Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, September 17, 2023 (EPISODE:439)

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, September 17, 2023 (EPISODE:439)

Readings for Sunday, 17 September 2023

FIRST READING: Sir 27:30—28:7

Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12. "The Lord is kind and merciful; slow to anger and rich in compassion."

SECOND READING: Rom 14:7-9

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 13:34). Alleluia, alleluia! I give you a new commandment. Love one another as I have loved you.

GOSPEL: Matt 18:21-35

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 2098415623 - When you wake up. PRAY. When life gets hard. PRAY. If you are unsure. When you are happy. God's always with us. Handwritten message. Photo Contributor: Olga Ganovicheva

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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily) for the Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, September 17, 2023, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-twenty-fourth-sunday-in-ordinary-time-year-a-episode-439/s-m3iuYofbymU
(EPISODE: 439 )
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Prologue:

This weekend, the scriptures include

The first reading from the book of Sirach chapter 27 v 30 and following. This book is also known as the Book of Ecclesiasticus

"Forgive your neighbour the wrong he has done,     and then your sins will be pardoned when you pray."

This text also points out the hypocrisy of us bearing a grudge against a neighbour yet expecting forgiveness and mercy for our own sins and transgressions.

Responsorial Psalm

Ps 102:1-4, 9-12 (JB)  R. The Lord is (by nature) - kind and merciful;  slow to anger and rich in compassion.

"He does not treat us according to our sins  - nor repay us according to our faults. R.

And when God forgives us,... he removes our sins from us as "far as the east is from the west." That is to say, an infinite distance! 

the second reading - Romans 14: verse 7, and following

We are reminded that "The life and death of each of us has its influence on others;

(we are all united as brothers and sisters in Christ....there is no such thing as a solo Christian....

...and in this very short two-sentence passage... it says wonderfully....

"If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord, so that alive or dead we belong to the Lord."

surely one of the most beautiful statements in the scriptures...

Our Gospel today is from Matthew 18:21-35

Peter asks  Jesus  ' how often must I forgive my brother if he wrongs me? As often as seven times?

' Jesus answered, 'Not seven, I tell you, but seventy-seven times.

 Seven is, of course, the perfect number in the Hebrew mindset - ... so by saying seven times seven, it means "a perfect number of perfect times!".....It is a saying that really means, don't bother to count.. forgive as many times as needed ..."

And then Our Lord follows with the wonderful parable of the "unforgiving servant …" -  We have been forgiven more than we could possibly repay, and we owe it to pay that mercy forward to those who wrong us...

(FHL)

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GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND

The gospel value, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!" "The Golden rule," and the principle on which Our Lord's parable is based, has profoundly affected Christianity and secular legal and ethical systems throughout the world.

In many ways, the Golden Rule is common sense and simply about consistency, justice and fairness, and yet, even now, the world cries out for this principle to be applied evenly and fully.

Our Lord gives this gospel as a warning that we must be constantly on our guard. God has forgiven us for things we could not possibly hope to repay, and we are duty-bound in gratitude and compassion to share that graciousness, forgiveness, and charity that God gives to us and others around us.

The other major problem is that some people don't seem to see those around them as their brothers and sisters in Christ or (at the very least), fellow citizens in the same "commonwealth for the common good of all," … so they act with disregard for anyone but themselves and their nearest-and-dearest.

Jesus rejects this approach. He reminds us that if we do good to those who love us, what difference does that make? Even the pagans and the sinners do that. Our Lord is preaching universal fraternity and goodwill to all…. Because we are truly ALL God's children…

In an act of astounding generosity….. the master, in this parable, not only gives the wicked servant time to start to repay the impossible debt, but he forgives the debt entirely out of compassion and mercy. Based on the value of the debt mentioned in this parable, He wipes 16,000 years or so of debt from the face of the earth. The master hopes that this act of kindness will sink deep into the debtor's heart and be passed on in a new way of acting and living. But then this sad and miserable servant, with an astoundingly hard heart, goes out and does not do the same to a fellow servant who has a debt to him that was possible to repay. It might take 100 days of pay, but it is manageable given an extended amount of time…. It is pathetic. This servant shows no empathy and no connection to others. He does not identify himself with the feelings and plight of others. He does not see this poor fellow servant as brothers in similar need. He cannot see that he himself was just like the person (so much worse), bowing before him, begging for time to repay a debt.

It is sad and, quite frankly, bewildering.  This kind of attitude makes the world a meaner and nastier place and is the cause of so much suffering. It is so unnecessary and opposite to the essence of the gospel.

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you is such a central quality in the Kingdom of God that Our Lord even incorporates it into the Great Prayer he taught his disciples to recite: "Forgive us our sins, according to how we forgive others." (Or to put it another way, "Lord, don't forgive us our sins unless we forgive others who hurt us." It is sobering stuff that we pray every day.

Saint Paul confirms this in the second reading. We live now for God and not for ourselves. Ego, hurt pride, and moral outrage are barriers to reconciliation, understanding, and healing. We must let go of pride, entitlement, and a sense of moral outrage and open our hearts generously and "self-forgettingly." Then, we begin to think and feel the love that is God's very nature.

Let us continue to promote that awareness that we are all in communion with one another with the One God… What we do to others, we are taken as doing to God himself….

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References:

Homily:  Fr Paul W. Kelly

Bergant, D. and Fragomeni, R. (2001). Preaching the new lectionary. Year A. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press.

DeBona, G. (2013). Between the Ambo and the altar. Year A. 1st ed. Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical Press, pp.246-249

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 2098415623 - When you wake up. PRAY. When life gets hard. PRAY. If you are unsure. When you are happy, God's always with us. Handwritten message. Photo Contributor: Olga Ganovicheva

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A  (Sunday, September 17, 2023)  (EPISODE: 439 )

The Lord be with you.

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{{May God's Spirit of Wisdom and understanding abide in you.}} welcome everyone, we gather -  To take time to reflect upon the meaning of God's word for our everyday lives. On this Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A

My brothers and sisters, trusting in God's mercy and love, let us call to mind our sins.

Lord Jesus, you raise us to new life: Lord, have mercy

Lord Jesus, you forgive us our sins: Christ, have mercy

Lord Jesus, you feed us with your body and blood: 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

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

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Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12. "The Lord is kind and merciful; slow to anger and rich in compassion."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 13:34). Alleluia, alleluia! I give you a new commandment. Love one another as I have loved you.

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PREFACE: Sundays Ordinary I

Eucharistic Prayer III

Communion side.  pwk: 

(theme variation: 3 )

(post version: v1-short)

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{Thanks for joining us for this time of prayer and reflection}

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:  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 (1942-2017) - Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

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

"Today I Arise" - For Trisha J Kelly.  Original words and music by Paul W. Kelly. Inspired by St Patrick's Prayer.  Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

Sound Engineering and editing - P.W. Kelly.

Microphones: - Shure Motiv MV5 Digital Condenser.

Editing equipment:    -- MixPad Multitrack Studio Recording Software v10.49 (NCH Software).

NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 17.63 (NCH Software)

Sound Processing:  iZotope RX 10 Audio Editor (Izotope Inc.)

[ Production -  KER -  2023]

May God bless and keep you.

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Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, September 10, 2023 (EPISODE- 438)

Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, September 10, 2023 (EPISODE- 438)

Readings for Sunday, September 10, 2023 - Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A
FIRST READING: Ezek 33:7-9
Ps 95:1-2, 6-7b, 7c-9. "O that today you would listen to his voice! Harden not your hearts."
SECOND READING: Rom 13:8-10
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (2 Cor 5:19). Alleluia, alleluia! God was in Christ to reconcile the world to himself; And the Good News of reconciliation he has entrusted to us.
GOSPEL: Matt 18:15-20

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 2287617037 -  Messenger rejected - Photo Contributor: ArtMari
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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers, and homily), for Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, September 10, 2023, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-twenty-third-sunday-in-ordinary-time-year-a-episode-438/s-ELtJ7F6E0K6  (EPISODE-438 )
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GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
 ["'gospel' values included in the readings: "the essence of discipleship and faithfulness to God is love, that is formed from within by God's grace. It fosters loving watchfulness inside and out, and it softens the heart and saves us from ourselves, it turns us back towards each other, and facilitates understanding, healing and reconciliation. Love, not righteousness is the key to this all]

{ Prologue -  In the letter to the Romans this weekend, we are reminded that love takes different forms. Love is faithful to its commitments and promises, love respects other people's responsibilities, love respects life absolutely, love respects other's property and loves honesty… Love respects other's rights and upholds them… In fact, Saint Paul says that love is at the heart of all the commandments... (As Our Lord taught us first). …

 Love is open to resolving misunderstandings, hurts and harm. Reconciliation, understanding and forgiveness are the central core of the gospel… Allowing God to soften our hearts…

 When there is conflict or misunderstanding, things that make the situation worse include: talking to everyone but the one we have the issue with… Gossip, and a culture of festering resentment or complaint… // The gospel says that there is no better way than face to face… ………….. not, heaven forbid, sending flaming texts or emails…..

Even if the meeting of two hearts in openness does not resolve the misunderstanding, ……. but again this is all centred in charity and love… if things have become so tense, perhaps some independent, wise and loving hearts might be able to help melt the impasse…

Inspired by these readings, I have a favourite saying…. "If one cannot say something with love and charity… don't say it at all.//.because it will do no good"….

There is a delightful twist at the end of this gospel… All is not as it seems.. If all ones sincere attempts fail, we are told in this gospel, to treat the other as a tax collector or a Gentile// .. But here is the catch.. Our Lord has shown us that this does not mean we have lost the other… Tax collectors and gentiles made up so many of those Jesus reached out to and kepty searching for – to bring them into the fold -   Many tax collectors and gentiles had responded positively to God's word… and had become Jesus' disciples - So there is always hope – they are by no means lost to us – nor do we ever give up on someone…..- love and charity always prevail…. -   FHL}.

 All of the readings this weekend are actually about the primacy of Love in Christ's vision for the Kingdom of God. Love, as saint Paul says, is the fulfillment of all the law… and love is the motivation for the prophet's words and the driving-force for the Christian community and its members to resolve misunderstandings and conflict.

 In the first reading, The Lord says to the great prophet Ezekiel… I have made you a sentinel… a watchman…..This is the true key to the role of the prophet…… forget about the fact that it sounds terrible that the prophet will be punished with death if they do not fulfil God's law… rather… if the prophet is the sentry… the watchman.. their vital role is actually a role of love and protection and concern for the welfare of everyone..

This image of the watchman reminds me of something I noticed when I visited Rome quite a few years back… the Firefighters in Rome had a wonderful name… they were called "Vigili del Fuoco" which in English is rather poorly translated as "Firefighters" just as we use here..// But, that is not actually what the word means.. "firefighter" (the word), tends to give the impression of responder to fire, reacting to a fire after it has broken out……responding to the threat of fire; whereas the words Vigili del Fuoco literally means "watcher for fire" - a watchman..// a sentry…// actively looking out for the danger of fire.. caring for the community by watching for danger… alerting them as soon as the danger is seen.. and acting immediately to put out the fire… (that is indeed what firefighters do everywhere, of course, and including in this community… they don't just respond to fires.. They also engage in community involvement to look into and point out risks and hazards to minimize the risk of fire…

 So too with the prophets of old… they were not self-righteous, superior know-it-alls. They were sentries.. – Watch-persons -  they were showing God's love by watching out for danger and alerting God's beloved people so they could respond immediately and end the danger… they lovingly/ caringly watch for dangers so as to alert people, so they can act swiftly to get to safety…

  it is an act of love and care… No wonder God is so strict with his prophets… saying.. if you fail to warn them, you will suffer the same fate… their role is like a security guard or a military watchman… if they fail to be alert.. if they do not warn people when danger is near, they have no regard for the people to protect… and they are guilty of failing to warn and protect… Looking at things that way, one can see God's absolute love for his people.. God's desire that people have every opportunity to live in the light of God's care and protection.. and walking in God's ways.

 God's Law of love…. Asks all of us to be Vigilant not only outside dangers, but also keep watch within…..…. keep guard and watch over our heart…. To ensure that we love, as God' loves, and that our hearts do not harden into legalism, lack of compassion or mercy…. Or apathy…..… we are all Sentinels… watch-persons.. vigilant for any discord, hatred, or inconsistency with the gospel. And vigilant within ourselves, where resentment, jealousy, desire, begins: in the heart…

The essence of discipleship and faithfulness to God is love, this is a love that is formed from within by God's grace.
 It fosters loving watchfulness inside and out, and it softens the heart and saves us from ourselves, It turns us back towards each other,
 and creates understanding, healing and reconciliation.
 Love, not righteousness, is the key to all of this.

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References:

 Fr Paul W. Kelly

 Bergant, D. and Fragomeni, R. (2001). Preaching the new lectionary. Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press. P. 340

 Barclay, W. (2009). The gospel of Matthew. Edinburgh: Saint Andrew.

 Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 2287617037 -  Messenger rejected - Photo Contributor: ArtMari.


Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A  (Sunday, September 10, 2023) (EPISODE- 438)

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 compassion to you}}

My brothers and sisters, to prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries, let us call 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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Ps 95:1-2, 6-7b, 7c-9. "O that today you would listen to his voice! Harden not your hearts."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (2 Cor 5:19). Alleluia, alleluia! Let your face shine on your servant. And teach me your laws

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 Ordinary VI
Eucharistic Prayer III
Communion side: 

(theme variation:  2)


(pre+post variation: v2-short)
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{Thanks for joining us for this time of prayer and reflection}

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:  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 7 Audio Editor

[Production -  KER -  2023]
May God bless and keep you.
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Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, September 3, 2023 (EPISODE- 437)

Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, September 3, 2023 (EPISODE- 437)

Readings for Sunday, September 3, 2023 - Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A
FIRST READING: Jer 20:7-9
Ps 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9. "My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God"
SECOND READING: Rom 12:1-2
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Eph 1:17-18). Alleluia, alleluia! May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our heart. That we might see how great is the hope to which we are called.
GOSPEL: Matt 16:21-27

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 787754626 -  Brussels, Belgium - July 26, 2012: Stained Glass window of the prophet Jeremiah lamenting the destruction of Jerusalem in the Cathedral of Brussels, Belgium. Important information- Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: jorisvo
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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers, and homily), for Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, September 3, 2023, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-twenty-second-sunday-in-ordinary-time-year-a-episode-437/s-E4qGqSv7NMu  (EPISODE- 437)
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HAPPY FATHER'S DAY
This weekend,  In Australia and other parts of the world too, it is FATHER'S DAY – on the first Sunday of September,  we give thanks to all Fathers; for their love, care and generosity. We pray that God grants them joy, health, and strength with their family and friends.   
Also, for all fathers who have passed into eternal life. May God give them a permanent place at the heavenly feast, the reward for all their goodness and kindness. Happy Father's Day to all our Dads in the community. May God bless you and grant you peace and joy. 

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Blessing:  
"God our Father, in your wisdom and love, you made all things. We give thanks for the Fathers and ask you to Bless all Fathers. Grant them the wisdom and love always to be good fathers. Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honour them always with a spirit of profound respect. We also give thanks for all fathers who have now gone to their eternal rest. May they be rewarded for their goodness and kindness. Grant this through Christ our Lord." Amen. 
GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND

In Australia, it Father's Day this weekend...- HAPPY FATHERS DAY 
   the first Sunday of September. We give thanks for all Fathers;...  for their love, care and generosity...    We pray that God grants them joy in their family and friends, and health and strength.   \

For all fathers who have passed into eternal life..  may God give them a permanent place at the heavenly feast... for all their goodness and kindness...

 ["' gospel' values included in the readings: the way of God's Kingdom is the way of the Cross. Allow one's mind to be transformed by God's ways, not human ones" "Do not model yourselves on the behaviour of the world around you" / "Get behind me……(says the Lord) …. The way you think is human ways, not God's way!" ]

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"Do not model yourselves on the behaviour of the world around you" Romans 12:1-2

"Get behind me…… The way you think is human ways, not God's way!" Matthew 16:21-27

St Peter has just declared that Jesus is the Messiah, the chosen one, and the Son of God. Jesus has rewarded this God-inspired declaration with the statement that Peter is the ROCK…on which he will build his church.

Our Lord's church is founded on the "rock-solid profession of faith", first uttered by Saint Peter.

But now (astoundingly), only moments later, Jesus rebukes Peter and calls him a stumbling block.

Peter has gone from "Rock" to "Stumbling block" in seconds…
How easy it is for us to go from one minute being someone who supports the vision of Jesus to being an unwitting stumbling block or obstacle to the project!! It is very sobering stuff!!

Our Lord's instinctive reaction, even to one of his closest disciples, makes sense. He had been sorely tempted in the desert by the "adversary"…The temptations were persistent, but he deflected them powerfully….. Then, time and time again.. he had to shrug off the "all too subtle temptations" to "sell out" or "take the easy path"…..
If the easy path was not so attractive…. And if the thorny path was not so shocking and awful… there would have been no problem,…. but the right way was something no one would be happy to follow unless necessary…. and the easy path is so reassuring….. Jesus has time and time again fended off the adversary's temptations…. "give them bread… give them material things they desire and then they will follow you…..'…. "give them sensations… give them wonders…. and they will follow you…."……. "never challenge them…. given them what they ask without questioning… without moving them forward…… and they will follow you….."……. "compromise with the world…. reduce your standards……. sell out…. and they will follow you…."…. and now….here is his friend… his devoted disciple…… his rock……. Peter….. saying similar things….. no wonder Jesus shot back that retort like an arrow shot from its bow…….. Jesus has been repeatedly fending off these obstacles to his true mission throughout his ministry… and this would not be the last time each other…

Jesus is saying to Peter.. and each of us…. okay… you know I am the Messiah… the Christ… the chosen one…. fine… that is only the beginning…. NOW you must listen and learn from me WHAT the true meaning of the messiah is……

Peter and the disciples would have grown up with a very different image of the meaning of a "messiah" or the "Christ"…. To them. It was a king… a warrior… in the mould of King David… who would come with revolution and power and cast down the regimes in control, and rule the chosen people in a Kingdom better than the days of Solomon……. God's kingdom on earth…. and earthly kingdom…. too…. Jesus had to teach them to let go of all that….. he is the messiah but a messiah, like nothing they had expected…. (even though this gentle, peaceful King, this suffering servant, is actually to be found in the ancient scriptures, but the expectation of an overwhelming warrior-king had long ago drowned-out this gentler message). Jesus' Kingdom is not of this world…… his power is the cross…. his sword is his word, and his weapon is love….. and persuasion… inclusion, forgiveness and justice……

It is interesting, though… Jesus does not speak to Peter like he dismissed Satan in the desert… But there is a big difference here…… In the desert Jesus says to The Adversary… "begone"…. "depart"…….. (The Adversary will never follow God… his pride is too overwhelming)./….. but to Peter.. he says… begone adversary… get behind me ….. its two separate ideas…... Two different things…… to the adversary he says … begone from me…. but to his trustworthy, loyal Peter… he says….. get back behind me… FOLLOW me… learn from me… Don't try to lead me…. Don't tell me how to do this…. Become my follower again…. learn the ways of the Messiah from the Messiah and not from your own pre-conceptions. . And of course, Peter does…. He had gotten out of his place and tried to drag Jesus into false visions of his mission… but Jesus would have none of that….… Peter was a quick learner. After this rebuke, he gets back to following Jesus…. Walking behind him, not in front of him (not as an adversary or an obstacle)….

This is very important for all of us.

So often, we might do something for a good motive, but sometimes that motive may be misguided. St Peter MEANT WELL, too. He pulled Jesus aside and said to him, out of the sincerest concern and affection for his master…. NO WAY!!!…. His Lord and Master, the Messiah, cannot go off and be executed in Jerusalem. This MUST NOT HAPPEN. Peter loved and respected his master and wanted to protect and preserve his life. He was trying to be a good friend, but he unwittingly was becoming an obstacle to Jesus because Peter did not understand that Jesus' whole mission was to sacrifice his life for the salvation of all. It was necessary that Our Lord MUST go to Jerusalem and be handed over and sacrificed.

If anything actually MUST NOT HAPPEN, it is that NO ONE MUST be allowed to try to stop our Lord or become an obstacle to his road to Calvary (not even Peter or any of his disciples); anyone who promotes an easy way out or watering down of the Gospel message, will be nothing but a stumbling block to be gotten around.

It is very helpful always to remember that good intentions are not the be-all and end-all. Sometimes, meaning well can end up defeating the purpose of what we are here for.

Any 'overly helpful' disciple can fall into St Peter's trap of thinking they are helping when they are not really listening and learning God's ways, unlike the ways of the world. …. We have a task from our Lord to try and comprehend his mission as fully as we can. The "overly helpful" end up doing the opposite of what God is trying to achieve. Despite meaning well, it is nevertheless misguided….

We must regularly read the scriptures to prevent this mistake and deepen our spiritual and scriptural reading…. And also, these readings we hear each weekend.. are so rich and full of meaning.. It would be wonderful if we read over the coming weekend's readings, at least once or twice during the preceding week,… and perhaps just before coming to mass.. even read the texts reflectively again…. Before hearing it proclaimed at Mass… ever to deepen our understanding of the wonderful message and challenge of God's Word.

Jesus puts the icing on the cake at the end of this Gospel….…. "Anyone who wants to follow me must 'deny themselves' ….. Jesus knows that human pride and…. human ego is an enormous obstacle to his mission…… Jesus wants to teach and guide all his followers into a mindset that leaves behind ego, pride and self-interest…. If we are to be always true to Jesus' message… then we must accept a heavy but liberating truth…. This is not about ME…. this is not about MY needs…. this is about the good news… this is about what is best for others and all……… My comfort… my needs….. my pride…. ,me… me…. me….. it all must be left behind……. So that we can follow where Jesus leads us….and respond generously and compassionately to what happens.

Today's gospel demands deep and regular prayer, contemplation and reflection so that we can be a rock and not a block… and not only "mean well" but also "achieve well" when we act according to the Lord's vision.

References: FR. PAUL W. KELLY;  THE DAILY STUDY BIBLE. GOSPEL OF MATTHEW. (REVISED EDITION). BY WILLIAM BARCLAY. Concepts from William Barclay, The Daily Study Bible – Matthew vol 2).


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References:

Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed.


Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A  (Sunday, September 3, 2023) (EPISODE- 437)

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
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{{gentleness and peace to you}}

Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.
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 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9. "My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God"

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Eph 1:17-18). Alleluia, alleluia! Let your face shine on your servant. And teach me your laws

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 Ordinary V
Euch Prayer III
Communion side: 

(theme variation:  1)

(Welcome cycle-   Good evening/morning.
A special Gold Coast welcome to everyone, especially visitors to this part of the world. We hope your stay is enjoyable and blessed.
Please check to see that your mobile devices are switched off or turned to silent. 
Our Presider tonight/today is Fr…………………………
Please stand as we sing our entrance hymn: "__________" *)

(pre+post variation: v1-long)
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{Thanks, everyone, and have a grace-filled and compassion-filled week.}

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

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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 10 Audio Editor

[Production -  KER -  2023]
May God bless and keep you.
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