Ash Wednesday MASS - March 5th 2025. Weekday Solemnity-

Ash Wednesday MASS  - March 5^th 2025.    Weekday Solemnity-  

Readings for Ash Wednesday Mass -
First Reading: Joel 2:12-18
Psalm: Ps 50:3-6. 12-14. 17. "Be Merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned."
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:20 - 6:2
Gospel Acclamation: cf Ps 94:8  "Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless glory! If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, king of endless glory!"
Gospel: Matthew 6:1-6. 16-18
Homily
Blessing and Distribution of Ashes
       Distribution of Ashes
      Prayer of the Faithful
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To listen to the audio recording of the readings, prayers and reflections for Ash Wednesday, please click this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/fhl-ash-wednesday-2025-weekday-solemnity/s-YuLarEjLeuF  

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Prologue - Welcome as we gather to mark the beginning of the season of Lent…   40 days of prayer, penance and self-denial (reminding us of Our Lord's forty days in the wilderness), and to prepare us for the renewal and new life celebrated in the Easter season. –

Ashes, a symbol of destruction, death, and desolation, are an ancient Judeo-Christian symbol of our journey from death to new life…. 

We use the ashes from old burnt palm branches that were used in the Palm Sunday Masses last year. 
When we think about Lent, we generally think of giving something up - a kind of 'dying' to self. But the readings for this day suggest that Lent is about beginnings: coming to new life, deepening our relationship with God and others, and transforming who we are and how we live. (2)
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Homily: (2025) Fr Paul.

We gather reverently today to reflect on the significance of Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season we've now begun. While Ash Wednesday is neither a Sunday nor a holy day of obligation, it draws crowds in churches across Australia and the globe.

 

Why is this day so profoundly meaningful, even for those who may not identify as Catholic? I believe it's because we all share a deep yearning to be marked by ashes, a powerful symbol of repentance, new beginnings and our genuine need for God's boundless love, grace and mercy.

 

The ashes we receive are made from last year's palm leaves, remnants of Palm Sunday. This transformation from bright, vibrant palms to lifeless ash serves as a poignant metaphor for our own journey. We begin Lent with a sign of death, reminding us that through this death we can embark on a path towards new life in Christ.

 

When we think of Lent, we often focus on the idea of giving something up. This act symbolises a dying to oneself. However, today's readings remind us that merely giving up something cannot be the ultimate goal.

 

Lent is not just an end, it's about new beginnings, allowing God to help us to come to new life, to deepen our relationships with God and one another, and to transform who we are and how we live. So why we engage in Lenten practices such as almsgiving, prayer and fasting, it's not for the fleeting recognition of others, but for the lasting reward of God's transformative grace. Our acts of penance are an invitation to return to God with our whole heart, leading to deeper connections with him and with one another.

 

An anonymous writer beautifully captures this sentiment. Let today be the end of who we have been and the beginning of what God has called us to become. This is a wonderful call to embrace the transformative power of this season.

 

Pope Francis offers practical suggestions for our Lenten journey. He reminds us that it's never too late to give something up, and we can even change our fasting intentions as needed. He encourages us to enter into a different and surprising kind of fasting and abstinence.

 

He suggests we fast from negative words, and embrace kindness instead, to let go of sadness and cultivate gratitude, and also to replace anger with patience. These acts of fasting are not merely about self-denial, but about nurturing a heart that reflects God's love. I reflect on my own pilgrimage experience to the Holy Land several years ago, in a time sadly that was much more stable and peaceful than today, and it wrenches tears and tears our hearts to say that.

 

In Jordan, the country right next to Israel, I recall the profound moment at the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized. Following this moment of divine affirmation, Jesus was then led immediately into the wilderness for 40 days. This tells us that the love and favor of our Heavenly Father sustains us, freeing us from the need for earthly validation.

 

In the wilderness, Jesus deepened his connection to his Heavenly Father, rejecting everything and anything that was not aligned with his Father's will. Lent invites us to engage in acts of love, kindness, and practical charity and mercy, without expecting a return. It's about creating a pattern of living that extends beyond these 40 days, fostering habits that draw us nearer to God and to one another.

 

Pope Francis reminds us that during Lent we should seek to simplify our lives, shedding the burdens that weigh us down. He emphasizes that the ashes we receive are a reminder of life's passing nature. Earthly possessions fade away, but our spirit, our connection to God, remains eternal.

 

As we enter this sacred season, let's ask ourselves, am I living for the fleeting dust of this world, or for the enduring fire of God's love, now and in the next life? May this Lenten time be a wonderful season of renewal, inviting us to deepen our relationship with God, and so to reflect his love in our daily lives.

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References:

Fr Paul W. Kelly

 

https://catholicherald.co.uk/news/2019/03/07/lenten-fasting-is-a-wake-up-call-for-the-soul-pope-says/

 

+ Quotes from the commentary section in :  "Liturgia" © Copyright Liturgy Brisbane 2020.

 

Pope Francis on giving up for Lent,,...  similar in theme to this message:   https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2019/03/give-up-gossiping-for-lent-pope-suggests/

 

https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/gwUmPCWUIm0GspDlENmW/first-century-palestine-a-faithful-godfearer-closes-the-door-to-his-private-room-and-prays-secretly-?ru=Paul-Evangelion
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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 God's Spirit of Wisdom and Awe abide in you.}}

(no penitential rite, as the ashes – given later – are the penitential act on this day).
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After the Homily - 
(as placed on the forehead.. the minister says: - ):  
"Repent, and believe in the Gospel."
Or alternatively:
"Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return."
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Memorial Acclamation
Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection, you have set us free.
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Preface: Lent III
Eucharist Prayer II
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{my heartfelt thanks for your participation in this time of reflection, prayer and praise.}
Dismissal:

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
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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).

-Lenten Hymn: "Have Mercy," inspired by Psalm 50(51). Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2020

 [ Production - KER - 2025]
May God bless and keep you.

 

Eighth Sunday Ordinary Time Year C. Sunday, 2 March 2025 (episode 520)

Eighth Sunday Ordinary Time Year C. Sunday, 2 March 2025

https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/810aYROTZ592gTkqetkl/the-cross-of-jesus-christ-is-a-tree-that-produces-good-fruit-and-eternal-fruits?ru=Paul-Evangelion

Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, 2 March 2025
(EPISODE: 520)
Readings for Sunday, 2 March 2025 - Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C
FIRST READING: Sirach 27:4-7
Psalm 91: 2-3, 13-16. "Lord, it is good to give thanks to you"
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 15:54-58
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Philippians 2:15d+16a). Alleluia, alleluia! Shine on the world like bright stars; you are offering it the word of life. Alleluia!
GOSPEL: Luke 6:39-45
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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, 2 March 2025, by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-eighth/s-plidqME3aPS  (EPISODE: 520)
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*Prologue (Fr Paul Kelly)
A Seventeenth-Century French writer with quite an unpronounceable name has some very interesting quotes that fit with this weekend's readings........ 
 
"If we had no faults, we would not take so much pleasure in noticing those of others."
 
"(most) faults (are) more pardonable than the means by which one tries to hide them."
 
"We gain more by letting our real selves be seen than by pretending to be what we are not."   François VI, Duc de La Rochefoucauld, (1613 –1680)
 
Also,
Inspired by the gospel today, I have long felt that "unless one can say something out of love, (motivated by compassion and goodwill), any intended correction that we might be tempted to offer to another will miss the mark." That is to say, "if one cannot say something with love and compassion, don't say it at all."  And so, we have no right to criticize unless we ourselves are free of faults. Which simply means that we have no right to criticize. If we happen to be intent on fixing up faults and weaknesses, we would be much more productive by inviting Christ to pour his healing and challenging grace upon our own sins and omissions, rather than focusing first upon others. There is plenty to work on right within our own heart, mind and soul.
 
Jesus warned that no teacher can lead their students beyond the stage which they themselves have reached.  Our Lord is teaching us that he deeply desires that anyone who follows him, needs to become a true teacher by example first; that is, by being a very attentive and open-hearted student of Him and His ways.   He makes it clear that we cannot be true disciples unless our closeness to his teachings leads to us becoming more and more like him in thought, word, and action.  This is because Christ desires us to be teachers by example; modelling our lives and priorities on his.  This requires us to be really alert, attentive and be self-aware -   open enough and humble so as to notice and address the areas of spiritual blindness that we all can suffer from. Lest we foolishly try to lead people; only for both leader and follower to fall into a hole.
 
Speaking the words of Christ could very well have limited effect if our everyday actions and attitudes contradict them and drown them out.  The loudest, most effective message we send is most often by the unspoken eloquence of our actions and priorities.
 
And surely, the best way to show the truth and primacy of Christianity is to show by our lives that actively following in the footsteps of Jesus, produces outstanding men and women. - compassionate, reverent, generous, loving, gentle, just, inclusive and merciful.
 
The fruits and results of our lives and what we say and where we spend most of our time and energy is a powerful revelation of where our heart truly lies...   Our Lord so wisely pointed out that nothing speaks louder about the truth of a person than what they do and say in unguarded moments.  " few things show the state of a person's heart better than the words SPOKEN, when talking freely, unguardedly, and saying the first things that come into ones' head."
 
When our hearts are very close to Our Lord's, the unguarded and surprising moments in life will still lead to a pouring forth of the fruits of the spirit, lying so close to the surface….love, joy, peace, patience, self-control, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness.
 
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References:

Homily by Fr Paul W. Kelly

Barclay, W. (1975). The Gospel of Luke. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: St. Andrew Press;

Link, Mark J. 1994. Action 2000 Praying Scripture In A Contemporary Way. Year C. Allen, Tex.: Tabor Pub;

François VI, Duc de La Rochefoucauld, (1613 –1680).   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fran%C3%A7ois_de_La_Rochefoucauld_(write)  ).

Image: https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/810aYROTZ592gTkqetkl/the-cross-of-jesus-christ-is-a-tree-that-produces-good-fruit-and-eternal-fruits?ru=Paul-Evangelion




Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C 

(Sunday, 2 March 2025)  (EPISODE:  520)
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
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{{May Our Lord's care, comfort you}}

Brothers and sisters, as we prepare ourselves to celebrate the Lord,s supper, let us recall our sins and acknowledge them in silence.
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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Psalm 91: 2-3, 13-16. "Lord, it is good to give thanks to you"

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Philippians 2:15d+16a). Alleluia, alleluia! Shine on the world like bright stars; you are offering it the word of life. Alleluia!

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 II
Eucharistic Prayer II
Communion side.  pwk:  LH
(theme variation: v2 )
(pre+post variation: v1-short)
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{I gratefully acknowledge and give thanks to God for your prayers at this time of prayer and reflection upon our God.}

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

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: -      RODE-NT-USB-mini

Editing equipment:    NCH software - MixPad Multitrack Studio Recording Software
NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 12.44

Sound Processing:  iZotope RX 6 Audio Editor

[Production -  KER -  2025]
May God bless and keep you.
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Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, February 23, 2025 (EPISODE: 519)

 

Image Credit- https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/eBgM3jmS7MgqPFphIyM8/a-chain-in-a-broken-circle-broken-by-the-cross-of-christ-with-the-words-sin-and-mercy-on-either-side?ru=Paul-Evangelion 

 

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, February 23, 2025   (EPISODE: 519)

FIRST READING: 1 Samuel 26:2, 7-9, 12-13, 22-25 ++

Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8+10, 12-13. "the lord is kind and merciful"

SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 15:45-50 ++

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

GOSPEL: Luke 6:27-38

 

Image Credit- https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/eBgM3jmS7MgqPFphIyM8/a-chain-in-a-broken-circle-broken-by-the-cross-of-christ-with-the-words-sin-and-mercy-on-either-side?ru=Paul-Evangelion  

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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, February 23, 2025 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-seventh/s-9PqyoPAJ9bD   (EPISODE:519 )

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*Prologue (Fr Paul Kelly)

What does it mean for us to, (as St Paul says so wonderfully in the second reading), "bear the image of the one of Heaven?" Or, as another translation says: "be modelled on the Heavenly man, (Jesus)."

Surely it means, we open ourselves up to the Lord's grace, teaching and values and allow ourselves to be reshaped into an icon of Christ's grace, mercy, and compassion.   It means a deeper union with Christ – to the point of exercising our thinking, abilities, and powers in union with how Christ acts.

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The first reading is quite challenging. David has been persecuted, quite unjustly by King Saul. Saul is suffering terrible delusions, paranoia about David.

 

David has been nothing but loyal to him. War breaks out, but David and his army are given an extraordinary chance to kill Saul, but David refuses to do so. This is not the first time this will happen.

 

It's a striking lesson, just because we've been given the power to lift up and to cast down, and simply because we have it within our ability to kill or to heal, does not mean that we should use our freedom to destroy, to avenge or to harm. God has given us freedom, but it's freedom to do the loving actions that God wants us to do. David unites himself to God's patient, loving forbearance.

 

He does not lower himself to repay the wrongdoing of others with their same behavior. He does not return bad for bad, but rather he uses God's perfect antidote, returning love and kindness for wrongdoing, thus cancelling it out, rather than multiplying the harm. This is a radical and otherworldly solution, but clearly it is divine wisdom, and it's beautiful.

 

As David says so beautifully, today the Lord put you in my power, but I would not raise my hand against the Lord's anointed. In this instance, David used his ability to be modeled upon the values and actions of God's ways, and not human ways, and the results are refreshing, surprising and wonderful. Once, where it seemed only one solution to the problem of King Saul and David, was one would strike the other down.

 

Now there's a beautiful second option, reconciliation, rebuilding of understanding and trust. We're invited to give from God's gracious and compassionate love within, rather than to mirror or to give back what we receive from selfish, narrow actions from others. Our Lord confirms this heavenly mindset in the gospel.

 

He teaches us a very challenging message that goes against our basic instinct as a human. Do good to those who harm you. Pray for them.

 

Go further than the minimum. Don't repay bad for bad. The word love used by our Lord in this teaching is not the same as the word for family love, or love of friends, or a love of a spouse, but it's the love that wishes the best and only the good for another, irrespective of their actions.

 

Wanting for everyone that dignity and respect, that good that anyone deserves as a child of God, whether they themselves have acted in ways befitting of their status as children of God. Do this and you will be children of the Most High, for God himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be generous, not stingy or selfish.

 

Loving and compassionate, not gossiping and judging. Merciful, not vengeful and precious. The standards by which we will be judged is going to be the standard with which we treat others.

 

Are we tempted to be offended when someone slights us? Are we outraged when someone wrongs us? But then we look at our Lord. He deserved all honour, all obedience and service. At times each of us has offended the Lord, slighted him, in so many different ways.

 

We haven't given God his due. We've deliberately or carelessly chosen to do what is wrong. God would have been in his rights to become furious, to lash out, to punish, to cast us down.

 

But God does not. And thank goodness. So many times I thank God that we humans are not treated the way we would treat others if we were God, because the results would be disastrous and capricious.

 

Rather, our Lord is full of love, mercy and forbearance. Thanks be to God that the Lord does not choose to exercise his rights against us when we've wronged him time and time again, and sometimes almost what we would think is unforgivably. But God is the one who chooses to forgive.

 

If we truly model ourselves on the heavenly person, Jesus, and if we bear the image of the one of heaven, Christ, then we too must have the same attitudes and responses when we're offended, when we're slighted or wronged. How very different would the world be and our local communities be if this was the full reality, if this was practiced regularly by all. Otherwise, as Jesus points out, if our goodness and kindness go no further than our family and friends, those we already have goodwill with, then what difference is that from the pagans or the sinners? They're kind to their kin and friends themselves.

 

So Christ invites us to be fully immersed in his ways, not just dipping our toes into the waters of baptism, but plunging into God's mercy and overflowing love and patience. The golden rule in many ways is a universal rule, even in the secular society we live in. It's also found in other religions, Jewish, Greek, and even Confucian.

 

But in each of these traditions, it's framed negatively and in a limiting way, namely, don't do things to people that you wouldn't like people to do to you. But in Christ, this teaching goes further, and it's expressed in a wonderfully positive light. It's not creating a negative rule, it's creating a positive disposition.

 

That is, not merely refraining from doing what we would not want done to us, but also doing good things for others that we would want people to do for us. Christ's saying itself goes the extra mile. I just want to add another insight from someone who was commentating on these readings this weekend, especially the first reading.

 

The writer says, David is an anointed messiah, and he shows mercy by taking King Saul's sword and his water jug. The writer says, I cannot help seeing foreshadowed the cross, when the sword in the hands of another soldier pierces the side of the King, the son of David, Jesus, to give us the greatest mercy of all. The water and blood flow from Jesus' side in our baptism and in the Eucharist, feeding us until we too enter the deep sleep of the Lord.++++++++++++++++++

-To listen to the whole 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.   

((References: Fr Paul W. Kelly; Barclay, W. (1975). The Gospel of Luke. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: St. Andrew Press). 

(Image Credit: Shutterstock Licensed. 1828646321 Be merciful bible words with the sky over mountain background – Contributor: -Naitham)

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References:

 

 

Homily by Fr Paul W. Kelly

 

Barclay, W. (1975). The Gospel of Luke. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: St. Andrew Press

 

Image Credit: 

 

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C  (Sunday, February 23, 2025)  (EPISODE:  519)

The Lord be with you.

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{{May God's Spirit of Wisdom and understanding abide in you.}}

 

Our God's love and mercy knows no bounds, and so let us recall our sins so as to worthily celebrate this Holy Sacrifice.

(option two on the cards):

 

Have mercy on us, O Lord.

-          For we have sinned against you.

Show us, O Lord, your mercy.

-          And grant us your salvation.

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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Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8+10, 12-13. "the lord is kind and merciful"

 

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

 

Memorial Acclamation

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

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PREFACE: Sundays Ordinary I

Euch prayer two

 

(theme variation: v1/full )

(pre+post variation: v2-short)

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{heartfelt thanks to you all for uniting in prayer and reflectying 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 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).

 

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

 

Editing equipment:    NCH software - MixPad Multitrack Studio Recording Software

NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 12.44

 

Sound Processing:  iZotope RX 6 Audio Editor

 

[Production -  KER -  2025]

May God bless and keep you.

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Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C. Sunday, 16 February 2025

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C. Sunday, 16 February 2025

 

Image Credit- 

https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/cjeGDg5RRUMARSQ8MDf9/the-crowd-faces-jesus-jesus-preaches-in-a-level-place-near-the-sea-of-tyre-and-sidon-in-ancient-isra?ru=Paul-Evangelion

FIRST READING: Jer 17:5-8
Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4+6. "Happy are they who hope in the Lord."
SECOND READING: 1 Cor 15:12, 16-20
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 6:17, 20-26). Alleluia, alleluia! Rejoice and be glad. Your reward will be great in Heaven.
GOSPEL: Luke 6:17, 20-26

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Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, Sunday, 16 February 2025  by clicking this link here:  https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-sixth  
(EPISODE 518)
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* (Prologue:  Fr Paul Kelly)
God's beautiful and nourishing word is truly such a blessing and a joy to proclaim and to reflect upon each week. We are truly blessed to be (as the reading says beautifully this weekend) "like trees planted beside the flowing waters").
The poor tree planted beside the running stream is rich indeed! 
That  wonderful line in the readings for this weekend. "like a tree planted near flowing waters…. that thrusts its roots into the stream". 'when the heat comes. It feels no alarm. Its foliage stays green.'
is a truly beautiful and restful image.
 
It is what we all are called to become. People who are focused on God—. Brought into union with the Lord. Finding our centre, our balance, and focus in God. And drawing our life and meaning from The river of Life—. God is the source of all nourishment and refreshment. And staying focused. Knowing what is life-giving and what is a dead-end!!! And living in that knowledge. [fhl]
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This weekend, as we listen to God's word, ( as we plant ourselves too, beside the flowing and renewing water of God's word), The Gospel today says 'happy are those who are spiritually poor. And oppressed' and woe to those who are comfy and cozy. This version of the gospel spells out that God intends to turn earthly standards and values on their head. The poor, the oppressed, the needy; these are the first in God's values and concerns. So God is preparing us for a different way of thinking, in order to engage us in a different way of acting and living.
 
Sometimes modern listeners can miss some of the subtlety of Christ's message. For example, it does at first glance look like anyone who is well off or wealthy is coming in an enormous serve. But we have to remember that Luke's Gospel, (especially), was addressed to influential, wealthy and powerful people in the Gentile community. Luke is not collecting an orderly account of Christ's life and teaching, in order to bash powerful and influential people from here to kingdom come.

 

The whole gospel is an invitation to people, rich or poor, influential or powerless, to become willing members in the Kingdom, where values are reshaped and a new way of relating is formed. Luke is inviting the influential and powerful to have a new mind and heart.  Luke encourages his readers and listeners to use their influence, their position, and their good fortune to keep in mind their brothers and sisters, whom Christ loved so much, and spent his life and ministry helping.
 
There is another beautiful quote I stumbled across. "The one who loses wealth loses much. But the one who loses the spirit loses everything." It is good to adjust and re-calibrate our priorities, resources, and values; -  Keeping them connected to the source of lasting meanin; God. And God's offer of eternal life.
 
The source of all life, all meaning and all lasting value, Is God. 
 
All that is lasting: love, compassion, and connection with God and union with one another, as one family in Christ, these elements of that life-giving stream that sustains us and directs us, in good times and in bad.
 
I was reading a quote from a person who wrote down thoughts about their life, as they faced their final illness. This writer, by the name of Lee Atwater. Died at a very early age from a brain tumour. He was a man who had amassed enormous wealth and power and prestige in his short life. But admitted himself that he felt a deep inner restlessness. And a "poverty of spirit." He writes: "In my illness, I discovered insight into what was missing in society. And it was indeed missing in me too: A little heart; and a lot of brotherhood. We must speak to this 'spiritual vacuum' that lies at the heart of our society."
 
What are some of the dead-end roads we are tempted to drive down in our lives? What 'things' do we put our energy and time into that are not life-giving or lasting, in comparison with the eternal waters offered by Jesus?
 
Let us be aware, and prayerful, about the things that give us lasting life and satisfaction. And the things that sap our energy and leave us empty.
 
Jesus can show us how to put ourselves near the flowing waters. To renew and reconnect us to the true source of life. Christ himself! 
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References:

Homily –Fr Paul W. Kelly

Vision – PRAYING SCRIPTURE IN A CONTEMPORARY WAY. YEAR C. BY MARK LINK S.J;

A BOOK OF GRACE-FILLED DAYS. BY ALICE CAMILLE. 2010;

DAILY STUDY BIBLE. GOSPEL OF LUKE. (REVISED EDITION). BY WILLIAM BARCLAY

Image Credit: https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/cjeGDg5RRUMARSQ8MDf9/the-crowd-faces-jesus-jesus-preaches-in-a-level-place-near-the-sea-of-tyre-and-sidon-in-ancient-isra?ru=Paul-Evangelion

 

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C  (Sunday, Sunday, 16 February 2025)  (EPISODE 518)
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
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{{Hi everyone}} welcome everyone, we gather -  Ponder with reverence, God's word and sacrament. 

My brothers and sisters, we have gathered to celebrate the Holy Eucharist, - so let us pause and reflect upon our sins, so as to rejoice in Gods loving mercy. 
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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Memorial Acclamation
3. Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.
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PREFACE: Sundays V
EP II
(theme variation: 4 )
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{May God's love, strength, mercy and kindness guide you all this week. }

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- "Faith, Hope and Love" theme hymn - in memory of William John (Bill) Kelly (1942-2017) -  Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

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

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

Sound Engineering and editing -  P.W. Kelly.
Microphones: -  Shure Motiv MV5 Digital Condenser.

Editing equipment:    NCH software - MixPad Multitrack Studio Recording Software

NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 12.44

Sound Processing:  iZotope RX 6 Audio Editor

[ Production -  KER -  2025]

May God bless and keep you.
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Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, February 9, 2025 (EPISODE 517)

GOSPEL THIS WEEKEND

Homily: Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, 9 February 2025

Image Credit- https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/4OL8PI8XV9k1M8CqMnIt/jesus-calls-his-disciples-the-fishermen-james-john-and-simon-peter?ru=Paul-Evangelion 

 

 

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, February 9, 2025
(EPISODE 517)

Readings for Sunday, February 9, 2025

FIRST READING: Isa 6:1-2a, 3-8
Ps 138:1-2a, 2b-3, 4-5, 7c-8. "In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord."
SECOND READING: 1 Cor 15:1-11 or 15:3-8, 11
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 5:1-11). Alleluia, alleluia! Come follow me, says the Lord. And I will make you fishers of my people.
GOSPEL: Luke 5:1-11

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Please listen to the audio-recordings of the Mass – (Readings, prayers and homily), for Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C - Sunday, February 9, 2025  by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/faith-hope-and-love-fifth/s-ii23S51NbEg

(EPISODE 517)
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* (Prologue:  Fr Paul Kelly)
In the first reading, the Prophet Isaiah is called by God, but he looks at himself and says, "I am not worthy"…….and so, in response "God sends an angel to touch Isaiah's lips with a smoking-hot ember and tells him that God has now MADE him worthy… // It is God's judgement to deem him worthy of the task he is being assigned, and it is not for Isaiah second-guess his own usefulness to God.

So, it is not the place of (even) the great prophet Isaiah to tell God what he feels he might be worthy of or not worthy of.

And in any case, there is a lesson here. It is not all about our efforts and will-power, but rather it is primarily about God's grace.

The Prophet Isaiah learns this lesson in the first reading and similarly with Saint Peter in today's Gospel. [FHL]

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Thank goodness for the early disciples. We look up to these wonderful people. But, they are also revealed to be people with weaknesses, foibles, sinfulness, failure, and, (at times), a shocking lack of trust; and hesitancy of faith. And at other times they show fear, and sometimes even cowardice. Because of this list of flawed leaders, it reveals how good and wise God is; and how utterly dependent we ALL are, on God's grace. It is not so much about us, but about God!

Without God's grace, we can do nothing.

God makes use of the humble things we have to offer and transforms them according to God's good purposes.

Jesus is not ever saying to us that we should wallow in our sin, or use it as an excuse to stay stuck in our old ways. We know we should never say: 'this is as good as I can be….' // However, God also wants to remind us that our worthiness is not the issue, because actually- (as many great saints throughout history remind us by their own life-stories); none of us is worthy of ourselves. It is God who makes us worthy. We never earn God's love, it is freely given as a generous act of graciousness. None of us is worthy without God; except that we are all lovingly created by God and are made worthy of God's love by God's action. It is God who calls us. And it is God alone who knows what we are capable of. God calls us to fulfill our capabilities.

The difference between the saint and the sinner is not their worthiness before God, but their determination NOT to stay stuck in their weakness or their own wilfulness or limitations, but to put their trust and all their cooperation and openness into God's hands. We are then transformed into instruments of God's love and grace. Living, cooperating instruments in the hand of God, the perfect artist.

St Peter, Saint Paul, Isaiah, Jeremiah…… King David… Saul…. Moses……. the list goes on and on: Great people. People who did God's will. But, ALSO, these same people were at times, terribly weak and sinful. Who sinned. Sometimes they even betrayed their calling or resented or doubted it. But, nevertheless, it was God who called them. God knew them and what they truly could do, and held them to that. They trusted in God's wisdom, mercy and guidance, and of course, relied on God's grace.

Again we can reflect on our own experiences of weakness and forgiveness, both by the Lord and by others. Being forgiven is a humbling experience, but one that allows us, like Isaiah, to step forward and volunteer for the Lord's work.

All of us are invited to reflect on our own refusals, (big and small), where we at times declined to accept God and His power and His presence. God is not there to frighten us, nor to condemn us to be frozen into inaction by our limitations; but, rather, God loves us into being everything God wants for us.

Whenever we accept forgiveness for our weaknesses and failings and put our reliance and our cooperation into God's grace, then we are able to be given over to the work of the Lord.

As with Saint Peter, we can doubt many times and we can deny but eventually when we believe and trust, our lives can be transformed into a reflection of God's mercy, God's compassion and graciousness.

It would be ridiculous for a pencil to refuse to be taken into the hand of a great artist, claiming that it is not talented enough to draw a masterpiece. And it would also be crazy for a pencil to claim credit for the work that was wrought through its important use. Naturally, we know that we are not inanimate objects, and we are not merely passive objects in God's action. God has lovingly and graciously willed that we will always be conscious, helpers, co-workers, and cooperators… heirs and family, participating in God's work. But we always keep in mind whose work it is we are doing and guard against relying too much on our own efforts or our own virtues and going down dead-end paths, and we also avoid the other extreme, inaction when faced with our limitations. Both extremes (which we are called to avoid carefully), are based on putting ourselves in the centre of things instead of God.

But there is more. Did Jesus learn something from his previous rejection in his hometown? He preached alone and this met with utter rejection. The crowd almost killed him. He narrowly escaped being thrown off a cliff. Now, he goes and calls followers to join him, support him and be companions on the journey; AND, what a hard journey it is. He (as always) calls a community around him.

Simon Peter experiences a great miracle. In the least expected situation, not on a mountain top somewhere, but in the ordinariness of his workplace; he experiences this amazing event because he was humble enough to listen to someone telling him how to do the job he knew so well. Our Lord shows him a new and dramatic and different way… and the results are huge……..

This is a timely reminder to us:

We must connect the gospel to our daily words, actions, and priorities, or it will not make sense.

Secondly…. We …. (Just like the disciples), need to work together… in unity… and in community. Like the disciples who were ALL needed to help haul in the enormous catch of fish…

We must always take our cues, as best we can discern them, from Christ… If it is only about our own individual efforts and priorities, our toil may be heavy and it may be misdirected. We never want to work like slaves on something and find that our struggle was mysteriously fruitless; like the fisherman who laboured all night (and applied all the experience and wisdom of their trade and still caught nothing), but, then Jesus asks them to trust him and follow his ways and do the same activity but under his direction, and they catch more than they can hold.

Jesus' ways are not the most ordinary, and not the most logical. However, they are the way of the gospel, and only by following Our Lord, (which is almost always the road less travelled), can we hope to bear fruit for Jesus good news……

Today let us ask the Lord to deepen our faith and give us the courage to proclaim his marvellous deeds. Let us be able to say: Here I am, Lord. Send me!"
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References:

Homily – Fr Paul W. Kelly

Gustavo Gutierrez, Sharing the Word through the liturgical year

The Abbot, Monastery of Christ in the Desert, http://www.christdesert.org/  ;

Reflection from Madonna Magazine, Jan-Feb 2007.

Image Credit: 

https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/4OL8PI8XV9k1M8CqMnIt/jesus-calls-his-disciples-the-fishermen-james-john-and-simon-peter?ru=Paul-Evangelion  

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Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year C  (Sunday, February 9, 2025)  (EPISODE: 517)
The Lord be with you.
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{{Peace and Goodness to you all}} welcome everyone, we gather - Reflection upon God's word, and encounter Christ's presence.

Coming together as brothers and sisters, on this Sunday of the Word of God, let us ask the Fathers forgiveness, for he is full of gentleness and compassion

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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Memorial Acclamation
2. When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim your Death, O Lord, until you come again.
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Ps 138:1-2a, 2b-3, 4-5, 7c-8. "In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (Luke 5:1-11). Alleluia, alleluia! Come follow me, says the Lord. And I will make you fishers of my people.
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PREFACE: Sundays IV
EP I
Communion side. pwk: LH
(theme variation: 3 )
(post communion option - v1-lshort)
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{I pray that you have a wonderful and grace-filled week. }

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

- "Faith, Hope and Love" theme hymn - in memory of William John (Bill) Kelly (1942-2017) -  Inspired by 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Music by Paul W. Kelly. Arranged and sung, with additional lyrics by Stefan Kelk. 2019.

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

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

Sound Engineering and editing -  P.W. Kelly.
Microphones: -  Shure Motiv MV5 Digital Condenser.

Editing equipment:   NCH software - MixPad Multitrack Studio Recording Software

NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 12.44

Sound Processing:  iZotope RX 6 Audio Editor

[ Production -  KER -  2025]

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