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)