18th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C - August 3, 2025

 On the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, the readings call us to examine our values and priorities. They remind us to look beyond material wealth and focus on what is eternal. Here are some key themes from this Sunday’s readings.

• The Emptiness of Wealth: The first reading warns us that worldly riches and success can feel empty. It reminds us that only God can give lasting joy and fulfillment.
• Setting Hearts on Heaven: Paul encourages believers to seek what is above and keep their focus on God’s kingdom. This calls us to prioritize spiritual growth over material concerns.
• Letting Go of Greed: Jesus’ parable in the Gospel warns against greed and storing up riches. It shows that selfish desires can separate us from God and others.
• True Security in God: The readings remind us that earthly wealth is fragile, but God’s love is steady and secure. Our security and peace come from trusting in God rather than possessions.
• Living for Eternal Life: Paul calls us to focus on eternal life by living in a way that pleases God. This theme reminds us that our actions should reflect our hope in heaven.
• The Folly of Selfish Ambition: The Gospel warns against putting our ambitions above God and others. It challenges us to use our blessings to serve and to help others.
• Seeking Lasting Joy: The readings call us to seek joy that endures beyond this life. True joy comes from our relationship with God and living according to His ways.

These themes from the 18th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C encourage us to live with purpose and hope in God. They remind us that true happiness and peace come from placing our lives in God’s hands.

Entrance:
1.      Himaya Kanimo, Kristo Jesus (Koro Viannista)
2.      Mao Kini ang Paghinigugmaay
3.      Sa Hapag ng Panginoon
4.      Pag-aalala (Francisco)
5.      Bayan, Magsiawit Na
6.      Bayan, Umawit Na
7.      Water of Life (Haas)
8.      Come with Praise
9.      Seek the Lord (O ‘Connor)

Readings:

• First Reading – Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2:21-23: The Teacher declares everything meaningless. Working hard only to leave the results to someone else is futile. Life is full of pain and worry, and this is also meaningless.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 90: If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
• God turns people back to dust, and life is fleeting like grass. Teach us to value our days and show us compassion. May God’s favor be upon us and our work.
• Second Reading – Colossians 3:1-5, 9-11: Focus on what is above, not on earthly things. Put to death sinful behaviors and renew yourself in Christ. Christ is everything and in everyone.
• Gospel – Luke 12:13-21: Jesus warns against greed and tells a parable of a rich man focused on storing wealth. God calls him a fool, reminding us that life is about being rich toward God. 
  
  
  

Offertory:
1.      Ania King mga Gasa
2.      Gasa sa Gugma (Koro Viannista; Himaya Kanimo)
3.      Unang Alay (Magnaye)
4.      Pag-aalay (Francisco)
5.      One Bread, One Body (Foley)
6.      Christify
 
Communion:
1.      Kini Maong Akong Lawas
2.      Ang Kinabuhing Mahinungdanon
3.      Daygon Ikaw Ginoong Dios
4.      Awit ng Paghahangad (best choice as it fits for the gospel)
5.      Huwag kang Mangamba
6.      Panalangin sa Pagiging Bukas Palad
7.      Paghahandog ng Sarili
8.      Come to me
9.      Come to me all who are weary
10.    Far Greater Love
11.     Prayer for Generosity
12.     Prayer of St. Francis
13.    Seek Ye First
14.     I Seek you for I Thirst
 
Recessional:
1.      Panbanwag
2.      Kinsa
3.      Sinong Makapaghihiwalay
4.      Maliban na Mahulog sa Lupa
5.      I am the Bread of Life (Toolan)
6.      Blessed be GOD
7.      Live Forever