Fourth Sunday of Easter. -Year B - Sunday, 21 April 2024 (EPISODE:474)

Fourth Sunday of Easter. -Year B -  Sunday, 21 April 2024  (EPISODE:474)

Readings for Fourth Sunday of Easter.- Year B
FIRST READING: Acts 4:8-12
Psalm 118:1+8-9, 21-23, 26+21+29. "The stone rejected by the builders has become the corner stone."
SECOND READING: 1 John 3:1-2
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 10:14). Alleluia, alleluia! I am the good shepherd, says the Lord. I know my sheep and mine know me.
GOSPEL: John 10:11-18

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 2417373833 - Zermatt, Switzerland - September 23, 2023: Stained glass window with the image of the Christ, the Good Shepherd in the parish church of Saint Maurice in Zermatt. Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Taljat David
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Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Fourth Sunday of Easter. Year B - Sunday, 21 April 2024 - by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-fourth-sunday-of-easter-year-b-episode-474/s-0XjjU1WykJL  
(EPISODE:474)
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As disciples of Jesus, we're not trying to merely imitate God's actions, as commendable as that would be, nor are we merely trying to do what God in Jesus did, as far as any human beings could possibly imitate God made flesh, but rather we're ultimately striving to become more connected to the motivations that our Lord had that caused him to act the way he did, the reason and cause for all his actions, all his words, all his ministry, which at its core and centre is of course his identity as God and God's nature as infinite love. We're called to become instruments of God's love, servants of God's love, and to become the love of God inside and out for others. Here's the critical truth about our faith.

It's grounded in God's wondrous love for us and for all people. We may not feel worthy to be loved, we may even push that love away at times, but we cannot keep God from loving us. That's God's prerogative and that's God's very nature.

God is a Today we remember the truth that God always searches for the ones who are lost and who feel unworthy or unloved, and he carries them in his arms when he's found them, with joy. Anyone who would follow Jesus, the Good Shepherd, as a disciple in the vocations of priesthood or religious life, but in any vocation really, must be prepared to have the love of God's precious ones in their heart, after the example of the Good Shepherd himself. Jesus tells us he will lay down his life for us.

He's already died for us, but every day Jesus was willing to lay down his life for his people. Salvation is not something in the past, salvation is today and every day. The second reading from the first letter of Saint John is a wonderful prophecy of what heaven will be like.

We keep that wonderful vision in our minds as we think of all the loss during times of war, all the sacrifice. Saint John reminds us that in heaven we will be like him and we will see him as he is. So much of our life here on earth is spent trying to be like him, trying to live as he lived, trying to love as God loved in Jesus.

In heaven we shall be like him and we will love like him. That's the goal of all discipleship and all vocations, to love like God. If we love as God does, then all other things flow from it.

Jesus offers healing for us each and every day in so many different ways. True, sometimes we ask for help and healing in a certain specific way and we don't always get what we specifically ask for, but God promises us he always answers our prayers in one way or another. And even if God does not take all our burdens from our shoulders, we know that God loves us and God is faithful utterly to us and will never abandon us.(A).

God does not will any bad thing for us or anyone. God only wants to cherish us always, through the good times and through the terrible times. Let's rejoice and be glad.

Let's be still and listen and look for the signs of God's love and healing in our lives. Let's be aware of how much healing God has already done in our lives and continues to do. And may God keep transforming us into more and more effective instruments of his love and grace, that we might show God's love and care to every other person we meet and slowly but surely be transformed from hired workers into full shepherds after the Lord's heart, with love, divine love, which never ceases to give of itself at its very centre.
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References:

(A) MONASTERY OF CHRIST IN THE DESERT. ABBOT'S HOMILY. Abbot Philip, OSB

Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 2417373833 - Zermatt, Switzerland - September 23, 2023: Stained glass window with the image of the Christ, the Good Shepherd in the parish church of Saint Maurice in Zermatt. Important information. Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Taljat David

Fourth Sunday of Easter.  Year B  -(Sunday, 21 April 2024)  (EPISODE:474)
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
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{{May God's Spirit of Knowledge and reverence}} welcome everyone, we gather -  Reflect upon the Holy Scriptures and the values of the Lord. On this Fourth Sunday of Easter.

As we prepare to celebrate the great Sacramental feast of Gods love, let us pause, recall our sins, and trust in Gods infinite mercy.
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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Psalm 118:1+8-9, 21-23, 26+21+29. "The stone rejected by the builders has become the corner stone."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 10:14). ). Alleluia, alleluia! I am the good shepherd, says the Lord. I know my sheep and mine know me.
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PREFACE: Easter 3
Eucharistic Prayer various occasions 3
(theme variation: theme 1 )

(post version: v1-short)

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{8. Bless you all and May God's grace guide you each and every day of this week.}

1. Go forth; the Mass is ended.

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

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


Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:

"Faith, Hope and Love - Christian worship and reflection" - Led by Rev Paul Kelly

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sound Engineering and editing - P.W. Kelly.

Microphones: - Shure Motiv MV5 Digital Condenser. /  Rode Nt-1 + AI-1 Sound Mixer.

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 -  2024]

May God bless and keep you.
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Homily: Third Sunday of Easter. Year B - Sunday, 14 April 2024 - (EPISODE:473)

GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND
Homily: Third Sunday of Easter.Year B - Sunday, 14 April 2024 -  (EPISODE:473)

Third Sunday of Easter. Year B - (EPISODE:473)

Readings for Third Sunday of Easter. Year B
FIRST READING: Acts 3: 13-15, 17-19
Ps 4: 2, 4, 7-8, 9. "Lord, let your face shine on us"
SECOND READING: 1 John 2: 1-5a
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Luke 24: 32). Alleluia, alleluia! Lord Jesus, make your word plain to us. Make our hearts burn with love when you speak.
GOSPEL: Luke 24: 35-48

{Image Credit: Shutterstock licensed stock vector ID: 254006194 . Jesus after his resurrection in triangles style By mashabr}
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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for the Third Sunday of Easter. Year B -, by clicking this link here:  https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-third-sunday-of-easter-year-b-episode-473  (EPISODE: 473)
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There's a story told after Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead, that some people who would still not believe the evidence of their own eyes, seeing Lazarus walking around alive and well again, stubbornly continued to try and score some points against our Lord. So they said to him, why do you have to call out Lazarus' name to make him rise again? Surely if you truly are the Son of God, your authority should be absolute. Surely he could just say, come out, and he would have.

But our Lord replied very wisely, if I didn't specifically name Lazarus, then everyone in the cemetery would have risen up at the command!

That's a wonderful story and it really expresses something fundamental and powerful and promising to each and every one of us. Our Lord's resurrection was a foretaste of the resurrection that he promises to everyone who trusts in his word.

Jesus' command to rise up and come out of the tomb is absolutely authoritative and will be utterly irresistible. This is the command we will all hear at the resurrection on the last day. This is what all who have gone before us will hear.

While Jesus was not initially recognised by his followers when they first met him, they quickly knew that it was him when he did the things that he had always done. His actions quickly reminded them of all that he was and still is. His actions represented all he valued and acted on in his life and they recognised his presence with certainty then.

Jesus in his earthly ministry was constantly at work bringing peace, healing, inclusion, forgiveness, and joy into people's lives and hearts. When the disciples met the risen Jesus, they experienced these things again and when the Holy Spirit fell on them at Pentecost and sent them out into the world, they continued Jesus' actions in their own lives and ministries too. When they did what Jesus did and spread the message of good news, as their master had done, people experienced Jesus really working through them.

When they carried the joy of friendship with God in their hearts, it radiates out to everyone else and people feel it too. Sometimes we meet people who just radiate the joy and peace of the good news and it's good for us to think, who are the people we know who always make us feel joy and happiness, or who can convey a sense of joy and peace whenever we meet them? We have many such people quietly and lovingly working away in our community, in our families, our schools, our parishes, our workplaces, and so many other places. Jesus commissions us all to be carriers of his light and joy into the world.

The true source of that joy and energy and peace is of course Jesus, who had that amazing ability to radiate his message, not only in words, but in actions and attitudes, and in deeply impressive, life-changing encounters with people. In the scripture passages of Easter, we hear that Jesus had risen from the dead and appeared to many different disciples in different incidences. We're told a few times in the scriptures that they did not always recognise him initially, something about him looked or seemed different, or as the scriptures put mysteriously, their eyes were kept from recognising him.

Plus it's understandable that if someone was not expecting to meet a person in this life again, because that person was known to have died, that person would literally be the last person we would expect to see again in this earth. But they did recognise Jesus instantly when he again spoke and acted as he had always done in the past, actions so associated with who he really is that it immediately caused realisation and recognition. Other times, such as this weekend's gospel, they know immediately it's Jesus, they recognise him as soon as he enters the room with them, but they find it really difficult to comprehend that Jesus was not merely a ghost or a spiritual vision, but alive in the flesh.

There's this charming moment today when Jesus tries to show them that he is indeed fully alive in his flesh and blood by asking for a delicious morsel of broiled fish and eating it in front of them. So, for Jesus, it was of course doing what he had done throughout his ministry, sharing a meal with his apostles and with all who will sit down with him, with an ever-increasing group of people who are now part of God's family. He broke bread with them, he opened up the scriptures to his people, he gave people peace, inclusion, joy, hope, healing, mercy.

It was the same Jesus, they knew it, they experienced it, he had risen, and he was not a ghost, he was real, just like before, and they could experience his presence and action amongst them again, they could touch him. What a profound gift that Jesus gives us, a gift Jesus continues to give us all these centuries later. In the breaking of the bread, at his word broken, open for us.

In Jesus' body and blood, broken and poured out for us. In the Eucharist, when we do this, we still encounter the risen Lord. The thing Jesus came to remind his followers in this encounter today in the Gospel is, yes, says Jesus, I am indeed the Messiah, but I never said the Messiah was going to come and make you all earthly princes, and make you rulers on earth and rich and powerful.

Look through the scriptures, he says, the Messiah is not the powerful rich king, he is a suffering servant. Do you not see, he teaches his listeners, that it was always necessary that I suffer, and it was by this foolishness of human weakness and apparent defeat that I need to show the world what really matters, what real power is, and that power, that real power is love, non-violence, inclusion, mercy, and justice, and practical sharing. Jesus says he has come to give life to us, and he asks us to give life to others in return.

There are so many ways we can give life to others, not the least of which is feeding those in need, who are hungry, physically, but also spiritually giving people things to bring life, nourishment, hope, and strength to them. All that Jesus asks us, in all the ways he appears to us in our daily lives, in and through the people and events of our life, is that we at least give him something, even a small morsel, like that morsel of fish, some practical action, some concrete response, something akin to a small loaf of bread offered, or a piece of fish. And with this, Christ has shown that when we entrust ourselves to him and give him something that we have to offer, he will take our humble actions and transform the world, and our lives, and the lives of others too, especially those most struggling.

He will transform us in his love and inclusion. He will lovingly reach out to anyone by making use of us as willing instruments of his grace, compassion, and justice. And everything he does will always be for the better.
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References:

HOMILY – Fr Paul Kelly

Abbot's Homily. Monastery of Christ in the Desert.

{Image Credit: Shutterstock licensed stock vector ID: 254006194 - Jesus after his resurrection; in triangles style  M By mashabr}

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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.

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

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

Sound Engineering and editing -  P.W. Kelly.

Microphones: -      Shure MV5 Digital Condenser (USB) and also Rode Nt-1 + AI-1 sound mixer.

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 -  2024]
May God bless and keep you.
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The ANNUNCIATION of the LORD - - (weekday Solemnity) 2024 – Within the Easter Season.

The ANNUNCIATION of the LORD - (weekday Solemnity)

Readings

FIRST READING: Isaiah 7:10-14,8:10;
PSALM 39:7-11. "Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will."
SECOND READING: Hebrews 10:4-10.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 1:14). Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ! The word of God became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw his glory. Glory and praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ!
GOSPEL: Luke 1:26-38

Shutterstock Licensed Image stock photo ID: 341782814 ATHENS, GREECE - OCTOBER 8, 2015: The fresco of Annunciation on the facade of Metropolitan Cathedaral by B. Antoniasis (1895). By Renata Sedmakova
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the ANNUNCIATION of the LORD - by clicking this link here:  https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-the-solemnity-of-the-annunciation-of-the-lord-abc/s-IjK5m9lYhR8

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Today's feast of the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary is celebrated, in a timely fashion (usually) exactly nine months to the day of Christmas. and three months before the feast of the birth of JOHN the Baptist. However, with Holy week overriding the traditional date of 25^th March this year, it has been moved to the first available date after the Easter Octave.

It is a feast of the Lord, commemorating the announcement to the Virgin Mary of the Word made flesh, Mary's acceptance of God's will, and the conception of Christ nine months before Christmas. This feast originated in the East during the sixth century and gained universal observance in the West during the eighth century. Its occurrence close to Easter links the incarnation with the whole mystery of human redemption in Christ.
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Homily:

Mary was of the house of David and was engaged to be married to Joseph, of the same royal family. She had, however, not yet entered the household of her spouse, but was still in her mother's house, perhaps working, over her dowry. (Bardenhewer, Maria Verk., 69).

And the angel having taken the figure and the form of a man came into the house and said to her: "Greetings, full of grace … the Lord is with you."

Mary having heard the greeting words did not speak; she was troubled in spirit since she knew not the angel, nor the cause of his coming, nor the meaning of the greeting. And the angel continued and said: "Fear not, Mary, for have found favour with God. Behold you shall conceive in your womb, and bring forth a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Most-High, and the Lord God shall give to him the throne of David his father, and he shall reign in the house of Jacob forever. And of his kingdom, there shall be no end."

The Virgin understood that there was a question of the coming Redeemer. But, why should she be elected from amongst women for the splendid dignity of being the mother of the Messiah, having vowed her virginity to God? (St. Augustine). Therefore, not doubting the word of God like Zachary, but filled with fear and astonishment, she said: "How shall this be done, because I know not a man?" – this was not merely a present tense... This was akin to "I have made a perpetual vow of virginity to God, even as I plan to be married, so how can this be?" (Her question and confusion make no sense unless this is the clarification she seeks).

The angel, to remove Mary's anxiety and to reassure her resolve, answered: "The Holy Spirit shall come upon you and the power of the Most-High shall overshadow you. And therefore also the Holy One which shall be born of you shall be called the Son of God."

Mary, very likely, would not have yet fully understood the full meaning of the heavenly message and how the maternity might be reconciled with her vow of virginity, but clinging to the first words of the angel and trusting to the all-powerful faithfulness of God she said: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to thy word."

Many holy fathers (Sts. Jerome, Cyril, Ephrem, Augustine) say that the consent of Mary was essential to the redemption. It was the will of God, St. Thomas says (Summa III:30), that the redemption of mankind should depend upon the consent of the Virgin Mary. This does not mean that God in His plans was bound by the will of a creature, and that man would not have been redeemed if Mary had not consented. It only means that the consent of Mary was foreseen from all eternity, and therefore was received as essential into the design of God.

https://sarahclarkson.com/thoroughly-alive/2017/11/17/annunciation-a-poem-and-a-holy-provocation

Annunciation by Denise Levertov

We know the scene:

……Arrived on solemn grandeur of great wings, the angelic ambassador, standing or hovering, whom she acknowledges, a guest.

But we are told of meek obedience.
No one mentions courage. 
The engendering Spirit did not enter her without consent.
God waited.
She was free to accept or to refuse, choice integral to humanness.

Aren't there annunciations of one sort or another in most lives?
Some unwillingly undertake great destinies, enact them in sullen pride, uncomprehending.

More often those moments when roads of light and storm open from darkness in a man or woman, are turned away from in dread, in a wave of weakness, in despair and with relief.

Ordinary lives continue. 

God does not smite them. But the gates close, the pathway vanishes.

She had been a child who played, ate, slept like any other child–but unlike others,
wept only for pity, laughed in joy, not triumph.
Compassion and intelligence fused in her, indivisible.
Called to a destiny more momentous than any in all of Time, she did not quail,
only asked a simple, 'How can this be?' and gravely, courteously, took to heart the angel's reply, the astounding ministry she was offered:
To bear in her womb Infinite weight and lightness; to carry in hidden, finite inwardness, nine months of Eternity; to contain in slender vase of being, the sum of power–in narrow flesh, the sum of light. Then bring to the birth, ……. a child needing, like any other, milk and love– but who was God!

This was the moment no one speaks of when she could still refuse.
A breath un-breathed,
Spirit,
suspended,
waiting ....
She did object: 'I cannot. I am not worthy,'
Nor did she cry out: 'I have not the strength.'
She did not submit with gritted teeth, raging, coerced.
Bravest of all humans, consent illumined her.
The room filled with its light,
the lily glowed in it,
and the iridescent wings.

Consent,
courage unparalleled,
opened her utterly.
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

https://sarahclarkson.com/thoroughly-alive/2017/11/17/annunciation-a-poem-and-a-holy-provocation

Holweck, Frederick. "The Annunciation." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 1. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1907. 7 Feb. 2020 http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01541c.htm

Shutterstock Licensed Image stock photo ID: 341782814 ATHENS, GREECE - OCTOBER 8, 2015: The fresco of Annunciation on the facade of Metropolitan Cathedaral by B. Antoniasis (1895). By Renata Sedmakova
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The ANNUNCIATION of the LORD
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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Lord Jesus, you are mighty God and Prince of Peace. Lord have mercy// You are Son of God and the Son of Mary. Christ have mercy// You are Word made flesh, the splendour of the Father. 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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Preface of Annunciation //
EUCH II //.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sung "Mass In Honour of St. Ralph Sherwin" - by Jeffrey M. Ostrowski. The ….Gloria, copyright 2011 ccwatershed.org}

Hymn – "Rainfall – Hail Holy Queen." Music by Paul W. Kelly. 1994, 2021. Words by Paul kelly, based on the Traditional Salve Regina Hymn. Arranged & with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2021. https://www.airgigs.com/user/stefankelk

Marian Hymn - "Salve Regina Mater Misericordiae." (Traditional 11th Century). Melody: Mainz (1712), Hymn #783 - Brébeuf Hymnal. From https://www.ccwatershed.org/hymn/

Marian Hymn – "Whom Earth and Sea and Sky Proclaim." Traditional 6th Century Hymn. Melody: Bartholomaus Gesius (d.1613). #376 - Brébeuf Hymnal. From https://www.ccwatershed.org/hymn/

[ Production - KER - 2024]

May God bless and keep you.

 

Second Sunday of Easter. Year B. Divine Mercy Sunday - Sunday, (EPISODE: 472)

Second Sunday of Easter. Year B. Divine Mercy Sunday - Sunday, (EPISODE: 472)

Image: Painting by Rodney Anthony – Gold Coast – 2024.

Second Sunday of Easter. Year B. Divine Mercy Sunday - 
(EPISODE:472)

Readings for Second Sunday of Easter. Year B. Divine Mercy Sunday
FIRST READING: Acts 4: 32-35
Ps 118: 2-4, 13-15, 22-24. "Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting."
SECOND READING: 1 John 5: 1-6
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 20: 29). Alleluia, alleluia! You believe in me, Thomas, because you have seen me; happy those who have not seen me, but still believe.
GOSPEL: John 20: 19-31


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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for the Second Sunday of Easter. Year B. Divine Mercy Sunday - Sunday, April 11, 2021, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-second-sunday-of-easter-and-of-divine-mercy-year-b-episode-472  
(EPISODE:472 )
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* (Prologue:  Fr Paul Kelly)
This Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday, where we recall the absolute mercy and love that Jesus has for all humanity.  

Today we know that Our Lord is certainly worth trusting in, and all His promises are true.  We can thank Thomas for Jesus confirming that for all future generations….  including us here and now….
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This weekend is Divine Mercy Sunday, and we recall on this Sunday the absolute mercy and love that Jesus has for all humanity. The world desperately needs to deepen its understanding and its experience of the depth and breadth of God's Divine Mercy and love for us, and for all the world. It is at the heart of God's nature, and at the heart of God's relationship with us, who are His beloved people, His sons and daughters.

We see our Lord's mercy and love at work in the Gospel this weekend. Thomas doubted, but our Lord did not punish him for his lack of faith. He instead sees deep into Thomas' heart, and sees the dedication of Thomas, his goodness of heart, the pain and loss and crushed hopes that caused Thomas to "not dare to believe" that the Lord could be risen as has been said.

Jesus meets Thomas where he is at, and leads him to see and believe, and this compassion, this love and mercy produce such astounding fruits. For Thomas, who so recently couldn't even bring himself to accept this wonderful news, is now the first to declare the complete truth of Christ's identity. He is not only our Lord, but He is our God. "My Lord and my God."

Today in the Gospel, the Risen Lord twice says these beautiful words, Peace be with you.

Jesus is offering us true peace, and it's something we desire very deeply. The world is crying out for this deep and abiding peace that only God can give us.

Jesus appears to His disciples to reassure them of the reality of the forgiveness that He has indeed won for us by His death and resurrection.

We can truly be at peace and trust in God's promise that He does indeed desire to free us from our burdens and forgive us our sins. This is a real promise, and it's God's deepest desire. Our Lord of astounding mercy does not want us to continue to be bowed down and burdened by our sins or past mistakes.

God doesn't want us to be stuck in our mistakes and sins, as we would surely be forever if not for His gracious, overwhelming compassion and mercy. His is a message of enormous hope. He implores us, doubt no longer, but believe.

Don't doubt in my love. Don't doubt in my desire to forgive you, and my ability to forgive you entirely. Believe that I do offer you the means and the real and lasting effect of my mercy, and my peace!

Jesus gently and lovingly chides Thomas. Jesus gently chides and invites us too.
"Do you doubt in my mercy? Are you actually daring to think yourself unforgivable and unforgiven when I have declared you absolved? Happy indeed are those who believe."

Also, the Gospel today ends with the writer of St. John saying, There are many things that happened in relation to Jesus, but they're not all written here. We, these many, many centuries after Jesus walked the earth, we too are witnesses to what Jesus continues to do in our world, even to this day.

We're called to be ministers of mercy, instruments of Christ's peace, agents of God's reconciliation and ministers of grace, ambassadors of Christ's love.

The importance of community cannot be understated either. In the first reading we hear of an ideal community.

The disciples pray together, they learn together, they share their resources, they help and support one another, especially those who are doing it tough. Our faith community exists so that we might assist and build up and strengthen each other, especially our brothers and sisters who are really struggling. Our Lord calls us to be a community of disciples, looking outward towards the world and ready to make a practical difference for others and for the good.

Our faith tradition tells us that to understand and believe in Christ, we must read the scriptures and meditate on them. We must also come to know other believers and listen to each other's experience with our hearts and minds open. Christianity is a religion that preaches Jesus crucified and risen, and still active in the community in and through those who believe in him.

Today, let us ask St Thomas to intercede for us, that we can believe more deeply in the great mystery of salvation. Let us be patient with our doubts and keep looking for the truth of Christ's presence amid the everyday events and people of our lives. Most of all, let's rejoice in the Lord who loves us so deeply and forgives our sins and invites us into deeper understanding of his mysteries.

May we continue to be built up by the risen Christ to be disciples who rejoice in being a community for the good of each other and the common good of all people. We are ministers of Jesus' graciousness and care. Jesus brings us peace, and having given us the gift of peace, he immediately commissions us and sends us out to put his message into action by acts of charity, love and support for everyone we meet.
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References:

Homily –Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image: Painting by Rodney Anthony – Gold Coast – 2024.
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Second Sunday of Easter. Year B. Divine Mercy   (EPISODE:472  )
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
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{{peace and compassion  to you }} welcome everyone, we gather -  Reflection upon God's word, and encounter Christ's presence. 

My friends in Christ, to worthily celebrate the sacred mysteries, let us first acknowledge 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
2. When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.
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Ps 118: 2-4, 13-15, 22-24. "Give thanks to the Lord for he is good,his love is everlasting."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 20: 29). Alleluia, alleluia! You believe in me, Thomas because you have seen me; happy those who have not seen me, but still believe.
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PREFACE: Easter I
EP II
(theme variation: 4 )

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{Many thanks for participating in this time of praise, worship and reflection upon our God's infinite love.}

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

Further information relating to the audio productions linked to this Blog:

"Faith, Hope and Love - Christian worship and reflection"  - Led by Rev Paul Kelly

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[ Production -  KER -  2024]

May God bless and keep you.
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Easter Sunday of the Resurrection. (Day) (Shorter celebration) -Year B -

 Easter Sunday of the Resurrection. (Day)

(Short celebration) -Year B -

 

Easter Sunday of the Resurrection. (Day)  (Short celebration) -Year B.
FIRST READING: Acts 10:34a, 37-43
Ps 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23. "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad."
SECOND READING:  1 Corinthians 5:6-8, (or Colossians 3:1-4)
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (1 Cor 5:7b-8a). Alleluia, alleluia! Christ has become our Paschal sacrifice; let us feast with joy in the Lord.
GOSPEL: Jn 20:1-9  (or Matt 28:1-10)   (or if Easter Sunday evening  Luke 24:13-35)

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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers, and homily), for Easter Sunday of the Resurrection. Year B -, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-easter-sunday-year-b-2024-episode/s-hefK7PnBI1S

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Prologue

Happy Easter everyone !

 

and I pray and hope that God’s blessing  and peace are with you; and with all your family and friends on this Easter morning  - and indeed thoughout the whole  Easter Season.  

 

We are very much united in Christ – who is indeed the resurrection and the life and who is with us always to the end of time

The Lord is truly risen, alleluia.

To him be glory and power, for all the ages of eternity, alleluia, alleluia.

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Christ is Risen!    He is Risen indeed.   Christ is risen; as he said!! 

A spiritual writer once said … and put it so beautifully for us who have been keeping vigil in meditation and prayer, right up until this wonderful night…..

 

He writes:

"One of the powerful things that Easter says to us today, is this: You can put truth in a grave, but it won't stay there. You can nail truth to a cross, or wrap it in winding sheets;  and shut it in a tomb, but it will rise again! "   (Clarence W. Hall).

 

Today, we celebrate the fact that Christ has risen….he has Risen Indeed! 

 

He, who IS the way, the truth and the Life…..  could not possibly be held in death's grasp for too long. He broke free and promises us eternal life too.

 

God has the final say over the tensions and tragedies of life…..… and it is good news….    God says "yes" to the goodness of creation and "Yes" to each one of us……  it was right to remain faithful //   our hope in his promises is fulfilled…..

 

EASTER IS ABOUT FAMILY – first and foremost – we are all one family of God…  God loves us and cares about us…  and is faithful us forever……   and desires with all his heart that we love others with his heart too…Easter is also about our own individual families (sharing time for family, or if we are not able to be with them this easter, certainly giving thanks for the gift of them in our lives…)…..and giving thanks to God for the many ways in which God brings us to the fullness of life even on this side of Heaven.

 

We give thanks for our FAMILY, our friends….and    for so many graces and blessings we have received in life…  to nurture us and give us strength and joy……

 

Easter is the perfect time for celebrating Baptisms and welcoming people into our church communion…….    We give thanks for those who will be baptized and received into the church this season. God's gentle grace has led them here… and their decision is a great source of renewal and thanksgiving for the whole community.

 

Easter is not only about the promise of everlasting life in heaven,..// ..  there are so many ways in which Jesus' rising from the dead is a sign of God's constant work to "bring us out of the entombment" that we can experience in our lives…// // Tonight  is also about the real promise that "God can and does" want us to be "fully alive".,… //  and renewed in spirit and mind…. and brought to life again from so many things that can sap the life out of us…. weigh us down….  and imprison us……   whether it be fear, guilt, pain, illness, doubt, grief……   or countless other equally painful struggles….

 

Anyone who has ever gone through a "dark night of the soul" in their life, (and that is each of us at one time or another)…….and has come through the other end and now finds themselves in a renewed place, raised up again,  (never imagining that they would be in this new space) but here they are!!!….with the help of God's grace, (shown by the helping hands of family, friends, colleagues, ….and so many other ways…)….   anyone who has gone through this can testify…   Christ really IS at work brining us to new life (in so many ways)……    and Tonight  we give thanks for this…. and pray for those who continue to hope and trust in God's faithfulness….  // God's love and care for us will never fail….. God effects resurrection IN our lives, in ways beyond our expectations….. beyond our presumptions or in ways different from the literal limits of our requests …..   Often, we only recognize a 'resurrection moment in our lives' with a kind of 'dawning realization'  - like Mary Magdalene:  thinking that someone had hidden the body of our Lord….. searching and praying that she might find where they had hidden his body….…   and not at first realizing that her prayers had been answered in this man she initially mistakes for a gardener, (but no, it is the Lord himself)…..

 

May the Lord of the resurrection bless you and renew you with fullness of life – here and now (and forever)….

Lord, this -- new day dawns…!!"

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References:

Fr Paul W. Kelly

Easter Sunday of the Resurrection. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
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{{May God’s grace strengthen your love and hope and faith, and may God’s love surprise you even in the trials and challenges of the week.}}

Coming together as brothers and sisters in Christ, let us prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries by recalling our sins and remembering Christs greater mercy.
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 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23. “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad.”

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (1 Cor 5:7b-8a). Alleluia, alleluia! Christ has become our Paschal sacrifice; let us feast with joy in the Lord.

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Easter Sequence  (Jerusalem Bible version)

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Memorial Acclamation
2. When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.
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PREFACE: Preface I of Easter
Euch prayer III
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Archive of homilies and reflections:  http://homilycatholic.blogspot.com.au
To contact Fr. Paul, please email:  paulwkelly68@gmail.com

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sound Engineering and editing -  P.W. Kelly.

Microphones: -      Shure 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 -  2024]
May God bless and keep you.
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