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)