Palm Sunday - Year B - March 24, 2024

 The readings for Palm Sunday Year B (Passion Sunday) focus the sacrifice which Jesus Christ made for me and you. The reading for the procession of the palms tells of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The first reading from Isaiah foretells Jesus' suffering. The psalm sings "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?", which is the Psalm Jesus prayed from the cross. The second reading from Philippians speaks of the how Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. And in the gospel we hear how Jesus first celebrated the Passover, and then became the sacrificial lamb for us.
Palm Sunday Year B weaves together a rich tapestry of themes that resonate deeply with the Christian experience, reflecting on the final days and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. These themes include:
·       Kingship and Humility: Both the Procession readings from Mark and John highlight Jesus' entry into Jerusalem as a king, but in a way that defies worldly expectations. Riding on a colt or donkey, He fulfills ancient prophecies about the Messiah's humble arrival, emphasizing the contrast between divine kingship and earthly power.
·       Obedience and Suffering: The reading from Isaiah and the account of Jesus' passion in Mark showcase the obedience of the servant, who, despite facing suffering and humiliation, remains steadfast and trusts in God's plan. This obedience even unto death highlights the depth of Jesus' commitment to fulfilling His Father's will.

• Salvation and Redemption: The passion narrative, particularly Jesus' crucifixion and death, focuses on the themes of salvation and redemption. Jesus' sacrificial love, evident in His willingness to endure the cross, opens the path for humanity's reconciliation with God, offering hope and the promise of eternal life.

• Divine Exaltation: The reading from Philippians speaks to the theme of divine exaltation, where Christ's humility and obedience lead to His ultimate glorification by God. This exaltation serves as a testament to Jesus' lordship and the acknowledgment of His divine nature by all of creation.

• Prophetic Fulfillment: Throughout the readings, there is a strong emphasis on the fulfillment of prophecy. Jesus' actions and experiences, from His triumphant entry into Jerusalem to His suffering and death, are seen as the culmination of biblical prophecies about the Messiah, underscoring the divine plan at work in His life and mission.

• Faith and Perseverance: Implicit in these readings is the call to faith and perseverance for believers. As followers of Christ, we are invited to embrace humility, endure suffering, and remain faithful to God's will, inspired by Jesus' own example.

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!’
 
Readings:

• Procession - Mark 11:1-10: As Jesus neared Jerusalem, He sent disciples to fetch a colt, instructing them on how to respond if questioned. Successfully bringing the colt to Jesus, they prepared it for Him. Entering Jerusalem, Jesus was greeted exuberantly by crowds laying cloaks and branches before Him, acclaiming Him with shouts of "Hosanna" and recognizing Him as the herald of God's kingdom, fulfilling a messianic prophecy and symbolizing His kingship in a humble manner.

• Alternate Procession - John 12:12-16: As Jesus approached Jerusalem, a large crowd welcomed Him with palm branches and shouts of "Hosanna," recognizing Him as the prophesied King of Israel. His choice of a donkey fulfilled ancient prophecy, though His disciples understood its significance only after His glorification.

• First reading - Isaiah 50:4-7: Endowed with the gift of speech by God, I encourage the weary and listen to His teaching daily. Despite suffering, I stand firm, supported by God, confident in facing humiliation without shame.

• Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 22: In my deepest despair, scorned and wounded, I feel abandoned. Yet, I call for God's swift aid, promising to proclaim His greatness to those who suffer, urging them to praise and honor Him.

• Second Reading - Philippians 2:6-11: Christ, though divine, embraced humility, becoming human and obeying to the point of death on a cross. Consequently, God elevated Him, ensuring every being honors Jesus as Lord, glorifying God the Father.

• Gospel - Mark 14:1-15:47: Jesus' final days were marked by betrayal, the Last Supper, and teachings on readiness. After being betrayed by Judas, Jesus faced trials, denial by Peter, and crucifixion. His death on the cross, amidst mockery, fulfilled prophecies and demonstrated profound love. Buried by Joseph of Arimathea, Jesus' sacrifice offered hope beyond death, emphasizing redemption and eternal life for humanity.

 
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
 
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… 
 

5th Sunday of Lent - Year B - March 17, 2024

 
The readings for the 5th Sunday of Lent for Year B focus on God's covenant with us, even though we are often unfaithful. The first reading speaks of a new covenant. The second reading speaks of the obedience of Jesus Christ brought about our salvation. And in the gospel Jesus foretells his death and explains that those who follow him will find eternal life.
The Mass readings for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B revolve around several interconnected themes that highlight the transformative nature of faith, the fulfillment of God's promises, and the path to eternal life through sacrifice and obedience. Here are the main themes:

• New Covenant and Inner Transformation: The first reading from Jeremiah speaks of a new covenant that God will establish with His people. Unlike the old covenant, which was external and often broken, this new covenant will be written on their hearts, symbolizing an intimate and unbreakable relationship with God. It emphasizes God's mercy and the transformative power of His law within us.

• Obedience Through Suffering: The second reading from Hebrews presents Jesus as the model of obedience and submission to God's will, even in the face of suffering. It highlights the idea that true obedience to God can involve hardship and pain but leads to greater wisdom and fulfillment of God's plan for salvation.

• Death and Resurrection: The Gospel according to John introduces the metaphor of a grain of wheat that must die to produce life, illustrating the necessary passage through death to reach the fullness of life. This theme is central to the Lenten journey, pointing towards Jesus' death and resurrection as the path to new life for all believers.

• Self-Denial and Service: Jesus' teachings on self-denial and the importance of serving others are key themes in the Gospel. He emphasizes that following Him requires a willingness to let go of personal desires and ambitions in favor of a life dedicated to serving God and others.

• Universal Salvation: Jesus' statement about drawing all people to Himself upon being lifted up from the earth speaks to the universal nature of His mission. His death and resurrection are not just for a select few but offer salvation to all who believe in Him, transcending cultural and religious boundaries.

• Divine Assurance and Human Response: The divine voice affirming Jesus' mission and the varied responses from the crowd illustrate the theme of faith and doubt. It highlights the challenges believers face in understanding and accepting the mysteries of faith, as well as the assurance that God's plan is being fulfilled through Jesus.

These themes for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B guide the faithful towards a deeper understanding of God's love and salvation plan, encouraging a personal and communal transformation that aligns with the heart of the Lenten season.
 
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)
 
Readings:

• First Reading - Jeremiah 31:31-34: God promises a new covenant with Israel and Judah, different from the old. He will write His laws in their hearts, be their God, and they, His people. All will know Him and be forgiven.

• Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 51: Create a clean heart in me, O God.

I ask God for mercy and cleansing from my sins. May He create a pure heart in me, not casting me away, and restore the joy of salvation to guide others.

• Second Reading - Hebrews 5:7-9: Jesus Christ, during His time on earth, earnestly prayed to the Father, and was heard for His deep reverence. Through suffering, He learned obedience, becoming the source of eternal salvation for His followers.

• Gospel -John 12:20-33: When some Greeks sought Jesus during Passover, He spoke of His impending death, likening it to a grain of wheat that must die to produce many seeds. He emphasized self-denial for eternal life and the honor given to those who serve Him. Jesus, troubled, chose to glorify God's name over seeking rescue. A divine voice affirmed this, leading to varied interpretations among the crowd. Jesus explained His crucifixion would judge the world and draw all to Himself, revealing the nature of His death.

 
 
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)
 
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)
 

4th Sunday of Lent - Year B - March 10, 2024

 
We are now on the 4^th Sunday of Lent, still thanking you dear brothers and sisters for visiting us here.
 
The readings for the 4th Sunday of Lent Year B focus on God's faithfulness in drawing us closer to him. The first reading tells how God inspired Cyrus to allow the chosen people to worship once again in Jerusalem. And in the gospel we hear of Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, where Jesus explains that he was sent to us out of the boundless love of God.
 
The 4th Sunday of Lent Year B presents a profound reflection on themes of longing for restoration, God's mercy and grace, the dichotomy between light and darkness, and God's unwavering love for humanity. These readings invite us to contemplate our own lives considering God's enduring patience and willingness to forgive. They challenge us to recognize our transgressions yet reassure us of the possibility of repentance and returning to God's grace. Through the narrative of the Babylonian exile and the words of Jesus in John 3, we are reminded of the transformative power of belief and the hope that lies in restoration.

• Longing for restoration - Despite the reality of judgment and punishment, the readings for the 4th Sunday of Lent Year B also emphasize the possibility of repentance and restoration. In 2 Chronicles 36, the Babylonian exile is seen as a time of purging and purification, and God later allows the people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. In John 3, Jesus speaks of the possibility of eternal life through belief in him.

• God's mercy and grace - The readings also emphasize God's mercy and grace towards humanity, despite our sinfulness. In the first reading, God is patient and long-suffering towards the people, giving them many chances to repent and turn back to him. In the gospel, Jesus speaks of God's love for the world, and his willingness to give his only son as a sacrifice for our sins.

• Light and darkness - In John 3, Jesus speaks of the contrast between light and darkness, using light as a metaphor for truth and righteousness, and darkness as a metaphor for sin and ignorance.

• God's love for humanity - The readings for the 4th Sunday of Lent Year B also emphasize God's love for humanity, despite our sinfulness. In 2 Chronicles 36, God is patient towards the people, even as they rebel against him. In John 3, Jesus speaks of God's love for the world, and his willingness to give his only son as a sacrifice for our sins.

So the readings for the 4th Sunday of Lent Year B offer a deep exploration of God's relationship with humanity, characterized by both justice and immense love. Despite the harsh reality of judgment, there is always a path back to God through repentance, illuminated by the light of Christ. These themes encourage us to embrace the light, acknowledge God's sacrificial love, and move towards a future where our actions are aligned with God's will. As we journey through Lent, let us hold fast to the promise of restoration and the gift of God's mercy, celebrating the profound love He has for each of us, manifested through the giving of His only Son.
 
Entrance:
1.      Tun-I Kami Ginoo
2.      Mag-awit Kita
3.      Dios Namo sa Kalooy
4.      Buksan ang Aming Puso (Tinio, Hontiveros)
5.      Blest be the Lord
6.      Seek the Lord (O’Connor)
 
Readings:

• First Reading - 2 Chronicles 36:14-16, 19-23: Judah's betrayal of faith led to their exile as Babylon destroyed Jerusalem and the temple. God's warnings were ignored, resulting in captivity. Fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy, the exile lasted until Cyrus of Persia decreed the rebuilding of the temple, marking the beginning of the return.

• Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 137:  The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

• In Babylon's captivity, we wept for Zion, unable to sing our sacred songs in a foreign land. Forgetting Jerusalem would be my greatest loss, my joy silenced without its memory.

• Second Reading - Ephesians 2:4-10: God, in His mercy, made us alive with Christ, saving us by grace through faith, not by our deeds, to display His grace in Christ. We are created for good works, predestined by God.

• Gospel - John 3:14-21: Jesus has a conversation with Nicodemus and references Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness as a foreshadowing of his own crucifixion and the salvation that it would bring. Jesus emphasizes the importance of believing in him as the Son of God in order to receive eternal life, and highlights the judgment that will come to those who do not believe.

 
Offertory:
1.      O Dios Dawata
2.      Aniang among Halad
3.      Diyutay Lang Kini
4.      Sumasamo Kami (Judan)
5.      Panginoon Narito Ako
6.      Unang Alay (modified version)
7.      Now We Remain (Haas)
8.      Take Our Bread (Wise)
 
 
Communion:
1.      Kini Maong Akong Lawas
2.      Kinabuhi mo Kinabuhi Ko
3.      Ako ang Kahayag
4.      Balaan nga Gugma
5.      Dios Namo sa Kalooy
6.      Awit ng Paghilom (Aquino)
7.      Maging akin Muli (Aquino)
8.      Dakilang Pag-ibig (Pangilinan, Hontiveros) Prioritize Stanza 2. Swak sa 2R.
9.      Likhain mong Muli (Alejo, Francisco)
10.  God of Silence (Francisco)
11.  Empty Space (Go, Francisco)
 
Recessional:
1.      Kinsa?
2.      Ang Atong Tulubagon
3.      Alay sa Kapwa (Esteban, Hontiveros) Prioritize Stanza 3.
4.      Save Us, O Lord (Dufford)