21st Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A - August 27, 2023

Big thanks to those who supported us always especially to Robert Ronquillo of Holy Family Parish, Kalaklan, Olongapo City.
 
The readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A remind us that God’s wisdom is not the same as our own wisdom. In the first reading we hear that God has the power to remove the mighty from their positions of leadership. In the second reading Paul tells us that we cannot know the mind of God, as his wisdom and knowledge are beyond us. And in the gospel s that Jesus is the Christ, and Jesus declares that this is a revelation from the Father.
 

• Authority: In this passage, Jesus engages His disciples in a conversation about His identity. He asks them who people say He is and then asks them directly who they believe Him to be. Through this dialogue, Jesus affirms His authority as the Messiah, the Son of the living God.

• Faith: Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, demonstrates a significant act of faith. This confession reveals Peter’s recognition of Jesus’ divine nature and purpose.

• Prayer: Jesus’ response to Peter’s confession highlights the role of divine revelation in understanding spiritual truths. He acknowledges that Peter’s confession was revealed to him by the Father in heaven, emphasizing the importance of prayerful communion with God.

• Primacy of Peter: Jesus’ declaration that Peter is the “rock” upon which He will build His church and that He will give Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven signifies the primacy and leadership role assigned to Peter within the community of believers.

• The Church’s Formation: The passage alludes to the formation of the Church, with Jesus affirming its future establishment based on Peter’s confession and leadership. This signifies the beginning of the community of believers that will grow from Christ’s teachings.

• Binding and Loosing: The authority to “bind and loose” granted to Peter symbolizes his role in guiding the Church by making decisions related to doctrine and discipline, highlighting the organizational structure and accountability within the early Church.

Entrance:
1.      Lungsod nga Balaan
2.      Pagmamahal sa Panginoon (Hontiveros)
3.      Isang Pananampalataya (Santos and Hontiveros)
4.      Seek the Lord
5.      Glory and Praise to our God (Schutte)
 
Readings:

• First Reading – Isaiah 22:19-23: The LORD declares that He will remove Shebna from his position and replace him with Eliakim. Eliakim will have authority and be like a trusted peg, honored by his family.

• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 138:  Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.

I thank the LORD wholeheartedly, acknowledging that He hears me. I praise Him among angels and worship in His temple. His love is eternal, and He never abandons His creations.

• Second Reading – Romans 11:33-36: The vastness of God’s wisdom and knowledge is incomprehensible. No one can fully understand His mind or advise Him. Everything originates from and exists for Him. Glory to Him eternally.

• Gospel – Matthew 16:13-20: Jesus asks who people say He is. Peter proclaims Him as Christ, Son of God. Jesus blesses Peter, declaring him foundation of His church, giving him authority over heaven’s keys.
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Offertory:
1.      Gasa sa Gugma (Koro Viannista)
2.      Daygon Ikaw Ginoong Dios (Koro Viannista)
3.      Paghahandog (San Andres) “Lahat ng ito’y nagmula sa Iyo” is so 2R.
4.      Panginoon, Narito Ako (Isidro and Que)
5.      Take and Receive “ All I own are thine”
6.      Dwelling Place (Foley)
 
Communion:
1.      Ako ang Kahayag (Koro Viannista)
2.      Kinabuhi Mo, Kinabuhi Ko (Koro Viannista)
3.      Pagkakaibigan
4.      Panunumpa
5.      One Thing I ask
6.      Here I am, Lord (Schutte) “Whom shall I send”
7.      You are Mine (Haas)
 
Recessional:
1.      Ang Tawag
2.      Pagkabighani (Alejo, Francisco)
3.      Paring Pilipino
4.      You are a Priest Forever
5.      Only in GOD (Foley)