Readings for Sunday, July 19, 2026 - Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, July 19, 2026 (EPISODE- 594)

Readings for Sunday, July 19, 2026 - Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A

FIRST READING: Wis 12:13, 16-19

Ps 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16. "Lord, you are good and forgiving."

SECOND READING: Rom 8:26-27

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Matt 11:25). Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed are you, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth. You have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.

GOSPEL: Matt 13:24-43 or 13:24-30

Image Credit:https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/yB27oDz79dWPcYh7BoOX/jesus-said-the-kingdom-of-heaven-is-like-yeast-that-a-woman-took-and-mixed-into-about-sixty-poundsa-?ru=Paul-Evangelion 

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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass (Readings, prayers, and homily), for the Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, July 19, 2026, by clicking this link here: https://on.soundcloud.com/sdU0cmOlU9Fngwvy8j  (EPISODE-594)

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Prologue -   A Quality that describes God in the readings this weekend is “Forbearance,” which is defined as: “patience, being long-suffering, tolerance, or the act of refraining from enforcing a debt, obligation or right.” (Merriam-Webster Dictionary Online)

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“God is all-powerful, but is gentle and always wants to give us time for change, for transformation, and for repentance.” (Abbot’s homily, Monastery of Christ in the Desert)

I love the lines in the first reading. They are so beautiful; they give us a deep insight into God’s nature and God’s message: Lord… Although your strength is sovereign, you judge us in mildness; you govern us with forbearance, and by these you teach us to be KIND and to have hope, because you allow us to repent of our sins… (paraphrased)

The more I delve into the beauty of the Gospels, the more I realise that, in the end, the Gospel is about profound kindness, compassion and love, as found in God. I wish I could say that in every situation, particularly in trying times, I have responded with kindness and compassion. I wish I could say that, but sometimes I have not. Yet I certainly can say, as we all do, that we want to be kind, especially in difficult situations. We want to be ever more gentle and compassionate, merciful and fair. And God is at work to grant this in our lives.

The Gospel this weekend uses, among other examples, the image of the kingdom of God being like “the yeast a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour till it was leavened all through.” Surely our mission as Christians is very fittingly described as that. We each seek to implement the Good News of Jesus in a “whole” or “holistic” way—that is, we desire that our discipleship flows right throughout every aspect of our lives, so that the Gospel is part of everything and not merely something that has been tacked on to the end of an otherwise non-Christian set‑up. But rather, it is worked in (kneaded in) and becomes an integral part of who we are and what we do. Just like yeast is mixed seamlessly into flour, it becomes part of it and then raises it up into a new and more beautiful creation. All of us are like that in our daily lives, too. Every day, we get glimpses of the kingdom at work in our lives. The Spirit is working into and amongst the everyday events and values of our days.

We are all, as Christians, to be “leaven in the dough.” We are called to be so much part of society as to be integral, and all the while bringing the life, joy and compassion of the Gospel effortlessly into all we do and say (and often not even in a very obvious way, but perfectly natural), being part of God’s transformation of all things into God’s image.

Jesus tackles the age-old question: why are there bad things in the world? Why does God allow bad people to do bad things? Why does God permit the destructive to thrive alongside the constructive? I suppose we can all be glad that God doesn’t dispose of anyone who is imperfect. Thank goodness that God does not strike with “a bolt of lightning” anyone who has ever sinned, made a mistake, or was weak, or who was not entirely living up to the Gospel message. I, for one, am very glad that God is patient—that God gives us time to be fully transformed by the Gospel. I am sure we have all benefited from that most reassuring of Divine qualities: “forbearance and mercy.”

Contradictions exist not only around us but also in our own individual lives. We too live with the “wheat and the weeds” within our own hearts. For all our good intentions and efforts, we will probably continue to struggle with some issues and contradictions all our lives. The garden of our soul will always need a little weeding. These inner struggles will continue to call us to conversion, and we will continue to need to call on the Lord and allow God to be the gardener of our souls. Knowing the weeds and wheat within our own lives can help us be a little more patient and compassionate toward the weeds and wheat around us—in our families, communities, and our Church. This is not an invitation to complacency, and we can never merely say, “This is just who I am with my sins, and that is as good as it gets.” God always calls us upward and forward and wants us to grow in grace and virtue, never stopping to be open to this transforming grace. But it is a reminder for us to stay real and see the bigger picture.

God has unconditional love for us. God made us, and the Lord sees into our hearts and recognises the enormous potential that lies within us. God sees us as we truly are and loves us, giving us time and grace so that we might foster the virtues and positive attributes of the Kingdom and allow God to transform and heal those areas in need of forgiveness and conversion.

God appears to err on the side of human freedom so that we may be fully free to respond with love to all that God wants for us. The all-powerful God has deliberately constrained Himself to permit human free will and choice (this is both an enormous gift and an awful responsibility). We know that many people have used their God-given gift of “free will” to do great acts of charity and love. Sadly, we also know that throughout history, many people have used their God-given gift of freedom to do terrible harm and shocking acts of evil. It was never God’s intention for people to use their free will to do harm. God never gave permission for wrongdoing, but people have tragically abused this gift.

One thing is certain: we are invited to focus more than ever on doing as much good as we can, and to be people of kindness, mercy, justice, and compassion in deeper ways with each passing day. Let us not allow the hurts and sins of the world to stop us from doing yet more good and loving more deeply than before. When the weeds around us might prompt us to respond with negativity, bitterness, revenge, or hate, where sin and hurt abound, let us ensure that the grace, kindness and forbearing love of Christ abound all the more in all that we do and say.

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  References:

 FR. PAUL W. KELLY;

 

 ***Mary Coloe. LiturgyHelp.com;  

 

MONASTERY OF CHRIST IN THE DESERT. ABBOT'S HOMILY.

 

Image Credit: https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/yB27oDz79dWPcYh7BoOX/jesus-said-the-kingdom-of-heaven-is-like-yeast-that-a-woman-took-and-mixed-into-about-sixty-poundsa-?ru=Paul-Evangelion 

 

["'gospel' values included in the readings:"  mercy, kindness, forbearance, wholeness, consistency, slowness to anger, allowing time to change and to grow, hope- (because of allowing for repentance and forgiveness), graciousness, steadfastness in love, faithfulness, being a person of encouragement, The Spirit prays in us, God forebears to leave freedom of will and wrongdoing – God plays the "long game," so as to gain as many people as possible - the presence and action of the Kingdom is not grand and overwhelming but subtle and down-to earth…..modest eg -shrub, leaven in the dough… ]

 

 

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

Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A  (Sunday, July 19, 2026) (EPISODE- 594)

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

As we begin the Holy Eucharist, let us acknowledge our sinfulness so as to celebrate the sacred mysteries worthily.
Option two from the Missal: 

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.
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Ps 86:5-6, 9-10, 15-16. "Lord, you are good and forgiving."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION (cf. Matt 11:25). Alleluia, alleluia! Let your face shine on your servant. And teach me your laws

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: Sunday Ordinary VI
Eucharistic Prayer II
Communion side:

(theme variation:  3)


(pre+post variation: v1-short)
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{I pray that you have a wonderful and grace-filled 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 my weekly homily audio podcast, please click this link here:  https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/tracks

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

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

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

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

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

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

- "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 Multitrack Studio Recording Software
NCH – WavePad Audio Editing Software. Masters Edition v 12.44

Sound Processing:  iZotope RX 6 Audio Editor

[Production -  KER -  2026]
May God bless and keep you.
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Sunday, July 12, 2026 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time - A​

PDF version of this parish newsletter *PDF here*: 

You can also access an online -web- copy of the E-newsletter *Webcopy here*

Sunday, July 12, 2026

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time - A

Surfers Paradise Catholic Parish E-Newsletter Parish Office (new): (07) 5671 7388 (Mon-Thurs: 9 am – 2 pm; & Fri: 9 am -12 noon)  Email: surfers@bne.catholic.net.au  | Website: www.surfersparadiseparish.com.au  Emergencies: Priest contactable via office phone (after hours, follow the menu prompts) 50 Fairway Drive, Clear Island Waters, Queensland, 4226 Safeguarding officer -(Robyn Hunt) email=  lsr.surfers@bne.catholic.net.au   https://tinyurl.com/SPCPsite    Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility -  https://brisbanecatholic.org.au/safeguarding This is Kombumerri Country, which is the traditional custodian of this region.  (see here) Fr Paul PP,   Fr Bradley Associate Pastor -

Readings for Sunday, July 12, 2026 - 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time - A FIRST READING- Isaiah 55:10-11 Psalm 65:10, 11, 12-13, 14. “The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest.” SECOND READING- Romans 8:18-23 GOSPEL ACCLAMATION ((no bibl. ref.)). Alleluia, alleluia! The seed is the Word of God; Christ is the sower. All who come to him will live forever. GOSPEL- Matt 13:1-23 or 13:1-9

“Many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it” (Matthew 13:17) Image Credit- https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/vtH9QMAQ8qwyAFMUBhve/jesus-parable-of-the-sower-and-the-seed-which-is-sown-on-different-qualities-of-field?ru=Paul-Evangelion

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, July 12, 2026

  

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, July 12, 2026

(EPISODE: 593 )

Readings for Sunday, 12 July 2026
FIRST READING: Isa 55:10-11
Ps 65:10, 11, 12-13, 14. "The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest."
SECOND READING: Rom 8:18-23
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION ((no bibl. ref.)). Alleluia, alleluia! The seed is the Word of God; Christ is the sower. All who come to him will live forever.
GOSPEL: Matt 13:1-23 or 13:1-9

Image Credit: https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/jlYhwicOcYNhIyqWYICr/jesus-parable-of-the-seed-sown-on-thorny-grounds?ru=Paul-Evangelion 

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Please listen to the audio recordings of the Mass (Readings, prayers and homily), for the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A - Sunday, July 12, 2026 by clicking this link here: https://on.soundcloud.com/MdAn9nd6WthkHFRDsp 
(EPISODE: 593 )
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(Fr Paul)

The wonderful image of the sower and the seed that falls into all sorts of different environments reminds us that, just as a seed contains within it everything needed to produce a viable plant, it will produce nothing unless it is properly watered, nourished, and finds the right soil or medium to take hold. It is similar to the idea of a delicious meal that contains all the nutrition needed to help a person stay healthy—but the meal is useless unless it is eaten. It is also like a light bulb that has the potential to light up a room but only if it is fitted into the socket and switched on. How important is the environment in which the Word of God is received? We need to keep constantly close to the Water of Life—God’s living word and sacraments.

Our Lord tells us that the seed represents the WORD of GOD… and we could also say that the seed represents FAITH in Jesus (and faith in who he is, what he teaches, and (just as importantly) how he lived… and faith in the gospel).

This “seed” could also represent the many opportunities we have all been given to help build up the Kingdom of God.

We cannot underestimate how important are (1) the environment in which the Word of God is received and nurtured, and (2) our response and our promotion of and living out of the values and God’s word. These factors are essential in helping God’s values to flourish everywhere. God wants and needs our cooperation and our partnership with him in helping God’s Kingdom come.

Truth be told, like the first reading, God is absolutely determined that the Word that comes from his mouth will not return empty and will achieve what God wants. However, we humans can cooperate with what God is doing, and (sadly) we are capable of resisting and even trying to block what God is doing. God is determined to work around our resistance and to achieve his plans, but we should not take this lightly—the non‑cooperation or resistance of people could seriously slow down the progress of God’s vision for the world. God may have to take alternate steps or “go the long way round” in achieving God’s goals due to human resistance or lack of openness.

Just as a seed needs good soil, water, shelter, nourishment and protection, so too our faith, our knowledge, and our life need to be continually planted and lovingly nurtured in an environment that will foster ongoing growth and learning.

There are many challenges in life too; we must be careful that the precious seed of faith is planted, nurtured, and attended to daily, or else it will not grow. Other things, other priorities and values might crowd out the growth of faith. Setbacks and hardships have the potential to stifle what we have. We need to actively protect, promote, and encourage the good treasure we have received so that it will indeed bear much fruit.

We believe that the sacraments of the Church are concrete guarantees and tangible experiences of an inner reality. So, when a priest says the words of forgiveness in the sacrament of penance (in the name of the Church and in the name of Jesus), we believe that this effectively conveys the sacrament of God’s forgiveness and healing. And when the Church baptises a person, we believe that the God‑given gift of faith is very much really and truly passed on in this action of pouring the water, professing Trinitarian faith, and conducting the prayers. And if a person is baptised, faith is definitely given (100% guaranteed)… but, as this gospel reminds us today, if one has baptism and then hardly does anything to nurture, deepen, or nourish that faith, then that real and effective “seed of faith” (which is surely there) would be rather like a seed in unwatered, unattended, and unploughed, hardened ground; it can hardly be expected to bear much or any fruit.

Mind you, God can achieve amazing results of grace and love in what seems to be the most inhospitable situations, but we must not take this for granted—and we should strive to give God’s word the most nurturing environment possible—with prayer, reflection, and good works.

Have you ever seen a rather healthy-looking plant springing up from a roof gutter of a house? It shouldn’t be there, and how has it gotten what it needs to grow? We don’t quite know; however, life finds a way! But again, we do not underestimate the power of working in every way we can to give the seed of God’s word the very best environment and every opportunity to produce the greatest harvest.

Interestingly, Jesus even realised that the results in his kingdom would be patchy at times, because he says the good seed yields one hundred, sixty, and thirty. That is, a declining sequence of numbers. So we have to be prepared for all sorts of results in the sowing of God’s effective word. And, although God’s word never returns void, it still remains very much our task to ensure that the word is given the nourishment and encouragement it needs to bear the most fruit.

So, in baptism and the other sacraments, they are certainly effective, but they cannot be disconnected from the concepts of conversion of heart, the practice of the faith, personal engagement, daily prayer, regular participation in the sacraments, regular spiritual reading and faith‑study and reflection, and, of course, practical, loving, and compassionate action in our daily lives and priorities. The forgiveness and healing given in the sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance) are real, but the sacrament bears the most fruit when watered by the moving tears of repentance and nourished by a change of heart, attitude, and behaviour.

Our Lord frequently urged his disciples to pray and fast often so that you will not enter into times of trial. He also appeared to be saying: pray and prepare so that God will give you strength during times of trial, to avoid the cares of this world crowding in around us.

Our Lord teaches us that we not only ought to pray, reflect, and prepare for the possibility of hard times (and difficult environments), but we must expect them and use every spiritual resource God gives us to nurture and strengthen the graces and gifts from God—lest the wonderful seed of faith and the fruits of the Kingdom it produces might be very poor.

God has sown the seed in the hearts of each of us, and now we must nurture, feed, water, and nourish that seed of faith and love daily—and even more so when we sometimes find the environment around us rocky, weedy, scorching, or crowded. Then staying constantly connected to the Water of Life will sustain us come what may.

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References:

Fr Paul W. Kelly. 

Image Credit- https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/jlYhwicOcYNhIyqWYICr/jesus-parable-of-the-seed-sown-on-thorny-grounds?ru=Paul-Evangelion

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

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A  (Sunday, July 12, 2026)  (EPISODE: 593  )
The Lord be with you.
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{{Hi everyone}} welcome everyone, we gather -  Reflect upon the Holy Scriptures On this Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Year A

As we prepare to celebrate the great Sacramental feast of God's love, let us pause, recall our sins, and trust in God's infinite mercy.
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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Memorial Acclamation
1. We proclaim your Death, O Lord, and profess your Resurrection until you come again.
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Ps 65:10, 11, 12-13, 14. "The seed that falls on good ground will yield a fruitful harvest."

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION ((no bibl. ref.)). Alleluia, alleluia! The seed is the Word of God, Christ is the sower. All who come to him will live forever.
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PREFACE: Sundays Ordinary V
Eucharistic Prayer III
Communion side.  pwk: 
(theme variation: 2 )

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{thanks everyone. And may God sustain you with his grace and love.}

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


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).

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

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

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 -  2026]

May God bless and keep you.
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