The readings for the 5th Sunday of Easter Year B remind us of our dependence on God and each other. In the gospel Jesus explains that he is the vine and we must depend on him. The second reading also echoes this teaching.
The readings for the 5th Sunday of Easter Year B touch on several interconnected themes that are central to understanding and living out the Christian faith. Here's a list of the key themes:
- Transformation
and Mission: In the
first reading from Acts, we see the transformation of Saul, a former
persecutor of Christians, into a bold preacher of the Gospel. This change
highlights the power of God's grace to convert and equip believers for
mission. Community and Belonging: Saul's acceptance into the Christian
community through Barnabas's advocacy demonstrates the importance of
community, belonging, and the role of mediation in the life of believers.
It reminds us that the Church is a place of welcome for all, including those
who were once far off.
- Love in
Action: The second
reading from 1 John emphasizes that love must be more than words; it must
be expressed in deeds and truth. This practical expression of love is
evidence of living in the truth of the Gospel.
- Obedience and Relationship with God: Obedience to God's commandments, especially the command to believe in Jesus and love one another, is central to our relationship with God. This obedience is not burdensome but is a natural outcome of our love for God and assures us of His indwelling Spirit.
- Vital
Connection with Christ:
The Gospel from John uses the metaphor of the vine and the branches to
illustrate the vital connection believers must maintain with Jesus. Just
as branches can bear fruit only when attached to the vine, Christians can
thrive spiritually only when they remain in Jesus.
- Fruitfulness
and Discipleship: The
theme of fruitfulness permeates the Gospel reading. Believers are called
to bear fruit as evidence of their discipleship and their connection to
Jesus. This fruitfulness also involves pruning, or spiritual discipline,
to foster even greater growth.
- God’s
Glory: The ultimate
purpose of believers’ fruitfulness is to bring glory to God. Our lives,
when lived in connection with Christ, reflect God's love and power to the
world.
2. Saulogon ta Karon
3. Kon Magkatigum Ta
4. Pag-inambitay
5. Huni sa Kinabuhi
6. Pag-alaala (Francisco)
7. Awit ng Pasasalamat
8. Isang Pananampalataya (Santos, Hontiveros) Best choice; stanza per stanza.
9. Sing a new song (Schutte). Don’t forget to replace “Yahweh’s people” to “O God’s people.” "Singing Alleluia..."
10. Praise God (Dufford, Foley)
11. Praise the Lord, My Soul (Foley)
12. City of God (Schutte)
13. Come with Praise (Schutte)
- First
Reading - Acts
9:26-31: Initially distrusted, Saul joins the Jerusalem disciples
through Barnabas's support, speaking boldly about Jesus. Despite threats,
he's safely sent to Tarsus. The church then experiences peaceful growth,
strengthened and encouraged by the Holy Spirit.
- Responsorial
Psalm - Psalm
22: I will praise you, Lord, in the assembly of your people.
- Second
Reading - 1
John 3:18-24: We're called to express love in actions and truth, not
just words. A clear conscience gives us confidence before God. Obeying His
commandments to believe in Jesus and love one another assures us of God's
indwelling Spirit.
- Gospel -John
15:1-8: Jesus described himself as the true vine and his Father as the
gardener. Branches not bearing fruit are removed, while fruitful ones are
pruned for more yield. He emphasized staying connected to him, akin to
branches on a vine, as the key to bearing fruit. Without him, nothing can
be achieved. Unfruitful branches are discarded. Fruitfulness in believers
brings glory to God and proves discipleship.
1. Gasa sa Gugma
2. Nagahalad Kami
3. Diyutay lang Kini
4. Dios Nia Ko
5. Narito Ako (San Andres)
6. Narito Ako, Panginoon (Que)
7. Sumasamo Kami (Judan)
8. Unang Alay (Magnaye)
9. Blessed be God
10. Prayer for Generosity (Arboleda)
11. Prayer of Rupert Mayer (Francisco)
1. Gugma’g Paglaum
2. Kini Maong Akong Lawas
3. Kalig-on sa Pagtoo, sibo sa 1st reading sa kahugot ug kalig-on sa pagtoo ni Saulo sa pagwali sa pulong sa Ginoo
4. Ang Kinabuhi sa Tawo
5. Kaibigan, Kapanalig (Ofrasio, Hontiveros)
6. Dakilang Pag-ibig (Pangilinan, Hontiveros)
7. Diyos ay Pag-ibig
8. Manalig Ka (Perez)
9. Pagkakaibigan (Cenzon, Abad-Santos)
10. Pagsibol (Aquino)
11. Awit ng Pag-asam (Dublin-Tolentino)
12. God of Love (Schutte)
13. In My Heart (Francisco)
14. One More Gift (Francisco)
15. To Be Your Bread (Haas)
16. The Lord’s Steadfast Love (Tolentino-Francia)
Recessional:
1. Ang Tawag
2. Pagbanwag
3. Ang Atong Tulubagon
4. Any Marian Song will do
5. Pananagutan
6. Humayo’t Ihayag
7. All My Days (Schutte, Murray)
8. I am the Bread of Life (Toolan) ang priority ay stanzas 3 and 4.
9. Let There Be Peace on Earth (Miller, Jackson)