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)
 
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