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"