4th Sunday of Easter - Good Shepherd Sunday Year A - April 30, 2023

 ALL WE CAN SAY IS THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO REALLY SUPPORTING US AND HELPING US.
The readings for the 4th Sunday of Easter Year A (Good Shepherd Sunday) remind us that Jesus Christ leads us through the gate of salvation. In the first reading Peter calls all to conversion. The psalm reminds us that God is always caring for us as a shepherd care for his sheep. The second reading tells us that when we stray, we can return to the Lord. And in the gospel Jesus promises to lead his people to safety and warns us to be cautious about who we follow.

• Jesus as the Good Shepherd: This image is meant to evoke the idea of a shepherd who knows his sheep by name and is willing to lay down his life for them. Jesus says that his sheep hear his voice and follow him, and that he knows them, and they know him. This theme emphasizes Jesus’ love for his followers and his willingness to protect and guide them through life.

• Relationship between Jesus and his followers: This theme is closely related to the first one, as it also focuses on the idea of Jesus’ followers recognizing his voice and following him. The Gospel reading for this Sunday emphasizes the intimate relationship between Jesus and his sheep, and the idea that they can recognize and trust him because of their close connection. This theme emphasizes the importance of personal relationship with Jesus for those who follow him.

• The Church as a flock of sheep: This theme builds on the idea of Jesus as the Good Shepherd and his followers as his sheep. It emphasizes the idea that the Church is a community of believers who are led and guided by Christ. The metaphor of the sheep and shepherd is meant to evoke a sense of care and protection, as well as a shared sense of purpose and belonging among the members of the Church.

• Promise of eternal life and assurance of protection and care: This theme is closely tied to the idea of Jesus as the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep. It emphasizes the idea that believers can trust in Jesus to protect and care for them, even in the face of danger or hardship. The promise of eternal life is also a key aspect of this theme, as it emphasizes the hope that believers have in Christ beyond this life. This theme highlights the sense of security and peace that comes from trusting in Jesus as one’s shepherd and protector.

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 aat 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 2:14a, 36-41
Then Peter stood up with the Eleven,
raised his voice, and proclaimed:
"Let the whole house of Israel know for certain
that God has made both Lord and Christ,
this Jesus whom you crucified."
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart,
and they asked Peter and the other apostles,
"What are we to do, my brothers?"
Peter said to them,
"Repent and be baptized, every one of you,
in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins;
and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
For the promise is made to you and to your children
and to all those far off,
whomever the Lord our God will call."
He testified with many other arguments, and was exhorting them,
"Save yourselves from this corrupt generation."
Those who accepted his message were baptized,
and about three thousand persons were added that day.
 
Responsorial Psalm                                       Ps 23: 1-3a, 3b4, 5, 6
R. (1) The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.
or:
R. Alleluia.
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.
or:
R. Alleluia.
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.
or:
R. Alleluia.
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.
or:
R. Alleluia.
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.
or:
R. Alleluia.
 
Reading 2                         1 Pt 2:20b-25
Beloved:
If you are patient when you suffer for doing what is good,
this is a grace before God.
For to this you have been called,
because Christ also suffered for you,
leaving you an example that you should follow in his footsteps.
He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.
When he was insulted, he returned no insult;
when he suffered, he did not threaten;
instead, he handed himself over to the one who judges justly.
He himself bore our sins in his body upon the cross,
so that, free from sin, we might live for righteousness.
By his wounds you have been healed.
For you had gone astray like sheep,
but you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.
 
Alleluia                                       Jn 10:14
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the good shepherd, says the Lord;
I know my sheep, and mine know me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
 
Gospel                                        Jn 10:1-10
Jesus said:
"Amen, amen, I say to you,
whoever does not enter a sheepfold through the gate
but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber.
But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep.
The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice,
as the shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.
When he has driven out all his own,
he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him,
because they recognize his voice.
But they will not follow a stranger;
they will run away from him,

because they do not recognize the voice of strangers."
Although Jesus used this figure of speech,
the Pharisees did not realize what he was trying to tell them.
So Jesus said again, "Amen, amen, I say to you,
I am the gate for the sheep.
All who came before me are thieves and robbers,
but the sheep did not listen to them.
I am the gate.
Whoever enters through me will be saved,
and will come in and go out and find pasture.
A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy;
I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly."
 
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, swak for the Gospel
3.      Kini Maong akong Lawas
4.      Tungo Sa’yo (Hangad), swak for the celebration Vocation Sunday
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"

 

3rd Sunday of Easter - Year A - April 23, 2023

 Thank you very much for those who really supporting us. God Bless You, Brothers and Sisters.
The readings for the 3rd Sunday in Easter for Year A encourage us to truly walk the path of discipleship. In the first reading Peter boldly proclaims the Good News. The psalm reminds us that God will guide us along the path of life. The second reading explains that Jesus Christ died so we could have new life. And in the gospel, two disciples encounter the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus.

• The Road to Emmaus: Two disciples were walking to the village of Emmaus after Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, when they were joined by a stranger who was actually Jesus himself. The theme of the Road to Emmaus is about recognizing the risen Christ in unexpected places and unexpected ways.

• Recognizing Jesus in the Breaking of the Bread: In the Gospel reading for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year A, Jesus revealed himself to the disciples in the breaking of the bread. This theme emphasizes the importance of the Eucharist, and that Jesus is truly present in the bread and wine of the Eucharistic celebration.

• Witnessing and Testimony: Christians are called to be witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus, and to share their testimony of how their lives have been changed by their faith in him. This theme is reflected in the reading from Acts, in which Peter proclaims the good news of Jesus’ resurrection to a crowd in Jerusalem.

• Discipleship: Christians are called to recognize Jesus in unexpected ways, to share their testimony of faith, to spread the good news of Jesus, and to study and apply the teachings of scripture in their lives. We are called to continual growth and transformation in the Christian faith. Being a disciple of Jesus involves a lifelong journey of learning, service, and devotion.

• Fellowship: We come together to share in the Eucharistic celebration, to remember the sacrifice of Jesus, and to be nourished by his presence in the bread and wine. We are not called to follow Jesus alone, but to be part of a community of believers who support and encourage one another in our faith.

Entrance:
1.      Diosnong Magtutudlo
2.      Diha sa Halaran (Koro Viannista)
3.      Kasaulogan sa Kinabuhi (Fernandez)
4.      Daygon ta ang Ginoo
5.      Magpasalamat kayo sa Panginoon (Ramirez) prioritize stanza 2
6.      Purihi’t Pasalamat (Esteban, Hontiveros)
7.      Sumigaw sa galak (Que)
8.      Water of Life (Haas)
9.      Sing to the Mountains (Dufford) prioritize stanza 1 and 3
10.  Sing a New Song (Schutte)

Reading 1                         Acts 2:14, 22-33
Then Peter stood up with the Eleven,
raised his voice, and proclaimed:
"You who are Jews, indeed all of you staying in Jerusalem.
Let this be known to you, and listen to my words.
You who are Israelites, hear these words.
Jesus the Nazarene was a man commended to you by God
with mighty deeds, wonders, and signs,
which God worked through him in your midst, as you yourselves know.
This man, delivered up by the set plan and foreknowledge of God,
you killed, using lawless men to crucify him.
But God raised him up, releasing him from the throes of death,
because it was impossible for him to be held by it.
For David says of him:
I saw the Lord ever before me,
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
Therefore my heart has been glad and my tongue has exulted;
my flesh, too, will dwell in hope,
because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld,
nor will you suffer your holy one to see corruption.
You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence.

"My brothers, one can confidently say to you
about the patriarch David that he died and was buried,
and his tomb is in our midst to this day.
But since he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn an oath to him
that he would set one of his descendants upon his throne,
he foresaw and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ,
that neither was he abandoned to the netherworld
nor did his flesh see corruption.
God raised this Jesus;
of this we are all witnesses.
Exalted at the right hand of God,
he received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father
and poured him forth, as you see and hear."

Responsorial Psalm                   Ps 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11

R. (11a) Lord, you will show us the path of life.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge;
I say to the LORD, "My Lord are you."
O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,
you it is who hold fast my lot.
R. Lord, you will show us the path of life.
or:
R. Alleluia.
I bless the LORD who counsels me;
even in the night my heart exhorts me.
I set the LORD ever before me;
with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.
R. Lord, you will show us the path of life.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices,
my body, too, abides in confidence;
because you will not abandon my soul to the netherworld,
nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.
R. Lord, you will show us the path of life.
or:
R. Alleluia.
You will show me the path to life,
abounding joy in your presence,
the delights at your right hand forever.
R. Lord, you will show us the path of life.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Reading 2                         1 Pt 1:17-21

Beloved:
If you invoke as Father him who judges impartially
according to each one's works,
conduct yourselves with reverence during the time of your sojourning,
realizing that you were ransomed from your futile conduct,
handed on by your ancestors,
not with perishable things like silver or gold
but with the precious blood of Christ
as of a spotless unblemished lamb.

He was known before the foundation of the world
but revealed in the final time for you,
who through him believe in God
who raised him from the dead and gave him glory,
so that your faith and hope are in God.

Alleluia                   Cf. Lk 24:32

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Lord Jesus, open the Scriptures to us;
make our hearts burn while you speak to us.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel                   Lk 24:13-35

That very day, the first day of the week,
two of Jesus' disciples were going
to a village seven miles from Jerusalem called Emmaus,
and they were conversing about all the things that had occurred.
And it happened that while they were conversing and debating,
Jesus himself drew near and walked with them,
but their eyes were prevented from recognizing him.
He asked them,
"What are you discussing as you walk along?"
They stopped, looking downcast.
One of them, named Cleopas, said to him in reply,
"Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem
who does not know of the things
that have taken place there in these days?"
And he replied to them, "What sort of things?"
They said to him,

"The things that happened to Jesus the Nazarene,
who was a prophet mighty in deed and word
before God and all the people,
how our chief priests and rulers both handed him over
to a sentence of death and crucified him.
But we were hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel;
and besides all this,
it is now the third day since this took place.
Some women from our group, however, have astounded us:
they were at the tomb early in the morning
and did not find his body;
they came back and reported
that they had indeed seen a vision of angels
who announced that he was alive.
Then some of those with us went to the tomb
and found things just as the women had described,
but him they did not see."
And he said to them, "Oh, how foolish you are!
How slow of heart to believe all that the prophets spoke!
Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things
and enter into his glory?"
Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets,
he interpreted to them what referred to him
in all the Scriptures.
As they approached the village to which they were going,
he gave the impression that he was going on farther.
But they urged him, "Stay with us,
for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over."
So he went in to stay with them.
And it happened that, while he was with them at table,
he took bread, said the blessing,
broke it, and gave it to them.
With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him,
but he vanished from their sight.
Then they said to each other,
"Were not our hearts burning within us
while he spoke to us on the way and opened the Scriptures to us?"
So they set out at once and returned to Jerusalem
where they found gathered together
the eleven and those with them who were saying,
"The Lord has truly been raised and has appeared to Simon!"
Then the two recounted
what had taken place on the way
and how he was made known to them in the breaking of bread.

Offertory:
1.      Nagahalad Kami
2.      Palihug Dawata Ginoo
3.      Daygon Ikaw Ginoong Dios (Koro Viannista
4.      Isang Pagkain, Isang Katawan, Isang Bayan (San Pedro)
5.      Panalangin sa Pagiging Bukas Palad
6.      One Bread, One Body (Foley)

Communion:
1.      Kini Maong Akong Lawas
2.     Kalig-on sa Pagtoo
3.     Natawag ko na Ikaw
4.     Ang Tawo niining kalibutan
5.     O Hesus, Hilumin Mo (Francisco)
6.     Pananatili (Miranda)
7.     Huwag Mangamba (Francisco)
8.     Hiram sa Dios (swak sa 2R)
9.     Panunumpa (Gonzales). This is not a song exclusively for weddings. This could be for holy orders, basta when the apostles are involved.
10.   God of Silence (Francisco)
11.    Lead Me Lord (De Pano)
12.   Teach My Heart
13.   Here I am Lord (Schutte)
 
Recessional:
1.      Ang Atong Tulubagon
2.     Kinsa?
3.     Humayo’t Ihayag (Francisco-Catalan-Go)
4.     Magpasalamat kayo sa Panginoon (Ramirez) Prioritize Stanza 2.
5.     Life Forevermore (Ellerton, Francisco)
6.     I Will Sing forever (Francisco)
7.     Pilgrim’s Theme (Go, Francisco)