(weekday Solemnity) of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. (Year A)

The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. (Year A)

Sacred Heart 

First READING. Deuteronomy 7:6-11

RESPONSORIAL PSALM. Ps 103:1-2, 3-4,8,10. R. The Lord's kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.

SECOND READING.  1 John 4:7-16

ALLELUIA.  Matt 11:29ab. Alleluia, alleluia! Take my yoke upon you; learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart. Alleluia! (Mt 11:29)

GOSPEL   Matthew 11:25-30
 
Image: Photo. Sacre Coeur, Paris, France. By Stephanie LeBlanc on Unsplash.

Please listen to the audio recordings of the readings, prayers, and reflections for the Sacred Heart - by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/weekday-faith-hope-and-love-the-solemnity-of-the-sacred-heart-of-jesus-year-a-2023

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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.
{{May Our Lord's gift of hope encourage you. On this special (Solemnity of the) Sacred Heart of Jesus. who can fathom the endless depths of God's love for us… Our Lord's Sacred Heart burns with compassion and mercy for the world.}}
 
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, YOUR SACRED HEART DESIRES TO RESCUE OUR SOULS FROM DEATH AND KEEP US ALIVE IN FAMINE. LORD HAVE MERCY.

·        YOUR SACRED HEART, WOUNDED FOR OUR SINS, OVERFLOWS WITH COMPASSION FOR US. CHRIST HAVE MERCY.

·       THE DESIGNS OF YOUR HEART STAND FIRM FROM AGE TO AGE.  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:  Of the Most sacred heart
Euch .Prayer: I

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{ thanks everyone for this time of prayer and reflection - .}
Dismissal:
*(special for feast): ….
 or: Go in peace.(glorifying the Lord by your life)
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Prologue: The devotion to the Sacred Heart is one of the most widely practiced and well known Catholic devotions, taking Jesus Christ's physical heart as the representation of his divine love for humanity, a love that flows out from an endless source...  and which suffered for us, to save us... 
 
 
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HOMILY:
Devotion to the sacred heart was part of the spirituality of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (twelfth century), and Saint Bonaventure, and St. Gertrude the Great (thirteenth c).

 

The beginnings of a devotion toward the love of God as symbolized by the heart of Jesus are found even in the fathers of the Church, including Origen, SaintS Ambrose, Jerome, Augustine, Hippolytus, Irenaeus, AND Justin Martyr. Also, Saint Cyprian, used John 7:37-39 ("Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me), as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them" and John 19:33-37. (one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water),

And also, the devotion of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque:

This feast is also a time of prayer for the sanctification of Priests, to more closely follow the heart of Jesus
 
devotion to the Sacred Heart went a long way in breaking down the resistance of the Jansenists, who saw God as a vindictive judge and were reluctant to receive Communion more than once a year.
 
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"The Sacred Heart is an inexhaustible fountain and its sole desire is to pour itself out into the hearts of the humble so as to free them and prepare them to lead lives according to his good pleasure." In other words, the purpose of devotion to the Sacred Heart is to renew the effects of redemption in our souls,
 
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St. Margaret Mary in the Office of Readings: "This divine heart is an immeasurable depth of all blessings, and into it the poor should submerge all their needs.
 
It is an bottomless extent of joy in which all of us can immerse our sorrows. It is an endless depth of lowliness to counteract our foolishness, an eternal wellspring of love to meet our every need."
 
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Second Reading
 
A letter by St Margaret Mary Alacoque
 
We must know the love of Christ which surpasses all knowledge
 
From this divine heart three streams flow endlessly. The first is the stream of mercy for sinners; it pours into their hearts sentiments of contrition and repentance. The second is the stream of charity which helps all in need and especially aids those seeking perfection to find the means of surmounting their difficulties. From the third stream flow love and light for the benefit of his friends who have attained perfection; these he wishes to unite to himself so that they may share his knowledge and commandments and, in their individual ways, devote themselves wholly to advancing his glory.
 
But above all preserve peace of heart. This is more valuable than any treasure. In order to preserve it there is nothing more useful than renouncing your own will and substituting for it the will of the divine heart. In this way his will can carry out for us whatever contributes to his glory, and we will be happy to be his subjects and to trust entirely in him.
 
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St Bonaventure
 
With you is the source of life
 
 the soldiers  opened his sacred side with a spear, so that blood with water might flow out to pay the price of our salvation. This blood, which flowed from its source in the secret recesses of his heart, gave the sacraments of the Church power to confer the life of grace, and for those who already live in Christ was a draught of living water welling up to eternal life.
 
Arise, then, bride of Christ, .......... place your lips there to draw water from the wells of your Saviour. For this is the spring flowing from the middle of paradise; it divides and becomes four rivers, then spreads through all devout hearts, and waters the whole world and makes it fruitful.
 
O soul devoted to God, whoever you may be, run to this source of life and light with eager longing. And with the power of your inmost heart cry out to him: 'O indescribable beauty of God most high! O pure radiance of everlasting light! O life that gives life to all life! O light that illuminates every light, ......   ..........
 
'O water eternal and inaccessible, clear and sweet, flowing from the spring that is hidden from the eyes of all mortal men; the spring whose depths cannot be plumbed, whose height cannot be measured, whose shores cannot be charted, whose purity cannot be muddied.'
 
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References:

Fr Paul W. Kelly

 

Wikipedia  - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feast_of_the_Sacred_Heart

 

Image: Photo. Sacre Coeur, Paris, France. By Stephanie LeBlanc on Unsplash.

 

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

- "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 - 2023]

May God bless and keep you.

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. (Corpus Christi). Year A - Sunday, June 11, 2023 (EPISODE- 424)

Readings for Sunday, June 11, 2023 - The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. (Corpus Christi). Year A
FIRST READING: Deut 8:2-3, 14b-16a
Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20. "Praise the Lord, Jerusalem!"
SECOND READING: 1 Cor 10:16-17
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 6:51-52). Alleluia, alleluia! I am the living Bread from heaven, says the Lord. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.
GOSPEL: John 6:51-58

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: Stock Illustration ID: 628109324 - - Modern abstract Eucharist -Sacrament with grapes and wheat on a square abstract background. Digital illustration made without reference image. Important information. Release information: Signed property release on file with Shutterstock, Inc. Illustration Formats. Illustration Contributor: Thoom

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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers, and homily), for The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. (Corpus Christi). Year A - Sunday, June 11, 2023, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-the-body-and-blood-of-christ-corpus-christi-year-a-ep-424/s-IDWK11Z1Xpw  (EPISODE- 424)

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"Hungry hearts are all around us. Those mourning the loss of a loved one, those in need of a job, people desperate for solid advice, people unable to curb an addiction, those who are angry and bitter, people who feel unforgiven or unforgiving, …. Those in poor health or people worried about finances, or unhappy in a relationship, … and people who are unsure of their commitments, or being too hard on themselves, … and people who are afraid of the world around them, …….The list goes on and on. These are the people Jesus offers to feed—-- Jesus offers us himself –real food for our lifelong journey….. and he offers us his word and his vision of the Kingdom… a real nourishment for the values that will completely transform us and satisfy us…. He promises to be with us in the ups and downs of life – he who is with us… our faithful and loving God.

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I remember my First Holy Communion, way back in 1976 now 47 years ago. I cannot believe it. It feels like yesterday; those beautiful memories remain with me; they remain with all of us many years later.

 I recall, after receiving my First Holy Communion, that I wanted to stay good forever; never do anything wrong again.

I'm pretty sure I didn't manage to stay perfectly good, but I kept on trying, and still keep trying with the help of weekly communion, and prayer, and the example of family, friends, and parishioners around us, and Jesus' beautiful gospel.

We all know that these days we are very aware that the things we focus our Time &Energy on; the things read; the things we watch, and the kinds of food we eat all make a big difference in forming our overall health of body and mind. It is the same with our faith. (The things we decide not to spend our time and energy on also help us focus on what's best for us too).

There is a common saying, "you are what you eat!"
This is indeed an interesting concept. It also reminds us that what we take in: Food, Entertainment, conversations, (and the type of these things), forms us!
If we were to eat only junk food all the time, instead of having it as "occasional food," we would become unhealthy and not receive the proper nutrition. This is the same in our spiritual life. When we take in wholesome things like the Word of God in the scriptures. When we receive the Body and Blood of Christ in communion. When we hear and receive the teachings of the church. In addition, when we read the lives of the saints, and listen to the wisdom of fellow Christians whom we respect and admire; we are taking into ourselves truly satisfying and healthy, and delightful nourishment.

 

Jesus wants to feed us with all the good values in life and so indeed we do listen to his word in the bible and we receive Jesus, truly receive him into our hearts, every time we receive Holy Communion. Moreover, we live daily our Lord's words, by putting our Time &Energy into the wholesome, helpful, and loving works of the gospel.

I was like to say to our First Holy Communion classes, (and we have just had these children receive their first communion here in this parish. People throughout the world will be receiving their first communion around this time as they receive Jesus in communion for the first time). I like to tell our first communicants this truth: What we receive in First Holy Communion is a priceless and beautiful moment. There is only one thing better than one's First Holy Communion, and that's your Second Holy Communion, and the only thing better than second Holy Communion, is the third Holy Communion and Fourth and so on, weekly. It sets up a pattern of communion with Christ in our daily lives.

Communion in the body and blood of Christ connects us forever to God and to our loved ones.

Every time we celebrate Eucharist; every time we received the Body and Blood of Christ, we are united - brought into communion - connected in an unbreakable bond with God who comes and makes a home in our hearts. Through our communion in Jesus, we are united, (spiritually in communion) with our loved ones and friends, and fellow Christians.

We are even connected to our departed loved ones – truly united with them, who are all very much part of this communion of believers in-and-through Christ. Our departed loved ones are still alive in Christ forever which is beautifully reassuring. We are never closer to a departed fellow family member and with other Christians and people of goodwill, than when we are receiving Jesus in the Eucharist.

Today, we celebrate Jesus who makes his home in us through this sacrament of his body and blood. He is truly present to us. This gift is truly priceless and each time we receive communion; may we always be powerfully impressed with this reality. May we cherish this always.

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References:

Fr Paul W. Kelly

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: Stock Illustration ID: 628109324 - - Modern abstract Eucharist -Sacrament with grapes and wheat on a square abstract background. Digital illustration made without reference image. Important information. Release information: Signed property release on file with Shutterstock, Inc. Illustration Formats. Illustration Contributor: Thoom


The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. (Corpus Christi). Year A (Sunday, June 11, 2023) (EPISODE- 424)


Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
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{{How are you today as we gather - To take time to reflect upon the meaning of God's word for our everyday lives.}}

Brothers and sisters, as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the Lord's supper, let us recall our sins and acknowledge them in silence.
Lord Jesus, you came to gather the nations into the peace of God's kingdom: Lord, have mercy// You come in word and in sacrament to strengthen us and make us holy: Christ, have mercy//You will come again in glory with salvation for your people: 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 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20. "Praise the Lord, Jerusalem!"

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (John 6:51-52). Alleluia, alleluia! I am the living Bread from heaven, says the Lord. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.
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 or II of the Most Holy Eucharist
Euch prayer two

(theme variation: 1)

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

 

{How are you today as we gather - To take time to reflect upon the meaning of God's word for our everyday lives.)

 

(pre+post variation: v1-long)
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{I am very grateful for you joining us for this special time of prayer and reflection.}

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 the weekly mass/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 (https://eepurl.com/hpETjf)

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

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

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

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

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

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

- "Faith, Hope and Love" theme hymn - in memory of William John Kelly - Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

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

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

Sound Engineering and editing - P.W. Kelly.

Microphones: - Shure MV5 Digital Condenser (USB)

Editing equipment:

NCH software - MixPad Masters v10.27. Multitrack Studio Recording Software
NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 17.42

Sound Processing: iZotope RX 6 Audio Editor v.6.10.4320

[Production - KER - 2023]
May God bless and keep you.
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The SOLEMNITY OF THE Most Holy Trinity. Year A - Sunday, June 4, 2023 (EPISODE-423 )

Readings for Sunday, June 4, 2023 - The Most Holy Trinity. Year A
FIRST READING: Exod 34:4b-6, 8-9
Dan 3:52, 53, 54, 55  "Glory and praise forever!"
SECOND READING: 2 Cor 13:11-13
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Rev 1:8). Alleluia, alleluia! Glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. To God who is, who was, and who is to come.
GOSPEL: John 3:16-18

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: Stock Photo ID: 467095817   - Troitsky Cathedral, Saint Petersburg, Russia-circa July, 2016: holy icon.  Important information: Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Antracit

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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers, and homily), for The Most Holy Trinity. Year A - Sunday, June 4, 2023, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-the-most-holy-trinity-year-a-ep-423/s-NJ88xbaIkbS  (EPISODE-423 )
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THIS WEEKEND'S GOSPEL -  The Communion of the Most Holy Trinity 

The celebration of God as Trinity also reveals to us the true nature of God and shows us what is in the heart of the One who is at the centre of the universe. That nature of our God is a perfect community of persons with one divine nature - and within this union is - communion, sharing, harmony, and above all, LOVE.   

If we look at what Jesus did not hunger for, it is very revealing. He did not hunger for money. He warned us to be very wary of its hollow charms. He did not hunger for popularity. In fact, a thief and a murderer (namely Barabbas) revoltingly won the popularity contest.  The TRUE thirsting and hunger of Jesus is this::- He longed to share with others. He thirsted for others' faith and participation. He longed to protect and comfort the poor and the struggling. He could hardly wait to usher in the Kingdom of peace, mercy, grace, and inclusion. To invite us into the inner life of God, who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - The Three in One! 

It breaks your heart, doesn't it…Seeing so many people throughout the world clearly searching for something that will truly satisfy their longings…. And yet… they go down paths that seem life-giving.. Seem attractive… but ultimately prove to be dead-ends and unsatisfying…… but does it stop us…. No…. we can tend to keep rushing down the path of the next attractive glittering possibility…. Whether it be the pursuit of money as the supposed solution to everything….., power, influence, or celebrity, ….. so many things in this world and this society cry out for our attention and invite us to get enmeshed in them…… May the Spirit of truth guide us as we discern, through the light of Jesus' words and actions, just what are the lifegiving treasures to put all our heart and soul into…

When we look at our local parish community…..  We are heartened……. In so many ways, people have asked themselves, "Now that I am following Jesus, what shall I DO in practical ways.... to make a difference......" - God has answered our prayers in many very satisfying ways that bring grace and benefit and service to so many.. people have joined the St Vincent de Paul Society, and done wonderful work and practical actions to make a difference in the lives of people in need. Others have joined the Surfers Paradise catholic ladies… and shared in the community, combining prayer, friendship and good works to help others…..….   Others have joined Rosies,...  street ministry……to reach out to our brothers and sisters who are living on the streets and in need…..   and many other ministries in the parish and in the wider community too. 

A  wonderful variety of ministries and activities of the parish's mission ... the list is wonderfully long. There is so much to do, and God is calling each one of us in our own local sphere of influence to be united and in communion with each other in a spirit of cooperation, practical assistance, and spiritual support.  

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REFERENCES: 

FR. PAUL W. KELLY

Image Credit- Shutterstock Licensed. Stock Photo ID: Stock Photo ID: 467095817   - Troitsky Cathedral, Saint Petersburg, Russia-circa July, 2016: holy icon.  Important information: Editorial Use Only. Photo Contributor: Antracit

To listen to the Sunday Mass each week (including homily) from Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish, please visit this link: Liturgy for you at Home (by SPCP) -  https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks 
 Also found at -   https://tinyurl.com/FHLpwk 

The Most Holy Trinity. Year A (Sunday, June 4, 2023) (EPISODE- 423)

The Lord be with you.
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{{Shalom (peace) as we gather - To offer or praise, prayers and intercessions to God.}}

As one family in Christ, let us prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries by calling to mind our sins.
You were sent to heal the contrite of heart. Lord, have mercy.// You came to call sinners:Christ, have mercy. //You are seated at the right hand of the Father to intercede for us: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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Dan 3:52, 53, 54, 55 (diff). "Glory and praise forever!"

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Rev 1:8). Alleluia, alleluia! Glory to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. To God who is, who was, and who is to come.
Memorial Acclamation
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
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PREFACE: Mystery of the Most Holy Trinity
Euch prayer two

(theme variation: 4)

The Lord be with you.

{Shalom (peace) as we gather - To offer or praise, prayers and intercessions to God.)

(pre+post variation: v2-long)
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{I gratefully acknoweldge and give thanks to God for your prayers at this time of prayer and reflection upon our God.}

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 the weekly mass/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  (https://eepurl.com/hpETjf)

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

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

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

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

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

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

- "Faith, Hope and Love" theme hymn - in memory of William John Kelly - Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

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

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

Sound Engineering and editing - P.W. Kelly.

Microphones: - Shure MV5 Digital Condenser (USB)

Editing equipment:
NCH software - MixPad Masters v10.27. Multitrack Studio Recording Software
NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 17.42

Sound Processing: iZotope RX 6 Audio Editor v.6.10.4320

[Production - KER - 2023]
May God bless and keep you.
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(weekday) The Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Wednesday 31st May 2023)

The Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (weekday)

(Wednesday 31st May 2023)

Mass of the Feast, Preface of the Blessed Virgin Mary II

Readings:  
Zeph 3:14-18: The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst.

(or  Rom 12:9-16: Contribute to the needs of God's people, and practise hospitality).

"Psalm:" Is 12:2-6: R. Among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary, for your firm believing, that the promises of the Lord would be fulfilled. Alleluia! (Cf Lk 1:45)

Lk 1:39-56: Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord?

Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. By clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-feast-of-the-visitation-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary-master/s-eVPXxkyUmqu  

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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.
{{Kindness and grace to you all}}

On this special (feast of) the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth.

As one family in Christ, let us prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries by calling to mind our sins.

 

·        Lord Jesus, you humble the proud and exalt the humble. Lord have mercy.

·        You fill the hungry with good things. The self-sufficient you send away empty. Christ have mercy.

·       Your mercy reaches from age to age for those who revere you. Lord have mercy.

May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

 

GLORIA
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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 II of the Blessed Virgin Mary.  
Euch.Prayer:  II

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Dismissal:
Go, AND ANNOUNCE THE Gospel of the lord. .
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Prologue:

This feast celebrates the Virgin Mary's visit to her cousin Elizabeth, as told in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:39-56), and her example of faith in God's word and sensitivity to the Spirit. It was introduced into the Franciscan calendar by Saint Bonaventure (15 July) in the thirteenth century and was extended in 1389 to the entire Latin Church to heal the divisions in the Western Church of the time.

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"Yes, truly blessed is she who believed that the promise made to her by the Lord would be fulfilled" – And blessed are we when we hope and trust and believe that the lord will be faithful to us and fulfil the promises made to us.

 

"Mary and Elizabeth meet and an unspoken bond is formed,

Born of their shared condition – they each are expecting a baby.

They know that they cannot face this alone,

and they also know that God has no intention of letting them face this alone.

God is with them.

This "yes" from these ladies, will need an ongoing commitment, care, time, and the grace of God! 

They KNOW that they are God's partners in bringing to birth, hope and life !! "(A) 

 

This truly beautiful gospel passage today illustrates the importance of giving thanks and of explicitly naming our blessings.   

 

 

The Blessed Virgin Mary, and Saint Elizabeth are both wonderful examples of faithful discipleship. They notice the graciousness of God happening all around them and within them. They both  delight inpraising God, and in thanksgiving, and make a deliberate decision (and choice) to name the blessings of God and to give voice to the presence of God - It is a truly inspiring moment. A moment of true and abiding praise and thanksgiving.

 

The other thing that strikes me about this well-known passage of Scripture is the importance of family, including extended family (our family of faith, our parish, our friends, our colleagues, our neighbours, and our wider community). 

 

The Virgin Mary must have been daunted and filled with awe, by what she knew was happening to her. Not everyone would understand what God was doing in her life // and not everyone would be happy. Certainly, not everyone would have goodwill towards her and assume that the Holy Spirit was at work in this extraordinary event.  

 

Mary went to visit Elizabeth. Together, they meet in great joy and affection, and gain enormous support from each other. How very important is the support and encouragement we give to one another in times of joy and also times of trial.

 

Who are some of the people we need to give thanks for?

Let us recall in our hearts the acts of kindness and love. Neighbourliness and fraternity….. that so many people have shown us daily.

Who are the people through whom we have experienced Christ's graced presence, love, compassion, mercy and grace? Let us remember and give thanks for these people and these blessings in our hearts, minds, and show this gratitude in all our words and actions.

 

Let us seek out people like Elizabeth, who have grateful, remembering hearts; and who focus on the positives and show us the world in its goodness for us to build our lives upon. people who do not dwell on negatives, and who do not get us more and more upset and downcast by focusing on all that is wrong. .

 

Let us be attentive to the ways in which God is present to us, especially God's abiding presence and action, in the people with whom we socialize, work and live. 

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HOMILY:

The arduous journey to visit and care for her cousin Elizabeth

Blessed Virgin Mary,  and Saint Elizabeth. Pray for us.
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly

(A)  Alice Camille, 2009:  A Book of Grace-filled Days).

Image Credit: 

 

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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 the 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).

Hymn – "Rainfall – Mother of  Mercy." Music by Paul W. Kelly. 1994, 2021. Words adapted by Paul W. 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/

 

Magnificat (Praise and sing to God)- (July 2021) -Music by Paul W. Kelly. (1985, 2010, 2021), Lyrics inspired by Magnificat (Luke 1:46–55). Music arranged, with adapted lyrics by Stefan de Freyne Kelk. [https://www.airgigs.com/user/stefankelk ] July 1, 2021.

[ Production - KER - 2023]

May God bless and keep you.