5th Sunday of Easter - Year B - April 28, 2024

 
The readings for the 5th Sunday of Easter Year B remind us of our dependence on God and each other. In the gospel Jesus explains that he is the vine and we must depend on him. The second reading also echoes this teaching.
The readings for the 5th Sunday of Easter Year B touch on several interconnected themes that are central to understanding and living out the Christian faith. Here's a list of the key themes:

• Transformation and Mission: In the first reading from Acts, we see the transformation of Saul, a former persecutor of Christians, into a bold preacher of the Gospel. This change highlights the power of God's grace to convert and equip believers for mission. Community and Belonging: Saul's acceptance into the Christian community through Barnabas's advocacy demonstrates the importance of community, belonging, and the role of mediation in the life of believers. It reminds us that the Church is a place of welcome for all, including those who were once far off.

• Love in Action: The second reading from 1 John emphasizes that love must be more than words; it must be expressed in deeds and truth. This practical expression of love is evidence of living in the truth of the Gospel.

• Obedience and Relationship with God: Obedience to God's commandments, especially the command to believe in Jesus and love one another, is central to our relationship with God. This obedience is not burdensome but is a natural outcome of our love for God and assures us of His indwelling Spirit.

• Vital Connection with Christ: The Gospel from John uses the metaphor of the vine and the branches to illustrate the vital connection believers must maintain with Jesus. Just as branches can bear fruit only when attached to the vine, Christians can thrive spiritually only when they remain in Jesus.

• Fruitfulness and Discipleship: The theme of fruitfulness permeates the Gospel reading. Believers are called to bear fruit as evidence of their discipleship and their connection to Jesus. This fruitfulness also involves pruning, or spiritual discipline, to foster even greater growth.

• God’s Glory: The ultimate purpose of believers’ fruitfulness is to bring glory to God. Our lives, when lived in connection with Christ, reflect God's love and power to the world.

 
Together, these themes present a rich tapestry of Christian life and faith, emphasizing transformation, community, love in action, obedience, connection with Christ, fruitfulness, and the glorification of God.
 
Entrance:
1.      Diha sa Halaran
2.      Saulogon ta Karon
3.      Kon Magkatigum Ta
4.      Pag-inambitay
5.      Huni sa Kinabuhi
6.      Pag-alaala (Francisco)
7.      Awit ng Pasasalamat
8.      Isang Pananampalataya (Santos, Hontiveros) Best choice; stanza per stanza.
9.      Sing a new song (Schutte). Don’t forget to replace “Yahweh’s people” to “O God’s people.” "Singing Alleluia..."
10.  Praise God (Dufford, Foley)
11.  Praise the Lord, My Soul (Foley)
12.  City of God (Schutte)
13.  Come with Praise (Schutte)
 
Readings:

• First Reading - Acts 9:26-31: Initially distrusted, Saul joins the Jerusalem disciples through Barnabas's support, speaking boldly about Jesus. Despite threats, he's safely sent to Tarsus. The church then experiences peaceful growth, strengthened and encouraged by the Holy Spirit.

• Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 22:  I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people.

In the presence of the faithful, I will fulfill my vows and praise the Lord. All nations will turn to Him, and future generations will hear of His righteousness.

• Second Reading - 1 John 3:18-24: We're called to express love in actions and truth, not just words. A clear conscience gives us confidence before God. Obeying His commandments to believe in Jesus and love one another assures us of God's indwelling Spirit.

• Gospel -John 15:1-8: Jesus described himself as the true vine and his Father as the gardener. Branches not bearing fruit are removed, while fruitful ones are pruned for more yield. He emphasized staying connected to him, akin to branches on a vine, as the key to bearing fruit. Without him, nothing can be achieved. Unfruitful branches are discarded. Fruitfulness in believers brings glory to God and proves discipleship.

 

Offertory:
1.      Gasa sa Gugma
2.      Nagahalad Kami
3.      Diyutay lang Kini
4.      Dios Nia Ko
5.      Narito Ako (San Andres)
6.      Narito Ako, Panginoon (Que)
7.      Sumasamo Kami (Judan)
8.      Unang Alay (Magnaye)
9.      Blessed be God
10.  Prayer for Generosity (Arboleda)
11.  Prayer of Rupert Mayer (Francisco)
 
Communion:
1.      Gugma’g Paglaum
2.      Kini Maong Akong Lawas
3.      Kalig-on sa Pagtoo, sibo sa 1^st reading sa kahugot ug kalig-on sa pagtoo ni Saulo sa pagwali sa pulong sa Ginoo
4.      Ang Kinabuhi sa Tawo
5.      Kaibigan, Kapanalig (Ofrasio, Hontiveros)
6.      Dakilang Pag-ibig (Pangilinan, Hontiveros)
7.      Diyos ay Pag-ibig
8.      Manalig Ka (Perez)
9.      Pagkakaibigan (Cenzon, Abad-Santos)
10.  Pagsibol (Aquino)
11.  Awit ng Pag-asam (Dublin-Tolentino)
12.  God of Love (Schutte)
13.  In My Heart (Francisco)
14.  One More Gift (Francisco)
15.  To Be Your Bread (Haas)
16.  The Lord’s Steadfast Love (Tolentino-Francia)
 
Recessional:
1.      Ang Tawag
2.      Pagbanwag
3.      Ang Atong Tulubagon
4.      Any Marian Song will do
5.      Pananagutan
6.      Humayo’t Ihayag
7.      All My Days (Schutte, Murray)
8.      I am the Bread of Life (Toolan) ang priority ay stanzas 3 and 4.
9.      Let There Be Peace on Earth (Miller, Jackson)
 
 
 
 
 

Good Shepherd Sunday - Year B - April 21, 2024

 
The readings for the 4th Sunday in Easter Year B (Good Shepherd Sunday) demonstrate that Jesus Christ cares for us as a shepherd cares for his flock. Jesus explains that he is the good shepherd who knows his sheep and will do anything to save them.
 
The 4th Sunday of Easter, also known as Good Shepherd Sunday, Year B, brings together themes that are central to understanding our relationship with Jesus and our identity as Christians. Here are the key themes based on the readings:

• Jesus as the Good Shepherd: The Gospel clearly portrays Jesus as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, indicating His sacrificial love and commitment to us.

• Salvation Through Jesus: Peter's speech in Acts underscores that salvation is exclusively found in Jesus Christ, emphasizing His role as the cornerstone of our faith.

• Our Identity as Children of God: The letter from John reminds us that we are deeply loved children of God, an identity that the world might not recognize but is foundational to our Christian life.

• The Universality of Christ’s Call: Jesus mentions He has other sheep not of this flock, highlighting the inclusive nature of His mission and the universal call to be part of one flock under one shepherd.

• Voluntary Sacrifice and Authority of Christ: Jesus’ assertion that He lays down His life voluntarily and has the authority to take it up again speaks to His divine authority and the voluntary nature of His sacrifice for us.

• The Role of Faith in Understanding Our Identity and Mission: The readings together invite us to reflect on how faith in Jesus as the Good Shepherd and cornerstone helps us understand our identity as God's children and our mission in the world.

 
These themes invite us to reflect on the depth of Jesus' love and sacrifice, our identity as beloved children of God, and the call to unity and mission in the vast flock of Christ.
 
Entrance:
1.      Diha sa Halaran
2.      Diosnong Magtutudlo
3.      Mao Kini ang Panaghigugmaay
4.      Kon Magkatigum Ta
5.      Magsiawit sa Panginoon (Isidro & Que) "Magsiawit kayo sa Panginoon; ALELUYA!"
6.      Isang Pananampalataya (Santos & Hontiveros)
7.      Halina aat Lumapit (Santos, Hontiveros) Stanza 2 ang priority.
8.      Blest be the Lord (Schutte)
9.      City of God (Schutte) Stanza 2 ang priority.
10.  Come With Me Into the Fields (Schutte)
11.  Glory and Praise to Our God (Schutte) Stanza 3 ang priority.
12.  Play before the Lord (Dufford). Stanza 2 ang priority. "Offering Him our joyful hearts, joining in endless praise. Alleluia (4x) joining in endless praise."
13.  Sing a new song (Schutte). Don’t forget to replace “Yahweh’s people” to “O God’s people.” "Singing Alleluia...”
Readings:

• First Reading - Acts 4:8-12: Peter declared the healing of a man came through Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom they crucified but God raised. He emphasized that salvation can only come through Jesus, the cornerstone the builders rejected.

• Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 118: The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone.

Acknowledging God's unfailing kindness, we find solace in His shelter, surpassing human or leader reliance. The once-rejected stone now underpins our faith, a divine act that fills us with awe. Blessed by God's response and rescue, we celebrate His eternal mercy.

• Second Reading - 1 John 3:1-2: We are already God's children, loved deeply by the Father. The world doesn't know us, as it didn't know Him. In the future, we'll fully become like Him, seeing Him as He truly is.

• Gospel - John 10:11-18: I am the good shepherd who sacrifices his life for the sheep, unlike a hired hand who runs when danger comes. I know my sheep and they know me. I also have other sheep not of this pen; they will listen to my voice, making one flock under one shepherd. I lay down my life voluntarily, with the authority to take it up again, as commanded by my Father.

 

Offertory:
1.      Gasa sa Gugma
2.      Diyutay lang Kini
3.      Pagdaygon ka Dios
4.      Ang Tanging Alay Ko “’Sa ‘Yo aking Ama” connects to 2R.
5.      Isang Pagkain, Isang Katawan, Isang Bayan (San Pedro)
6.      Paghahandog ng Sarili (Ofrasio-Hontiveros or Arboleda-Francisco)
7.      Blessed Be God
8.      Prayer for Generosity (Arboleda)
 
Communion:
1.      Misyon sa Tawo
2.      Ang Ginoo akong Magbalantay, swak for the Gospel
3.      Kini Maong akong Lawas
4.      Tungo Sa’yo (Hangad), swak for the celebration Vocation Sunday
5.      Ang Mabuting Pastol (Hontiveros)
6.      Ang Panginoon ay aking Pastol (Isidro & Ramirez)
7.      Pagsibol (Aquino)
8.      Tubig ng Buhay (Valdellon)
9.      Ama Kong Mahal (Aquino)
10.  Pag-ibig Mo, Ama (Macalinao, Hontiveros)
11.  Sa Diyos Lamang Mapapanatag (Isidro & Que) Ang priority ay stanza 3. “Pastol kang nagmamahal sa kawan”
12.  Panginoon ng Pag-ibig at Pag-asa. Emphasize Aleluya at finale.
13.  So the Love of God (Schutte)
14.  Shelter Me, O God
15.  Like a Shepherd (Dufford). Prioritize Stanzas 2 & 3
16.  Pastorale (Francisco)
17.  Valleys of Green (Schutte)
18.  Empty Space (Go, Francisco)
19.  For You Are My God (Foley)
20.  God of Silence (Francisco)
21.  Here I Am, Lord (Schutte)
 
Recessional:
1.      Pagbanwag
2.      Ang Tawag
3.      Ang atong Tulubagon
4.      Humayo’t Ihayag (Francisco, Catalan & Go). Emphasize "Aleluya" at finale.
5.      Ito ang Bagong Araw (Isidro, Ramirez)
6.      Pananagutan
7.      Before the Sun burned bright (Schutte). Emphasize Alleluia.
8.      All My Days (Schutte) Stanza 4 ang priority.
9.      Pilgrim’s Theme (Go & Francisco) dahel Vocation Sunday.
10.  Save us, O Lord. Lenten, pero "O Shepherd of Israel"

3rd Sunday of Easter - Year B - April 14, 2024

The readings for the 3rd Sunday in Easter encourage us to truly believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and to accept his love. In the gospel the risen Jesus appears to his disciples and helps them understand his death and resurrection.

The readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year B touch on several interconnected themes that are crucial to understanding the Easter season and its significance in Christian life. Here are the main themes:

• Repentance and Forgiveness: A central theme, especially highlighted in the readings from Acts and the Gospel of Luke, is the call to repentance—turning back to God—and the promise of forgiveness. This theme underscores God's mercy and willingness to forgive sins for those who turn to Him and acknowledge their wrongdoings.

• The Fulfillment of Prophecy: The readings from Acts and Luke emphasize that Jesus' life, death, and resurrection were all part of God's plan, foretold in the scriptures. This theme connects the events of the New Testament with the prophecies of the Old Testament, showing the continuity and fulfillment of God's salvation history.
• Witnessing to the Resurrection: The Gospel and the first reading both highlight the importance of witnessing to the resurrection of Jesus. The disciples are called to share the news of Jesus' resurrection and the forgiveness of sins with all nations, emphasizing the role of Christians to bear witness to the truth of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.
• Jesus as Advocate and Atonement: The second reading from 1 John presents Jesus as the advocate for sinners and the atonement for our sins. This theme highlights the mediating role of Jesus between humanity and God, and the universal scope of Jesus' sacrifice, which is not limited to a single group but is extended to the whole world.

• Obedience to God's Commands: True knowledge of Jesus is demonstrated through obedience to His commands, as mentioned in the letter of John. This theme ties in with the idea of living according to God's will as a response to understanding and accepting Jesus' role as our savior and advocate.
• The Physical Resurrection of Jesus: In the Gospel reading, Jesus shows His physical form to His disciples, eating with them and allowing them to touch Him. This emphasizes the physical reality of the resurrection, countering any notion that it was merely a spiritual or symbolic event.

These themes collectively reinforce the message of Easter as a time of renewal, hope, and spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world.

 

Entrance:
1.      Diosnong Magtutudlo
2.      Diha sa Halaran (Koro Viannista)
3.      Kasaulogan sa Kinabuhi (Fernandez)
4.      Daygon ta ang Ginoo
5.      Magpasalamat kayo sa Panginoon (Ramirez) prioritize stanza 2
6.      Purihi’t Pasalamat (Esteban, Hontiveros)
7.      Sumigaw sa galak (Que)
8.      Water of Life (Haas)
9.      Sing to the Mountains (Dufford) prioritize stanza 1 and 3
10.  Sing a New Song (Schutte)
 

Readings:

• First Reading - Acts 3:13-15, 17-19: Peter declares that by rejecting Jesus and choosing a murderer instead, the people and their leaders acted in ignorance. His death and resurrection fulfill God's prophecy. Peter urges repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
• Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 4: Lord, let your face shine on us.

In times of trouble, I call on God, who rescues and listens. His miracles affirm His faithfulness, and His light brings joy to my heart. In His care, I find unparalleled peace and security.

• Second Reading - 1 John 2:1-5: If we sin, Jesus Christ, the righteous, advocates for us. He atoned for our sins, extending beyond us to the whole world. True knowledge of Him is demonstrated by obeying His commands.
• Gospel - Luke 24:35-48: The disciples recounted recognizing Jesus by the breaking of bread. Jesus then appeared, offering peace and dispelling fears of his being a specter by showing his hands and feet and eating fish, demonstrating his physical resurrection. He explained scripture prophecies about his suffering, resurrection, and the call to spread forgiveness in his name, affirming their roles as witnesses.
• 
  
  
  

Offertory:
1.      Nagahalad Kami
2.      Palihug Dawata Ginoo
3.      Daygon Ikaw Ginoong Dios (Koro Viannista
4.      Isang Pagkain, Isang Katawan, Isang Bayan (San Pedro)
5.      Panalangin sa Pagiging Bukas Palad
6.      One Bread, One Body (Foley)
 
Communion:
1.      O Dios Ikaw Haduol
2.      Kalig-on sa Pagtoo
3.      Kahanga-hanga (Corpuz, Hontiveros)
4.      Kapayapaan (Aquino)
5.      Pagsibol (Aquino)
6.      Tubig ng Buhay (Valdellon)
7.      One thing I ask
8.      I seek you for I Thirst
9.      The Face of God, swak sa RP
10.  Here in this Place (Haas) best choice.
11.  I am the Bread of Life (Toolan)
 
Recessional:
1.      Ang Kalinaw Ibilin ko Kaninyo
2.      Pagbanwag
3.      Ang Tawag
4.      Humayo’t Ihayag
5.      O Bayan ng Dios
6.      I Will Sing Forever

 

 

Divine Mercy Sunday - Year B - April 7, 2024

 
The readings for Divine Mercy Sunday (2nd Sunday of Easter) for Year B show us that the mercy of God is given to all of us, even though we turn away again and again. In the gospel for this Sunday Jesus appears to the disciples. Then he comes back and lovingly helps Thomas overcome his doubts.
 
For Divine Mercy Sunday Year B, the readings introduce several deeply intertwined themes that underscore the essence of Christian life, God’s infinite mercy, and the dynamics of faith and community. Here's a broader look at these themes:

• Unity and Sharing in Community: The first reading highlights the unity among the early Christians, who shared their possessions and ensured no one was in need. This theme invites us to consider how our communities reflect this spirit of sharing and support.

• Power of Testimony: Also in Acts, the apostles’ testimony about Jesus’ resurrection plays a crucial role, emphasizing the importance of witnessing to our faith through words and actions.

• Faith in Jesus: The second reading underscores that belief in Jesus as the Messiah is a sign of our rebirth through God. This theme challenges us to reflect on the depth of our faith and its transformative power.

• Love and Obedience: In 1 John, love for God and His commandments is portrayed as natural for those born of God. This passage encourages us to view God’s commands not as burdens but as expressions of love.

• Victory through Faith: The idea that our faith allows us to overcome the world offers encouragement in times of struggle, highlighting faith as a source of strength.

• Peace and Forgiveness: The Gospel presents Jesus bestowing peace and the authority to forgive sins, illustrating the central role of forgiveness and peace in Christian life.

• Doubt and Belief: Thomas’ journey from doubt to faith highlights the theme of belief without seeing, offering hope and blessing to future generations of believers.

• Role of the Holy Spirit: Jesus breathing the Holy Spirit onto His disciples underscores the empowerment and guidance the Spirit provides to believers.

• Inclusivity of Belief: Jesus’ blessing for those who have not seen but still believe expands the community of faith beyond the eyewitnesses to include all future generations.

• Purpose of the Gospel: The explicit statement that these events are recorded to help us believe that Jesus is the Messiah invites us to engage with the Gospel in a personal and transformative way.

 
Entrance:
1. Diosnong Magtutudlo
2. Lungsod nga Balaan
3. Daygon ta ang Ginoo, to justify the 2nd Sunday of Easter
4. Awit ng Pasasalamat (Hontiveros)
5. Magsiawit sa Panginoon (Isidro & Que) "Magsiawit kayo sa Panginoon; ALELUYA!"
6. Isang Pananampalataya (Santos & Hontiveros)
7. Blest be the Lord (Schutte) "The God of mercy, the God who saves" is so Divine Mercy.
8. Sing a new song (Schutte). Don’t forget to replace “Yahweh’s people” to “O God’s people.” "Singing Alleluia..."
9. Sing to the Mountains (Dufford)
 
Readings:

• First Reading - Acts 4:32-35: The early believers were united, sharing possessions and resources. The apostles' powerful testimony about Jesus' resurrection earned them high regard. They distributed funds from sold properties to meet everyone's needs, ensuring no one was in need.

• Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 118: Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.

Israel, Aaron's descendants, and the God-fearing proclaim God's enduring mercy. He answers in distress, providing strength and salvation. The rejected stone becomes the cornerstone, a marvelous act of the Lord.

• Second Reading - 1 John 5:1-6: Belief in Jesus as the Christ shows we are born of God. Loving God and His children means obeying His commandments, which are not burdensome. Our faith in Jesus as God's Son overcomes the world, affirmed by the Spirit of truth.

• Gospel - John 20:19-31: In a locked room, Jesus appeared to his disciples, offering peace and showing his wounds, which brought them joy. He empowered them with the Holy Spirit and the authority to forgive sins. Thomas, absent initially, doubted their testimony. Later, Jesus appeared again, inviting Thomas to touch his wounds, leading to Thomas' declaration of faith. Jesus blessed future believers who wouldn't see yet believe. These events were recorded to affirm faith in Jesus as the Christ.

 

Offertory:
1. Mugna sa Dios (Koro Viannista)
2. Diyutay Lang Kini (Koro Viannista)
3. Ihalad Namo Kanimo (Fernandez)
4. Palihug Dawata Ginoo
5. Unang Alay (Magnaye)
6. Paghahandog ng Sarili (Arboleda-Francisco)
7. Pag-aalay (Francisco)
8. One Bread, One Body (Foley)
9. Blessed Be God
10. We Remember (Haugen) Use Stanza 2.
 
Communion:
1. Kini Maong Akong Lawas (Koro Viannista)
2. Kalig-on sa Pagtoo (Koro Viannista) sibo kaayo sa Gospel diin nasukod ang pagtoo ni San Tomas sa dihang wala siya motoo nga nakita sa ubang tinun-an si Jesus nga buhi
3. Ang Kalinaw Ibilin Ko Kaninyo, sibo usab kini sa Ebanghelyo
4. Tubig ng Buhay (Valdellon)
5. Pagsibol (Aquino)
6. Pag-ibig Ko (Cenzon). If your parish wants to emphasize celebrating Divine Mercy.
7. Far Greater Love (Go & Francisco)
8. Without seeing you (Haas), Best choice, for this is especially about doubting Thomas.
9. Now we remain (Haas), Stanzas 1 & 2 ang priority.
10. I Seek You For I Thirst (Valdellon)
 
Recessional:
1. Ang Kalinaw Ibilin Ko kaninyo, if wala nakanta sa kalawat
2. Ang Tawag
3. Pagbanwag
4. Humayo’t Ihayag (Francisco, Catalan & Go). Emphasize "Aleluya" at finale.
5. O Bayan ng Diyos (Aquino)
6. I will sing forever (Francisco)
7. I am the Bread of Life (Toolan) Prioritize Stanza 5
8. Let There Be Peace n Earth (Miller, Jackson)