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Suggested Songs for September 2, 2012 Mass


September 2, 2012
22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
Liturgical Color : Green

Please watch this instructional video courtesy of the Diocese of Novaliches regarding the New English Translation of the Roman Missal.



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             To download the Guide of the New English Translation of the Roman Missal please click this link: http://old.usccb.org/romanmissal/order-of-mass.pdf 

Note: For your suggestions, request and comments please email us at heavensmessenger01@gmail.com or simply text me at +639089741495 and +639167222465.


Entrance:
1.     Lungsod nga Balaan
2.     Himaya Kanimo, Kristo Jesus
3.     Awit sa Pagdayeg
4.     Alay sa Kapwa (Esteban, Hontiveros) Medyo Lenten pero swak ang message 
5.     Pagmamahal sa Panginoon (Hontiveros)
6.     City of God (Schutte)
7.     Come With Praise (Schutte)
First Reading                          Dt 4:1-2, 6-8
Moses said to the people:
"Now, Israel, hear the statutes and decrees
which I am teaching you to observe,
that you may live, and may enter in and take possession of the land
which the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you.
In your observance of the commandments of the LORD, your God,
which I enjoin upon you,
you shall not add to what I command you nor subtract from it.
Observe them carefully,
for thus will you give evidence
of your wisdom and intelligence to the nations,
who will hear of all these statutes and say,
'This great nation is truly a wise and intelligent people.'
For what great nation is there
that has gods so close to it as the LORD, our God, is to us
whenever we call upon him?
Or what great nation has statutes and decrees
that are as just as this whole law
which I am setting before you today?"
Responsorial Psalm                     Ps 15:2-3, 3-4, 4-5
R. (1a) One who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.
Whoever walks blamelessly and does justice;
who thinks the truth in his heart
and slanders not with his tongue.
R. 
One who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.
Who harms not his fellow man,
nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor;
by whom the reprobate is despised,
while he honors those who fear the LORD.
R. 
One who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.
Who lends not his money at usury
and accepts no bribe against the innocent.
Whoever does these things
shall never be disturbed.
R. 
One who does justice will live in the presence of the Lord.
Second Reading                        Jas 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27
Dearest brothers and sisters:
All good giving and every perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of lights,
with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change.
He willed to give us birth by the word of truth
that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you
and is able to save your souls.

Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves.

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this:
to care for orphans and widows in their affliction
and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
Gospel                         Mk 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
When the Pharisees with some scribes who had come from Jerusalem
gathered around Jesus,
they observed that some of his disciples ate their meals
with unclean, that is, unwashed, hands.
--For the Pharisees and, in fact, all Jews,
do not eat without carefully washing their hands,
keeping the tradition of the elders.
And on coming from the marketplace
they do not eat without purifying themselves.
And there are many other things that they have traditionally observed,
the purification of cups and jugs and kettles and beds. --
So the Pharisees and scribes questioned him,
"Why do your disciples not follow the tradition of the elders
but instead eat a meal with unclean hands?"
He responded,
"Well did Isaiah prophesy about you hypocrites, as it is written:
This people honors me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me;
in vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines human precepts.
You disregard God's commandment but cling to human tradition."

He summoned the crowd again and said to them,
"Hear me, all of you, and understand.
Nothing that enters one from outside can defile that person;
but the things that come out from within are what defile.

"From within people, from their hearts,
come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder,
adultery, greed, malice, deceit,
licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly.
All these evils come from within and they defile."

Reflections of the Readings (Sept. 2)
Welcome children of God to today's celebration of the Holy Mass that commemorates the Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time. This means that we have now passed the two-thirds mark of the Liturgical Year that will end in November, at which time will begin the First Sunday of Advent.

I pray that the grace of God is rich within all of you today so your ears will hear the glorious message of the Word of God that I am about to share with you.

During today's First Reading, we heard what happened when Moses gave the commandments of the Lord to His people. The Israelites were told to pay attention to the statutes and ordinances so they may live, enter and occupy the promised land.

As commanded by God, Moses also told the people that they must not add anything, nor take anything from the commandments of God. [Deut. 4:2] This was to ensure that the commandments would remain intact generation after generation.

As God's chosen leader of the people, Moses explained to the Israelites that by diligently observing the commandments of the Lord, they would be showing an example to the surrounding nations who worshipped false gods and sacrificed children to their gods. When those nations would hear of the spiritual laws of the true God, they would say, God's people are wise and discerning.

The necessity to obey the commandments of God was not to boast regarding the richness of its spiritual benefits; it was necessary to do so because no other nation had a god so near to it as the Lord God was to His people. And no other nations had the fullness of the law that embraced all the physical and spiritual needs of a people so it may shine in love, mercy and justice for the glory of God the Father.

Moses also explained to the Israelites that obedience to the commandments of God was mandatory. Those who obey the commandments of the Lord would be blessed throughout their lives. Those who disobey the commandments of the Lord by turning to other gods, would be cursed. [See Deut. 11:26-8]

As some of you are fully aware, hundreds of passages within the history of the Old Testament are prophetic of what was to come. Many of the Scriptures echo the coming of the Messiah, the ministry of Christ and His death on the cross. Others echo the institution of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. Others yet echo the Sacraments of the Church. Today's reading echoes the teachings of Jesus Christ that are found in the New Testament.

As the Israelites were commanded to pay attention to the statutes and ordinances of God the Father so that they may live, enter and occupy the promised land, we today, are also commanded to pay attention to the teachings of Jesus. Why? Because the teachings of Jesus are our blessed hope that leads to eternal life and salvation. By persevering in our living faith, through the Blood of the Lamb, we will finally rejoice in the eternal Kingdom of Heaven.

z Moses emphasized that it was extremely important that the people obey the law, without adding or deleting from it. Those who obey the law would be blessed. Those who disobey it would be cursed. In the New Testament, we find a similar passage. "I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book; if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away that person's share which are described in the book." [Rev. 22:18-9]

As God's people of the Old Testament was commanded to obey the law, we today are also commanded to obey God through Jesus Christ. We are commanded to obey the teachings of the Catholic Church that echo the Ten Commandments, the teachings of the Lord Jesus and the Word of God that is found in the Holy Bible. These are our statutes and our ordinances. If we obey them, we will be blessed. If we disobey them, we will be cursed.

For Christ, "having been made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him." [Heb. 5:9] "When He comes to be glorified by His saints and to be marvelled at on that day among all who have believed [2 Thess. 1:9] He will "inflict vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who [did] not obey His gospel." [2 Thess. 1:8]

Accordingly, it is clear that the promise of salvation is conditional, that we must obey the teachings of Jesus Christ. Then, "if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ - if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him." [Rom. 8:17] Our inheritance depends on not being ashamed to bear the Most Holy Name of Jesus, of not being afraid to bear our daily crosses that sanctify us so we may become more in the likeness of Christ. For, "If we have died with Him, we will also live with Him." [2 Tim. 2:11] As St. Peter said, "For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps." [1 Pet. 2:21]

Now, some may claim that they have cheated death. They may claim that through their baptism, they are assured eternal life in the Kingdom of God. As such, when their physical body dies, their soul will raise to Heaven. Have I got a surprise for you! Listen to this passage from the Book of Baruch.

"O Lord, look down from your holy dwelling, and consider us. Incline your ear, O Lord, and hear; open your eyes, O Lord, and see, for the dead who are in Hades, whose spirit has been taken from their bodies, will not ascribe glory or justice to the Lord; but the person who is deeply grieved, who walks bowed and feeble, with frailing eyes and famished soul, will declare your glory and righteousness, O Lord." [Bar. 2:16-8]

Did you all hear that, "for the dead who are in Hades, whose spirit has been taken from their bodies"? Those who neglect their salvation lose their soul. They lose the gift of the new creation that they have received during the Sacrament of Baptism. Those who are saved are those who sincerely repent, those who are humble, those who do penance, those who have a deep regret of their sins, those who hunger for God's salvation.

It is no wonder that St. James tells us in today's Second Reading that "Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

All good actions that we perform, we do so by the grace of God through the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. God's laws have not changed since the day of creation. As His creations, we are called to obey Him and serve Him in all humility and all righteousness.

By the word of truth, in the Name of Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we were born again as new creations. Our new birth is a first step towards a future transformation that will take place at the twinkle of an eye [1 Cor. 15:52] so we may be transformed in the glory of the Lord Jesus. "For the perishable body must put on imperishability, and this mortal body must put on immortality." [1 Cor. 15:53]

My brothers and sisters in Christ, we are called to welcome with meekness the implanted word of God that has the power to save our souls. We are called to be doers of the word, not merely hearers who deceive themselves.

We are called to be holy as our religion is holy. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. As doers of the word, we are called to stand up for the oppressed. We are called to defend the unborn. We are called to condemn the death penalty so we will not have on our hands the blood of falsely convicted persons, this action also providing us with the opportunity to convert the hardest of sinners for the glory of God. What would have happened if St. Paul would have been executed for all what he did to the early Church christians? Surely, a good part of the New Testament would be non-existent! 

Now some may say, "I am tired of helping beggars. Why don't they get a job?" We are not called to judge the beggars for God alone knows what hardship or human frailty has led them to become beggars. What we do know is that when we feed the hungry or give a drink to the thirsty, we do so to Christ. Through such sanctifying action, we receive the grace of God that increases the beauty of our souls in the eyes of God the Father. Such actions go to our credit so we may qualify to enter the Kingdom of God.

During today's Gospel Reading, we heard how the Pharisees and some of the scribes questioned Jesus as to why His disciples ate without washing their hands. In those days, their traditions demanded that all kinds of rules be followed regarding washing.

Jesus responded by quoting the prophet Isaiah. "This people honours me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines."

In other words, it is more important to obey the commandments of God than to hold on to human traditions. Doing things because our parents and grandparents have done it exactly that way is meaningless. Putting five dollars in the Church collection plate on Sundays, circumcising all male children, going to Christmas midnight Mass versus the daily Mass, preparing eleven dishes for the Easter family meal, spending so much money on a wedding or having to invite so many guests, these are all meaningless traditions. Nobody makes it to heaven by making sure that they followed each of these tradition of their ancestors.

In His teaching to the crowd, Jesus added that there is nothing outside of a person, that if he does it, he is defiled. It is the things that come out that defile. All human actions have their origin in the heart. That is where evil intentions are planned and executed, be they: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, or folly. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.

Called to be doers of the Word of God, we are not called to be doers of the worldly pleasures that rob the grace of God from our souls. Called to be holy children as members of the holy Body of Christ, we are called to be doers of holy actions, "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. There is no law against such things. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit" [Gal. 5:22-5] so we may truly be doers of the Word.

Offertory:
1.     Dios Nia Ko
2.     Gasa sa Gugma
3.     O Dios Dawata
4.     Mula sa ‘Yo (Francisco) 
5.     Narito Ako (San Andres) 
6.     Narito Ako, Panginoon (Que) 
7.     Earthen Vessels (Foley)
8.     Dwelling Place (Foley) 
9.     Take our Bread (Wise)
10.   All That I have (Hangad)

Communion:
1.     Misyon sa Tawo
2.     Kini Maong Akong Lawas
3.     Buta
4.     Ang Mabuhay sa Pag-ibig (Tabuena, Hontiveros) 
5.     Kaibigan, Kapanalig (Ofrasio, Hontiveros) 
6.     Likhain Mong Muli (Alejo, Francisco)
7.     Maliban na Mahulog sa Lupa 
8.     Manalig Ka (Perez) 
9.      Diyos, Iniibig Kita (Rodrigo, Francisco) 
10.   Tungod Sa’yo (Hangad)
11.   All I Ask of You (Norbet)
12.   Anima Christi (Arboleda) A little bit Lenten, though. 
13.   Empty Space (Go, Francisco) 
14.   God of Silence (Francisco)
15.   Here in this Place (Haas) A little bit for Easter, though. 
16.   I Seek You for I Thirst (Valdellon)
17.   Love is the Answer (Hannisian) 

Recessional:
1.     Ang Tawag
2.     Kinsa?
3.     Ang Atong Tulubagon
4.     Tanda ng Kaharian ng Diyos (Moreno, Francisco)
5.     Humayo Kayo (Pangilinan, Hontiveros)
6.     I Will Sing Forever (Francisco)

Thank you for visiting my blog and happy weekend Brothers and Sisters J

Suggested Songs for August 26, 2012 Mass


August 26, 2012
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)
Liturgical Color : Green

“Do you also wish to go away?”

Due to the implementation of the New English Translation of the Roman Missal this December 2, 2012, I started to omit the other suggestions of the songs of the mass. As of now, I will only post the Readings, Reflections of the Readings, Entrance Hymn, Offertory, Communion and Recessional Hymn. I will post again the other suggestions of songs as soon as our church will come up with new songs that will fit for the new translation.

Please watch this instructional video courtesy of the Diocese of Novaliches regarding the New English Translation of the Roman Missal.



            Please click any advertisement of our blog so that we will earn for the privatization of the domain of this site. Thank you!

Note: For your suggestions, request and comments please email us at heavensmessenger01@gmail.com or simply text me at +639089741495 and +639167222465.

Entrance…
1.     Diosnong Magtutudlo, “aron lamang mabuhi sa imong mga hatag.”
2.     Awit mga Binuhat
3.     Himaya Kanimo Kristo Jesus
4.     Pag-inambitay
5.     Buklod ng Pag-ibig (Pangilinan, Hontiveros)
6.     Pagmamahal sa Panginoon (Hontiveros) swak sa first reading
7.     Pag-aalaala (Francisco) “Sa piging”
8.     Sa Hapag ng Panginoon (Morano & Francisco) 
9.     Sa Piging na Handog (Carlos, Villaroman) 
10.   Sa Piging ng Panginoon (Tabuena, Hontiveros) 
11.   Blest Be the Lord (Schutte)
12.   Come With Praise (Schutte)
13.   For You Are My God (Foley)
14.   Glory and Praise to Our God (Schutte)
15.   The Lord Is My Light (Foley) 

First Reading                          Jos 24:1-2a, 15-17, 18b
Joshua gathered together all the tribes of Israel at Shechem,
summoning their elders, their leaders,
their judges, and their officers.
When they stood in ranks before God,
Joshua addressed all the people:
"If it does not please you to serve the LORD,
decide today whom you will serve,
the gods your fathers served beyond the River
or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are now dwelling.
As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

But the people answered,
"Far be it from us to forsake the LORD
for the service of other gods.
For it was the LORD, our God,
who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt,
out of a state of slavery.
He performed those great miracles before our very eyes
and protected us along our entire journey
and among the peoples through whom we passed.
Therefore we also will serve the LORD, for he is our God."
Responsorial Psalm                     Ps 34:2-3, 16-17, 18-19, 20-21
R. (9a) Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the LORD;
the lowly will hear me and be glad.
R. 
Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
The LORD has eyes for the just,
and ears for their cry.
The LORD confronts the evildoers,
to destroy remembrance of them from the earth.
R. 
Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
When the just cry out, the LORD hears them,
and from all their distress he rescues them.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
R. 
Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
Many are the troubles of the just one,
but out of them all the LORD delivers him;
he watches over all his bones;
not one of them shall be broken.
R. 
Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
Second Reading                Eph 5:21-32
Brothers and sisters:
Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord.
For the husband is head of his wife
just as Christ is head of the church,
he himself the savior of the body.
As the church is subordinate to Christ,
so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything.
Husbands, love your wives,
even as Christ loved the church
and handed himself over for her to sanctify her,
cleansing her by the bath of water with the word,
that he might present to himself the church in splendor,
without spot or wrinkle or any such thing,
that she might be holy and without blemish.
So also husbands should love their wives as their own bodies.
He who loves his wife loves himself.
For no one hates his own flesh
but rather nourishes and cherishes it,
even as Christ does the church,
because we are members of his body.
For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother
and be joined to his wife,
and the two shall become one flesh.
This is a great mystery,
but I speak in reference to Christ and the church.
Or Eph 5:2a, 25-32
Brothers and sisters:
Live in love, as Christ loved us.
Husbands, love your wives,
even as Christ loved the church
and handed himself over for her to sanctify her,
cleansing her by the bath of water with the word,
that he might present to himself the church in splendor,
without spot or wrinkle or any such thing,
that she might be holy and without blemish.
So also husbands should love their wives as their own bodies.
He who loves his wife loves himself.
For no one hates his own flesh
but rather nourishes and cherishes it,
even as Christ does the church,
because we are members of his body.
For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother
and be joined to his wife,
and the two shall become one flesh.
This is a great mystery,
but I speak in reference to Christ and the church.
Gospel                         Jn 6:60-69
Many of Jesus' disciples who were listening said,
"This saying is hard; who can accept it?"
Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this,
he said to them, "Does this shock you?
What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending
to where he was before?
It is the spirit that gives life,
while the flesh is of no avail.
The words I have spoken to you are Spirit and life.
But there are some of you who do not believe."
Jesus knew from the beginning the ones who would not believe
and the one who would betray him.
And he said,
"For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me
unless it is granted him by my Father."

As a result of this,
many of his disciples returned to their former way of life
and no longer accompanied him.
Jesus then said to the Twelve, "Do you also want to leave?"
Simon Peter answered him, "Master, to whom shall we go?
You have the words of eternal life.
We have come to believe
and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God."

Reflections of the Readings (Aug. 26)

My brothers and sisters in Christ, as I look at our large gathering, I am reminded of those who gathered around the Lord Jesus when He said, "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you." [Jn. 6:53] What would be our reaction to such words if Jesus was here today? What would be our answer to the question, "Do you also wish to go away?" [Jn. 6:67] Or how about the gathering in the days of Joshua? What would be our answer to his comment, "Choose this day whom you will serve!" [Jos. 24:15]

As Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel who presented themselves before God, [Jos. 24:1-2] we also as Christians are gathered here before God. But this time, it is God who gathered us. For, as Jesus said, "No one can come to Him unless it is granted by the Father." [Jn. 6:65] It is by the grace of God the Father and the power of the Holy Spirit that we are drawn to the Lord Jesus who is "the way, the truth and the life." [Jn. 14:6]

Joshua's message during the First Reading echoed that we cannot serve two gods. Jesus said the same thing. "No one can serve two masters; for (you/the slave) will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth." [Mt. 6:24]

Who were the gods of the ancestors in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites that Joshua was speaking about? Their gods were idols, [Gen. 35:4] objects of precious metals. Today, we can compare those gods to the many worldly possession that people place over and above the one and only true God. How many souls dedicate more time towards praising their personal property than they do towards their personal relationship with God? How many place more value in their car, their house, their cottage, their money, their jewelry, their spoon or unicorn collections, their stereo system, forgetting that all these goods were provided by the Lord God for their comfort?

The closing of the First Reading from the Book of Joshua tells us that the people were prepared to make a firm commitment in serving the Lord, "for He is their God." [Jos. 14:18] He is the Lord God who brought their ancestors up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did great signs in their sight. He is the Lord God who protected them all the way they went and among the people through whom they passed. [Jos. 14:17-8]

He is the same Lord God who brought our ancestors, including each and everyone of us, out of the kingdom of darkness. He is the same compassionate Lord God who, through the Sacrament of Baptism, delivered each and everyone of us from the slavery of sin. [Rom. 6:6] He is He who has done great signs in our sight to manifest His Divine Presence in the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. He is the same Lord who "yearns jealously for the spirit that He has made to dwell in us," [Jas. 4:5] protecting His Church throughout its history so the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. [Mt. 16:18]

For those of us who do not wish to go away, choosing to serve the Lord God, what must we do? St. Paul answers that question in today's reading from the Letter to the Ephesians.

We are to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven us. [Ephes. 4:32] During the past few years, we have heard a number of messages from the authorities of the Catholic Church. We had messages that called for the forgiveness of the debts to the poor countries. We heard messages that called for the forgiving of sentences to show mercy towards prisoners in the hope of their conversion. These are perfect examples of the love of Christ. For if we cannot share our wealth with the poor by forgiving their debt, how can we call ourselves Christians? If we cannot show mercy towards prisoners by forgiving their sentences, how can we call ourselves Christians? Did Jesus teach us to execute Divine Wrath on our brothers and sisters or did He tell us to turn the other cheek? [Mt. 5:39] For it is the act of love that changes the heart, not the act of oppression and revenge!

We are called to be imitators of God, as beloved children. [Ephes. 5:1] As Jesus came to serve, we are called to serve one another. Jesus said, "Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor." [Jn. 12:26] How do we serve the Lord Jesus? Jesus answers that question. "For I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you gave me clothing. I was sick and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me." [Mt. 25:35-6]

Love is also manifested in the matrimonial relationship. Wives are to be subject to their husbands [Ephes. 5:22] and husbands are to love their wives, [Ephes. 5:25] just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. As the Church is subject to Christ, the husband is subject to the Church. All these truths have been revealed to us by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in the writing of the Holy Bible. While everyone is subject to someone of higher authority, this does not give the authority to the Church to abuse its power, nor to the husband to abuse his power. In love, we are to grow in holiness as brothers and sisters in Christ. We are to grow in holiness so the husband can present his wife to God in a beauty that is equal to the splendour in which Christ will present the Church to the heavenly Father, without a spot or wrinkle or anything of the kind. [Ephes. 5:27]

We are all members of the Body of Christ. [Ephes. 5:30] As such, our membership requires that we tend to those under our authority in the same way as we take care of our bodies. No one hates his body. He nourishes it and tenderly cares for it, just as Christ does for the Church. The Pope, as our spiritual father, nourishes us with spiritual food, caring for us as Christ cared for us. The Bishops nourish and care for their dioceses. The priests nourish and care for the sheep in their parishes. Husbands nourish and care for their wives who in turn nourish and care for their children. And each one of the aforementioned does so by humbly serving the other.

During today's reading from the Gospel of John, we heard Jesus say, "Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you." [Jn. 6:53] Through those words, Jesus was preparing the way for the revelation of His continued Divine Presence in the world through the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. Jesus was saying, that unless we receive the Living Bread, the Holy Eucharist, we have no life in us.

Most likely, when Jesus spoke those words, none understood them for the Last Supper and the Resurrection had not yet come to pass. Like many said, "This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?" [Jn. 6:60] Because of this, many of his disciples turned back, no longer going about with Jesus.

But those who had faith in the Lord, those who had been called by the Father, they trusted in Jesus. They trusted that in time, their hearts would be open to what Jesus was saying. They were disposed as Peter was when he said, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." [Jn. 6:68]

In His teachings, Jesus said, "It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless." [Jn. 6:63] These words are echoed in The Letter of James where it states: "The body without the spirit is dead." [Jas. 2:26] Among many other truths that Jesus was preaching, He was teaching that the new creation that we received during the Sacrament of Baptism, is the means through which we receive eternal life in the Kingdom of God. For, "no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit." [Jn. 3:5] No one can enter the Kingdom of God unless they were born again and have received the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Knowing these holy truths, what do we want to do? Do we also wish to go away? Or should we choose this day who we will serve? Whatever we choose, we must make sure that it is the right decision because there is no second chance once we are called to appear before the Lord Jesus in judgment. Whatever we choose, we better make sure we do it with a sincerity of heart for we cannot serve two masters. Whatever we choose, we better pray that it is in answer to the calling of God the Father, He who is our assurance of the blessed hope in the adoption and inheritance of the children of the Lord.

This week, let us reflect upon our commitment towards the Lord Jesus. Let us dread just the thought of Jesus asking us, "Do you also wish to go away?"

Offertory…
1.     Daygon Ikaw Ginoong Dios (Koro Viannista)
2.     Mugna sa Dios
3.     Aniang Among Halad
4.     Isang Pagkain, Isang Katawan, Isang Bayan (San Pedro) 
5.     Pag-aalay (Francisco)
6.     Unang Alay (Magnaye)
7.     Earthen Vessels (Foley)
8.     Prayer of Rupert Mayer (Francisco)
9.     Take our Bread (Wise)
10.   To Be Your Bread (Haas)

Communion…
1.     Ang Dios Magbalantay, prioritize stanza 2.
2.     Si Jesus Ang Dalan, swak sa Ebanghelyo
3.     Kini Mao’ng Akong Lawas, “dawata kini… langitnong kalan-on”
4.     Magsaulog Kita Karon, “Sa kauhaw ug kagutom, ang Ginoo nagapakaon.”
5.     Awit ng Pag-asam (Hangad)
6.     Ang Tanging Alay Ko
7.     Kapuri-puri Ka (Que)
8.     Huwag Kang Mangamba (Pagsanghan, Francisco)
9.     H’wag Mabalisa (Calasanz, Hontiveros)
10.   H’wag Mangamba (Francisco)
11.   Ito ang Aking Katawan (Isidro & Ramirez)
12.   Liwanag ng Aming Puso
13.   Liwanagan Mo, Hesus
14.   Manatili Ka (Francisco)
15.   Pag-alabin Aming Puso
16.   Pagkakaibigan (Cenzon, Abad-Santos)
17.   Pag-ibig Ko (Cenzon)
18.   Sa Diyos Lamang Mapapanatag (Isidro, Que)
19.   Sa ‘Yo Lamang (Borres, Gan, Francisco)
20.  Saan Kami Tutungo (Macalinao, Hontiveros) Best choice.
21.   Tanging Yaman (Gan, Francisco)
22.  All I Ask of You (Norbet)
23.  Be Not Afraid (Dufford)
24.  Come to Me All Who are Weary (Schutte)
25.  Come With Me Into the Fields (Schutte)
26.  God of Love (Schutte)
27.  God of Silence (Francisco)
28.  Here I Am, Lord (Schutte)
29.  I Love the Lord (Aquino)
30.  In Him Alone (Francisco)
31.   Prayer of Saint Francis (Temple)

Recessional…
1.     Kinsa?
2.     Ang Tawag
3.     Pagbanwag
4.   Tanda ng Kaharian ng Diyos (Moreno, Francisco)
5.   Humayo Kayo (Pangilinan, Hontiveros)
6.   Humayo’t Ihayag (Francisco, Catalan, Go)
7.   Magpasalamat Kayo sa Panginoon (Ramirez)
8.   O Bayan ng Diyos (Aquino)
9.   Sino’ng Makapaghihiwalay (Anunciata)
10. All My Days (Schutte, Murray)
11.  I Will Sing Forever (Francisco)
12. Pilgrim’s Theme (Go, Francisco)
13. I am the Bread of Life (Toolan)
14. Throughout All Time (Haas)

Have a blessed weekend brothers and sisters J


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