we recognise people and houses, will we be remembered and will we be able to capture the same feelings we once experienced in this place of security? Will I be a stranger in a place I used to call home? What we usually find that although there has been change, we too have changed and we need to balance our understanding with what was and what is.

This is the kind of introduction Luke gives us in today's gospel. Here is someone who has gone from his hometown for a while and is now returning for a visit. There are some who will remember him as a little child, others who knew his father and mother and there will be others who will look at him with curiosity and suspicion. He is not just any man returning home because his reputation has preceded him, he is something of a minor celebrity. Will he be as wise as they have heard or will he try to convince them to change their comfortable ways?

As expected he goes to the synagogue, where he had sat as a young boy, and is handed to scroll of the prophet Isaiah where he reads the famous lines that "the spirit of the Lord is upon me and he sent me to bring good news". He then sat down as a sign that an important teaching was to follow.

 And then he tells them something that startles them and gives them cause for great concern. "Today this scripture is being fulfilled in your hearing". Surely he can't be suggesting that he is the fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah. They had been looking so far into the future for their Messiah that they were unable to accept that the time had come. He was there with them. Naturally this was too hard to believe until he was able to accompany his prophetic words with outstanding signs. But for the present they were wary and reserved.

The word that got to them was "today" because they had been trained to look to the future for salvation. He makes no long-range forecast, no promise that things will be different in the future. Rather, he claims the power to transform the present. There are no good times coming, they are here now and the kingdom of God is among you, he declares. Luke is emphatic that Jesus underscores this in almost all the things he says. Today is what counts. Today grace abounds. Today the kingdom will be realised. Today God is revealed behind every episode in your life.

It was for this very reason that this gospel challenged the people of his hometown and it challenges us to live and be open to the life of Christ in the here and now.

So how can we discover this everyday grace? Perhaps we could start by living one day of acceptance. What would it be like if we gave ourselves the opportunity for just one day to concentrate on totally accepting everyone and making no judgments?

Does that sound like too difficult a task or do we no longer notice when we judge others? If we consider it, everything we think and say or do reacts on us like a boomerang. Every judgment, every criticism and attack comes back to us. Equally every act of love and compassion and generosity does the same and comes back to us, sometimes with increase.

Secondly, we should look for the opportunities in today even if it's not quite what we bargained for. Sometimes the problem or intrusion can contain the grace of the day that we weren't expecting. Allow ourselves time to put things in perspective. Did I make the problem bigger than it really was? Did that person take more time than I wanted to give? Was it really a major issue to spend more time than I had planned assisting a person in need?

The fulfilment of God's promise today is the key, so that we will not miss the chance to be part of God's saving action in what we think as the ordinariness if our lives.

A day of acceptance without judgement, a day of opportunity without complaint, a day of perspective without fear, starting - today.
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References:

prologue by Fr Paul W. Kelly

Homily by fr peter Dillon

THE DAILY STUDY BIBLE. GOSPEL OF LUKE. (REVISED EDITION). BY WILLIAM BARCLAY.

SUNDAYS AND HOLY DAY LITURGIES. YEAR C. FLOR MCCARTHY S.D.B.

Abbot's homily. Monastery of Christ in the desert.

(1) 'Galilee of the nations', which refers to gentiles who settled there at the time that the book was written, either by their own volition or as a result of being deported there. From; Room, Adrian (2006). "Place-names of the World: Origins and Meanings of the Names for 6,600 Countries, Cities, Territories, Natural Features, and Historic Sites." (2nd, revised ed.). McFarland. p. 138. ISBN 978-0-7864-2248-7. Retrieved 21 February 2011. Source: Wikipedia on "Galilee"

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 2096412949 - Nazareth, Israel - December 24, 2021: The interior of Synagogue Church. In Nazareth, Israel – Contributor: RnDmS

Image Credit: A hilltop near Nazareth, Israel.  Photograph by Fr Paul W. Kelly).


Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C  (Sunday, January 23, 2022)  (EPISODE: 346)
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
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{{Goodness and kindness to you all}}

Brothers and sisters, as weprepare ourselves to celebrate the Lord,s supper, let us recall our sins and acknowledge them in silence.
I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault,* through my most grievous fault; therefore
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.

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Psalm 19:7, 8, 9, 14. "Your Words Lord are Spirit and life"

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 4:18cd). Alleluia, alleluia! The Lord has sent me to bring Good News to the poor and freedom to prisoners.

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: Sundays II
EP III
Communion side.  pwk:  RH
(theme variation: v1/full )
(pre+post variation: v2-short)
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{I am very grateful for you joining us for this special time of prayer and reflection.}

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.
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: paulkellyreflections+subscribe@googlegroups.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

- "Faith, Hope and Love" theme hymn - in memory of  William John 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-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 -  2022]
May God bless and keep you.
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[ Production -  KER -  2022]

May God bless and keep you.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

​Second Sunday Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, January 16, 2022 (EPISODE: 345)

Second Sunday Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, January 16, 2022
(EPISODE: 345)

Readings for Sunday, January 16, 2022 - Second Sunday Ordinary Time. Year C
FIRST READING: Isaiah 62:1-5
Psalm 96:1-2, 3-4, 7-8, 9-10ac. "Proclaim his marvellous deeds to all the nations."
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:14). Alleluia, alleluia! God has called us with the Gospel, to share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
GOSPEL: John 2:1-12

(Image Credit:  Shutterstock licensed image. Id: 1212389845 - Biblical vector illustration series, Jesus turns water into wine - Contributor- rudall30)
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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Second Sunday Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, January 16, 2022, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-second-sunday-of-ordinary-time-year-c-episode-345?si=3290e6f42ad64459901fdaf825060c86&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing  (EPISODE: 345)
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*Prologue (Fr Paul Kelly)
Christ's ministry was an extensive one; his mission was all-encompassing.
 
Its final focus would be nothing less than the fulfilment of his mission through something he described as his great and ultimate "Hour" or "Time" when he as the sacrificial Lamb of God would offer his very self for the life of the world.
 
Christ's great message is that God leaves the best for last, and the good news is: IN THE END, God will be utterly faithful to us and fulfil EVERY ONE of his promises to us. Everything about God, and Christ's earthly life and mission and his suffering, death and resurrection, is TOP Shelf.  No half-baked quality here, but the best of everything for us.
 
At the very outset of his public ministry, Mary his beloved mother asks Our Lord to help a wedding couple in a socially embarrassing situation at their wedding reception. Christ turns this simple act of kindness into a SIGN of the Kingdom and a sign of the meaning of his ministry, which is to provide the best wine of mercy, compassion, inclusion, charity and heartfelt invitation into the Banquet feast of the kingdom.
 
Jesus is surely asking this question of his Mother in an ironic way?  "Why turn to me? My hour has not yet come to provide the Best wine of the Wedding Feast of the Kingdom of God, where I will be the Bridegroom and the People of God will be the Bride." Of course, he immediately helps and uses this incident as a foretaste of what is to come. And what a beautiful foretaste it is.
 
If this is just a sample of the Kingdom, then our minds are truly blown. And astounded we should be. This is the richness, the graciousness the absolute "non-stingy fullness" that God operates out of all the time. This is what we are invited into.
 
This gospel would have to be one of the most delightful and profound of passages. It has so many levels and is rich in symbolism.  You can tell from the subtle difference between what is said and what is done, that the translation of this particular incident is complicated and our traditional translations do not quite capture the full picture of what is going on here.
 
To expand on the situation, this is probably a more accurate picture of what was going on:   Mary turned to Jesus and said, "They have run out of wine." (This situation would be an intolerable humiliation to this humble village wedding couple and their families, and a terrible failure of the strong traditions of hospitality expected in that time and culture).
 
Mary was clearly feeling the terrible shame occurring for this poor family at the very start of their new life together. It would have ongoing repercussions for this humble bride and groom at the very start of their lives as a family.   Perhaps they could not afford the sufficient amount of wine required.  This can be more effectively rendered as "My Lady, is this the time when I will pour forth the new wine of the Kingdom? Surely this is not THAT time?"  He is being ironic and speaking as a true Prophet.
 
Jesus knows that he has come into this world to usher in the fullness of the Kingdom, and to pour forth the new wine of the covenant sealed in his own blood, poured forth to ransom all. He knew that the new wine of the Kingdom would only come in its fullness when he had suffered and died and rose again.
 
I think Our Lord had a twinkle in his eye (and perhaps even a tear in his eye…  as he noted that this was all ahead of him….  It was all yet to come.  It would mean his complete self-sacrifice and utterly generous offering of absolutely all of himself….  However, this moment at the wedding… would be a little forerunner and sign of the true wine of the Kingdom which is about God's utter faithfulness, God's graciousness and mercy and overflowing and immeasurable generosity….  God's Kingdom of joy, justice and inclusion.  
 
The Virgin Mary knew he was going to do something about this situation, for she knew better than anyone that her son and Our Lord was "graciousness and compassion" personified. Mary trusted in him totally. Mary also surely knew that he was to do greater things in the future, of which this example was only a rich and stunning foretaste…. 
 
It strikes me too, that John the Baptist has been preaching the imminent coming of the Messiah. John the Baptist had warned of a time of God's judgement and retribution. This wedding miracle, however, makes it quite clear, that the Messiah will come not with a big stick of judgement, but with the graciousness, mercy, generosity, compassion, kindness, and the Joy of a time of great Jubilee celebration.  Jesus, the Messiah would characterize the Kingdom of God as a messianic Banquet feast, rather than an apocalyptic time of punishment and judgement and retribution.  Perhaps Jesus reply to Mary (remembering that he was still in the very early days of his ministry), also indicated, "So, is this how it is to be? Not fasting, austerity, punishment and severity, but the overflowing generosity and joy of God's time of favour? So be it then.
 
Let us see already unfolding the outpouring of God's overwhelming generosity. Let us see!  Let us taste!  Fill those stone jars over there, and let us see which it is to be, (For Jesus trusted totally in his Heavenly Father and was utterly obedient to the Father's will, as Mary would certainly have known when she asked the question of Jesus and when she instructed the attendants to obey Jesus' instructions to the letter!).
 
There is something else, too.  This is a profound miracle and a beautiful sign. It is a reminder of God's blessing of marriage, and the gracious generosity of God's love for us, and his joining with us in the joyful and sacred moments of life.  Also, what a wonderful miracle to reveal God's message.     
 
Why did Jesus not reserve this amazing sign for a more so-called "important" event, like a dinner where Herod was present, or where Pontius Pilate was there to be convinced beyond doubt of Jesus' credentials.  But, of course, that is not God's way. That would be human thinking…    
 
God deliberately chose a humble family wedding, in a small and poor village to show the utter fullness of God's glory and graciousness.  God's message is for the poor. God's Kingdom is found in the "every day" and the "ordinary," and the humble shall inherit the Kingdom.  It is also for the ordinary people that Jesus came to bring the Good News, just as much as the high and the mighty.     
 
It also says something about the importance of the ordinary, everyday events of our home life, our work life and our social life.  God's Kingdom is to be encountered just as much in the everyday and ordinary events of life as in the occasional and the extraordinary events that can occur.
 
This wedding feast miracle "brought God right into the home circle and into the ordinary things of life. Jesus' action at Cana of Galilee shows what he really thought of a home. God "manifested his glory," and that showing of his true Glory took place within a home. For God, a humble home is a place where nothing but the very best was good enough. It was where he put his best foot forward.
 
We have already seen that in the East hospitality was always a sacred duty. It would have brought unspeakable embarrassment and shame to that home that day if the wine had run out.  It was to save a humble Galilean family from extreme social humiliation, that Jesus put forth his power. It was in sympathy, in kindness, and in understanding for ordinary humble folk that Jesus always acted.
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Homily (Fr Peter Dillon)
Always in John's writings, there are many layers of meaning and symbol. There are probably a dozen or more ways to unpack this particular passage concerning the wedding celebration at Cana. The image of a wedding is frequently used in the First Testament to describe the relationship of God and his people. The changing of water into wine is a symbol of the old order giving way to the new. Mary is involved in the very beginning of Jesus' ministry and again at the end at the foot of the Cross. Her ministry, and ours by association, must always be seen in relation to that of her Son.

However, I might leave discussion of the deeper symbolism to those better equipped than I to deal with them. My interest was sparked by a very prosaic sentence at the very beginning of the passage. They are midway through the wedding celebration and a mother says to her son, 'They have no more wine'. Who could fail to resonate with the scene?

The excitement, the joy, the festivity – suddenly it comes to a halt. The wine runs out. 'The honeymoon is over.'

So many times in our lives do things not go as we had planned.
My new job promised to be an exciting one, but after a while I discovered were long stretches of boredom. The challenge is gone.

   That university or college with the great reputation, the one I worked so hard to gain entry to turned out to be overly bureaucratic and impersonal and my life is little more than an endless series of exams and assignments.

    We were so thrilled to have formed that new and deep friendship, but with time came little misunderstandings, coolness and more infrequent contact.

   The marriage was great at the beginning, it is still sound but somewhere along the line, the wine ran out.

   When a husband died, or a child got sick, the faith that had sustained us through other crises just disappeared.
   In our life as Christians, we were quick to talk to others about hope but when we first plunged into a serious depression or received news that we had a terrible illness, the wine ran out.

I believe that it is precisely at those moments when the wine has run out, that the gospel has a chance to work in our lives. Jesus enters our lives with transforming power. He has the power to draw wine from the bland water that our lives have become. He comes with the message that says, like all good wine, this wine needs time to ferment, to become vintage wine.
       Can I really believe that such a miracle can happen in my life? Even though Jesus performed the miracle, it was not a solo performance. He needed the servants to draw the water and pour it into jugs.

   Not only can Jesus transform the loss, the boredom, the pain, the betrayal, that we feel in our lives; not only can he restore the hope that we once knew, and feel the love that has gone out of our lives; not only can Jesus do this, but he asks us to help with the miracle.

Are we simply to be the recipients of the miracle of hope, or can we also be part of making that miracle happen for others?

Some time ago, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference released its Social Justice Statement. 'Jesus, Light for the World: Living the Gospel Today. It begins…
It was the fourth last house at the edge of the town as the highway headed south. The family that lived there had small children so there was always a light on somewhere in case one of the little ones was a bit sick or afraid. That practical light brought some calm to the home and a feeling of safety. But it could be seen from outside too. Some nights a stranger in need would call, drawn by the light and thinking if there was a light on then there was someone awake who could help. And the husband and wife would have to wake and decide whether to answer, knowing that the light that kept the children secure had attracted others in distress or possible danger.

Jesus is the light in our lives. He is light for our footsteps and the guide for our path. His light transforms the darkness and emptiness of our lives. In this transformation, we become more alive to the hope and joy in our hearts. Feelings that have often been lost and forgotten but now are recovered.

Others too are attracted to this light. They search for a glimmer of hope in their bleak lives.  Will we cooperate with Christ in the great miracle of transformation?

Is there a way out? Every Christian is called to be a servant. Not just of oneself, not just of one's family and loved ones, not just of one's church, but of all humanity.

The Second Vatican Council's document 'the Church in the Modern World' begins:
The joys and hopes, the grief and anguish of the people of our time, especially those who are poor or afflicted, are the joys and hopes, the grief and anguish of the followers of Christ as well. Nothing that is genuinely human fails to find an echo in their hearts. (para 1)

We are here to tell the whole world: 'there is always more wine'. And the new wine is Christ whom we offer to all.
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References:

prologue by Fr Paul W. Kelly

Homily by fr peter Dillon

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN. Volume 1, (Chapters 1 to 7). REVISED EDITION. Translated with an Introduction  and Interpretation, by WILLIAM BARCLAY. THE WESTMINSTER PRESS, PHILADELPHIA. 1975. 

Image Credit:  Shutterstock licensed image. Id: 1212389845 - Biblical vector illustration series, Jesus turns water into wine - Contributor- rudall30


Second Sunday Ordinary Time. Year C  (Sunday, January 16, 2022) 
(EPISODE: 345))
The Lord be with you.
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{{Kindness and grace to you all}}

As one family in Christ, let us prepare ourselves 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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Psalm 96:1-2, 3-4, 7-8, 9-10ac. "Proclaim his marvellous deeds to all the nations."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:14). Alleluia, alleluia! God has called us with the Gospel, to share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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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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: paulkellyreflections+subscribe@googlegroups.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

- "Faith, Hope and Love" theme hymn - in memory of  William John 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-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 -  2022]
May God bless and keep you.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
[ Production -  KER -  2022]

May God bless and keep you.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The Baptism of the Lord. Year C. - Sunday, January 9, 2022 (EPISODE: 344)

The Baptism of the Lord. Year C. (first Sunday of Ordinary Time) - Sunday, January 9, 2022 (EPISODE: 344)

Readings for Sunday, January 9, 2022 - The Baptism of the Lord. Year C. (first Sunday of Ordinary Time)
FIRST READING: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
Psalm 104:1b-2, 3-4, 24-25, 27+28, 29-30. "Oh, bless the Lord, my soul!"
SECOND READING: Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Luke 3:16). Alleluia, alleluia! John said: He who is to come is mightier than I. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
GOSPEL: Luke 3:15-16, 21-22

Image Credit:  Shutterstock licensed image. Id: 2087978830 - ST AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES - MARCH 16, 2021 John Baptizing Jesus Christ- St Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine Saint Augustine Florida Dedicated to first Greek Settlers in 1768-  Contributo: Bill Perry
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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for The Baptism of the Lord. Year C. (first Sunday of Ordinary Time) - Sunday, January 9, 2022, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-the-baptism-of-the-lord-year-c-episode-344?si=80e0aa28e815478c9814f5ff094bbd08&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing  (EPISODE: 344)

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*Prologue (Fr Paul Kelly)
In Luke's Gospel, the voice of the Father is heard not when Jesus was being Baptised, or even when he was arising from the waters, but afterwards, when Jesus is praying. 
 
In fact, in Luke's Gospel, this happens at key moments when the true identity of Christ is revealed, that Jesus is shown to be praying!   
 
We witness it here in today's Gospel, as he prays after his baptism and again at the Transfiguration, and later even the Apostles, too, receive the Holy Spirit when gathered in prayer at Pentecost.   
 
In prayer, Christ's identity is revealed as the beloved son of the Father. For us his disciples, prayer renews and connects us to God,  and is an affirmation (and renewal) of our baptismal identity  (as children of God), and strengthens us to undertake our ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit.^  
 
One Scripture commentator says in relation to this Gospel today....  "We are told that God rends the heavens to lavish praise on his son— a son who, up to that point, had yet to accomplish much of anything." It must have been indescribably affirming and motivating for Jesus as he was about to begin his most challenging and self-emptying ministry. 
 
Of course, Jesus is God, and he was also fully human. As a human he was as much in need of encouragement, affirmation and strength from his beloved Father in heaven. This Father also is the father of all things….. 
 
Jesus was now officially commissioned in his earthly ministry, (by none less than God the Heavenly Father)/ Commissioned for this incredibly difficult ministry, and Our Lord was absolutely assured of the love and confidence of his father….and could begin his ministry confident that the Father was completely pleased with him and 100% behind what he was doing." (Patrice J. Tuohy).  
 
It is a timely reminder that sincere and constructive affirmation and encouragement is an important human need. We live in a culture where it seems easier to voice criticisms. For far too many people, if they are not happy with something, criticism occurs swiftly, but if they are not unhappy with something, it is not so much praise that follows, but rather deafening silence. We live in a world where there is too often either criticism or silence.  For people who live without affirmation, or who live with constant criticism; they can easily get the message that nothing they do is ever going to be good enough. However, there is a difference between true affirmation and mere compliments. A compliment can be a pleasant thing said, (sometimes a compliment is not even remotely accurate, but something nice that another person might say, just to be 'pleasant'). In contrast, a true affirmation actually confirms the truth as seen and experienced by another. Affirmation and constructive criticism is far better than untrue compliments and a world away from undermining negativity.  
 
 
False praise is also very unhelpful. A person who relies on praise that is not based in reality is misled and denied the chance to hone their skills. The person can be quite deceived about how they are really doing or how they may actually be affecting others; for the better or worse. And then there are those who get good, positive feedback and affirmation. This is priceless and truly affirming. Even when setbacks and the occasional mistake or failure come their way, the person who has healthy feedback and honest affirmation and information, can develop resilience, and is not defeated, because they have firm foundations for their belief in their abilities and their inner value and the strength of their own worth. A person who receives this constructive affirmation and even constructive and sensitive criticism will persevere through many struggles and challenges to increase in excellence.  
 
Our Baptism is intended to be a formal and real adoption into God's family and a true affirmation of our dignity as beloved children of God. God thirsts to give this to each and every person in the world for they are all his cherished children. Baptism has a real, permanent and practical effect on our lives.  Our baptism, echoing Jesus' action in the Jordan, is a huge "Yes" by us and even more importantly - it follows a profound YES by God towards us. We are saying "yes!" - we too want to share Christ's life. Yes, we wish to truly immerse ourselves in the values and 'movement towards God' that Christ's Good News embodies. We want to be united with Jesus who is utterly committed to the establishment of God's loving, just and merciful Kingdom in all its fullness. And we too, are aware of the necessity of the Cross, which is the unavoidable cost of that commitment. There is always going to be a worthwhile cost and the reality of suffering in any love that serves and gives completely. Love that suffers, and actions that give completely of self, are founded firmly in Christ.  Baptism into Jesus is an infinitely more profound action than what was done by people such as John and his disciples. Although a powerful forerunner to Christ's action, John's baptism was a sign of conversion to, and commitment to God's Kingdom, and also, for almost everyone requesting it, a powerful sign of their repentance of sin. These baptisms were powerful but symbolic. They were repeatable. But Baptism into Jesus that we receive, is once and for all. It is a true and effective grafting into the life of Christ, the life of God.  
 
Jesus made holy the waters of baptism, by investing this beautiful action with himself, and pouring into the water everything He stands is and everything for which he stands. 
 
Let us ask Our Lord to keep us committed to his vision of the Kingdom in all ways and at all times; in thought, word and deed.   
  (Reference: Fr Paul W. Kelly)
(Image Credit:  Shutterstock licensed image. Id: 2087978830 - ST AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES - MARCH 16, 2021 John Baptizing Jesus Christ- St Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine Saint Augustine Florida Dedicated to first Greek Settlers in 1768-  Contributo: Bill Perry )
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Homily (Fr Peter Dillon)
Homily Baptism of the Lord Year C 2022

I have only recently come to appreciate how often we priests are connected to important beginnings in people's lives. With the many Baptisms we are asked to celebrate, we come to be part of those times when people like to commemorate with a sense of occasion.

So the relatives are called in, photographers are hired, solemn words are spoken, music is played and there is an atmosphere of rejoicing, a real celebration. But a celebration of what?

By far the most popular sacrament we priests get to celebrate is Baptism. There is so much to celebrate and anticipate. What will this child become? Will they be talented in the arts or sport? Will they grow to have a great influence on the world or will they become wonderful parents themselves passing on a faith tradition to their own children?

While it may be full of joyous anticipation it is also probably the most misunderstood sacrament of all. I hear phrases like "we must get the baby done or even dunked. New parents are so overcome with the wonder of their new arrival that they are too busy to take in what is going to be celebrated. There is so much that we would hope they might understand about the sacrament that by the time it is over, the moment for teaching and learning has past and they have moved on to the next big event.

At baptism, we are formally welcomed and named in the context of the family of God's people. The child is introduced to the community who is to journey with them and assist them as they grow to maturity. At baptism, our bodies are anointed with two different oils, one as a sign of protection, the other as commissioning for future responsibilities.

Sadly some people feel that the sacrament of Baptism is simply a pleasant ritual that publically acknowledges the birth of a child. They see it a purely symbolic. Many parents see baptism as an end rather than a beginning, leaving their child to find their own spiritual way in a world of many contrary values, hoping that their child might pick up some understanding of God along the way.

Baptism, therefore, is not simply acknowledging this new relationship between God and the newly baptised, but it is also an acceptance of participation in the mission of the people of God. We hear that Jesus spent almost 30 years preparing for his Baptism, growing in his understanding of what was being asked of him, being prepared by his parents to take on duties befitting the Son of God. When we welcome the newly baptised we call them 'children of God', just like Jesus. Why is our responsibility any less onerous?

After his Baptism Jesus becomes widely known as a wandering preacher with a unique prophetic mission. Clearly, something happened when Jesus was with John. He underwent a change that gave his life a new direction. John the Baptiser was integral to this breaking forth of Jesus.

We also hear that after his baptism Jesus was at prayer and then the heavens opened as a sign that the Spirit was descending upon the man Jesus. Luke now celebrates this time when God no longer holds back and lets the world know that his son is now ready for his public ministry. He is anointed for his prophetic mission by the Holy Spirit, the great enabler, who helps people achieve God's plan. So Jesus is not alone when he makes his great beginning. He begins his journey in the power of the Holy Spirit and in the love of the Father.

As we look at Jesus public beginning, we should look again at our own beginnings. And if some of them look a bit shabby and half-hearted we take consolation from the Gospel challenge to begin again. This is an appropriate time to see how well we have responded to our call. Have we played an active part in proclaiming the good news, or have we been content to let others do that while we simply listen?

Cardinal Newman once said that he feared nothing would change for most Christians if we found out Christ was a fable. So it is therefore sensible to ask has our life changed for the better, been more fulfilled because of our baptism? Is our life with Christ a gift or a burden?
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References:

prologue by Fr Paul W. Kelly

Homily by fr peter Dillon

The New Community Bible. 2012. Strathfield, N.S.W.: St. Pauls.  ^

Liturgia Commentary.  Baptism of the Lord Year C.  Liturgy Brisbane. © Copyright Liturgy Brisbane 2018; 

THE DAILY STUDY BIBLE. GOSPEL OF LUKE. (REVISED EDITION). BY WILLIAM BARCLAY; 

SHARING THE WORD THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR. GUSTAVO GUTIERREZ;  

2010 – A BOOK OF GRACE-FILLED DAYS. BY Alice Camille; 

PATRICE J. TUOHY, PrepareTheWord.com, 2008, TrueQuest  Communications, LLC


Image Credit:  Shutterstock licensed image. Id: 2087978830 - ST AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES - MARCH 16, 2021 John Baptizing Jesus Christ- St Photios Greek Orthodox National Shrine Saint Augustine Florida Dedicated to first Greek Settlers in 1768-  Contributo: Bill Perry


The Baptism of the Lord. Year C. (first Sunday of Ordinary Time)  (Sunday, January 9, 2022)  (EPISODE: 344)

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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{{Peace and Patience to you all}}

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 healed the sick: Lord, have mercy//Lord Jesus, you forgave sinners: Christ, have mercy//Lord Jesus, you give us yourself to heal us and bring us strength: 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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Psalm 104:1b-2, 3-4, 24-25, 27+28, 29-30. "Oh, bless the Lord, my soul!"

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Luke 3:16). Alleluia, alleluia! John said: He who is to come is mightier than I. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Memorial Acclamation
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
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PREFACE: Baptism of the Lord
EP I
Communion side.  pwk:  RH
(theme variation: v6 )
(pre+post variation: v2-long)
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{Many thanks for participating in this time of praise and reflection upon our loving God.}

Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.

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

To listen to 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: paulkellyreflections+subscribe@googlegroups.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

- "Faith, Hope and Love" theme hymn - in memory of  William John 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 –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 -  2022]
May God bless and keep you.
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[ Production -  KER -  2022]

May God bless and keep you.
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