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)