Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. -Year A - Sunday, November 22, 2020 -(EPISODE: 262)

Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Year A –
Sunday, November 22, 2020
(EPISODE: 262)

Readings for Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Year A

FIRST READING: Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17
Psalm 23:1-2a, 2b-3, 5, 6. "The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want"
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Mark 11:9b+10a). Alleluia, alleluia! Blessings on Him who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessings on the coming Kingdom of our father David.
GOSPEL: Matthew 25:31-46

Image:  shutterstock licensed. ID: 1668219532. Biblical silhouette illustration series, the Judgement day theme. By rudall30
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Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Year A - Sunday, November 22, 2020 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-34a-episode-262-jesus-christ-king-of-the-universe-2020. (due to ill-health, some of the elements of this recording are archival).
(EPISODE: 262)
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Prologue:  The church liturgical year is slightly different from the calendar year, by about a month. The last Sunday of the church liturgical year ends rightly with a celebration of Christ who is King of heaven and earth. Christ has already won the victory over sin and death and he now is King of the Universe. Gods Kingdom is established and present amongst us and within us, but it is not yet fully revealed. At the end of time, all things will be put under Christ's feet. Meanwhile, we disciples of Christ are happy to assist in the building up of the Kingdom of God but our everyday actions and choices. Gods kingdom is one of peace and justice and compassion. We yearn for the fullness of this Kingdom - and rejoice that its foundations are firm and everlasting. Nothing can hold out against it.
 
We move forward, joyfully remembering always that the Lord is Good. that, God's mercy and faithfulness endures from age to age!!"
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Homily by Fr Peter Dillon:

Have you ever noticed how really generous people always seem happy? We incorrectly assume that if people are always giving something away to others that they might be a bit resentful, but no, they often seem ready to give more than is asked for or needed. Other people, a bit like myself, usually weigh up the returns or inconvenience to self before compassion kicks in. we might ask, is this person deserving or will they take my generosity for granted? Why should I be generous when I see others who aren't? I wish someone would accuse me of being generous to a fault. I find the most generous people are not always the richest.

My grandfather was one of those people who would embarrass us with his generosity. He would leave his homegrown fruit and vegetables on the neighbours back steps or mow their footpath when they didn't ask for it. He would buy lollies and hand them out to people on the bus. He noticed things and was never embarrassed to be kind. I didn't realise it at the time, but I was learning then what kindness looked like, but it took a while before I discovered what kindness felt like.

 Saint Theresa of Calcutta has said:

"The worst disease in the world is the feeling of being unwanted, and the greatest evil is the lack of love. What the poor need more than food, clothing and shelter, is to be wanted."

 Sometimes it's easier to reach into our wallet or purse and donate a few dollars, instead of having to sit down and listen and spend that valuable time that has become such a precious commodity. If only people just needed a handout, then it would be a simple matter of "Yes" or "No". It is important to know that sometimes what people really need is not what they actually ask for.

The King will say to those on his left: 'Depart from me, for I was hungry, not for food but for a smile, and all I got from you was sour looks. I was hungry for a word of encouragement, but all you did was criticise me. I was hungry for a word of appreciation, but you didn't give me so much as a crumb.

'I was thirsty, not for drink, but for a word of recognition, but all you did was nag and give out to me. I was thirsty for a sign of friendship, but you ignored me. I was thirsty for a little companionship, but you never gave me a drop.
'I was a stranger, and you refused to have anything to do with me. I was a child and you forbade your children to play with me because my clothes were dirty. I was a neighbour, and you wouldn't allow me into your club because I wasn't in your class.

'I was naked, not because I lacked clothes, but because I lacked self-worth, and you refused to cover me. I was stripped of self-confidence, and you made me feel the chill wind of disapproval. I was naked from the loss of my good name through a story that wasn't true, and you refused to clothe me with the garment of truth. I was sick, not in body, but with doubt and worry, and you never even noticed. I was wounded by failure and disappointment, and you couldn't care less. I was sunk in depression, desperately needing the medicine of hope, and all you did was blame me.

'I was a prisoner, but not behind iron bars. I was a prisoner of nerves, and you shunned me. I was a prisoner of loneliness, and you gave me the cold shoulder. I was a prisoner of guilt, and you could have set me free by forgiving me, but you let me languish there to punish me. 

'I was homeless, not for want of a home-made of bricks and mortar, but for the want of tenderness and affection, and you left me out in the cold. I was homeless for the want of sympathy and understanding, and you treated me as if I was a block of wood. I was homeless for want of love and acceptance and you locked me out of your heart.

Pray for the gift of being alert, of knowing how to see where we can show kindness. Pray for the gift of seeing God, where other people see a nuisance or a problem. Pray that we will never be seen as that nuisance. Pray that you will be able to be the giver rather than the receiver. That would mean that we might be happier people.
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References:
homily – fr Peter Dillon

Prologue - Fr Paul Kelly

New Jerome Bible Handbook. Geoffrey Chapman Publishers. 1992;

"2008 – a Book of Grace-filled Days," by Lavonne Neff; 

"Monastery of Christ in the Desert," Abbott's Homily, http://christdesert.org ;

"Vision – Praying Scripture in a Contemporary Way. Year A"

Image:  shutterstock licensed. ID: 1668219532. Biblical silhouette illustration series, the Judgement day theme. By rudall30


Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. Year A  (Sunday, November 22, 2020)  (EPISODE: 262 )
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
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{{Hello everyone, this is Fr Paul Kelly…  and May God's Spirit of Wisdom and Awe abide in you.}}


Brothers and sisters, as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the Lord,s supper, on this special Feast of Christ the King of the Universe, let us first recall our sins and acknowledge them in silence.

Lord Jesus, you are the image of the unseen God: Lord, have mercy.//You are the firstborn of all creation: Christ, have mercy//You are the head of the body, the Church: Lord, have mercy//
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
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Memorial Acclamation
3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.
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PREFACE: Christ the King
Eucharistic Prayer I
Communion side.  pwk:  RH
(theme variation: 4 )
(pre+post variation: 2)
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{heartfelt thanks to you all for uniting in prayer and reflecting upon God's goodness and care.}

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.
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.

[ Production -  KER -  2020]

May God bless and keep you.
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Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - (November15, 2020) - (EPISODE: 261)

Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A  - 

(November 15, 2020)
(EPISODE: 261)

Readings for 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - A
FIRST READING: Proverbs 31:10-13, 19-20, 30-31
Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5. "Happy are those who fear the Lord."
SECOND READING: 1 Thess 5:1-6
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 15:4a+5b). Alleluia, alleluia! Live in me, and let me live in you, says the Lord. My branches bear much fruit.
GOSPEL: Matthew 25:14-30 or 25:14-15, 19-21 (diff)

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 9525264- Parable about the talent buried in the ground colour. By askib
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Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A – Sunday, November 15, 2020, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-33a-episode-261/s-FdhgLkBr4Ot  
(EPISODE: 261)
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*Prologue (Fr Paul):[Gospel values included in the readings: God entrusts us with gifts according to our abilities. The gifts we have are given to be shared and nurtured]
We certainly all have different gifts and talents, and it would be more than a tragedy to bury them…..

The key to this parable is that the master gave each servant the number of talents according to their abilities… So he KNEW what they could do and he expected them to do what they could with their gifts.….

We can be our own worst enemies when it comes to saying things like: "'I am not good at that' or…. " I can't do this"…. It is God who truly knows all the things that we "ARE" and "ARE NOT" able to do. Talents and gifts are to be promoted and nurtured or they else they get wasted. 

Our Lord can see through our lame excuses too. 

Jesus shows us what happens if people distort the Good news of God's Kingdom…….. Imagine a farmer handing back to the seed merchant - a pack of seeds and saying … "here it is… you gave it to me... I have preserved the seed… kept it dry….… and here is the seed back exactly in the same condition as you gave it to me…". How crazy would that be?… The seed is meant for the sowing. It is intended for planting… for watering…. and for germination… Its whole purpose is to break open, grow and bear fruit…- .. // 

There are also countless stories of saints and famous people, over the ages, who overcame great obstacles (including very poor health), and limitations of all sorts, to produce the most amazing, (disproportionate),l fruits and astounding results in their lives….. They did it by relying on god's grace, and trusting in God's help and then adding determination, hard work and utilising well the talents and vision they DID possess….. // It is the story of the 'tortoise and the hare' – slow and steady wins the race…..….

The reward, in God's kingdom, is an unusual one, according to this parable - - Those who do well, are given even more responsibility (That is, they are given even more work to do)… Sounds a little daunting doesn't it… But we remember the saying: "If you want something done, ask a busy person". If we use our gifts, they will deepen, they will increase in significance and effect…. If we don't use our gifts they will weaken…..we could lose them….. so the best way to keep our gifts is to use them in the service of God's Kingdom…here and now…. serving God, by helping others. … – And, what better work to do than helping to produce the fruits of God's Kingdom -
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Homily – Fr Peter –
33^rd Sunday – Ordinary Time - Year A – 2020

In a world that seems to be low on trust, in today's Gospel we are introduced to a man who entrusts his entire property to his servant while he is abroad. He seems to be an enterprising employer who hopes that his own daring in business matters will be reflected in his servant's attitudes as they face this new challenge. Before we proceed too far into this gospel passage, it might add to its interest to know that a "talent" was in fact an amount of currency, a great deal of currency in fact. One talent was worth about $1.4 million in today's money, so we are talking about a very wealthy and trusting boss.

Ironically, if we're simply referring to talents as a person's gifts or abilities, in some cases there are certain talented people whose gifts have returned them vast amounts of money. While we can recognise that such talents are important, and all credit should go to those who possess them and use them wisely, we must admit that certain talents like those involving music, art or sport is outrageously over-valued and over-rewarded. Even though we might not recognise our unique talents as being of monetary value to the rest of the world, we should at least accept that each person possesses certain skills and abilities that, if developed, may be of great personal value to the individual. But they don't usually come with instruction on how to use them wisely. That is the responsibility of the one who owns them. 

Notice in this parable the wealthy man doesn't instruct the servants what to do with the talents he gives them, he simply wants them to use their own initiative. He wants them to recognise the trust he places in them and do something worthwhile that might provide a return for that trust. Some might say this is a risky approach, but as we see two of the three servants have shown a sound approach to this opportunity.

The third servant, the one who refuses to involve himself in the spirit of the enterprise, is the one who represents the Pharisees, the ones who want to keep things exactly as they have always been, and it is for that stale attitude that Jesus condemns them. He is wanting them, and ultimately we who are listening now, to understand that there can be no religion without risk. Willingness to dare is an essential part of our faith.

As in all the parables, we are being taught about the nature of God and our relationship with God. As people of faith, we can accept that it is God who has bestowed upon us our talents, but what we do with those talents, how we acknowledge them and use them for the service of the kingdom, is the real challenge here.

How the servants understand their master is the key since two of them have a completely different approach to the third. In his apprehension, he risks nothing, and not surprisingly, nothing comes from it. He takes the problem away from himself and his lack of creativity and places it on the master, who he portrays as a harsh employer, even though he has entrusted some of his fortune to the servants.

Of course, whenever we accept a risk or challenge we can be haunted by the question" What happens if we fail?" "What if we don't make a success of what we have been given?" Well, one thing is certain. If we never try we will never succeed, and we never exercise our talents then no one will benefit. The only real failure is to bury our gifts and never let them see their potential.

To refuse to take a risk is to refuse to trust. It is to require absolute certitude and knowledge of the future, or at least a certain control over the circumstances of life. To refuse to risk is to require the assurance that we will never fail. We cannot hope to stand before the Lord on the last day and claim that we have done nothing because we were afraid we might not succeed. We will never know how successful we might be if we refuse to take a risk.

These last few days of waiting for the end of the church's year is a period of opportunity, of active engagement, of creative growth. One's future does not rest on the extent or quality of one's talent, but on how a person uses those talents while they wait for the master to return.

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References:

HOMILY – FR PETER DILLON

PROLOGUE - Fr Paul W. Kelly

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

Prepare the Word Resources,

Mark Link


Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. ID: 9525264- Parable about the talent buried in the ground colour. By askib


Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A (November 15, 2020)
(EPISODE: 261 )
The Lord be with you.
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{{}}

Coming together as brothers and sisters in Christ, let us pause and reflect upon our sins, in order to celebrate the Holy Eucharist.
Lord Jesus, you 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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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 III
Euch prayer two
Communion side. pwk: LH
(theme variation: 3 )
(pre+post variation: 1)
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{}

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.

[ Production - KER - 2020]

May God bless and keep you.
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Remembrance Day - 11 November 2020 marks the 102nd Anniversary of the Armistice which ended the First World War (1914–18)

You are welcome to play this audio commemoration 

at 10:56:30 am on Wednesday 11th of November 2020. 

To commemorate Remembrance Day

https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/remembrance-day-11th-11th-2020/s-MmHqtOhzoin

 

Lest We Forget   - Remembrance Day

 

11 November 2020 marks the 102nd Anniversary of the Armistice which ended the First World War (1914–18).

 

One hundred and two years ago, on 11 November 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent after four years of continuous warfare. The Australian Corps had been at the forefront of the allied advance to victory. The victory had come at a heavy cost. In the four years of the war more than 330,000 Australians had served overseas, and more than 60,000 of them had died. The social effects of these losses cast a long shadow over the postwar decades. (World war one is considered the most deadly wars in human history: The total number of military and civilian casualties in World War I, was around 40 million. There were 20 million deaths and 21 million wounded. The total number of deaths includes 9.7 million military personnel and about 10 million civilians**)

Each year on this day Australians observe one minute's silence at 11 am, in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts.

 

We pause to listen to the recitation of "the Ode," then "The Last Post," followed by one minute's silence, and concluded by the "Rouse."

 

{They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them!}.

(people respond): We will remember them.

 

Last Post

 

(One Minute Silence)

Rouse

leader: 'Lest we forget."

R/ 'Lest we forget."

Thirty-Second Sunday - Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, November 8, 2020

Thirty-Second Sunday Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, November 8, 2020
(EPISODE: 260)

Readings for 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time - A

FIRST READING: Wisdom 6:12-16
Psalm 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8. "My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God"
SECOND READING: 1 Thess 4:13-18 or 4:13-14
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Matthew 24:42a+44). Alleluia, alleluia! Be watchful and ready. You know not when the Son of Man is coming.
GOSPEL: Matthew 25:1-13

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed ID: 95252647. Parable about the ten bridesmaids at the wedding feast colour. By askib
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Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Thirty-Second Sunday Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, November 8, 2020 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-32a-episode-260  

(EPISODE: 260)
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* PROLOGUE: (Fr Paul) - [Gospel values included in the readings: humility, preparation, alertness, wisdom, and trusting in God's promises whilst not taking them for granted]
 
The only thing that seems excessive Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids, (five who are wise and five who are foolish), is, okay, so they were not prepared for the arrival of the bridegroom!!... They messed up!! So?........... Surely it is a happy occasion when everyone is celebrating and in a good mood? The bridegroom is also surely a nice guy. Why lock out the bridesmaids because they were a bit disorganised and unprepared????
 
But this parable is designed to shock and surprise people out of their complacency.
 
And also…. On a wider level….. the parable has at least two universal warnings. (i) It warns us that there are certain things which cannot be obtained at the last minute. It is far too late for a student to start preparing for a major exam when the day of the examination has arrived. It is much too late for a person to acquire a skill, or a personal quality or character if they do not already possess it when the need arises for that quality to be put into action.
 
It is like a medical expert telling a patient who is suffering a major medical episode, "come back later, I haven't become good enough at treating THAT particular illness yet. I was going to go to a training course to perfect this next week. Come back then! Or, couldn't you have come to me with something else that I WAS actually prepared for!" No such chance!
 
Similarly, it is easy to leave things so late that we can no longer prepare ourselves to respond. And likewise, one can leave things too late to prepare to meet with God.
 
In 1660, Mary, the Princess Royal, lay dying from smallpox. She had a visit from her chaplain who, seeing her on her deathbed, sought to speak to her urgently about the ways of salvation. Her answer was delightful:
"I have not left such a matter to this hour."
 
Well said! To be too late is always a tragedy. And if it is too late, it does not reflect on the goodness of the one who has already closed the door and turned the key with finality. (ii)
 
This parable warns us that there are certain things which cannot be borrowed.
The foolish bridesmaids found it impossible to borrow oil when they discovered they needed it.
Neither can a person borrow a relationship with God; They must possess it for themselves.
 
A person cannot borrow a character; they must be clothed with it, wear it like a second skin.
 
We cannot always rely on the spiritual "capital" which others have been nurturing. There are certain things we must gain or acquire for ourselves, for we cannot borrow anything and everything from others.
 
Two words that are just dripping with regret and dismay are these two horrifying words: - "too late!"
 
We know that God is patient and compassionate and gives us so many opportunities and new starts…. But this parable is warning us not to take this for granted, because eventually, the time will come for the door to close and so we must be ever-humble, diligent and prepared.
 
 It takes most people a lifetime for God to enrich us and develop our character into those qualities consistent with the Gospel of Jesus. It requires, on our part, a sincere openness of heart, a humility and a willingness to change and be transformed by God - And also a true state of readiness, that simply cannot be left to the eleventh hour!.
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(Fr Peter)
While wisdom and rejoicing are the two clear themes of today's first reading and Gospel, tucked in between them is a more sobering reference to emotion of grief in Paul's letter the Thessalonians. All three themes are part of every life and are therefore connected. Just as one day we might be full of joy at a family celebration, we could also be confronted by deep loss and sorrow at the news of a family tragedy or illness.
 
No one escapes the valleys and mountains of life experiences and rather than try to hide or ignore them we should be clear and prepared for what they may ask of us. In as much as we know they apply to all of us at some time, we are still ambivalent about how we should deal with loss and will God understand how much we may be hurting. Are we being unfaithful to God if we grieve and feel unsure about how we will recover?
 
The early Christians believed that Jesus would return soon and take them all to heaven. At least that is the way they interpreted his inference that in a little while he would return to take them with him. This made it difficult to accept the death of some of their members before Jesus returned in glory. However in the second reading Paul assures the listener that as surely as God raised Jesus from the dead, he will also raise those who have died, and will present them to God when the Kingdom come to fulfilment.
 
As consoling as this thought might be, the question still remains, what should they do with their grief. Paul, did not tell the Thessalonians that they should not grieve, but rather that "they should not grieve as those people who have no hope." Unfortunately many people feel as though it is wrong to mourn the death of a loved one, because they think it is not acknowledging the promise of resurrection.
 
Grief follows the loss of a loved one as surely as night follows day. It is just one of the realities of life. If you love someone, you will fell sadness when they are no longer physically with us. It is one of the strongest and most necessary of emotions as it draws together the end of a physical presence with a flood of memories and a recalculation of how to fill the space of the contribution of that loved one to our life which may well be dealing with the shock of the loss.
 
To live fruitfully after the death of a loved one, people need to go through a period of mourning. The are no rules around the length of time or the depth of that mourning, but what is clear is that it should not be avoided. Not to supress it or pretend it isn't there but to show a courage and honesty allows us to face it. Of course we would rather not have to experience the pain that comes from death, but to deny or supress it can result in serious emotional problems.
 
This is not just sound psychology, but it is realistic theology. Jesus wept at the death of his friend Lazarus, and surely needed to have some time to process this loss, even though he was teaching his followers that death has no power over them. Faith should not be used as a barrier against grief. Faith does not dispense us from grieving, but it can enable us to grieve with hope.
 
When people cry at funerals, they often apologise to me and others attending as though they are showing a lack of faith in God's ability to heal them. We mustn't be afraid to cry and sometimes let ourselves go. It's all part of the healing process. We can have tears in our eyes as well as have hope in our hearts. The tears are for the sadness we feel and the hope is for the joy to come. Both have a place in the process of loss.
 
There is no time limit on how long this grieving may take, nor are there any rules about how we should go about it. Grieving is as unique and individual as the person who is experiencing it, but holding on the knowledge that it will one day evolve into something less intense and demanding is the hope that Paul is referring to. When tempered with wisdom and allowing the joy of fond memories to come back into our lives along with the belief that as Christ rose for the dead and it will be the same for those who have died in Christ. . . With these thoughts we should comfort one another.
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References:
 
Homily by Fr Peter Dillon:
 
Prologue: Fr Paul W. Kelly
 
THE DAILY STUDY BIBLE. GOSPEL OF Matthew (REVISED EDITION). BY WILLIAM BARCLAY.

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed ID: 95252647. Parable about the ten bridesmaids in the wedding feast color. By askib


Thirty-Second Sunday Ordinary Time. Year A (Sunday, November 8, 2020) (EPISODE: 260 )
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 Knoweldge and reverence}}

As one family in Christ, let us prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries by calling to mind our sins.
Lord Jesus, you were lifted up to draw all people to yourself: Lord, have mercy//You shouldered the cross, to bear our suffering and sinfulness: Christ, have mercy// You open for your people the way from death into 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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Memorial Acclamation
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
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PREFACE: Sundays Ordinary II
Euch prayer two
Communion side. pwk: RH
(theme variation: 2 )
(pre+post variation: 4)
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{Bless you all and May God's grace guide you each and every day.}

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.

[ Production - KER - 2020]

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

All Souls - Second November 2020 - (EPISODE: 259)

All Souls - Second November 2020
(EPISODE: 259)

Homily  ALL souls DAY.  2nd NOVEMBER. 

First Reading: Isaiah 25:6-9
Psalm: Ps 26: 1-4,7-9, 13-14. "I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living."
Second Reading:  Romans 5:5-11
Gospel Acclamation: Matthew 11:28  "This is the will of my father says the Lord, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given to me, and that I should raise it up on the last day."
Gospel: Matthew 11:25-30

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. stock photo ID: 1189525876. REGGIO EMILIA, ITALY - APRIL 12, 2018: The icon of Descensus Christi and inferno (latin)" on the iconostas in church Chiesa di San Giorgio in Reggio Emilia. 20^th Century. By Renata Sedmakova
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Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for All Souls - Second November 2020 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-all-souls-2nd-nov-2020-episode-259/s-PJxWgkwHmVI  (EPISODE: 259)

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[Gospel values included in the readings: We can pray for our departed loved ones friends and all who gone before us, just as we can pray to God for a friend who is still alive, for all are alive in Christ. Our hope and trust in God's love and mercy means that we know that God fulfils all his promises to us]

Praying for the souls of the dead is a tradition that goes back to Old Testament times, including the book of Maccabees. It is a grand and ancient tradition and a beautiful aspect of our faith.

The Catholic Church teaches us what we find also throughout the Scriptures -   God, (who lovingly formed each and every person), sees into our heart and knows what is to be found at the very core of our being.  

Today's commemoration goes to the heart of the nature of prayer..... 
Prayer is, in essence, a deep and loving conversation between us and God.  

Just as in ordinary conversations,  we can speak to our friends and ask them to spare a thought for and to help another friend or relative of ours,  so too we can continue to offer to speak confidently and lovingly in prayer to God for our fellow travellers, who have gone before us.

Jesus himself tells us. "I am the God of the living, not of the dead, for to God,  all are alive."

Who better to entrust and commend our dear departed loved ones, friends and colleagues, than the loving, merciful, just and eternal care of our compassionate God. For God is the one who formed them with love.... and walked with them every step of their life's journey...  and loved them as a doting parent...  God is love...  God who created everything from the dust...  and who never hates anything he created, because he made it... and with love beyond telling.....   

We commend our departed loved ones and all souls to God, who understands us better than we even understand ourselves...  

It is God Who knows every situation, every circumstance, every hardship, every context to all our actions and decisions, and every blessing and grace of each person's life.  God sees and knows everything that made us free to make the decisions we made in our lives... and God also sees any and all circumstances that restricted us in our freedom to think and act too.....  // And amazingly, many times, we don't see those factors clearly - even in the events of our own lives! but God always does.  with the eyes of a loving parent. 

Our Lord shows us the heart of God towards all who mourn.  This heart is filled with unfathomable love and compassion. 

Our Lord himself knew what it was to mourn the loss of loved ones.  His beloved and faithful step-father Joseph passed away at some time in his young life.  It was a deep loss and sadness...   

As the Son of God, He must have been tempted to raise him back up...  but he did not. Instead, he entrusting him to his Heavenly Father, who is always faithful and loving... 

Our Lord also wept at the death of Lazarus, even though he knew and utterly believed in the Resurrection and in the promises of Heaven ...  because he still keenly felt the pain of grief and loss and had compassion for people's suffering and grief around him too. Our Lord knows what it means to grieve deeply. 

We too can join with those in the first reading who acclaimed:  "See, this is the one in whom we trusted. IT is God in whom we hoped. And we were right to do so, for see, he has saved us!"  

In life, and in the life of each one of us, we come across sadness, tragedies, loss and disaster. Our hearts unite with Our Lord,  as we offer our prayers for all whose lives have been particularly marked with tragedy or disastrous pathways. 

Today's feast of ALL SOULS is a reminder that God is our Faithful shepherd. and a good  loving parent.. who is never just content with saving the 99% of the flock...  but who will not rest and who keeps searching until the last sheep is recovered and carried back to be reunited with everyone else. 

Our Lord wants us to trust in him and come to him with all our burdens and worries...  for he is gentle and humble in heart... and promises rest for our souls....

Today we pray for all Holy Souls.  We are consoled and peaceful in the knowledge that we are praying and commending all these precious souls into the hands of the one has the last and most loving say on the destiny of absolutely everything and everyone. 


Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord…. may perpetual light shine upon them… may they rest in peace..
 
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
 amen.
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. stock photo ID: 1189525876. REGGIO EMILIA, ITALY - APRIL 12, 2018: The icon of Descensus Christi and inferno (Latin)" on the iconostasis in church Chiesa di San Giorgio in Reggio Emilia. 20th Century. By Renata Sedmakova

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All souls DAY -  2nd NOVEMBER. 
(EPISODE: 259)
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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Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins,
and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.

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 I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
Lord have Mercy
Christ Have Mercy
Lord Have Mercy
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Memorial Acclamation

We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
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preface of the dead I  PREFACE

Euch prayer two 

(theme variation: 1 )
(pre+post variation: 3)

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




++++++++
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 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.

[ Production -  KER -  2020]

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