23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A - September 10, 2023

 Marami pong salamat sa mga taong laging nakasubaybay at tumulong sa amin.
 
The readings for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A focus on a conversion of heart. We are encouraged to overcome sinfulness and to go beyond merely following the letter of the law and to truly love. And we are to support each other along the path to holiness and help each other overcome our sinfulness.
 

• Community Accountability: The gospel emphasizes the responsibility of the community in addressing conflicts and promoting accountability. This theme highlights the interconnectedness of believers and their role in supporting each other’s spiritual journey.

• Divine Presence in Unity: Jesus’ assurance of His presence when two or three gather in His name underscores the theme of divine presence within a united community. This highlights the significance of communal worship, prayer, and decision-making.

• Conversion of Heart: The passage underscores the importance of addressing conflicts and sins within the community. This theme resonates with the concept of conversion, as it invites individuals to examine their hearts, admit wrongdoing, and seek reconciliation.

• Sacrament of Reconciliation: Jesus’ instructions about approaching a brother who has sinned mirror the principles of confession and reconciliation within the Church. This theme reflects the sacramental aspect of seeking forgiveness and restoring one’s relationship with God and the community.

• Overcoming Hatred: The passage promotes a process that seeks to mend relationships rather than perpetuate hatred. This theme aligns with the idea of forgiving those who have wronged us, promoting forgiveness as a way to overcome animosity.

• Social Justice: The principle of addressing wrongs within the community reflects the broader concept of social justice. This theme emphasizes the importance of resolving conflicts to maintain harmony and promote justice among individuals.

 
Entrance:

1.  Kon Magkatigum ta
2. Buklod ng Pag-ibig(Pangilinan, Hontiveros)
3. Sa Piging na Handog (Carlos, Villaroman)
4. Seek the Lord (O’Connor)
5. Lover of Us All

 

• First reading – Ezekiel 33:7-9: I appoint you as watchman for the house of Israel. If you fail to warn the wicked and they die in guilt, you’re responsible. If you warn them and they don’t turn, they die, but you’re saved.

• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9:  If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Let us sing joyfully to the Lord, acclaiming our salvation, and coming into His presence with thanksgiving. But heed the warning not to harden our hearts, reflecting on past disobedience.

• Second reading – Romans 13:8-10: Owing love to one another fulfills the law. The commandments are summarized by loving your neighbor as yourself, for love does no evil and is the complete fulfillment of the law.

• Gospel – Matthew 18:15-20: If a brother sins, discuss it privately, then with witnesses if needed, and finally with the church. What is agreed on earth reflects in heaven, and where people gather in Jesus’s name, he is present.

 

Offertory:

1. Diyutay lang Kini (Koro Viannista)
2. Nagahalad Kami
3. Pag-aalay ng Puso (Nero, Que)
4. Alay-Kapwa (Tinio, Hontiveros)
5. Prayer for Generosity (Arboleda)
6. One Bread, One Body (Foley)

 
Communion:

1. Ako ang Kahayag
2. Ang Kinabuhing Mahinungdanon
3. Kaibigan, Kapanalig (Ofrasio, Hontiveros)
4. O Hesus, Hilumin mo (Francisco) swak na swak ito.
5. Kaibigan
6. Manalig ka (Perez)
7. One More Gift (Francisco) Nice choice
8. Love is the Answer (Hannisian)

 
Recessional:

1. Pagbanwag
2. Ang Atong Tulubagon
3. Pananagutan
4. Any Marian Song … advance for her birthday on Thursday
5. Let there be peace on Earth (Miller, Jackson)

 
 

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A - September 3, 2023

 
We are very sorry for the late post, busy lang po sa school.
 
The readings for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A focus on our natural longing for God. In the first reading Jeremiah realizes he cannot escape his burning desire for God. The second reading tells us that we must allow ourselves to be transformed to be one with Christ. And in the gospel Jesus explains that following him means making sacrifices. Are we willing to do what it takes to be a disciple?
 

• Unwavering Resolve: In the first reading, Jeremiah affirms his commitment to proclaiming God’s message despite the challenges. This theme reflects the determination to persevere in one’s calling, even in the face of adversity.

• Living Sacrifice: The second reading encourages believers to present themselves as living sacrifices to God. This theme emphasizes the idea of offering one’s whole life in dedicated service to God.

• Suffering Messiah: The gospel highlights Jesus’ prediction of His own suffering, death, and resurrection. This theme emphasizes the sacrificial aspect of His mission.

• Human Ambitions vs. God’s Will: Jesus rebukes Peter for opposing His path of suffering. This theme underscores the contrast between human desires and God’s divine plan.

• Self-Denial and Cross-Bearing: Jesus talks about taking up the cross to follow Him. This theme stresses the need for self-denial and a willingness to embrace difficulties for the sake of Christ.

• Sacrificing Earthly Gain: Jesus mentions gaining the world but losing one’s soul. This theme highlights the importance of prioritizing eternal values over temporary worldly gains.

• Judgment and Reward: The passage discusses the Son of Man coming to reward each person according to their deeds. This theme emphasizes accountability and the ultimate consequences of one’s choices.

 
Entrance:
1.      Lungsod nga Balaan
2.      Pag-inambitay
3.      Pagmamahal sa Panginoon (Hontiveros)
4.      Buklod ng Pag-ibig (Hontiveros, Pangilinan)
5.      Come to Me (Francisco)
6.      Come to me all who are weary (Schutte)
 
Readings:

• First Reading – Jeremiah 20:7-9: You, O LORD, overcame me, and though I’m mocked and derided, I cannot hold back your word. It burns in my heart, and I cannot endure keeping it inside.

• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 63: My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

O God, I seek you with a thirst like dry, lifeless earth. I’ve seen your power and glory; your kindness is greater than life. My soul clings to you, and your right hand upholds me.

• Second Reading – Romans 12:1-2: I urge you to offer yourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. Don’t conform to this age but renew your mind to discern what is good and pleasing to God.

• Gospel – Matthew 16:21-27: Jesus begins to explain that He must suffer, be killed, and resurrect. Peter rebukes Him, but Jesus says that Peter’s thinking like a man, not God. He tells His followers to deny themselves, take up their crosses, and follow Him. Gaining the world but losing one’s soul is futile. The Son of Man will come and reward each according to their deeds.

 

Offertory:
1.      Gasa sa Gugma (Koro Viannista)
2.      Mugna sa Dios (Koro Viannista)
3.      Daygon Ikaw, Ginoong Dios (Koro Viannista)
4.      Kung ‘Yong Nanaisin (Francisco)
5.      Sumasamo Kami (Judan)
6.      Prayer of Rupert Mayer (Francisco)
7.      Take and Receive
 
Communion:
1.      Kinabuhi Mo, Kinabuhi Ko (swak for the gospel verse 25)
2.      Ang Hagit sa Ebanghelyo
3.      Awit ng Paghahangad (Cenzon)
4.      Hesus na Aking Kapatid (Hontiveros)
5.      Pagkakaibigan (Cenzon, Abad-Santos)
6.      Anima Christi (Arboleda)
7.      God of Silence (Francisco)
8.      In Him Alone (Francisco)
9.      Behold the Wood (Schutte)
 
Recessional:
1.      Ang Atong Tulubagon
2.      Ang Tawag
3.      Pananagutan (Hontiveros)
4.      Save us, O Lord (Dufford)