24th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A - September 17, 2023

 
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The readings for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year A focus on mercy and forgiveness. In the first reading we are told we must forgive each other for “wrath and anger are hateful things”. The psalm reminds us that God shows us mercy. The second reading tells us to live for Christ instead of ourselves. And in the gospel Jesus tells parables about mercy and tells Peter that we must forgive “seventy times seven” times.
 
Themes:

• Boundless Forgiveness: In response to Peter, Jesus showcases the idea that forgiveness knows no bounds. He highlights the importance of unlimited forgiveness.

• Mercy Illustrated: The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant draws a sharp contrast between the master’s mercy and the servant’s lack of it. This vividly shows the significance of being merciful to others.

• Debt and Divine Mercy: The passage employs the concept of debt metaphorically to emphasize God’s immense forgiveness. It encourages us to contemplate this divine mercy.

• Mutual Forgiveness: The parable’s principle of “forgive as you wish to be forgiven” highlights the link between our readiness to forgive and God’s forgiveness towards us.

• Compassion vs. Judgment: The tension between the master’s compassion and eventual judgment underscores that our compassion towards others directly influences the mercy we receive from God.

• Genuine Forgiveness: Jesus concludes by stressing heartfelt forgiveness. It goes beyond mere words and actions, demanding a true internal transformation. Forgiveness and letting go require substantial effort.

• Spiritual Acts of Mercy: The themes of “Forgive Injuries” and “Bear Wrongs Patiently” align well with Matthew 18:21-35. Forgiving injuries connects with the parable’s message of limitless forgiveness, while enduring wrongs resonates with compassion and the balance between judgment and mercy.

 
Entrance:
1.      Pag-inambitay (swak sa gospel ilabina ang koro part)
2.      Pag-aalaala (Francisco) “inalipin” and “mahabagin” are so G.
3.      Hosea (Norbet)
 

• First Reading – Sirach 27:30—28:7: Wrath and anger are condemned, while forgiveness of others is commended. Remember mortality and God’s commandments, setting aside enmity and overlooking faults.

• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 103: The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion.

• Bless the Lord for his kindness and mercy. He pardons iniquities, heals ills, and redeems lives. His compassion is vast, putting transgressions far away from those who fear him.

• Second Reading – Romans 14:7-9: Whether living or dying, we belong to the Lord. Christ’s death and resurrection affirm that he is Lord of both the living and the dead, and our lives should reflect that.

• Gospel – Matthew 18:21-35: Jesus teaches about forgiveness using a parable of a servant forgiven a huge debt but who then refuses to forgive a smaller debt. The master, angry at this hypocrisy, punishes him. Jesus warns that we must forgive others wholeheartedly.

 

Offertory:

1. Paghalad ug Pagpasalamat
2. O Dios Dawata (Koro Viannista)
3. Pag-aalay (Francisco) Stanza 4 ang priority. “Gawin pati aming buhay, ‘pagkat sa ‘Yo dumalisay.
4. Sumasamo Kami (Judan)
5. Dwelling Place (Foley)
6. Earthen Vessels (Foley)
7. Prayer for Generosity (Arboleda)

 
Communion:

1. O Dios, Ikaw Haduol (Cebuano version of You are Near)
2. Anino
3. Awit ng Paghilom (Aquino) 
4. Diyos Ay Pag-ibig “Magmahalan tayo’t magtulungan” 
5. O Hesus, Hilumin Mo (Francisco) “Nang aking mahango kapwa kong kasimbigo” 
6. Pagbabalik (Alcaraz, Francisco) 
7. Likhain Mong Muli (Alejo, Francisco) 
8. Pag-alabin Aming Puso (Francisco) 
9. Pagpalain Kailanman (Aquino) 
10. Dakilang Pag-ibig. (Pangilinan, Hontiveros) Stanza 3 ang priority. "Iwasan lahat ang pagkapoot...yamot"
11. All I Ask of You (Norbet) Stanzas 2 & 3 ang priority. 
12. Empty Space (Go, Francisco) 
13. Father, Mercy (Dufford)
14. One More Gift (Francisco) "it would be peace here on earth"
15. Prayer of Saint Francis (Temple) Stanza 3 ang priority. "It is in pardoning that we are pardoned."
16. We Remember (Haugen) Make sure this isn’t your acclamation song. Stanza 4 ang priority. "See the Face of Christ revealed in ev'ry person standing by your side: gift to one another, and temples of Your love."

Recessional:

1. Ang atong Tulubagon
2. Pagbanwag
3. Pananagutan
4. Let there be Peace on Earth (Miller, Jackson) "Let me walk with my brother in perfect harmony"