Palm Sunday - Year B - March 24, 2024

 The readings for Palm Sunday Year B (Passion Sunday) focus the sacrifice which Jesus Christ made for me and you. The reading for the procession of the palms tells of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The first reading from Isaiah foretells Jesus' suffering. The psalm sings "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?", which is the Psalm Jesus prayed from the cross. The second reading from Philippians speaks of the how Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. And in the gospel we hear how Jesus first celebrated the Passover, and then became the sacrificial lamb for us.
Palm Sunday Year B weaves together a rich tapestry of themes that resonate deeply with the Christian experience, reflecting on the final days and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. These themes include:
·       Kingship and Humility: Both the Procession readings from Mark and John highlight Jesus' entry into Jerusalem as a king, but in a way that defies worldly expectations. Riding on a colt or donkey, He fulfills ancient prophecies about the Messiah's humble arrival, emphasizing the contrast between divine kingship and earthly power.
·       Obedience and Suffering: The reading from Isaiah and the account of Jesus' passion in Mark showcase the obedience of the servant, who, despite facing suffering and humiliation, remains steadfast and trusts in God's plan. This obedience even unto death highlights the depth of Jesus' commitment to fulfilling His Father's will.

• Salvation and Redemption: The passion narrative, particularly Jesus' crucifixion and death, focuses on the themes of salvation and redemption. Jesus' sacrificial love, evident in His willingness to endure the cross, opens the path for humanity's reconciliation with God, offering hope and the promise of eternal life.

• Divine Exaltation: The reading from Philippians speaks to the theme of divine exaltation, where Christ's humility and obedience lead to His ultimate glorification by God. This exaltation serves as a testament to Jesus' lordship and the acknowledgment of His divine nature by all of creation.

• Prophetic Fulfillment: Throughout the readings, there is a strong emphasis on the fulfillment of prophecy. Jesus' actions and experiences, from His triumphant entry into Jerusalem to His suffering and death, are seen as the culmination of biblical prophecies about the Messiah, underscoring the divine plan at work in His life and mission.

• Faith and Perseverance: Implicit in these readings is the call to faith and perseverance for believers. As followers of Christ, we are invited to embrace humility, endure suffering, and remain faithful to God's will, inspired by Jesus' own example.

Song for the Procession:
1.      Himaya ug Pagdayeg
2.      Osanna sa Anak ni David
3.      Hosanna sa Anak ni David (Parungao)
4.      Krus ng Ating Kaligtasan (Bautista)
5.      Hosanna to the Son of David (Schutte)
6.      Let Heaven Rejoice (Dufford) “Let children proclaim to every land, ‘Hosanna to our King!’
 
Readings:

• Procession - Mark 11:1-10: As Jesus neared Jerusalem, He sent disciples to fetch a colt, instructing them on how to respond if questioned. Successfully bringing the colt to Jesus, they prepared it for Him. Entering Jerusalem, Jesus was greeted exuberantly by crowds laying cloaks and branches before Him, acclaiming Him with shouts of "Hosanna" and recognizing Him as the herald of God's kingdom, fulfilling a messianic prophecy and symbolizing His kingship in a humble manner.

• Alternate Procession - John 12:12-16: As Jesus approached Jerusalem, a large crowd welcomed Him with palm branches and shouts of "Hosanna," recognizing Him as the prophesied King of Israel. His choice of a donkey fulfilled ancient prophecy, though His disciples understood its significance only after His glorification.

• First reading - Isaiah 50:4-7: Endowed with the gift of speech by God, I encourage the weary and listen to His teaching daily. Despite suffering, I stand firm, supported by God, confident in facing humiliation without shame.

• Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 22: In my deepest despair, scorned and wounded, I feel abandoned. Yet, I call for God's swift aid, promising to proclaim His greatness to those who suffer, urging them to praise and honor Him.

• Second Reading - Philippians 2:6-11: Christ, though divine, embraced humility, becoming human and obeying to the point of death on a cross. Consequently, God elevated Him, ensuring every being honors Jesus as Lord, glorifying God the Father.

• Gospel - Mark 14:1-15:47: Jesus' final days were marked by betrayal, the Last Supper, and teachings on readiness. After being betrayed by Judas, Jesus faced trials, denial by Peter, and crucifixion. His death on the cross, amidst mockery, fulfilled prophecies and demonstrated profound love. Buried by Joseph of Arimathea, Jesus' sacrifice offered hope beyond death, emphasizing redemption and eternal life for humanity.

 
Offertory:
1.      O Dios Dawata
2.      Gasa sa Gugma
3.      Dios Nia Ko
4.      Panalangin sa Pagiging Bukas Palad
5.      Kung ‘Yong Nanaisin
6.      Alay Kapwa (Tinio and Hontiveros)
7.      Prayer of Rupert Mayer
 
Communion:
1.      Balaan nga Gugma
2.      Misteryo sa Kaluwasan
3.      Kini Maong Akong Lawas
4.      Way Sukod Man ang  Pagmahal
5.      Ang kaluluwa ko’y nauuhaw (Isidro & Que)
6.      Kaibigan, Kapanalig (Ofrasio + Hontiveros)
7.      Dakilang Pag-ibig (Pangilinan & Hontiveros)
8.      Diyos ay Pag-ibig 
9.      Gabing Kulimlim (Arboleda & Francisco)
10.  Halina, lumapit sa Akin (Isidro & Que)
11.  Hiram sa Diiyos
12.  Huwag kang mangamba (Pagsanghan & Francisco)
13.  H’wag mangamba (Francisco)
14.  Likhain Mong muli (Alejo & Francisco)
15.  Maging akin muli (Aquino)
16.  Manatili ka (Francisco)
17.  Nang buo kong buhay (Alejo & Hontiveros)
18.  O Diyos, iniibig kita (Rodrigo & Hontiveros)
19.  O Hesus, hilumin Mo (Francisco)
20.  Pag-alabin aming puso (Francisco)
21.  Pagbabalik (Alcaraz & Francisco)
22.  Pagkabighani (Alejo & Francisco)
23.  Pag-ibig ko (Cenzon)
24.  Pagtitipan (Javellana & Hontiveros)
25.  Pintig ng Puso Ko (Table & Hontiveros)
26.  Sa Dapit-Hapon (Tabuena & Hontiveros)
27.  Saan kami tutungo (Macalinao & Hontiveros)
28.  Tingnan ang tao sa Krus (Alejo & Hontiveros)
29.  Kung ‘Yong Nanaisin (Francisco)
30.  Naroon sa Rosas ang Mahal N’yang Dugo (Plunkett, Alejo, & Hontiveros)
31.  Behold the Wood (Schutte)
32.  Wood of the Cross
33.  Anima Christi (Arboleda)
34.  Empty Space (Go & Francisco)
35.  Father, mercy (Dufford)
36.  God of silence (Francisco)
37.  Hosea (Norbet)
38.  If I could touch you (Francisco)
39.  Jesus on the cross (Go & Francisco)
40.  Now we remain (Haas)
41.  Only this I want (Schutte)
42.  So the love of God (Schutte)
43.  Theme from the cardinal
44.  Turn to me (Foley) 
45.  You are Mine (Haas)
46.  O Sacred Head, Surrounded (Gerhardt, Baker, Alexander, Passion Chorale, Hassler, Bach)
47.  The Old Rugged Cross (Bennard)
48.  Where True Love Abides (Hontiveros)
 
Recessional:
1.      Kinsa?
2.      Ang Atong Tulubagon
3.      Alay sa Kapwa (Esteban & Hontiveros)
4.      Maliban na mahulog sa lupa 
5.      Pananagutan (Hontiveros)
6.      Save us O Lord (Dufford)
 
Thanks for always visiting our blog… 
 

5th Sunday of Lent - Year B - March 17, 2024

 
The readings for the 5th Sunday of Lent for Year B focus on God's covenant with us, even though we are often unfaithful. The first reading speaks of a new covenant. The second reading speaks of the obedience of Jesus Christ brought about our salvation. And in the gospel Jesus foretells his death and explains that those who follow him will find eternal life.
The Mass readings for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B revolve around several interconnected themes that highlight the transformative nature of faith, the fulfillment of God's promises, and the path to eternal life through sacrifice and obedience. Here are the main themes:

• New Covenant and Inner Transformation: The first reading from Jeremiah speaks of a new covenant that God will establish with His people. Unlike the old covenant, which was external and often broken, this new covenant will be written on their hearts, symbolizing an intimate and unbreakable relationship with God. It emphasizes God's mercy and the transformative power of His law within us.

• Obedience Through Suffering: The second reading from Hebrews presents Jesus as the model of obedience and submission to God's will, even in the face of suffering. It highlights the idea that true obedience to God can involve hardship and pain but leads to greater wisdom and fulfillment of God's plan for salvation.

• Death and Resurrection: The Gospel according to John introduces the metaphor of a grain of wheat that must die to produce life, illustrating the necessary passage through death to reach the fullness of life. This theme is central to the Lenten journey, pointing towards Jesus' death and resurrection as the path to new life for all believers.

• Self-Denial and Service: Jesus' teachings on self-denial and the importance of serving others are key themes in the Gospel. He emphasizes that following Him requires a willingness to let go of personal desires and ambitions in favor of a life dedicated to serving God and others.

• Universal Salvation: Jesus' statement about drawing all people to Himself upon being lifted up from the earth speaks to the universal nature of His mission. His death and resurrection are not just for a select few but offer salvation to all who believe in Him, transcending cultural and religious boundaries.

• Divine Assurance and Human Response: The divine voice affirming Jesus' mission and the varied responses from the crowd illustrate the theme of faith and doubt. It highlights the challenges believers face in understanding and accepting the mysteries of faith, as well as the assurance that God's plan is being fulfilled through Jesus.

These themes for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B guide the faithful towards a deeper understanding of God's love and salvation plan, encouraging a personal and communal transformation that aligns with the heart of the Lenten season.
 
Entrance:
1.      Tun-I Kami Ginoo
2.      Mag-awit Kita
3.      Dios Namo sa Kalooy
4.      Buksan ang aming puso (Tinio, Hontiveros) 
5.      Sa Piging ng Panginoon (Tabuena, Hontiveros). “Buhay ay inialay N’ya sa dakilang Diyos Ama. Upang atin nang makamtan buhay na walang hanggan.”
6.      Hosea (Norbet)
7.      Blest Be the Lord (Schutte)
 
Readings:

• First Reading - Jeremiah 31:31-34: God promises a new covenant with Israel and Judah, different from the old. He will write His laws in their hearts, be their God, and they, His people. All will know Him and be forgiven.

• Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 51: Create a clean heart in me, O God.

I ask God for mercy and cleansing from my sins. May He create a pure heart in me, not casting me away, and restore the joy of salvation to guide others.

• Second Reading - Hebrews 5:7-9: Jesus Christ, during His time on earth, earnestly prayed to the Father, and was heard for His deep reverence. Through suffering, He learned obedience, becoming the source of eternal salvation for His followers.

• Gospel -John 12:20-33: When some Greeks sought Jesus during Passover, He spoke of His impending death, likening it to a grain of wheat that must die to produce many seeds. He emphasized self-denial for eternal life and the honor given to those who serve Him. Jesus, troubled, chose to glorify God's name over seeking rescue. A divine voice affirmed this, leading to varied interpretations among the crowd. Jesus explained His crucifixion would judge the world and draw all to Himself, revealing the nature of His death.

 
 
Offertory:
1.      Dios Nia Ko
2.      Ania Among Halad
3.      O Dios Dawata
4.      Kung ‘Yong Nanaisin (Francisco)
5.      Narito Ako, Panginoon (Que)
6.      Panginoon, Narito Ako (Isidro, Que) 
7.      Dwelling Place (Foley) 
8.      Prayer of Rupert Mayer (Francisco)
 
Communion:
1.      Ako ang Kahayag
2.      Anino
3.      Balaan nga Gugma
4.      Himig Heswita Medley (you can see it on youtube.com)
5.      Pagkakaibigan (Cenzon, Abad Santos)
6.      Awit ng Paghilom (Aquino)
7.      Dakilang Pag-ibig (Pangilinan, Hontiveros)
8.      Diyos ay Pag-ibig
9.      Huwag Kang Mangamba (Pagsanghan, Francisco)
10.  Likhain Mong Muli (Alejo, Francisco)
11.  Maging Akin Muli (Aquino)
12.  O Hesus, Hilumin Mo (Francisco)
13.  Anima Christi (Arboleda)
14.  Behold the Wood (Schutte)
15.  Come to Me (Francisco)
16.  Come to Me All Who Are Weary (Schutte)
17.  Come With Me Into The Fields (Schutte)
18.  Empty Space (Go, Francisco)
19.  Father, Mercy (Dufford)
20.  Holy Darkness (Schutte)
21.  If I Could Touch You (Francisco)
22.  Jesus on the Cross (Go, Francisco)
23.  Now We Remain (Haas) 
24.  Only This I Want (Schutte)
25.  Out of Roads (Go, Aquino)
26.  You Are Mine (Haas)
27.  Your Heart Today (Francisco)
 
Recessional:
1.      Kinsa?
2.      Ang Atong Tulubagon
3.      Maliban na Mahulog sa Lupa
4.      Pananagutan (Hontiveros)
5.      Seek the Lord (O’Connor)
6.      Save Us, O Lord (Dufford)
 

3rd Sunday of Lent - Year B - March 3, 2024

 We are very sorry for not having any updates since last week because of some problems.

The readings for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B help us understand that we must follow God’s commandments and truly live them in our hearts to find life. The first reading gives us the ten commandments. The second reading reminds us that God’s wisdom is not like human wisdom. And the gospel tells of Jesus cleansing the temple of the money changers who put their own desires above serving the Father.

The themes are as follows:

• The reverence for the temple: The temple was a sacred space for the Jewish people, and it was meant to be a place of worship and prayer. Jesus' actions demonstrate the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the temple and not allowing it to become a marketplace. The importance of worshiping and serving God alone is also emphasized in the first reading for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B. In both cases, there is a focus on the centrality of God in our worship and church practices.

• The zeal for God's house: Jesus' zeal for God's house is evident in his actions in the temple. As believers, we are called to have a similar zeal for God's house and to prioritize our relationship with God above all else.

• The purity of heart: Jesus' cleansing of the temple is also a symbol of the purification of the heart. As believers, we are called to strive for purity of heart, which means being mindful of our thoughts, words, and actions, and ensuring that they are aligned with God's will.

• The significance of the Eucharist: The temple in Jerusalem was a foreshadowing of the true temple, which is the body of Christ. As Catholics, we believe that Jesus is present in the Eucharist, and that every time we participate in Mass, we are entering into the presence of God. The Gospel reading reminds us of the significance of the Eucharist and the importance of approaching it with reverence and awe. This also ties in with the first reading for the 3rd Sunday of Lent Year B, which reminds us to keep the Sabbath holy.

SHORT CATECHESIS
1. The word Lent means spring. It is from the Old English ‘lencten’ which means spring. It used to describe the lengthening of days that marks the coming of spring. Di ba kapag winter, medyo mahaba ang gabi, at maikli ang day. The original period of Lent was 40 hours. People back then spent the time fasting to commemorate the suffering of Jesus Christ, and the “40 hours” He spent in the tomb. In the early 3rd century, Lent was lengthened to 6 days. About 800 AD, it was changed to 40 days.
2. Now it is a 40-day long season of preparation before Easter. Because Jesus Christ rose on a Sunday, Sundays in Lent should therefore not be counted. Lent is a reminder of the 40 days and 40 nights of Jesus’ fasting in the desert. It is a great spiritual retreat lasting 40 days. It is an extraordinary time of repentance and reconciliation. It is an opportune time to turn away from sin, and turn toward the Lord Jesus. It is a call to conversion.
3. Conversion involves a new discovery of God. Conversion is an intimate encounter with God Himself.
4. The key penitential practices of Lent involve increased prayer, increased almsgiving, increased fasting, and increased self-denial.
a. Ang panalangin ang tapat at matiyagang pagsisikap ng ating sarili na makipag-ugnay sa Panginoon.
b. Almsgiving represents a specific way to assist those in need. It is an exercise to free us from attachment to worldly goods. We can apply this concretely through doing the corporal works of mercy: feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick, visit the imprisoned, and bury the dead.
c. Fasting detoxifies us from the pollution of sin and evil. We are required to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, and are encouraged to fast on Fridays of Lent. (In fact, some even eat mongo only on Fridays, even if it’s not Lent.) But the heart of the precept involves fasting from sin and from “luxuries”. Baka pwedeng mag-fasting tayo sa pakikipag-away sa mga taga-ibang choir, o taga-ibang ministry, or tsismisan tungkol sa kanila.
d. Self-denial means giving up things this Lent. Palagi akong may line-up sa mga estudyante ko about things that they can sacrifice during Lent: Internet, social networking sites like FaceBook, Twitter, coffee, alcoholic drinks, television, chocolate, soda, swearing/cussing, smoking, sugar, porn, red meat, fast food, beer, sweets, French fries, Starbucks, cookies, ice cream, shopping, nagging, rumor-mongering, gambling, bacon, lying, teasing fellow classmates, fighting with others, being disrespectful to their parents or teachers, texting, DOTA, Internet gaming, designer clothes and bags, the latest gadgets, etc. I explain to them that sacrifices help each of us to be spiritually mindful that our Lord suffered and died for our sins.
5. Walang Gloria in Excelsis Deo. Holy Thursday na ulit maririnig ang Gloria. Magfafasting tayo from the mirth of the angels when they sang Glory to God in the highest.
6. Walang Alleluia.
7. Walang flowers sa altar.
8. Turn down the volume. Minimize the musical instruments to be used. Musical instruments during Lent should give only the bare minimum, or just the necessary support to the singing. Sustenance lang. Baka nga mas maganda pa ang kalabasan kung mag-a capella tayo. Kailangan maramdaman and ma-realize ng mga taong assembled that this season is very distinct from other liturgical seasons, most especially Easter, and one way of doing that is ibang style ng ating pagiging liturgical music leader.
9. Instrumental solos are bawal kapag Lent. When movement of people ends (such as in the processional songs in entrance, preparation of the gifts, communion), immediately find an ending for the processional song. Halimbawa, sa communion, wala na namang taong nakapila para tumanggap ng communion. Huwag nang kumanta. Find an end. Tumahimik. Give the congregation an opportunity for silent reflection. Yung ibang parishes nga, tinitigil talaga yung kanta, no matter what part they are in, when movement of people ceases. Huwag nang maglagay ng 2nd communion song. People should be made aware to reflect so they won’t chit-chat. Silence is far better during the season of Lent.
10. During service songs, if you can apply these to the tune of pasyon, the congregation will surely notice, and thereby realize that this is a distinct season altogether. For example, if you can sing si Kristo ay namatay into the tune of pasyon...ginawa yan minsan sa parish. Also, you're encouraging enculturation.

ENTRANCE:
1.    Tun-I Kami Ginoo
2.    Himaya ug Pagdayeg
3.    Ang Tawag N’ya (Ofrasio, Hontiveros)
4.    Buksan ang Aming Puso (Tinio, Hontiveros)Dinggin Mo (Esteban, Hontiveros)
5.    Minamahal Mo ang Lahat (Reginio)
6.    Pagbabalik-loob (Ofrasio, Hontiveros)
7.    Pagbabalik-loob (Macalinao, Hontiveros)
8.    Panginoon ay Dinggin (Bautista)
9.    Bless the Lord, My Soul (Berthier)
10. God of Mercy and Compassion (Vaughn)
11. Hosea (Norbet)
12. Save Us, O Lord (Dufford)
13. Way of the Cross (Francisco). Prioritize Stanzas 2, 5, and 13.
 
READINGS: If your parish is doing the RCIA scrutinies, use the readings for Year A instead.

• First Reading – Exodus 20:1-17: God delivers the Ten Commandments: worship only Him, avoid idolatry, respect His name, observe the Sabbath, honor parents, and refrain from murder, adultery, theft, lying, and coveting.

• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 19: If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

• Your perfect laws energize and awaken us, Lord. Your principles and commands guide us in truth, showing the way. Your eternal statutes bring justice and enrich our lives.

• Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 1:22-25: We proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles. Yet, to the called, He embodies God's power and wisdom, surpassing human understanding and strength.

• Gospel – John 2:13-25: At Passover, Jesus went to Jerusalem and found the temple commercialized. He cleared it, rebuking those who made it a marketplace, fulfilling a prophecy of zeal for God's house. Challenged by Jewish leaders, he spoke of destroying and raising the temple in three days, signifying his resurrection. Many believed in him, but Jesus remained cautious of human nature.

 

OFFERTORY:
1.    O Dios Dawata (Koro Viannista)
2.    Kini Mao Akong Lawas
3.    Kung ‘Yong Nanaisin (Francisco) Alay-Kapwa (Tinio, Hontiveros)
4.    Nang Buo Kong Buhay (Alejo, Hontiveros)
5.    Pag-aalay (Pangilinan, Hontiveros)
6.    Sumasamba, Sumasamo (Dionisio)
7.    Sumasamo Kami Sa ‘Yo (Judan)
8.    Prayer of Rupert Mayer (Francisco)
9.    Take Our Bread (Wise) Stanza 2 ang priority. "Your blood"
10. To Be Your Bread (Haas) Stanza 3 ang priority. Best choice.
11. To You, O Lord (Haugen)
 
COMMUNION:
1.    Misyon sa Tawo
2.    Ang Atong Tulubagon
3.    Ang Tawo Niining kalibutan
4.    Krus Kaluwasan
5.    Ama, Kaawaan Ako (Isidro, Ramirez)
6.    Ang Biyaya ng Diyos (Judan, Hontiveros)
7.    Ang Kaluluwa Ko’y Nauuhaw (Isidro, Que) Best choice.
8.    Awit ng Paghahangad (Cenzon) “Nauuhaw akong”
9.    Dunong ng Puso (Labendia, Villaroman)
10. Hesus na Hain ng Diyos (Tinio, Hontiveros)
11. Huwag Mabalisa (Aquino)
12. Likhain Mong Muli (Alejo, Hontiveros, Francisco)
13. Pag-ibig Ko (Cenzon)
14. Pag-ibig, Patawad (Valcos)
15. Pananalig (Borres, Francisco)
16. Sa Piling Mo (Borres, Que)
17. Sa Iyong Mga Yapak (Cerino, Samuel)
18. Saan Kami Tutungo (Macalinao, Hontiveros)
19. Anima Christi (Arboleda) “Water from the side of Christ”
20. Change Our Hearts (Coney)
21. Deep Within (Haas)
22. Eat This Bread (Berthier)
23. Empty Space (Go & Francisco)
24. Father, Mercy (Dufford)
25. God of Silence (Francisco)
26. I Seek You For I Thirst (Valdellon) Best choice.
27. Lord Jesus, Sun of Righteousness (Consolacion)
28. Only This I Want (Schutte)
29. Turn to Me (Foley) 
 
RECESSIONAL:
1.    Asin ug Kahayag
2.    Kinsa?
3.    Ang Tawag ng Panahon (Tinio, Hontiveros)
4.    Pagkatao (Hontiveros)
5.    Pinapawi Mo Ang Tao (Reginoo)
6.    Time to Change

4th Sunday of Lent - Year A - March 19, 2023

 A happy and thankful week our dear brothers and sisters. We are now on the 4^th Sunday of Lent. Please do continue visiting this blog and even click our ads. Please help us sustaining this blog. You can send your load donations only on those numbers posted. Thank you.
The readings for the 4th Sunday of Lent Year A are about sight and blindness. The first reading is the story of the choosing of David as God’s anointed one. Samuel is told that God does not see us as we do. The second reading is a reminder that we must live in the light, not it darkness. And in the gospel is the story of the man born blind, whom Jesus cured.

Theme:
·         Light and darkness
·         How we see ourselves, others, and God
·         Spiritual blindness

Entrance:
1.      Tun-I Kami Ginoo
2.      Mag-awit Kita
3.      Dios Namo sa Kalooy
4.      Buksan ang Aming Puso (Tinio, Hontiveros)
5.      Blest be the Lord
6.      Seek the Lord (O’Connor)
 
Reading 1                             1 Sm 16:1b, 6-7, 10-13a
The LORD said to Samuel:
"Fill your horn with oil, and be on your way.
I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem,
for I have chosen my king from among his sons."
 
As Jesse and his sons came to the sacrifice,
Samuel looked at Eliab and thought,
"Surely the LORD's anointed is here before him."
But the LORD said to Samuel:
"Do not judge from his appearance or from his lofty stature,
because I have rejected him.
Not as man sees does God see,
because man sees the appearance
but the LORD looks into the heart."
In the same way Jesse presented seven sons before Samuel,
but Samuel said to Jesse,
"The LORD has not chosen any one of these."
Then Samuel asked Jesse,
"Are these all the sons you have?"
Jesse replied,
"There is still the youngest, who is tending the sheep."
Samuel said to Jesse,
"Send for him;
we will not begin the sacrificial banquet until he arrives here."
Jesse sent and had the young man brought to them.
He was ruddy, a youth handsome to behold
and making a splendid appearance.
The LORD said,
"There—anoint him, for this is the one!"
Then Samuel, with the horn of oil in hand,
anointed David in the presence of his brothers;
and from that day on, the spirit of the LORD rushed upon David.
 
Responsorial Psalm                                              Ps 23: 1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
R. (1) The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
He guides me in right paths
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
for years to come.
R. The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
 
Reading 2                             Eph 5:8-14
Brothers and sisters:
You were once darkness,
but now you are light in the Lord.
Live as children of light,
for light produces every kind of goodness
and righteousness and truth.
Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.
Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness;
rather expose them, for it is shameful even to mention
the things done by them in secret;
but everything exposed by the light becomes visible,
for everything that becomes visible is light.
Therefore, it says:
"Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will give you light."
Verse Before the Gospel
Jn 8:12
I am the light of the world, says the Lord;
whoever follows me will have the light of life.
 
Gospel                                   Jn 9:1-41
As Jesus passed by he saw a man blind from birth.
His disciples asked him,
"Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents,
that he was born blind?"
Jesus answered,
"Neither he nor his parents sinned;
it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him.
We have to do the works of the one who sent me while it is day.
Night is coming when no one can work.
While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."
When he had said this, he spat on the ground
and made clay with the saliva,
and smeared the clay on his eyes,
and said to him,
"Go wash in the Pool of Siloam" —which means Sent—.
So he went and washed, and came back able to see.
 
His neighbors and those who had seen him earlier as a beggar said,
"Isn't this the one who used to sit and beg?"
Some said, "It is, "
but others said, "No, he just looks like him."
He said, "I am."
So they said to him, "How were your eyes opened?"
He replied,
"The man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes
and told me, 'Go to Siloam and wash.'
So I went there and washed and was able to see."
And they said to him, "Where is he?"
He said, "I don't know."
 

They brought the one who was once blind to the Pharisees.
Now Jesus had made clay and opened his eyes on a sabbath.
So then the Pharisees also asked him how he was able to see.
He said to them,
"He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and now I can see."
So some of the Pharisees said,
"This man is not from God,
because he does not keep the sabbath."
But others said,
"How can a sinful man do such signs?"
And there was a division among them.
So they said to the blind man again,
"What do you have to say about him,
since he opened your eyes?"
He said, "He is a prophet."
 
Now the Jews did not believe
that he had been blind and gained his sight
until they summoned the parents of the one who had gained his sight.
They asked them,
"Is this your son, who you say was born blind?
How does he now see?"
His parents answered and said,
"We know that this is our son and that he was born blind.
We do not know how he sees now,
nor do we know who opened his eyes.
Ask him, he is of age;
he can speak for himself."
His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews,
for the Jews had already agreed
that if anyone acknowledged him as the Christ,
he would be expelled from the synagogue.
For this reason his parents said,
"He is of age; question him."
 
So a second time they called the man who had been blind
and said to him, "Give God the praise!
We know that this man is a sinner."
He replied,
"If he is a sinner, I do not know.
One thing I do know is that I was blind and now I see."
So they said to him,
"What did he do to you?
How did he open your eyes?"
He answered them,
"I told you already and you did not listen.
Why do you want to hear it again?
Do you want to become his disciples, too?"
They ridiculed him and said,
"You are that man's disciple;
we are disciples of Moses!
We know that God spoke to Moses,
but we do not know where this one is from."
The man answered and said to them,
"This is what is so amazing,
that you do not know where he is from, yet he opened my eyes.
We know that God does not listen to sinners,
but if one is devout and does his will, he listens to him.
It is unheard of that anyone ever opened the eyes of a person born blind.
If this man were not from God,
he would not be able to do anything."
They answered and said to him,
"You were born totally in sin,
and are you trying to teach us?"
Then they threw him out.
 
When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out,
he found him and said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"
He answered and said,
"Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?"
Jesus said to him,
"You have seen him,
the one speaking with you is he."
He said,
"I do believe, Lord," and he worshiped him.
Then Jesus said,
"I came into this world for judgment,
so that those who do not see might see,
and those who do see might become blind."
 
Some of the Pharisees who were with him heard this
and said to him, "Surely we are not also blind, are we?"
Jesus said to them,
"If you were blind, you would have no sin;
but now you are saying, 'We see,' so your sin remains.
 
or
JN 9:1, 6-9, 13-17, 34-38
As Jesus passed by he saw a man blind from birth.
He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva,
and smeared the clay on his eyes, and said to him,
"Go wash in the Pool of Siloam" — which means Sent —.
So he went and washed, and came back able to see.
 
His neighbors and those who had seen him earlier as a beggar said,
"Isn't this the one who used to sit and beg?"
Some said, "It is, "
but others said, "No, he just looks like him."
He said, "I am."
 
They brought the one who was once blind to the Pharisees.
Now Jesus had made clay and opened his eyes on a sabbath.
So then the Pharisees also asked him how he was able to see.
He said to them,
"He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and now I can see."
So some of the Pharisees said,
"This man is not from God,
because he does not keep the sabbath."
But others said,
"How can a sinful man do such signs?"
And there was a division among them.
So they said to the blind man again,
"What do you have to say about him,
since he opened your eyes?"
He said, "He is a prophet."
 
They answered and said to him,
"You were born totally in sin,
and are you trying to teach us?"
Then they threw him out.
 
When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out,
he found him and said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"
He answered and said,
"Who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?"
Jesus said to him,
"You have seen him, and
the one speaking with you is he."
He said,
"I do believe, Lord," and he worshiped him.
 
Offertory:
1.      O Dios Dawata
2.      Aniang among Halad
3.      Diyutay Lang Kini
4.      Sumasamo Kami (Judan)
5.      Panginoon Narito Ako
6.      Unang Alay (modified version)
7.      Now We Remain (Haas)
8.      Take Our Bread (Wise)
 
Communion:
1.      Kini Maong Akong Lawas
2.      Kinabuhi mo Kinabuhi Ko
3.      Ako ang Kahayag
4.      Balaan nga Gugma
5.      Dios Namo sa Kalooy
6.      Awit ng Paghilom (Aquino)
7.      Maging akin Muli (Aquino)
8.      Dakilang Pag-ibig (Pangilinan, Hontiveros) Prioritize Stanza 2. Swak sa 2R.
9.      Likhain mong Muli (Alejo, Francisco)
10.  God of Silence (Francisco)
11.  Empty Space (Go, Francisco)
 
Recessional:
1.      Kinsa?
2.      Ang Atong Tulubagon
3.      Alay sa Kapwa (Esteban, Hontiveros) Prioritize Stanza 3.
4.      Save Us, O Lord (Dufford)