6th Sunday of Easter - Year A- May 14, 2023

 
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The readings for the 6th Sunday of Easter Year A remind us that God is always with us and always caring for us, no matter where we are or what the circumstance. The first reading tells of how Peter and John went from Jerusalem to Samaria to pray with the people there and call down the Holy Spirit on them. The psalm is our response to God’s loving care for us. The second reading tells us that Christ suffered for all of us, righteous and sinners alike. And in the gospel, Jesus tells us that he has not abandoned us. He has sent the Holy Spirit to be with us always.

• Evangelism: The first reading for the 6th Sunday of Easter Year A emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God to non-believers and the impact it can have on their lives, as many people in Samaria believed and were baptized. Christians must share the gospel with others, to be ambassadors of Christ to those who do not know Him.

• Belief, baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit: The first reading also shows that true faith is accompanied by a desire to be obedient to God’s commandments and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, which enables believers to live out their faith and grow in their relationship with God.

• Following Christ’s commandments: Jesus stresses the importance of obedience to His commandments as a demonstration of our love for Him. The gospel highlights the fact that true faith is not just a matter of belief but also requires a commitment to living a life that is pleasing to God, following the example set by Jesus.

• Love for Christ: Both the gospel and the second reading for the 6th Sunday of Easter Year A emphasize the importance of love for Christ. In John, Jesus tells His disciples that those who love Him will keep His commandments, and in 1 Peter, the apostle urges believers to always be ready to defend their faith with gentleness and respect, out of love for Christ. Love is central to the Christian faith, as love for Christ should motivate and guide all of our actions and decisions.

• The promise of the Holy Spirit: Jesus promises His disciples that He will send them the Holy Spirit, who will be with them forever. The gospel emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, as the Spirit guides and empowers us to live out our faith and remain connected to 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 na’t 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...”
 
Reading 1              Acts 8:5-8, 14-17
Philip went down to the city of Samaria
and proclaimed the Christ to them.
With one accord, the crowds paid attention to what was said by Philip
when they heard it and saw the signs he was doing.
For unclean spirits, crying out in a loud voice,
came out of many possessed people,
and many paralyzed or crippled people were cured.
There was great joy in that city.
Now when the apostles in Jerusalem
heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God,
they sent them Peter and John,
who went down and prayed for them,
that they might receive the Holy Spirit,
for it had not yet fallen upon any of them;
they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Then they laid hands on them
and they received the Holy Spirit.

Responsorial Psalm                Ps 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20
R. (1) Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Shout joyfully to God, all the earth,
sing praise to the glory of his name;
proclaim his glorious praise.
Say to God, "How tremendous are your deeds!"
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
or:
R. Alleluia.
"Let all on earth worship and sing praise to you,
sing praise to your name!"
Come and see the works of God,
his tremendous deeds among the children of Adam.
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
or:
R. Alleluia.
He has changed the sea into dry land;
through the river they passed on foot;
therefore let us rejoice in him.
He rules by his might forever.
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Hear now, all you who fear God, while I declare
what he has done for me.
Blessed be God who refused me not
my prayer or his kindness!
R. Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
Reading 2                         1 Pt 3:15-18
Beloved:
Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts.
Always be ready to give an explanation
to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope,
but do it with gentleness and reverence,
keeping your conscience clear,
so that, when you are maligned,
those who defame your good conduct in Christ
may themselves be put to shame.
For it is better to suffer for doing good,
if that be the will of God, than for doing evil.
For Christ also suffered for sins once,
the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous,
that he might lead you to God.
Put to death in the flesh,
he was brought to life in the Spirit.
 
Alleluia                   Jn 14:23
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Whoever loves me will keep my word, says the Lord,
and my Father will love him and we will come to him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
 
Gospel                   Jn 14:15-21
Jesus said to his disciples:
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

And I will ask the Father,
and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always,
the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept,
because it neither sees nor knows him.
But you know him, because he remains with you,
and will be in you.
I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
In a little while the world will no longer see me,
but you will see me, because I live and you will live.
On that day you will realize that I am in my Father
and you are in me and I in you.
Whoever has my commandments and observes them
is the one who loves me.
And whoever loves me will be loved by my Father,
and I will love him and reveal myself to him."
 
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, 
3.      Kini Maong akong Lawas
4.      Tungo Sa’yo (Hangad),
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"
 
 

6th Sunday of Easter - Year 2 Cycle C - May 22, 2022

 

Hi. Some of you commented about the ads that we are talking about. Those are the picture ads on the right side of our blog. Iyon po ang mga ads.

The readings for the 6th Sunday of Easter year C tell us that we can rely on the Holy Spirit to help us in our faith journey. In the first reading the apostles let the Holy Spirit lead them regarding Mosaic laws. The psalm declares “May God have pity on us and bless us; may he let his face shine upon us.” In the second reading John gazes on the new Jerusalem. And in the gospel Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to guide us.

·  

Entrance:
1.     Diha sa Halaran
2.     Diosnong Magtutudlo
3.     Mao Kini ang Panaghigugmaay
4.     Kon Magkatigum Ta
5.     Magsiawit sa Panginoon (Isidro & Que)
6.     Isang Pananampalataya (Santos & Hontiveros)
7.     Halina na’t Lumapit (Santos, Hontiveros)
8.     Blest be the Lord (Schutte)
9.     City of God (Schutte)
10.  Come With Me Into the Fields (Schutte)
11.  Glory and Praise to Our God (Schutte)
12.  Play before the Lord (Dufford).
13.  Sing a new song (Schutte).
 
First Reading                     Acts 15:1-2, 22-29
Some who had come down from Judea were instructing the brothers,
“Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice,
you cannot be saved.”
Because there arose no little dissension and debate
by Paul and Barnabas with them,
it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others
should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders
about this question.
 
The apostles and elders, in agreement with the whole church,
decided to choose representatives
and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas.
The ones chosen were Judas, who was called Barsabbas,
and Silas, leaders among the brothers.
This is the letter delivered by them:
 
“The apostles and the elders, your brothers,
to the brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia
of Gentile origin: greetings.
Since we have heard that some of our number
who went out without any mandate from us
have upset you with their teachings
and disturbed your peace of mind,
we have with one accord decided to choose representatives
and to send them to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
who have dedicated their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
So we are sending Judas and Silas
who will also convey this same message by word of mouth:
‘It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us
not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities,
namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols,
from blood, from meats of strangled animals,
and from unlawful marriage.
If you keep free of these,
you will be doing what is right.  Farewell.’”
 
Responsorial Psalm         Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8
R (4) O God, let all the nations praise you!
or:
R Alleluia.
May God have pity on us and bless us;
            may he let his face shine upon us.
So may your way be known upon earth;
            among all nations, your salvation.
R O God, let all the nations praise you!
or:
R Alleluia.
May the nations be glad and exult
            because you rule the peoples in equity;
            the nations on the earth you guide.
R O God, let all the nations praise you!
or:
R Alleluia.
May the peoples praise you, O God;
            may all the peoples praise you!
May God bless us,
            and may all the ends of the earth fear him!
R O God, let all the nations praise you!
or:
R Alleluia.
 
Second Reading                         Rev 21:10-14, 22-23
The angel took me in spirit to a great, high mountain
and showed me the holy city Jerusalem
coming down out of heaven from God.
It gleamed with the splendor of God.
Its radiance was like that of a precious stone,
like jasper, clear as crystal.
It had a massive, high wall,
with twelve gates where twelve angels were stationed
and on which names were inscribed,
the names of the twelve tribes of the Israelites.
There were three gates facing east,
three north, three south, and three west.
The wall of the city had twelve courses of stones as its foundation,
on which were inscribed the twelve names
of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
 
I saw no temple in the city
for its temple is the Lord God almighty and the Lamb.
The city had no need of sun or moon to shine on it,
for the glory of God gave it light,
and its lamp was the Lamb.
 
Alleluia                           Jn 14:23
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Whoever loves me will keep my word, says the Lord,
and my Father will love him and we will come to him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
 
Gospel                            Jn 14:23-29
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Whoever loves me will keep my word,
and my Father will love him,
and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.
Whoever does not love me does not keep my words;
yet the word you hear is not mine
but that of the Father who sent me.
 

“I have told you this while I am with you.
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit,
whom the Father will send in my name,
will teach you everything
and remind you of all that I told you.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give it to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
You heard me tell you,
‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’
If you loved me,
you would rejoice that I am going to the Father;
for the Father is greater than I.
And now I have told you this before it happens,
so that when it happens you may believe.”
 
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,
3.      Kini Maong akong Lawas
4.      Tungo Sa’yo (Hangad),
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)
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).
5.      Ito ang Bagong Araw (Isidro, Ramirez)
6.      Pananagutan
7.      Before the Sun burned bright (Schutte).
8.      All My Days (Schutte)
9.      Pilgrim’s Theme (Go & Francisco
10.  Save us, O Lord. Lenten, pero "O Shepherd of Israel"

6th Sunday of Easter - May 9, 2021

 

6^th Sunday of Easter

May 9, 2021

 

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 na’t 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...”

 

Kyrie:

1.     Ginoo Kaloy-I Kami (Set IV)

2.     Panginoon Maawa Ka (Francisco)

3.     Maawa Ka (Francisco-Reyes)

4.     Lord, Have Mercy (Francisco-Reyes)

5.     As We Prepare

 

Gloria:

1.     Himaya sa Dios (C7)

2.     Luwalhati sa Dios (Sengson)

3.     Glory to God (Francisco-Agatep)

 

First Reading                                               Acts 10:25-26, 34-35, 44-48

When Peter entered, Cornelius met him
and, falling at his feet, paid him homage.
Peter, however, raised him up, saying,
“Get up. I myself am also a human being.”

Then Peter proceeded to speak and said,
“In truth, I see that God shows no partiality.
Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly
is acceptable to him.”

While Peter was still speaking these things,
the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the word.
The circumcised believers who had accompanied Peter
were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit
should have been poured out on the Gentiles also,
for they could hear them speaking in tongues and glorifying God.
Then Peter responded,
“Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people,
who have received the Holy Spirit even as we have?”
He ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

 

Responsorial Psalm                                                                      98:1, 2-3, 3-4

R. (cf. 2b) The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
    for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
    his holy arm.
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
or:
R. Alleluia.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
    in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
    toward the house of Israel.
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
or:
R. Alleluia.
All the ends of the earth have seen
    the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
    break into song; sing praise.
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
or:
R. Alleluia.

 

Second Reading                                                                1 Jn 4:7-10

Beloved, let us love one another,
because love is of God;
everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.
Whoever is without love does not know God, for God is love.
In this way the love of God was revealed to us:
God sent his only Son into the world
so that we might have life through him.
In this is love:
not that we have loved God, but that he loved us
and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.

 

Gospel Acclamation:

1.      Aleluya, Lamdag Ka

2.      Aleluya, Mao Kini ang Adlaw

3.      Aleluya sa ‘Tong Ginoo

4.      Aleluya, Wikain Mo (Francisco)

5.      Aleluya, Kami ay Gawin mong Daan (Francisco)

6.      Aleluya (Francisco-Arboleda-Torres)

7.      Sing Aleluia to the Lord

 

Alleluia                                                                                  Jn 14:23

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Whoever loves me will keep my word, says the Lord,
and my Father will love him and we will come to him.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

 

Gospel                                                                                   Jn 15:9-17

Jesus said to his disciples:
“As the Father loves me, so I also love you.
Remain in my love.
If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love,
just as I have kept my Father’s commandments
and remain in his love.

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you
and your joy might be complete.
This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.
No one has greater love than this,
to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
You are my friends if you do what I command you.
I no longer call you slaves,
because a slave does not know what his master is doing.
I have called you friends,
because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.
It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you
and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain,
so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.
This I command you: love one another.”

 

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)

 

Sanctus:

1.      Sanctus Mass IV (Villanueva)

2.      Santos Pastorela (Villanueva)

3.      Santo, Santo, Santo (Que)

4.      Santo, Santo, Santo (Francisco)

5.      Holy, Holy, Holy (Dufford-Schutte)

 

Acclamation:

1.      Among Gihandum

2.      Si Kristo Namatay

3.      Si Kristo ay Gunitain (Ramirez)

4.      Sa Krus Mo at Pagkabuhay

5.      Memorial Acclamation (Marcelo-Fenomeno)

6.      Dying

 

Amen:

1.      7 Amen

2.      Dakilang Amen

3.      Great Amen

 

Pater Noster:

Please choose the best Amahan Namo/Ama Namin/Our Father which all the people in the church can sing with you.

 

Doxology:

1.      Kay Imo Man

2.      Sapagkat

3.      For Thine (Mallote)

 

Agnus Dei:

1.      Kordero sa Dios Pastorella (Villanueva)

2.      Agnus Dei Mass VIII (Villanueva)

3.      Kordero ng Dios (Ryan Cayabyab)

4.      Kordero ng Dios (Que)

5.      Lamb of God (Folk)

6.      Lamb of God (Arboleda-Francisco)

 

Communion

1.      Misyon sa Tawo

2.      Ang Ginoo akong Magbalantay, 

3.      Kini Maong akong Lawas

4.      Tungo Sa’yo (Hangad),

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"

 

Suggested Songs for May 5, 2013 Mass

May 5 2013

6^th Sunday of  Easter

Liturgical Color : White

“The Holy Spirit, the human spirit and the Christian Spirit”

Entrance:

1.      Diosnong Magtutudlo

2.      O Espiritu Santo (Tune of : O Holy Spirit I Need You)

3.      Lungsod ng Balaan

4.      Purihin ang Panginoon

5.      Pagmamahal sa Panginoon

6.      Let Heaven Rejoice

7.      We Await You Spirit

8.      At Home in Our Hearts

First Reading                                                  ACTS 15:1-2, 22-29

Some who had come down from Judea were instructing the brothers,
“Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice,
you cannot be saved.”
Because there arose no little dissension and debate
by Paul and Barnabas with them,
it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others
should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders
about this question.

The apostles and elders, in agreement with the whole church,
decided to choose representatives
and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas.
The ones chosen were Judas, who was called Barsabbas,
and Silas, leaders among the brothers.
This is the letter delivered by them:

“The apostles and the elders, your brothers,
to the brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia
of Gentile origin: greetings.
Since we have heard that some of our number
who went out without any mandate from us
have upset you with their teachings
and disturbed your peace of mind,
we have with one accord decided to choose representatives
and to send them to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
who have dedicated their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
So we are sending Judas and Silas
who will also convey this same message by word of mouth:
‘It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us
not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities,
namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols,
from blood, from meats of strangled animals,
and from unlawful marriage.
If you keep free of these,
you will be doing what is right. Farewell.’”

Responsorial Psalm                                                    PS 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8

R. (4) O God, let all the nations praise you!
or:
R. Alleluia.
May God have pity on us and bless us;
may he let his face shine upon us.
So may your way be known upon earth;
among all nations, your salvation.
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
or:
R. Alleluia.
May the nations be glad and exult
because you rule the peoples in equity;
the nations on the earth you guide.
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
or:
R. Alleluia.
May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you!
May God bless us,
and may all the ends of the earth fear him!
R. O God, let all the nations praise you!
or:
R. Alleluia.

Second Reading                                              REV 21:10-14, 22-23

The angel took me in spirit to a great, high mountain
and showed me the holy city Jerusalem
coming down out of heaven from God.
It gleamed with the splendor of God.
Its radiance was like that of a precious stone,
like jasper, clear as crystal.
It had a massive, high wall,
with twelve gates where twelve angels were stationed
and on which names were inscribed,
the names of the twelve tribes of the Israelites.
There were three gates facing east,
three north, three south, and three west.
The wall of the city had twelve courses of stones as its foundation,
on which were inscribed the twelve names
of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

I saw no temple in the city
for its temple is the Lord God almighty and the Lamb.
The city had no need of sun or moon to shine on it,
for the glory of God gave it light,
and its lamp was the Lamb.

Gospel                                                             JN 14:23-29

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Whoever loves me will keep my word,
and my Father will love him,
and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.
Whoever does not love me does not keep my words;
yet the word you hear is not mine
but that of the Father who sent me.

“I have told you this while I am with you.
The Advocate, the Holy Spirit,
whom the Father will send in my name,
will teach you everything
and remind you of all that I told you.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives do I give it to you.
Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.
You heard me tell you,
‘I am going away and I will come back to you.’
If you loved me,
you would rejoice that I am going to the Father;
for the Father is greater than I.
And now I have told you this before it happens,
so that when it happens you may believe.”

REFLECTIONS OF THE READINGS:

Good morning my brothers and sisters in Christ. Welcome to today's celebration of the Holy Mass on the Sixth Sunday of Easter. While reviewing today's readings, I realized that they have three common denominators. In the Christian spirit, we are called to do all things in the spirit with the Spirit of Christ.

In other words,

(1) we are called to walk in the Christian spirit;
(2) We are called to do all things in the spirit; and
(3) And we are called to walk with the Spirit of Christ.

What does it mean to walk in the Christian spirit? I am sure that all of you have heard the phrase "to embrace the Christmas spirit." To embrace the Christmas spirit means to be of one mind with the others who are celebrating Christmas. It means to be joyful and to make peace with others. It means to celebrate the arrival of baby Jesus in the world.

To walk in the Christian spirit also involves the embracing of certain characteristics. The first, and the most important, is the attribute of unity, all the members being of one spiritual mind. Through unity, there is harmony. Through harmony, there is strength. Through strength, there is perseverance in the living faith. And in the end, those who are joined in the Christian spirit, they achieve their goal, eternal life and salvation through Jesus Christ.

Some of you may question what the Holy Bible means when it says to have "eternal life." After all, if the soul is immortal, how can one gain eternal life? These two facts contradict one another. In the Gospel of John, we read, "And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." [Jn. 17:3] In other words, to have "eternal life" is "to know God." And "to know God" is to "have a personal relationship with Him." Therefore, when the Holy Bible speaks of eternal life in the Kingdom of God, it is a reference to having been saved and to enjoying the beatific vision of God for eternity.

Returning to my original topic, as we have heard during today's First Reading, the Christian spirit does not come by itself. One has to strive towards it by seeking the Divine Will of God and then by embracing the final decision of the authority of the Church. In the early days of the Church, certain individuals came down from Judea and taught that unless one was circumcised according to the custom of Moses, he could not be saved. Seeking the Divine Will of God on the matter, Paul, Barnabas and some of the others were sent to Jerusalem to consult the apostles and the elders. Consequently the Church authority made a decision on the matter and sent Barsabbas and Silas to report back to the believers. Through these progressive actions is seen the Christian spirit at work.

During today's Second Reading, we perceived the Christian spirit at work through some of the descriptive words that are given to us. "I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb." [Rev. 21:22-3] Here we are able to perceive the unity of the people under One God, the Lamb. There are no idols. Nor are there any man-made religions whose's leaders get the credit for establishing faiths that differ from the Sacred teachings of Jesus. And, we also perceived the people's quality of holiness because they all belonged to the city of Jerusalem which is a holy city.

During the Gospel Reading, you may have perceived the Christian unity in those who obeyed the command of Jesus. The command of Jesus was, "Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." [Jn. 14:23] Those who love Jesus, they are of one spiritual mind with the others who also obey the command of the Lord.

When considering our presence here today, it is a sign of our Christian spirit. United in one Faith in the Lord Jesus, we are gathered here to adore and worship our Lord, our God. In the Catholic spirit, we are united to receive the blessings that are bestowed upon those who receive the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist that is the Living Bread.

The second common factor that is found in all of today's three readings is that we are called to do all things in the spirit. Jesus said, "The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." [Jn. 4:23-4]

What does it mean to do all things in the spirit or to worship in spirit? It means that when we received the Sacrament of Baptism, just as Jesus was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, within us, a new creation was raised from death to walk the new life that was received through Christ. [Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12] (628) Without the Sacrament of Baptism through water and Spirit, we could not enter the Kingdom of God. [Jn. 3:5]

This gift of God, instituted through Jesus Christ in the New Covenant, fulfills the promises of the Old Testament. During the Sacrament of Baptism, we received a new heart and a new human spirit. [Ezek. 11:19-20; 18:31] Through our new heart, we have become children of light. We have been blessed with a spiritual mind that enables us to worship God in spirit and in truth.

During today's First Reading, we can perceive how Paul, Barnabas, Barsabbas, Silas, the apostles and the elders answered their call to do all things in the spirit. Embracing a spiritual mind, these followers of Jesus placed the Divine Will of God first. They faithfully served the Lord for the common good of all. By subjecting themselves to the authority of the Church, they sacrificed their personal opinions on the subject of circumcision.

This is an exemplary model for those who cling on to mixed feelings regarding abortion, birth control, cloning, euthanasia, female priesthood, etc... By accepting the final decision of the Holy Catholic Church, one finds peace of mind. Through peace of mind, one can answer his calling to do all things in the spirit as a new creation of God.

During today's Gospel Reading, we heard Jesus say, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid." [Jn. 14:27] When we do not do all things in the spirit, our hearts are troubled. We are afraid because deep inside we know that we are in disobedience and the Wrath of God is pending. We are afraid because the Spirit of Christ talks to us in our hearts and reminds us that we are not walking in the spirit. The peace of Christ comes to us when we obediently submit ourselves to God's Divine Will through the authority of the Church. Then, we are blessed with Divine peace; we are no longer troubled or afraid. The mixed feelings that we once had, they have faded away.

The third common factor that is found in all three of today's readings is that we are called to walk with the Spirit of Christ. When we walk with the Spirit of Christ, we shine in the fruit of the Spirit. These are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." [Gal. 5:22-3]

Those who walk with the Spirit of Christ, they are led by the Spirit. When the apostles and the elders reviewed the issue of circumcision that Paul and Barnabas had brought before them, such was done under the guidance and leadership of the Holy Spirit. This truth is affirmed in the content of the response that the Church authority sent to Antioch, Syria and Cilicia. The reply from Jerusalem began with the words, "For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us..." In other words, they were walking in the Spirit of Christ, proclaiming spiritual wisdom that had been made known to them through the Holy Spirit.

During the reading from the Gospel of John, Jesus made reference to the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father would send in His Name. Such was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost [Acts 2:1] when the Lord Jesus breath the Holy Spirit upon His disciples. [Jn. 20:22; Acts 2:2-4] At that moment, the official ministry of the Holy Spirit had its beginning on earth.

In making known to us the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ, the ministry of the Holy Spirit is twofold. The first goal is to build up the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. Visible in nature with its seat in Rome, its invisible reflection is the holy city with its seat in Jerusalem where the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church had its beginning. The unity of the two form the mystical Body of Christ, the Church also being known as the Bride of Christ. The second goal is to sanctify us in Christ so we may be purified and transformed in the likeness of Jesus.

Today's Second Reading from the Book of Revelation spoke of the holy city that is being built by the Holy Spirit for the "glory of God." [Rev. 21:11] Year after year, as the saints are added to it membership by the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit, the holy city progressively experiences growth. This growth shall continue until such time as God determines in His infinite Wisdom that the fullness of the spiritual Jerusalem has been achieved.

In consideration of all what has been said until now, in the Christian spirit, we are called to do all things in the spirit with the Spirit of Christ. The three applications of the word "spirit" cannot be separated. It is by the power of the Spirit of Christ that we received our new creation, that we are being transformed into holy beings and that we are being moved to imitate the love of Christ towards our Christian brothers and sisters. Without the Spirit of Christ, we would be spiritually dead.

Through the same Holy Spirit, we are drawn towards Jesus in the unity of the Christian spirit. Through the same Holy Spirit, we are sanctified in the likeness of Christ. Through the same Holy Spirit, the works of God are manifested through our humble persons who are subjected to Christ in obedience and humility.

My brothers and sisters, this week, let us reflect upon these three things. When we do, let us remember the words, "He, me and us."

"He" is the "Holy Spirit" through Who all spiritual things become viable.

"Me" is my newly created "human spirit" that is moved by the Holy Spirit for the good of the whole Church.

"Us," by the power of the Holy Spirit, is the blooming "Christian spirit" that embraces the unity of the many human spirits who have answered their calling.

Offertory:

1.      O Dios Dawata

2.      Daygon Ikaw Ginoong Dios

3.      Gasa sa Gugma

4.      Unang Alay

5.      Pag-aalay

6.      Ang Tanging Alay Ko

7.      Living Sacrifice

8.      I Offer my Life

9.      Pastorale

Communion:

1.      Si Jesus ang Dalan

2.      O Espiritu Santo (F30)

3.      Kini Maong Akong Lawas

4.      Ako ang Kahayag

5.      Espiritung Banal

6.      Panginoon Narito Ako

7.      Diyos ay Pag-ibig

8.      Narito Ako

9.      Ang Kaluluwa Ko’y Nauuhaw

10.  How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place

11.  In My Heart

12.  Spirit Song (Winber)

13.  Lord Here I Am

14.  We Await You Spirit (if not used in Entrance)

Recessional:

1.      Ang Tawag

2.      Pag-inambitay

3.      Pagbanwag

4.      Magpasalamat sa Kanya

5.      Humayo’t Ihayag

6.      Pananagutan

7.      I Will Sing Forever

8.      Thank You, Lord

9.      Thank You (Hangad)

Sana’y makatulong ito J