5th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year B - February 4, 2024

 
We are now on the 5^th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B and we are grateful for your support by visiting us here always.
 
The readings for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B cause us to reflect on Jesus’ power to heal us, both physically and spiritually. In the first reading, Job laments that he is experiencing so much misery and despair. But the psalm reminds us to “Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted.” The Gospel tells how Jesus cured Peter’s mother in law, freed those possessed by demons, and preached in the area.

• Human Suffering and Quest for Meaning: Job's lament in the first reading highlights the profound struggle of human suffering and the search for meaning amidst life's trials. This theme resonates with anyone grappling with pain, loss, or hardship.

• Divine Compassion and Healing: Contrasting with human suffering, the Responsorial Psalm and the Gospel emphasize God's compassion and healing power. This theme underscores the Christian belief in a God who cares deeply about human affliction and actively works to restore and heal.

• Service and Sacrifice in Ministry: Paul's reflections in the second reading on his role as an apostle underscore the themes of selfless service and sacrifice. His commitment to preaching the Gospel without seeking personal gain highlights the Christian call to serve others.

• The Power of Jesus' Ministry: The Gospel reading showcases Jesus' authority over illness and evil forces, underlining the theme of the transformative power present in Jesus' ministry. It shows the inauguration of a new era of divine action in the world.

• Solitude and Prayer: Jesus seeking solitude for prayer, despite the demands of his ministry, emphasizes the importance of prayer and communion with God. This theme is a reminder of the need for spiritual nourishment and reflection in the midst of active service.

• The Role of the Community in Faith: The interactions between Jesus and those he heals, as well as the actions of the disciples, highlight the theme of community in the Christian journey. It shows how faith is lived and experienced within a community, and how the community plays a role in supporting, nurturing, and participating in the mission of the Church.

These themes for the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B collectively offer a rich and multifaceted insight into Christian life, emphasizing the balance between personal spirituality and communal engagement, between human struggle and divine grace, and between active service and contemplative prayer.
 
Entrance Song:
1. Lungsod nga Balaan
2. Diha sa Halaran
3. Bayan, Umawit (Borres, Baltazar, Francisco) Pag-aalaala (Francisco)
4. Sing to the Mountains (Dufford) “You have answered my plea.”
5. Come With Praise (Schutte) Prioritize Stanza 3.
 
Readings:

• First Reading – Job 7:1-4, 6-7: Job laments life's hardships, comparing his suffering to a laborer's toil and a slave's longing for relief. His nights are restless, his days joyless, feeling his life fleeting like the wind.

• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 147: Praise the Lord, who heals the brokenhearted.

Praise the Lord for His kindness and mercy. He restores and unites, heals the brokenhearted, and knows all creation intimately. He uplifts the humble, humbling the wicked.

• Second Reading –1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23: Preaching the gospel is my entrusted duty, not a ground for pride. My reward lies in sharing it freely, adapting to serve all, with the hope of sharing in its blessings.

• Gospel – Mark 1:29-39: Jesus healed Simon's mother-in-law at her home. That evening, many sick and demon-possessed were brought to him; he healed them, not allowing demons to speak. Seeking solitude, Jesus prayed in the early morning. Urged by his followers, he continued his mission, preaching and exorcising demons throughout Galilee.

 
Offertory:
1. Gasa sa Gugma (Koro Viannista)
2. Diyutay lang Kini (Koro Viannista)
3. Dios Nia Ko
4. Narito Ako (San Andres) Prioritize stanza 2
5. Mula Sa’Yo (Francisco)
6. Paghahandog ng Sarili
7. Dwelling Place (Foley)
8. Earthen Vessels (Foley)
 
Communion:
1. Gugma’g Paglaum (Fernandez)
2. Ang Kinabuhing Mahinungdanon
3. Natawag Ko na Ikaw
4. O Hesus, Hilumin Mo (Francisco)
5. Awit ng Paghilom (Aquino)
6. Pagsibol (Aquino)
7. Gabing Kulimlim (Arboleda, Francisco)
8. Far Greater Love (Go, Francisco)
9. God of Silence (Francisco)
10. I Seek You for I Thirst (Valdellon)
11. In Him Alone (Francisco)
12. Lead me Lord (De Pano)
13. Your Heart Today (Francisco)
14. Here I am Lord, swak sa Gospel
 
Recessional:
1. Kinsa?
2. Ang Tawag
3. Humayo’t Ihayag (Francisco, Catalan, Go)
4. Magpasalamat Kayo sa Panginoon (Ramirez) prioritize stanza 2
5. I Will Sing Forever (Francisco)
6. All My Days (Schutte, Murray)
7. My Heart’s Thanksgiving (Aquino)