Suggested Mass Line-Up of Songs for April 1, 2012 (Palm Sunday)

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Palm Sunday (Domingo Ramos)

Song for the Procession:

1.      Himaya ug Pagdayeg

2.      Osanna sa Anak ni David

3.      Hosanna sa Anak ni David (Parungao)

4.      Krus ng Ating Kaligtasan (Bautista)

5.      Hosanna to the Son of David (Schutte)

6.      Let Heaven Rejoice (Dufford) “Let children proclaim to every land, ‘Hosanna to our King!’

In the first Mass, please consider the above as your entrance song to acknowledge that the Mass did not begin at the Church, but at the place where the people had congregated. Pagdating ninyo sa simbahan, opening prayer (collect) and then First Reading na kaagad.
For all other Masses during the day, the songs above shall serve as your actual entrance song, and the common way of the order of the parts of the Mass follows.

Kyrie:

1.      Ginoo, Kaloy-I Kami (R. Villanueva)

2.      Panginoon Maawa Ka (Francisco)

3.      As we Prepare

No Gloria

First Reading:

"The servant of the Lord said: 'The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens - wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught.

The Lord God has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, I did not turn backward.

I gave my back to those who struck me, and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I did not hide my face from insult and spitting.

The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame." [Is. 50: 4-7]

Responsorial Psalm:

R. (2a) My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
All who see me scoff at me;
they mock me with parted lips, they wag their heads:
"He relied on the LORD; let him deliver him,
let him rescue him, if he loves him."
R. My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
Indeed, many dogs surround me,
a pack of evildoers closes in upon me;
They have pierced my hands and my feet;
I can count all my bones.
R. My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
They divide my garments among them,
and for my vesture they cast lots.
But you, O LORD, be not far from me;
O my help, hasten to aid me.
R. My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
I will proclaim your name to my brethren;
in the midst of the assembly I will praise you:
"You who fear the LORD, praise him;
all you descendants of Jacob, give glory to him;
revere him, all you descendants of Israel!"
R. My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
[Ps 22:8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24]

Second Reading:

"Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death - even death on a cross.

Therefore God highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knew should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." [Phil. 2:6-11]

Gospel Acclamation:

1.      Ang mga Pulong mo

2.      Pagdayeg Alang Kanimo

3.      Alalahanin mo Panginoon

4.      Wika Mo

5.      Glory and Praise

6.      Words of Life

Gospel Reading...

[Several readers may proclaim the passion narrative today. (N) indicates the narrator, (J) the words of Jesus, and (S) the words of other speakers.] 

(N) The Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark.

It was two days before the Passover and the festival of Unleavened Bread. The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to arrest Jesus by stealth and kill him; for they said,

(S2) Not during the festival, or there may be a riot among the people.

(N) While Jesus was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of every costly ointment of nard, and she broke open the jar and poured the ointment on his head. But some were there who said to one another in anger.

(S2) Why was the ointment wasted in this way? For this ointment could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.

(N) And they scolded her. But Jesus said,

(J) Let her alone; why do you trouble her? She has performed a good service for me. For you always have the poor with you, and you can show kindness to them whenever you wish; but you will not always have me. She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for its burial. Truly I tell you, wherever the good news is proclaimed in the whole world, what she has done will be told in remembrance of her.

(N) Then Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went to the chief priests in order to betray him to them. When they heard it, they were greatly pleased and promised to give him money. So he began to look for an opportunity to betray him.

On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb is sacrificed, the disciples said to Jesus,

(S1) Where to you want us to go and make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?

(N) So he sent two of his disciples, saying to them,

(J) Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you; follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the owner of the house, 'The Teacher asks, 'Where is my guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?' 'He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.

So the disciples set out and went to the city, and found everything as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover meal.

When it was evening, Jesus came with the twelve. And when they had taken their places and were eating, Jesus said,

(J) Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me, one who is eating with me.

(N) They began to be distressed and to say to him one after another.

(S1) Surely, not I?

(J) It is one of the twelve, one who is dipping bread into the bowl with me. For the Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.

(N) While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said,

(J) Take; this is my Body.

(N) Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them,

(J) This is my Blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.

(N) When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. And Jesus said to them,

(J) You will all become deserters; for it is written, I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered. But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.

(N) Peter said to him,

(S1) Even though all become deserters, I will not.

(N) Jesus said to him,

(J) Truly I tell you, this day, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.

(N) But he said vehemently,

(S1) Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.

(N) And all of them said the same.

At this point all may join in singing an appropriate acclamation.

(N) They went to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples,

(J) Sit here while I pray.

(N) He took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be distressed and agitated. And he said to them,

(J) I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and keep awake.

(N) And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. He said,

(J) Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.

(N) He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter,

(J) Simon, are you asleep? Could you not keep awake one hour? Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

(N) And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words. And once more he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy; and they did not know what to say to him.

He came a third time and said to them,

(J) Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Enough! The hour has come; the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us be going. See, my betrayer is at hand.

(N) Immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived; and with him there was a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders. Now the betrayer had given them a sign, saying,

(S1) The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.

(N) So when he came, he went up to him at once and said,

(S1) "Rabbi!"

(N) and kissed him. Then they laid hands on him and arrested him. But one of those who stood near drew his sword and struck the slave of the high priest, cutting off his ear. Then Jesus said to them,

(J) Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest me as though I were a bandit? Day after day I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest me. But let the scriptures be fulfilled.

(N) All of them deserted him and fled.

A certain young man was following him, wearing nothing but a linen cloth. They caught hold of him, but he left the linen cloth and ran off naked. They took Jesus to the high priest; and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes were assembled.

Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the guards, warming himself at the fire.

Now the chief priests and the whole council were looking for testimony against Jesus to put him to death; but they found none. For many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree. Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying,

(S2) We heard him say, "I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands."

(N) But even on this point their testimony did not agree. Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus,

(S3) Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?

(N) But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him,

(S3) Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?"

(N) Jesus said,

(J) I am; and "you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power," and "coming with the clouds of heaven."

(N) Then the high priest tore his clothes and said,

(S3) Why do we still need witnesses? You have heard his blasphemy! What is your decision?

(N) All of them condemned him as deserving death. Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to strike him, saying to him, 

(S2) Prophesy!

(N) The guards also took him over and beat him.

While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant-girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she stared at him and said,

(S3) You also were with Jesus, the man from Nazareth.

(N) But he denied it, saying,

(S1) I do not know or understand what you are talking about.

(N) And he went out into the forecourt. Then the cock crowed. And the servant-girl, on seeing him, began again to say to the bystanders,

(S3) This man is one of them.

(N) But again he denied it. Then after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter,

(S2) Certainly you are one of them; for you are a Galilean.

(N) But he began to curse, and he swore an oath,

(S1) I do not know this man you are talking about.

(N) At that moment the cock crowed for the second time. Then Peter remembered that Jesus had said to him, "Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times." And he broke down and wept.

At this point all may join in singing an appropriate acclamation.

(N) As soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. Pilate asked him,

(S3) Are you the King of the Jews?

(N) He answered him,

(J) You say so.

(N) Then the chief priests accused him of many things. Pilate asked him again,

(S3) Have you no answer? See how many charges they bring against you.

(N) But Jesus made no further reply, so that Pilate was amazed.

Now at the festival he used to release a prisoner for them, anyone for whom they asked. Now a man called Barabbas was in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the insurrection. So the crowd came and began to ask Pilate to do for them according to his custom. Then he answered them,

(S3) Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?

(N) For he realized that it was out of jealousy that the chief priests had handed him over. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barabbas for them instead. Pilate spoke to them again,

(S3) Then what do you wish me to do with the man you call the King of the Jews?

(N) They shouted back,

(S2) Crucify him!

(N) Pilate asked them,

(S3) Why, what evil has he done?

(N) But they shouted all the more,

(S2) Crucify him!

(N) So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them; and after flogging Jesus, he handed him over to be crucified. 

Then the soldiers led him into the courtyard of the palace (that is, the governor's headquarters ); and they called together the whole cohort. And they clothed him in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on him. And they began saluting him, 

(S2) Hail, King of the Jews!

(N) They struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him. After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple cloak and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.

They compelled a passer-by, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus. Then they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of a skull). And they offered him wine mixed with myrrh; but he did not take it. And they crucified him, and divided his clothes among them, casting lots to decide what each should take.

It was nine o'clock in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge against him read, "The King of the Jews." And with him they crucified two bandits, one on his right and one on his left. Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads and saying,

(S3) Aha! You would destroy the temple and build it in three days; save yourself, and come down from the cross! (N) In the same way the chief priests, along with the scribes, were also mocking him among themselves and saying,

(S2) He saved others; he cannot save himself. Let the Christ, the King of Israel, come down from the cross now, so that we may see and believe.

(N) Those who were crucified with him also taunted him.

When it was noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. At three o'clock Jesus cried out with a loud voice,

(J) Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?

(N) which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" When some of the bystanders heard it, they said,

(S2) Listen, he is calling for Elijah.

(N) And someone ran, filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink, saying,

(S2) Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take him down.

(N) Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last.

[All may kneel or stand for a period of silence.]

(N) And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Now when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said,

(S3) Truly this man was God's Son!

(N) There were also women looking on from a distance; among them were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. These used to follow him and provided for him when he was in Galilee; and there were many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem.

When evening had come, and since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for some time. When he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph.

Then Joseph bought a linen cloth, and taking down the body, wrapped it in the linen cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where the body was laid."

[Mk. 14:1-15:47]

Homily/Reflection of the Readings:

As we heard from the First Reading, Jesus gloriously entered Jerusalem, being proclaimed as the promised Christ, the King of kings. Less than a week later, He was crucified.

My brothers and sisters, in consideration of today's long readings from the Holy Scriptures, my homily shall be a short one. I believe the readings in themselves have fed you with plenty of spiritual food upon which you can reflect this week.

Passion Sunday is a time to reflect on the pains, suffering and death of our Lord Jesus. With only a few days left in the Lenten Season, it is appropriate for each of us to take a few moments to personally reflect on the love of Jesus who endured so much for each and every one of us.

During the past week, I have compiled a list of the pains, sufferings and disgrace that Jesus endured on account of our sins. As I slowly read them out, let us reflect in silence on each one of them for a few seconds.

My Lord Jesus, forgive my sins. On account of my sinful nature, you... (Pause after each reflection.)

 Were betrayed by the apostles Judas; [Mk. 14:44]

 Had false witness declared against You; [Mk. 14:56]

 Were condemned to death and spit upon; [Mk. 14:65]

 Were repeatedly hit by the palms of hands; [Mk. 14:65]

 Were whipped, shedding Your Sacred Blood; [Mt. 27:26]

 Had a crown of thorns placed on Your head; [Jn. 19:2]

 Were stripped of Your clothing; [Mt. 27:28]

 Were mocked as the King of Jews; [Mt. 27:29]

 Were hit on the head with a reed; [Mt. 27:30]

 Were mocked at by the bowing of knees before You; [Mk. 19-20]

 Had lots cast for Your vesture; [Mt. 27:35]

 Were beat upon by the hands of the soldiers; [Jn. 19:3]

 Carried the ponderous cross of my sins; [Jn. 19:17]

 Had nails perforate Your tender hands and feet; [Jn. 19:18]

 Were given a sponge full of vinegar to drink; [Mk. 15:36]

 Gave up Your Spirit and died on the cross; [Lk. 23:46]

 And then You had Your side pierced with a spear. [Jn. 19:34]

My Lord Jesus, Your venerable human sacrifice marked true Divine love, defraying the ransom for my salvation. Thank you Lord Jesus.

Offertory:

1.      O Dios Dawata

2.      Gasa sa Gugma

3.      Dios Nia Ko

4.      Panalangin sa Pagiging Bukas Palad

5.      Kung ‘Yong Nanaisin

6.      Alay Kapwa (Tinio and Hontiveros)

7.      Prayer of Rupert Mayer

Sanctus:

1. Santos (Mass 21 Villanueva)
2. Santos (Bukas Palad)
3. Sanctus (pwede yung latin chant or yung English translation)

Acclamation:

1.      Manluluwas sa Kalibutan

2.      Si Kristo’y Namatay (Hontiveros)

3.      Dying

Amen:

1.      Amen (chord of A D)

2.      Amen (Francisco, Arboleda, Reyes, Torres)

Pater Noster:

At your choice… If the congregation can participate to sing this, that would be better.

Doxology:

1.      Kay Imo Man (Chord of Am)

2.      Sapagkat

3.      For the Kingdom

Agnus Dei:

1.      Kordero sa Dios IV (chord of Dm-B)

2.      Kordero ng Dios (Que)

3.      Lamb of God (Folk)

Communion:

1.      Balaan nga Gugma

2.      Misteryo sa Kaluwasan

3.      Kini Maong Akong Lawas

4.      Way Sukod Man ang  Pagmahal

5.      Ang kaluluwa ko’y nauuhaw (Isidro & Que)

6.      Kaibigan, Kapanalig (Ofrasio + Hontiveros)

7.      Dakilang Pag-ibig (Pangilinan & Hontiveros)

8.      Diyos ay Pag-ibig 

9.      Gabing Kulimlim (Arboleda & Francisco)

10.  Halina, lumapit sa Akin (Isidro & Que)

11.  Hiram sa Diiyos

12.  Huwag kang mangamba (Pagsanghan & Francisco)

13.  H’wag mangamba (Francisco)

14.  Likhain Mong muli (Alejo & Francisco)

15.  Maging akin muli (Aquino)

16.  Manatili ka (Francisco)

17.  Nang buo kong buhay (Alejo & Hontiveros)

18.  O Diyos, iniibig kita (Rodrigo & Hontiveros)

19.  O Hesus, hilumin Mo (Francisco)

20.  Pag-alabin aming puso (Francisco)

21.  Pagbabalik (Alcaraz & Francisco)

22.  Pagkabighani (Alejo & Francisco)

23.  Pag-ibig ko (Cenzon)

24.  Pagtitipan (Javellana & Hontiveros)

25.  Pintig ng Puso Ko (Table & Hontiveros)

26.  Sa Dapit-Hapon (Tabuena & Hontiveros)

27.  Saan kami tutungo (Macalinao & Hontiveros)

28.  Tingnan ang tao sa Krus (Alejo & Hontiveros)

29.  Kung ‘Yong Nanaisin (Francisco)

30.  Naroon sa Rosas ang Mahal N’yang Dugo (Plunkett, Alejo, & Hontiveros)

31.  Behold the Wood (Schutte)

32.  Wood of the Cross

33.  Anima Christi (Arboleda)

34.  Empty Space (Go & Francisco)

35.  Father, mercy (Dufford)

36.  God of silence (Francisco)

37.  Hosea (Norbet)

38.  If I could touch you (Francisco)

39.  Jesus on the cross (Go & Francisco)

40.  Now we remain (Haas)

41.  Only this I want (Schutte)

42.  So the love of God (Schutte)

43.  Theme from the cardinal

44.  Turn to me (Foley) 

45.  You are Mine (Haas)

46.  O Sacred Head, Surrounded (Gerhardt, Baker, Alexander, Passion Chorale, Hassler, Bach)

47.  The Old Rugged Cross (Bennard)

48.  Where True Love Abides (Hontiveros)

Recessional:

1.      Kinsa?

2.      Ang Atong Tulubagon

3.      Alay sa Kapwa (Esteban & Hontiveros)

4.      Maliban na mahulog sa lupa 

5.      Pananagutan (Hontiveros)

6.      Save us O Lord (Dufford)

Thanks for always visiting our blog… 

Suggested Mass Line-Up of Songs for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B (March 25, 2012)

Sunday March 25, 2012

5^th Sunday of Lent

Since this Sunday is fallen on March 25, so the Feast of Annunciation shall be moved to March 26 (Monday)

Notes:

1. Turn down the mirth. Huwag mag-concert. Huwag bumirit. 
2. Lent is the time for musical instruments also to be austere. Musical instruments during Lent should give only the bare minimum or necessary support to the singing (the human voice). Sustenance lang po. 

Entrance:

1.      Tun-I Kami Ginoo

2.      Mag-awit Kita

3.      Dios Namo sa Kalooy

4.      Buksan ang aming puso (Tinio, Hontiveros) 

5.      Sa Piging ng Panginoon (Tabuena, Hontiveros). “Buhay ay inialay N’ya sa dakilang Diyos Ama. Upang atin nang makamtan buhay na walang hanggan.”

6.      Hosea (Norbet)

7.      Blest Be the Lord (Schutte)

Kyrie:

1.      Ginoo, Malooy Ka

2.      Kyrie –Mass 3 (Fr. Villanueva)

3.      Ginoo Kaloy-I Kami

4.      Panginoon Maawa Ka (Cayabyab)

5.      Lord, Have Mercy (Francisco-Reyes)

NO GLORIA

First Reading...

"The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt - a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord.

But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord; I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, 'Know the Lord, 'for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,' says the Lord; 'for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.'" [Jer. 31:31-4]

Responsorial Psalm Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 14-15.

R. (12a) Create a clean heart in me, O God.
Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt
and of my sin cleanse me.
R. Create a clean heart in me, O God.
A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not out from your presence,
and your Holy Spirit take not from me.
R. Create a clean heart in me, O God.
Give me back the joy of your salvation,
and a willing spirit sustain in me.
I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners shall return to you.
R. Create a clean heart in me, O God.

Second Reading...

"In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him." [Heb. 5:7-9]

Gospel Acclamation:

1.      Pagdayeg Alang Kanimo

2.      Ang mga Pulong Mo

3.      Wika Mo

4.      Words of Life

Gospel Reading...

"Among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, 'Sir, we wish to see Jesus.'

Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, 'The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies; it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.'

'Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour.

Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say - 'Father, save me from this hour?' No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.'

Then a voice came from heaven, 'I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.'

The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, 'An angel has spoken to him.' Jesus answered, 'This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.' Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die." [Jn. 12:20-33]

Homily/Reflection:

My brothers and sisters in Christ, today, we are entering the fifth week of Lent. Before long, Easter will be upon us. To remind us of the grace of God that was manifested in us through the glorious Resurrection of Jesus Christ that is celebrated on Easter Day, today's readings speak of the Lord drawing all people to Himself.

The First Reading was taken from the Book of Jeremiah. [Jer. 31:31- 34] From this Holy Book that is found in the Old Testament, we learn of God's promise of a New Covenant. We heard that God promised to write His laws in our hearts, that we will all know Him, that our sins would be forgiven and that our sins will never again be remembered by God.

As Christians, we all know that the New Covenant of grace was instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper. Sitting at the table with His disciples, Jesus took the cup, and after giving thanks He gave it to them, saying "Drink from it, all of you; for this is My Blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." [Mt. 26-27-8]

But what does it mean that God will write His laws in our hearts and that we will all know Him? What does it mean that we will no longer teach one another or say to each other, "Know the Lord." Some have interpreted this last question to mean that now, they only need the guidance of the Holy Spirit who inspires them in their heart. They no longer need the priests, the bishops, the pope or even the Catholic Church. When such a thought crosses the worldly mind, these individuals start their own new Church, alleging that the Holy Spirit inspired them to do so. But this is not what God was saying. To perceive the fullness of the spiritual meaning of God's Words, it is necessary to search the other Words of God within the Scriptures that are associated with the promise of a New Covenant.

Over and above the gift of a new heart, God promised to place within us a new human spirit. With the new heart and the new human spirit, we would become God's people and He would be our God. [Ezek. 11:19-20; 18:31] Over and above these free gifts, God also promised to place His indwelling Holy Spirit to help us to remain good, to obey His Holy ways. [Ezek. 36:26-7]

These gifts that are the fulfilment of God's promises are exactly what it means to be reborn. God literally placed a new heart and spirit within us when we received the Sacrament of Baptism through faith in Jesus Christ. [Jn. 3:3, 5, 7; 1 Jn. 4:7, 5:1, 4] Truly, we are not the same anymore; part of our creation has been changed. 

This is the new agreement, the beautiful promise that God made with us as His people, that He would help us to become good by writing His laws in our hearts. [Jer. 31:33] Through this Divine manifestation, we as God's people will always know what is right and wrong, what makes God happy or sad. God's laws are always written in our hearts because, our Teacher, the Holy Spirit dwells within us. We have become living Temples of the Holy Spirit. [1 Cor. 3:16] Through this manifestation, God once more lives with us as His people. [Jer. 31:33]

Contrary to the teaching of those who have misinterpreted the Holy Bible, God's dwelling with His people is not a physical dwelling, but rather a spiritual dwelling through the presence of the Holy Spirit.

So, what does it mean that we will no longer teach one another or say to each other, "Know the Lord."? It means that, through our faith in Christ and the Sacrament of Baptism, we now know right from wrong, the righteousness of the Lord versus the evils of the prince of darkness. The indwelling Holy Spirit immediately convicts us of our sins when we disobey the holy ways of the Lord God.

The First Reading concluded by saying that our sins will be forgiven and never remembered again by God. [Jer. 31:34] What does that mean to us?

When Jesus commanded the apostles to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to the whole creation, that those who believe be baptised and saved, Jesus made faith an important part of Baptism (C.C.C. # 1226) along with the forgiveness of sin. [Mk. 16:15-6] (C.C.C. # 985)

As God's children, when we were born again through faith in Jesus and the Sacrament of Baptism, our past sins were forgiven up until the moment that we received the Sacrament of our new birth. To maintain our ongoing righteousness, we must continuously receive the Sacrament of Forgiveness. Having done so, now being in a state of grace, we are able to receive the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, the Living Bread, as our assurance of salvation and eternal life in the Kingdom of God.

Through the Sacrament of Confession, Conversion, Penance, Reconciliation, Forgiveness, whatever name you may choose to call it, your sins are forgiven and never remembered again by God. This holy Sacrament is the fulfillment of God's promise that is found in the Old Testament. Through this Sacrament, God is drawing us to Him in righteousness.

Today's Second Reading from the Letter to the Hebrews [Heb. 5:7-9] teaches us, through the example of our Lord Jesus, how we must respond to God's calling that draws us to Him.

During that reading, we heard that, in His human nature, Jesus learned obedience through what He suffered. Through suffering, Jesus was made perfect. Through perfection, He became the source of salvation for all who obey Him.

Reviewing this Bible passage that relates to Jesus in His human nature, we perceive from this reading that Jesus also had a fear of death. In His physical body, He was just as human as you and I. He ate, slept, cried when Lazarus died, got tired, and so on. Although He was God Himself, having lowered Himself to our humanity so we may learn from Him, Jesus prayed to the Heavenly Father. While He wished that the horrible death that awaited His physical body could pass away, He submitted Himself to the fullness of the Divine Will of God the Father.

From this perfect example of obedience and submission, we learn that through suffering, our souls are sanctified. When we endure hunger, we are spiritually enlightened to the needs of those who suffer hunger. When we suffer unemployment and have to set our pride aside to turn to social assistance, we learn in our hearts that we should not judge others who also are obligated to turn to social assistance because of their unfortunate circumstances. From every form of suffering, there is a spiritual lesson to be learned. Suffering sanctifies the soul so it may become more in the likeness of Christ who is perfect.

Jesus is the source of salvation for those who obey Him. Answering God's calling to be drawn to the Lord, we must always be thankful to the Lord for what He sends us, trusting in His infinite grace to sanctify us through His Spirit.

Today's Gospel Reading from the Gospel of John [Jn. 12:20-33] reaffirms what has just been said. In a parable, Jesus said, "Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies; it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour."

What is this grain of wheat that must fall into the earth and die? The grain of wheat is symbolic of the Sacrament of Baptism. When a person is baptised, his old sinful nature dies and is buried with Christ. [Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12] And, just as Jesus was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, through baptism, a new creation is raised from death to walk the new life that has been received through Christ. [Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12] (C.C.C. # 628)

The new creation is everything! [Gal. 6:15] By being baptised in the Name of Christ, the convert becomes a new creation. (C.C.C. # 1265) Everything has become new. The old heart and spirit that were stained by the original sin, they have passed away. They are dead! [2 Cor. 5:17] Because there is no more trace of the original sin or any other sin in the new heart and spirit, they are pure in the eyes of God. They have become suitable as a Temple of the Holy Spirit for God to live in the Christian.

As a new creation of God, the convert who was baptised through faith in Christ, by the grace of God the Father and the power of the Holy Spirit, is called to bear much fruit so his soul may shine as a light in the world. To shine as a light in the world, he must hate his life.

Those who love their lives, they will lose it. This is because they choose to preoccupy their worldly minds with wealth, the flesh, desires, addictions, fames, etc... They are without any living hope. They have no eternal life awaiting them in the Kingdom of God because their lives are void of spirituality. They do not have the free gift of righteousness that comes from Christ, the gift that is necessary to be admitted into the Heavenly Kingdom of God.

But those who hate their lives, having chosen to live their living faith in Christ by embracing a spiritual life with heavenly thoughts, what is righteous, what is pious, what is according to the Divine Will of God, they will keep what they have. They will receive their salvation and inherit eternal life in the Kingdom of God, the rewards that awaits all those who embrace a spiritual life through faith, hope and love towards others.

Jesus said, "Whoever serves me must follow me." Yes, we must follow Him! And those who follow Jesus, they have the assurance that God the Father will honour them.

To follow Jesus is not always easy. The human nature always seeks to avoid suffering. At the same time, our spiritual nature tells us to self-sacrifice ourselves for others. Both natures are constantly in conflict with one another. How I wish I could always do what I want to do instead of doing what I do not want to do!

But, through Christ, I will conquer because the ruler of this world is being driven out. The days of the ruler of this world are limited. As the number of newly baptized children of God increases, the number of those who walk in the darkness diminishes. While the Kingdom of God is increasing on earth, the kingdom of Satan is shrinking.

This is sufficient reason to glorify the name of God. Before our eyes, we see the manifestation of the grace of God. Before our eyes, we see the fulfillment of God drawing all the people to Himself as He promised He would do in the days of the Old Testament.

Offertory:

1.      Dios Nia Ko

2.      Ania Among Halad

3.      O Dios Dawata

4.      Kung ‘Yong Nanaisin (Francisco)

5.      Narito Ako, Panginoon (Que)

6.      Panginoon, Narito Ako (Isidro, Que) 

7.      Dwelling Place (Foley) 

8.      Prayer of Rupert Mayer (Francisco)

Sanctus:

1. Santos (Mass 21 Villanueva)
2. Santos Set IV
3. Santos (Bukas Palad)
4. Sanctus (pwede yung latin chant or yung English translation)

Acclamation:

1.      Manluluwas sa Kalibutan

2.      Si Kristo’y Namatay (Hontiveros)

3.      Dying

Amen:

1.      Amen (chord of A D)

2.      Amen (Francisco, Arboleda, Reyes, Torres)

Pater Noster:

At your choice… If the congregation can participate to sing this, that would be better.

Doxology:

1.      Kay Imo Man (Chord of Am)

2.      Sapagkat

3.      For the Kingdom

Agnus Dei:

1.      Kordero sa Dios IV (chord of Dm-B)

2.      Kordero ng Dios (Que)

3.      Lamb of God (Folk)

Communion:

1.      Ako ang Kahayag

2.      Anino

3.      Balaan nga Gugma

4.      Himig Heswita Medley (you can see it on youtube.com)

5.      Pagkakaibigan (Cenzon, Abad Santos)

6.      Awit ng Paghilom (Aquino)

7.      Dakilang Pag-ibig (Pangilinan, Hontiveros)

8.      Diyos ay Pag-ibig

9.      Huwag Kang Mangamba (Pagsanghan, Francisco)

10.  Likhain Mong Muli (Alejo, Francisco)

11.  Maging Akin Muli (Aquino)

12.  O Hesus, Hilumin Mo (Francisco)

13.  Anima Christi (Arboleda)

14.  Behold the Wood (Schutte)

15.  Come to Me (Francisco)

16.  Come to Me All Who Are Weary (Schutte)

17.  Come With Me Into The Fields (Schutte)

18.  Empty Space (Go, Francisco)

19.  Father, Mercy (Dufford)

20.  Holy Darkness (Schutte)

21.  If I Could Touch You (Francisco)

22.  Jesus on the Cross (Go, Francisco)

23.  Now We Remain (Haas) 

24.  Only This I Want (Schutte)

25.  Out of Roads (Go, Aquino)

26.  You Are Mine (Haas)

27.  Your Heart Today (Francisco)

Recessional:

1.      Kinsa?

2.      Ang Atong Tulubagon

3.      Maliban na Mahulog sa Lupa

4.      Pananagutan (Hontiveros)

5.      Seek the Lord (O’Connor)

6.      Save Us, O Lord (Dufford)

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