3rd Sunday of Easter - Year B - April 14, 2024

The readings for the 3rd Sunday in Easter encourage us to truly believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and to accept his love. In the gospel the risen Jesus appears to his disciples and helps them understand his death and resurrection.

The readings for the 3rd Sunday of Easter Year B touch on several interconnected themes that are crucial to understanding the Easter season and its significance in Christian life. Here are the main themes:

• Repentance and Forgiveness: A central theme, especially highlighted in the readings from Acts and the Gospel of Luke, is the call to repentance—turning back to God—and the promise of forgiveness. This theme underscores God's mercy and willingness to forgive sins for those who turn to Him and acknowledge their wrongdoings.

• The Fulfillment of Prophecy: The readings from Acts and Luke emphasize that Jesus' life, death, and resurrection were all part of God's plan, foretold in the scriptures. This theme connects the events of the New Testament with the prophecies of the Old Testament, showing the continuity and fulfillment of God's salvation history.
• Witnessing to the Resurrection: The Gospel and the first reading both highlight the importance of witnessing to the resurrection of Jesus. The disciples are called to share the news of Jesus' resurrection and the forgiveness of sins with all nations, emphasizing the role of Christians to bear witness to the truth of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.
• Jesus as Advocate and Atonement: The second reading from 1 John presents Jesus as the advocate for sinners and the atonement for our sins. This theme highlights the mediating role of Jesus between humanity and God, and the universal scope of Jesus' sacrifice, which is not limited to a single group but is extended to the whole world.

• Obedience to God's Commands: True knowledge of Jesus is demonstrated through obedience to His commands, as mentioned in the letter of John. This theme ties in with the idea of living according to God's will as a response to understanding and accepting Jesus' role as our savior and advocate.
• The Physical Resurrection of Jesus: In the Gospel reading, Jesus shows His physical form to His disciples, eating with them and allowing them to touch Him. This emphasizes the physical reality of the resurrection, countering any notion that it was merely a spiritual or symbolic event.

These themes collectively reinforce the message of Easter as a time of renewal, hope, and spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world.

 

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)
 

Readings:

• First Reading - Acts 3:13-15, 17-19: Peter declares that by rejecting Jesus and choosing a murderer instead, the people and their leaders acted in ignorance. His death and resurrection fulfill God's prophecy. Peter urges repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
• Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 4: Lord, let your face shine on us.

In times of trouble, I call on God, who rescues and listens. His miracles affirm His faithfulness, and His light brings joy to my heart. In His care, I find unparalleled peace and security.

• Second Reading - 1 John 2:1-5: If we sin, Jesus Christ, the righteous, advocates for us. He atoned for our sins, extending beyond us to the whole world. True knowledge of Him is demonstrated by obeying His commands.
• Gospel - Luke 24:35-48: The disciples recounted recognizing Jesus by the breaking of bread. Jesus then appeared, offering peace and dispelling fears of his being a specter by showing his hands and feet and eating fish, demonstrating his physical resurrection. He explained scripture prophecies about his suffering, resurrection, and the call to spread forgiveness in his name, affirming their roles as witnesses.
• 
  
  
  

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.      O Dios Ikaw Haduol
2.      Kalig-on sa Pagtoo
3.      Kahanga-hanga (Corpuz, Hontiveros)
4.      Kapayapaan (Aquino)
5.      Pagsibol (Aquino)
6.      Tubig ng Buhay (Valdellon)
7.      One thing I ask
8.      I seek you for I Thirst
9.      The Face of God, swak sa RP
10.  Here in this Place (Haas) best choice.
11.  I am the Bread of Life (Toolan)
 
Recessional:
1.      Ang Kalinaw Ibilin ko Kaninyo
2.      Pagbanwag
3.      Ang Tawag
4.      Humayo’t Ihayag
5.      O Bayan ng Dios
6.      I Will Sing Forever

 

 

Divine Mercy Sunday - Year B - April 7, 2024

 
The readings for Divine Mercy Sunday (2nd Sunday of Easter) for Year B show us that the mercy of God is given to all of us, even though we turn away again and again. In the gospel for this Sunday Jesus appears to the disciples. Then he comes back and lovingly helps Thomas overcome his doubts.
 
For Divine Mercy Sunday Year B, the readings introduce several deeply intertwined themes that underscore the essence of Christian life, God’s infinite mercy, and the dynamics of faith and community. Here's a broader look at these themes:

• Unity and Sharing in Community: The first reading highlights the unity among the early Christians, who shared their possessions and ensured no one was in need. This theme invites us to consider how our communities reflect this spirit of sharing and support.

• Power of Testimony: Also in Acts, the apostles’ testimony about Jesus’ resurrection plays a crucial role, emphasizing the importance of witnessing to our faith through words and actions.

• Faith in Jesus: The second reading underscores that belief in Jesus as the Messiah is a sign of our rebirth through God. This theme challenges us to reflect on the depth of our faith and its transformative power.

• Love and Obedience: In 1 John, love for God and His commandments is portrayed as natural for those born of God. This passage encourages us to view God’s commands not as burdens but as expressions of love.

• Victory through Faith: The idea that our faith allows us to overcome the world offers encouragement in times of struggle, highlighting faith as a source of strength.

• Peace and Forgiveness: The Gospel presents Jesus bestowing peace and the authority to forgive sins, illustrating the central role of forgiveness and peace in Christian life.

• Doubt and Belief: Thomas’ journey from doubt to faith highlights the theme of belief without seeing, offering hope and blessing to future generations of believers.

• Role of the Holy Spirit: Jesus breathing the Holy Spirit onto His disciples underscores the empowerment and guidance the Spirit provides to believers.

• Inclusivity of Belief: Jesus’ blessing for those who have not seen but still believe expands the community of faith beyond the eyewitnesses to include all future generations.

• Purpose of the Gospel: The explicit statement that these events are recorded to help us believe that Jesus is the Messiah invites us to engage with the Gospel in a personal and transformative way.

 
Entrance:
1. Diosnong Magtutudlo
2. Lungsod nga Balaan
3. Daygon ta ang Ginoo, to justify the 2nd Sunday of Easter
4. Awit ng Pasasalamat (Hontiveros)
5. Magsiawit sa Panginoon (Isidro & Que) "Magsiawit kayo sa Panginoon; ALELUYA!"
6. Isang Pananampalataya (Santos & Hontiveros)
7. Blest be the Lord (Schutte) "The God of mercy, the God who saves" is so Divine Mercy.
8. Sing a new song (Schutte). Don’t forget to replace “Yahweh’s people” to “O God’s people.” "Singing Alleluia..."
9. Sing to the Mountains (Dufford)
 
Readings:

• First Reading - Acts 4:32-35: The early believers were united, sharing possessions and resources. The apostles' powerful testimony about Jesus' resurrection earned them high regard. They distributed funds from sold properties to meet everyone's needs, ensuring no one was in need.

• Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 118: Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, his love is everlasting.

Israel, Aaron's descendants, and the God-fearing proclaim God's enduring mercy. He answers in distress, providing strength and salvation. The rejected stone becomes the cornerstone, a marvelous act of the Lord.

• Second Reading - 1 John 5:1-6: Belief in Jesus as the Christ shows we are born of God. Loving God and His children means obeying His commandments, which are not burdensome. Our faith in Jesus as God's Son overcomes the world, affirmed by the Spirit of truth.

• Gospel - John 20:19-31: In a locked room, Jesus appeared to his disciples, offering peace and showing his wounds, which brought them joy. He empowered them with the Holy Spirit and the authority to forgive sins. Thomas, absent initially, doubted their testimony. Later, Jesus appeared again, inviting Thomas to touch his wounds, leading to Thomas' declaration of faith. Jesus blessed future believers who wouldn't see yet believe. These events were recorded to affirm faith in Jesus as the Christ.

 

Offertory:
1. Mugna sa Dios (Koro Viannista)
2. Diyutay Lang Kini (Koro Viannista)
3. Ihalad Namo Kanimo (Fernandez)
4. Palihug Dawata Ginoo
5. Unang Alay (Magnaye)
6. Paghahandog ng Sarili (Arboleda-Francisco)
7. Pag-aalay (Francisco)
8. One Bread, One Body (Foley)
9. Blessed Be God
10. We Remember (Haugen) Use Stanza 2.
 
Communion:
1. Kini Maong Akong Lawas (Koro Viannista)
2. Kalig-on sa Pagtoo (Koro Viannista) sibo kaayo sa Gospel diin nasukod ang pagtoo ni San Tomas sa dihang wala siya motoo nga nakita sa ubang tinun-an si Jesus nga buhi
3. Ang Kalinaw Ibilin Ko Kaninyo, sibo usab kini sa Ebanghelyo
4. Tubig ng Buhay (Valdellon)
5. Pagsibol (Aquino)
6. Pag-ibig Ko (Cenzon). If your parish wants to emphasize celebrating Divine Mercy.
7. Far Greater Love (Go & Francisco)
8. Without seeing you (Haas), Best choice, for this is especially about doubting Thomas.
9. Now we remain (Haas), Stanzas 1 & 2 ang priority.
10. I Seek You For I Thirst (Valdellon)
 
Recessional:
1. Ang Kalinaw Ibilin Ko kaninyo, if wala nakanta sa kalawat
2. Ang Tawag
3. Pagbanwag
4. Humayo’t Ihayag (Francisco, Catalan & Go). Emphasize "Aleluya" at finale.
5. O Bayan ng Diyos (Aquino)
6. I will sing forever (Francisco)
7. I am the Bread of Life (Toolan) Prioritize Stanza 5
8. Let There Be Peace n Earth (Miller, Jackson)