4th Sunday of Advent - A - Sunday, December 18, 2022 (EPISODE-396 )

4th Sunday of Advent - A - Sunday, December 18, 2022 (EPISODE-396 )

Readings for Sunday, December 18, 2022 - 4th Sunday of Advent - A
FIRST READING: Isa 7:10-14
Ps 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6. "Let the Lord enter, he is king of glory"
SECOND READING: Rom 1:1-7
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Matt 1:23). Alleluia, alleluia! The virgin will give birth to a son; his name will be Emmanuel: God-is-with-us. Alleluia!
GOSPEL: Matt 1:18-24

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 1417111835  -  FLORENCE, ITALY - JANUARY 11, 2019: Altarpiece of saint Joseph the Worker, by Pietro Annigoni in the Basilica di San Lorenzo in Florence, Italy. Editorial Use Only.Photo Contributor - Zvonimir Atletic
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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers, and homily), for 4th Sunday of Advent - A - Sunday, December 18, 2022, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-advent-4a-fourth-sunday-of-advent-year-a-episode-396/s-ayX3dVN45U2  (EPISODE-396)
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prologue:
Our time of Advent waiting is almost over. The excitement and the beauty of this Christmas Feast is so close, only a couple of days away, now.

God has entered human history in a definitive and miraculous way.  And through "God with us," we are saved.
It puts me in mind of the words of this hymn:

HYMN
Suggested tune: Bishopthorpe or St Flavian tre: CM

The King shall come when morning dawns,
And light triumphant breaks;
 When beauty gilds the eastern hills,
And life to joy awakes.

0 brighter than that glorious morn
Shall this fair morning be,
When Christ, our King, in beauty comes, 
And we his face shall see.

The King shall come when morning dawns,
And earth's dark night is past;
 0 haste the rising of that morn,
The day that ever shall last.

(P.339,  Magnificat DEC 2019: vol 10; no.2). 


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Our God has a very long memory and a very good memory. And Our God is faithful. He keeps his promises.

Something foretold long ago. Something promised by Our God more than 700 years before. Is now being fulfilled, just as God said.  It is a reminder to us that God thinks in many hundreds of years. God has the whole picture, whilst we individually only have a glimpse of a small part of it. But God has all the time in the world to ensure that what he promised will be fulfilled at the perfect time.

When we stick with God, we are in very good hands.

"In Matthew's version …, an unnamed angel speaks to Joseph in a dream. …Leaving the angel unnamed redirects the reader's attention in two ways. First, attention is turned away from the person of the angel to his mission: he is a messenger doing God's bidding. In this, he is a model of what Joseph himself should be: an obedient servant. Second, the anonymity of the angel highlights the role of Joseph. … In Matthew's genealogy, Jesus is the 'son of David' (1:1) whose lineage is traced through Joseph. (Also), Matthew presents the husband of Mary in terms that recall the story of the patriarch Joseph (Genesis 37 - 50) who receives his messages from God through dreams and who rescues his family by bringing them to Egypt (Genesis 45:19 - 46:6) - …  Joseph is the righteous, obedient, and compassionate protector of his wife and her child. Joseph is a wonderful model of discipleship for us. He is humble, honest, quick to respond when asked, and is 'all about' God's priorities and vision, not his own. He is happy to be the Lord's humble and loyal servant and stay in the background to what God is achieving. Nevertheless, his cooperation, along with his blessed wife, Mary, allows God to do great and wonderful things through them.

The significance of the Child is indicated by his two names. He is 'Emmanuel.' (This) indicates WHAT Jesus is doing: He is 'God (who is come down from heaven to make his home with us.' It (also) shows that Jesus is the fulfilling the ancient prophecy of Isaiah 7:14, (our First Reading); and so God, indeed, is the one who is utterly faithful to His promises. The second name indicates WHO Jesus is: 'Jesus' means 'Saviour,' for 'he is the one who will save his people from their sins' (2:21). #"

Joseph is described quite deliberately, in this weekend's Gospel, as a "righteous man." We have lost the full technical meaning of this word. This really means that he was a man who always strove to do what was right. Not just the dead-letter of the law, but the Spirit and meaning of the law, so that whatever he did would be the right thing to do, in God's eyes and for the good of others... So…. He was a man open to the Spirit….

When he heard that Mary was with child, and not from him, he obviously did not initially understand what was happening. This was completely out of the ordinary. He clearly did not respond with outrage or immediately demand that the letter of the law be followed in this situation, because he must have known and loved Mary very much, and must have known intuitively that there must be some kind of explanation for this situation, no matter how bewildering. And, so he did not act rashly or imprudently.  We are told that he carefully considered what he should do that would be best for Mary and for him and for everyone in all circumstances. He is an inspiration of how we Christians ought to respond to the many surprises, confusions and misunderstandings in life – that is, not rushing to judgement, not overreacting but rather, lovingly, prayerfully considering, with a thoughtful, reflective mind, what is truly in the best interests of all parties concerned, especially those most vulnerable.  What had occurred was so enormous he could not really comprehend. And of course, when he got more information when the Angel appeared in a dream and explained that this was all happening because of God's actions. He realised that God wanted to include his humble, lowly self into God's plan. God wanted Joseph to be the step-father of the Lord…. Joseph immediately, faithfully (and righteously) did all that was necessary. He obeyed God and did God's will, even when it was all very confusing. Joseph and Mary are an enormous inspiration to us.

Inspired by Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary,
we, too, wait for the Lord.
May our hearts be ever alert, ready to respond immediately to what God asks of us.\

O Emmanuel,
king and lawgiver,
Desire of the nations,
Saviour of all people.
Come and set us free.
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References:

References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

SHARING THE WORD THROUGH THE LITURGICAL YEAR. GUSTAVO GUTIERREZ.

#(Adapted by me, from the Commentary on the Fourth Week of Advent, Year A. >From "Liturgia," Subscription Electronic Resource. © Copyright Liturgy Brisbane 2019).

"The righteous person's dilemma," by Alice Camille. Reflection: From: 19 Dec 2010 - Fourth Sunday of Advent, Cycle A. From Prepare the Word resource: TrueQuest Communications, LLC. All rights reserved.

MONASTERY OF CHRIST IN THE DESERT. ABBOT'S HOMILY.
Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed.


4th Sunday of Advent - A  (Sunday, December 18, 2022) EPISODE-396

The Lord be with you.
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{{I pray this week brings you an ever deeper expereience of his compassion and love.}}

Our God's love and mercy knows no bounds, and so let us recall our sins so as to worthily celebrate this Holy Sacrifice.
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.
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Ps 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6. "Let the Lord enter, he is king of glory"

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Matt 1:23). Alleluia, alleluia! The virgin will give birth to a son; his name will be Emmanuel: God-is-with-us. Alleluia!
Memorial Acclamation
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
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PREFACE: Advent II
Eucharistic Prayer I

(theme variation:  4)

(welcome cycle-   (welcome 7) Good evening/morning. It is wonderful to gather together as members of God's family. Parishioners and visitors alike. We are all united as Our lord's family. We hope you feel very welcome. 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: v2-long)
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{I pray this week brings you an ever deeper expereience of his compassion and love.}

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

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

"O Come. Lord. (Advent) HYMN" - In Memory of Paolo Mario (Paul) Giacomantonio (1968-2020).
By Paul W. Kelly.  Based on the Ancient church "O Antiphons" of Advent. 
Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics, By Stefan Kelk, 2020.

Quiet reflection music and hymn - Original musical composition by William John kelly (1942-2017)
Lyrics based on the Song of Praise by the Three Young Men, The Book of Daniel 3:24-9. By  Paul kelly.
Arranged and sung, and with adapted lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2021

 [ Production - KER - 2022]

May God bless and keep you.

Extra Text : unspoken for Advent: -
             Roman Missal, 3rd edition, 2010, (ICEL)
            
             Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989, and 2009 by the NCC-USA. 
            
             "The Psalms" by The Grail - 1963, 2009.
            
             Prayers of the Faithful - Robert Borg "Together we pray" - (1993) .+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

PENITENTIAL CELEBRATION - Liturgy within Mass - DURING ADVENT 2022

PENITENTIAL CELEBRATIONS DURING ADVENT 2022 

Please listen to the audio recordings of the Penitential Mass for Advent – (Readings, prayers, and homily) by clicking this link here:

https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-advent-pentitential-eucharist-with-examination-of-conscience-2022/s-pxxeooa51Yw

  

Greeting
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Spirit
be with you all.

And with your spirit.

My brothers and sisters, Advent is a time of preparation, when we make ready to celebrate the mystery of our Lord's coming as man, the beginning of our redemption. Advent also moves us to look forward with renewed hope to the second coming of Christ, when God's plan of salvation will be brought to fulfilment. We are reminded too of our Lord's coming to each one of us at the hour of our death. We must make sure that he will find us prepared for his coming, as the gospel tells us: 'Blessed are those servants who are found awake when the Lord comes' (Luke 12:37). This service of penance is meant to make us ready in mind and heart for the coming of Christ, which we are soon to celebrate in the Mass of Christmas.

or
Now it is time for you to wake from sleep, for our salvation is nearer to us than it was when we first believed. The night is ending; the day draws near. Let us then cast off the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light. Let us live honestly as people do in the daylight, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in lust and debauchery, not in quarrelling and jealousy. But rather let us put on the Lord Jesus Christ and give no thought to the desires of the flesh. (Romans 13:11-12)
21.
Prayer
My brothers and sisters, we look forward to celebrating the mystery of Christ's coming on the feast of Christmas. Let us pray that when he comes he may find us awake and ready to receive him.
(All pray in silence for a brief period).
Lord our God,
maker of the heavens,
as we look forward to the coming of our redeemer
grant us the forgiveness of our sins.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

or
Eternal Son of God,
creator of the human family
and our redeemer,
come at last among us
as the child of the immaculate Virgin,
and redeem the world.
Reveal your loving presence
by which you set us free from sin
in becoming one like us
in all things but sin,
for you live and reign for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
22.


Readings
First Reading
Malachi 3:1-7

See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts.  But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?

For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap;  he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the Lord in righteousness.[a]  Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.

 Then I will draw near to you for judgement; I will be swift to bear witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired workers in their wages, the widow, and the orphan, against those who thrust aside the alien, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts.

 For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, have not perished.  Ever since the days of your ancestors you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. But you say, 'How shall we return?'
The word of the Lord.


Responsorial Psalm Ps 85:1-13
R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

O LORD, you have favored your land,
 and brought back the captives of Jacob.
 You forgave the guilt of your people,
 and covered all their sins.
 You averted all your rage;
 you turned back the heat of your anger.

Bring us back, O God, our savior!
Put an end to your grievance against us.
 Will you be angry with us forever?
 Will your anger last from age to age?

Will you not restore again our life,
 that your people may rejoice in you?
 Let us see, O LORD, your mercy,
 and grant us your salvation.

I will hear what the LORD God speaks;
he speaks of peace for his people and his faithful,
 and those who turn their hearts to him.
 His salvation is near for those who fear him,
 and his glory will dwell in our land.

Merciful love and faithfulness have met;
 justice and peace have kissed.
 Faithfulness shall spring from the earth,
 and justice look down from heaven.

Also the LORD will bestow his bounty,
 and our earth shall yield its increase.
 Justice will march before him,
 and guide his steps on the way.

R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.


Second Reading
Revelation 21:1-12
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.  And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying,

'See, the home[a] of God is among mortals.
He will dwell[b] with them;
they will be his peoples,[c]
and God himself will be with them;[d]
 he will wipe every tear from their eyes.
Death will be no more;
mourning and crying and pain will be no more,
for the first things have passed away.'

 And the one who was seated on the throne said, 'See, I am making all things new.' Also he said, 'Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.'  Then he said to me, 'It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life.  Those who conquer will inherit these things, and I will be their God and they will be my children.  But as for the cowardly, the faithless,[e] the polluted, the murderers, the fornicators, the sorcerers, the idolaters, and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulphur, which is the second death.'

Vision of the New Jerusalem
 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, 'Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.'  And in the spirit[f] he carried me away to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God.  It has the glory of God and a radiance like a very rare jewel, like jasper, clear as crystal.  It has a great, high wall with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and on the gates are inscribed the names of the twelve tribes of the Israelites
The word of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation
The Spirit and the Bride say: "Come."
Let all who hear answer: "Come."
Come, Lord Jesus.

Gospel
Matthew 3:1-12
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming,  'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.'[a]  This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,

'The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
"Prepare the way of the Lord,
    make his paths straight."'

 Now John wore clothing of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.  Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan,  and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

 But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, 'You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?  Bear fruit worthy of repentance.  Do not presume to say to yourselves, "We have Abraham as our ancestor"; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham.  Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

 'I baptize you with[b] water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with[c] the Holy Spirit and fire.  His winnowing-fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing-floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.'
The gospel of the Lord.

{Homily -  
That image of John the Baptist calling people to repent,,,  to turn their lives around….  And allow God's grace to refine us, purify us, heal us and fill us with the graces and virtues that will crowd out any vestiges of vice and values inconsistent with the Lord's word….. 
This image of God as "refiner and purifier of silver"   reminds us that facing our sin…   admitting it and asking God's healing mercy…  is difficult… its an ordeal…  but its worth it,……   Our Lord only reveals to us our weaknesses, faults, and sins not so that we would lose hope and hate ourselves….. but that we would turn back and call upon god's love and mercy for the help we need… and the help God truly wants to offer us….   Let us trust in God's infinite mercy and turn back and be renewed,,…  by our God who comes among us as one who saves……    who makes his home amongst his people…..   }
 
{We note that eucharist and penitential prayers and acts are effective for the forgivness of venial or general sin…..     if our relfection upon our conscience and our lives reveals to us any serious sins (mortal sins)  we are called to seek the sacrament of penance with a priest as soon as possible… all other sins, general and venial…  are remitted by eucharist and acts of general penance…  which this liturgy assists in….}   

Examination of conscience
After the homily, the examination of conscience takes place; a sample text is given in Appendix III. A period of silence should always be included so that each person may personally examine his conscience.


Eg B.



The Lord says: 'Love one another as I have loved you.'
1. Have I a genuine love for my neighbours? Or do I use them for my own ends, or do to them what I would not want done to myself? Have I given grave scandal by my words or actions?

2. In my family life, have I contributed to the well-being and happiness of the rest of the family by patience and genuine love? Have I been obedient to parents, showing them proper respect and giving them help in their spiritual and material needs? Have I been careful to give a Christian upbringing to my children, and to help them by good example and by exercising authority as a parent? Have I been faithful to my husband (wife) in my heart and in my relations with others?

3. Do I share my possessions with the less fortunate? Do I do my best to help the victims of oppression, misfortune, and poverty? Or do I look down on my neighbour, especially the poor, the sick, the elderly, strangers, and people of other races?

4. Does my life reflect the mission I received in confirmation? Do I share in the apostolic and charitable works of the Church and in the life of my parish? Have I helped to meet the needs of the Church and of the world and prayed for them: for unity in the Church, for the spread of the Gospel among the nations, for peace and justice, etc.?

5. Am I concerned for the good and prosperity of the human community in which I live, or do I spend my life caring only for myself? Do I share to the best of my ability in the work of promoting justice, morality, harmony, and love in human relations? Have I done my duty as a citizen? Have I paid my taxes?

6. In my work or profession am I just, hard-working, honest, serving society out of love for others? Have I paid a fair wage to my employees? Have I been faithful to my promises and contracts?

7. Have I obeyed legitimate authority and given it due respect?

8. If I am in a position of responsibility or authority, do I use this for my own advantage or for the good of others, in a spirit of service?

9. Have I been truthful and fair, or have I injured others by deceit, calumny, detraction, rash judgment, or violation of a secret?

10. Have I done violence to others by damage to life or limb, reputation, honour, or material possessions? Have I involved them in loss? Have I been responsible for advising an abortion or procuring one? Have I kept up hatred for others? Am I estranged from others through quarrels, enmity, insults, anger? Have I been guilty of refusing to testify to the innocence of another because of selfishness?

11. Have I stolen the property of others? Have I desired it unjustly and inordinately? Have I damaged it? Have I made restitution of other people's property and made good their loss?

12. If I have been injured, have I been ready to make peace for the love of Christ and to forgive, or do I harbour hatred and the desire for revenge?


Act of repentance
The act of repentance follows the examination of conscience. All may say the I confess to almighty God or the intercessions as in no. 60.
The Lord's Prayer is said or sung, and is concluded by the presiding minister in this way:

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;
Then they continue:
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

Lord our God,
on the first day of creation
you made the light
that scatters all darkness.
Let Christ, the light of lights,
hidden from all eternity,
shine at last on your people
and free us from the darkness of sin.
Fill our lives with good works
as we go out to meet your Son,
so that we may give him a fitting welcome.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
or:
Almighty and eternal God,
you sent your only-begotten Son
to reconcile the world to yourself.
Lift from our hearts
the oppressive gloom of sin,
so that we may celebrate
the approaching dawn of Christ's birth with fitting joy.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.

Participation in euicharist and penitential ceremonies is effective for the forgicvenss of venial sin… (general sin)…  so this ceremony is complete of itself….    Any other sins that concern us…  please seek and make an appointment with a priest for the sacrament of confession.    (we acknowledge that with continuing waves of covid,  availability of reconciliation is still not as regular as it used to be, but for those who need it, it can be celebrated by appointment).


Blessing
Bow down for the blessing.
May the almighty and merciful God,
by whose grace you have placed your faith
in the First Coming of his Only Begotten Son
and yearn for his coming again
sanctify you by the radiance of Christ's Advent
and enrich you with his blessing.
Amen.
As you run the race of this present life,
may he make you firm in faith,
joyful in hope and active in charity.
Amen.
So that, rejoicing now with devotion
at the Redeemer's coming in the flesh,
you may be endowed with the rich reward of eternal life
when he comes again in majesty.
Amen.
And may the blessing of almighty God,
the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit,
come down on you and remain with you for ever.
Amen.
Dismissal
Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.

Thanks be to God.

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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

Roman Missal, 3rd edition, 2010, (ICEL)
Advent Penitential Prayers – From the Book of Rites, Penance -
Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989, and 2009 by the NCC-USA. 

"The Psalms" by The Grail - 1963, 2009.

"O Come. Lord. (Advent) HYMN" - In Memory of Paolo Mario (Paul) Giacomantonio (1968-2020).
By Paul W. Kelly.  Based on the Ancient church "O Antiphons" of Advent. 
Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics, By Stefan Kelk, 2020.

"Have Mercy" Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged by Stefan Kelk. 2020.

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

 [ Production - KER - 2022]

May God bless and keep you.

            

3rd Sunday of Advent - A - Sunday, December 11, 2022 (EPISODE-395 )

3rd Sunday of Advent - A - Sunday, December 11, 2022 (EPISODE-395 )

Readings for Sunday, December 11, 2022 - 3rd Sunday of Advent - A
FIRST READING: Isa 35:1-6a, 10
Ps 146:6c-7, 8-9a, 9b-10. "Lord, come and save us"
SECOND READING: Jas 5:7-10
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Isa 61:1 (cited in Lk 4:18)). Alleluia, alleluia! The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he sent me to bring the Good news to the poor. Alleluia!
GOSPEL: Matt 11:2-11

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 1568131969. Brussels, Belgium. 2017/10/27. Icon of Saint John the Forerunner (the Baptist, "Angel of the Desert"). Orthodox Chapel at the Brussels Zaventem Airport.Editorial Use Only.

Photo Contributor: Adam Jan Figel.
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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers, and homily), for 3rd Sunday of Advent - A - Sunday, December 11, 2022, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-advent-3a-third-sunday-of-advent-year-a-episode-395/s-HlUtY8DHu0s  (EPISODE- 395)
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 This weekend is also known as Gaudete Sunday...  which means rejoice!.. Although we are still waiting and preparing for the Arrival of the LORD,  his comIng is ever nearer. Our hearts are lifted in joy and expectation for the Lord is near...   the following hymn words inspire me in this joy and hope... 

HYMN
Suggested tune: qua 76 76 D Aurelia.

Wait when the seed is planted, 
Wait for the rain to fall; 
Wait for the restless green sprout, 
Wait while the plant grows tall. 
Wait for the coming Saviour, 
Wait through the heart's slow race; 
Wait for the kingdom's dawning, 
Wait till we see his face! 

Hope when the sun is setting, 
Hope through the dark of night; 
Hope though the moon is waning, 
Hope as we long for light. 
Hope for the coming Saviour, 
Hope through the heart's slow race; 
Hope for the kingdom's dawning, 
Hope till we see his face! 

Trust in the new spring's promise, 
Trust through the summer's heat; 
Trust in the dying autumn, 
Trust through the winter sleet. 
Trust in the coming Saviour, 
Trust in the heart's slow race; 
Trust in the kingdom's dawning, 
Trust till we see his face!

 (P204.  Magnificat DEC 2019: vol 10; no.2).
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The letter from Saint James, (second reading this weekend), has the beautiful image of Patience being like a farmer planting and tending to their crop. The crop grows in its own time. It cannot be hurried…  Well, perhaps a bit of encouragement by the right amount of watering, the correct soil and fertilizer… but still, they grow at their own rate… The seasons, times and conditions affect it greatly. We do the work we can, but then we have to wait for as long as it takes. And be ready to get to work when the time for harvest eventually does come. 

Our Lord was very familiar with images of the land and of farming and other images. His heart is surely with those who are doing it tough and he would certainly want our hearts and actions to offer practical support to these people too - .

The preaching and the message style of John the Baptist are so different from that of Our Lord's.   John preached God's imminent judgement and the uprooting of the weeds…  and then Our Lord came along proclaiming a time of God's favour and inclusion and mercy….    Even John had to ask..  "are you the one who is to come, or ought we to wait for another?" But both visions of God's Messiah or King are found in different parts of the Holy Scriptures.  There was a bit of varying vision going on:  Jesus was clearly fulfilling the image of the Lord's anointed one in Isaiah 35:5-6, The blind shall see, the lame shall walk, the deaf shall hear…  whereas, Saint John seemed to be focusing on passages like Psalm 17 (also known as psalm 18 in the Catholic numbering system): eg vv39-40 "You armed me with strength for battle; you humbled my adversaries before me. You made my enemies turn their backs in flight, and I destroyed my foes."  

The Lord in beautiful humility answered the question without boasting but simply referring to the evidence of the truth around him.

The Lord is indeed the King, the Messiah. He ushers in God's Kingdom with his gospel.

"the gospel is proclaimed to the poor by way of concrete actions. – by giving life to others…  practically assisting the poor, the injured, the suffering, the blind the lame.   The Kingdom and all who belong to it will primarily proclaim the Kingdom by their practical actions, bringing peace, compassion, mercy and love.

Even though John's message was challenging. John the Baptist must have been an extremely likeable and charismatic figure. We are even told that King Herod who imprisoned him for his outspoken criticism of him, nevertheless liked him and was enthralled to hear what John had to teach and say.
 
Our Lord is truly the Messiah but he wants us to let go of expectations of him and his Kingdom that are more about earthly power; rather than God's mysterious and gracious ways.   

Us humans must really try the patience of God.   Here come The Messiah and some people say to him…. "you aren't doing and saying what WE expected the Messiah to do and say…..  so we are not sure if you fit the bill……."…..  Our Lord, with infinite patience and grace, replies, (in effect), to all who hesitate…  "I am indeed the messiah… now let me show you who the messiah is and what he does.  Let ME show you just what the Kingdom of God and its values are really like…. Put aside your pre-suppositions about how you think things SHOULD be, and see how they really are…..

(Sadly, many who had spent their lives and careers building their world according to their own self-serving vision, were not prepared to receive this challenging shift towards God's ways of seeing and acting….)… To his credit, John the Baptist and countless followers of the Lord after him did indeed open their minds and hearts to Christ's message. Of course, if God wants to save us by Mercy and Grace, instead of by Judgement and vengeance; so be it!  Who are we to question Christ? Surely God knows best.

The qualities of the disciple of Christ are the qualities of God's Kingdom…    which must be about giving justice to those who are burdened, compassion to those in need, and helping the poor and needy in real and practical ways. The Kingdom is about sheltering and including the stranger, the outsider,  and showing real mercy, patience,  respect,  and care….… Showing true care, compassion and active assistance. 

All who follow Christ are urged to be patient, diligent and open. In the mean-time, we are to live and practise the values of God's kingdom…   Patience, reverence, hope, service, and harmony -  avoiding complaining about one-another; not getting caught up in factions and rivalries and disputes...

Waiting and working for the coming of the Lord who comes to save us.

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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

Gutiérrez, G. and Dees, C. (1997). Sharing the Word through the liturgical year. 1st ed. Maryknoll: Orbis Books.

Pilch, J. (1995). The Cultural World of Jesus. SUNDAY BY SUNDAY, CYCLE A. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press.

Image Credit: Renata Sedmakova. Shutterstock licensed. stock photo ID: 231054742. SEVILLE, SPAIN - OCTOBER 29, 2014: The carved polychrome relief of St. John the Baptist in prison from church Iglesia de la Anunciacion by Martinez Montanes from 18. cent.

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References:

Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: 1568131969. Brussels, Belgium. 2017/10/27. Icon of Saint John the Forerunner (the Baptist, "Angel of the Desert"). Orthodox Chapel at the Brussels Zaventem Airport.Editorial Use Only.

Photo Contributor: Adam Jan Figel.


3rd Sunday of Advent - A  (Sunday, December 11, 2022) (EPISODE- 395)

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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{{Thank you for giving generously of your time and prayer.}}

My brothers and sisters, trusting in God's mercy and love, let us call to mind our sins.
Lord Jesus, you healed the sick: Lord, have mercy//Lord Jesus, you forgave sinners: Christ, have mercy//Lord Jesus, you give us yourself to heal us and bring us strength: Lord, have mercy.
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.  Amen.
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Ps 146:6c-7, 8-9a, 9b-10. "Lord, come and save us"

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Isa 61:1 (cited in Lk 4:18)). Alleluia, alleluia! The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he sent me to bring the Good news to the poor. Alleluia!
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: Advent II
Eucharistic Prayer II

(theme variation:  3)

(welcome cycle-   (welcome 6) Good evening/morning. Welcome to this Eucharist as we celebrate the NNN Sunday in SSSSSS. For all who are celebrating special events at this time, may God's blessing and care be deeply experienced for you and your families. 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-short)
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{Thank you for giving generously of your time and prayer.}

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

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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

 

"O Come. Lord. (Advent) HYMN" - In Memory of Paolo Mario (Paul) Giacomantonio (1968-2020).

By Paul W. Kelly.  Based on the Ancient church "O Antiphons" of Advent. 

Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics, By Stefan Kelk, 2020.

 

Quiet reflection music and hymn - Original musical composition by William John kelly (1942-2017)

Lyrics based on the Song of Praise by the Three Young Men, The Book of Daniel 3:24-9. By  Paul kelly.

Arranged and sung, and with adapted lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2021

 

 [ Production - KER - 2022]

 

May God bless and keep you.

 

Extra Text : unspoken for Advent: -

             Roman Missal, 3rd edition, 2010, (ICEL)

            

             Scriptures - New Revised Standard Version: © 1989, and 2009 by the NCC-USA. 

            

             "The Psalms" by The Grail - 1963, 2009.

            

             Prayers of the Faithful - Robert Borg "Together we pray" - (1993) .+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++