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The readings for the 5th Sunday of Easter Year A tell
us that we are called to follow Jesus and serve him, even though we don’t know
where that might lead us. The first reading tells how and why the first deacons
were chosen. The psalm reminds us that God “loves justice and right”. In the
second reading Peter calls the people to be “a holy priesthood”. And in the
gospel Jesus tells us to have faith in him.- Service: In Acts 6:1-7, the theme of
service is prominent as the apostles seek to meet the needs of the
community by appointing seven men to serve as deacons. In the gospel for
the 5th Sunday of Easter Year A, Jesus emphasizes the importance of
serving others and encourages his disciples to continue his work.
- Unity: The readings highlight the
importance of unity within the community of believers. The appointment of
the seven deacons helps to maintain unity and prevent division within the
early church. Jesus speaks of his unity with the Father and encourages his
disciples to remain united in him.
- Leadership: The first reading for the 5th
Sunday of Easter Year A provides an example of leadership in action as the
apostles make a decision to address the needs of the community.
- Faith: Faith is a common theme in the
readings for the 5th Sunday of Easter Year A, as the early believers trust
in God to provide for their needs, and Jesus encourages his disciples to
have faith in him as they continue his work.
- Vocations: The seven men chosen to serve
as deacons were specifically selected for their ability to serve the needs
of the community. The first reading highlights the importance of
recognizing and affirming one’s vocational calling, as well as the value
of vocations within the Church.
ENTRANCE SONG:
1. Awit Mga Binuhat
2. Pag-inambitay
3. Bayan Umawit
4. Magsiawit sa Panginoon
5. Praise God
6. Sing a New Song
Reading 1 Acts 6:1-7
As the number of
disciples continued to grow,
the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews
because their widows
were being neglected in the daily distribution.
So the Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said,
"It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table.
Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men,
filled with the Spirit and wisdom,
whom we shall appoint to this task,
whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer
and to the ministry of the word."
The proposal was acceptable to the whole community,
so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit,
also Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas,
and Nicholas of Antioch, a convert to Judaism.
They presented these men to the apostles
who prayed and laid hands on them.
The word of God continued to spread,
and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly;
even a large group of priests were becoming obedient to the faith.
Responsorial
Psalm Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19
R. (22) Lord,
let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Exult, you just, in the LORD;
praise from the upright is fitting.
Give thanks to the LORD on the harp;
with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Upright is the word of the LORD,
and all his works are trustworthy.
He loves justice and right;
of the kindness of the LORD the earth is full.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
See, the eyes of the LORD are upon those who fear him,
upon those who hope for his kindness,
To deliver them from death
and preserve them in spite of famine.
R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Reading 2 1 Pt 2:4-9
Beloved:
Come to him, a living stone, rejected by human beings
but chosen and precious in the sight of God,
and, like living stones,
let yourselves be built into a spiritual house
to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices
acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
For it says in Scripture:
Behold, I am laying a stone in Zion,
a cornerstone, chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in it shall not be put to shame.
Therefore, its value is for you who have faith, but for those without faith:
The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone, and
A stone that will make people stumble,
and a rock that will make them fall.
They stumble by disobeying the word, as is their destiny.
You are "a chosen race, a royal priesthood,
a holy nation, a people of his own,
so that you may announce the praises" of him
who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Alleluia Jn 14:6
R. Alleluia,
alleluia.
I am the way, the truth and the life, says the Lord;
no one comes to the Father, except through me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel Jn 14:1-12
Jesus said to his
disciples:
"Do not let your hearts be troubled.
You have faith in God; have faith also in me.
In my Father's house there are many dwelling places.
If there were not,
would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?
And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come back again and take you to myself,
so that where I am you also may be.
Where I am going you know the way."
Thomas said to him,
"Master, we do not know where you are going;
how can we know the way?"
Jesus said to him, I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.
If you know me, then you will also know my Father.
From now on you do know him and have seen him."
Philip said to him,
"Master, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us."
Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you for so long a time
and you still do not know me, Philip?
Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.
How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?
Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?
The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own.
The Father who dwells in me is doing his works.
Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me,
or else, believe because of the works themselves.
Amen, amen, I say to you,
whoever believes in me will do the works that I do,
and will do greater ones than these,
because I am going to the Father."
OFFERTORY:
1. Mugna
sa Dios
2. Gasa
sa Gugma
3. Pag-aalay
4. Paghahandog
ng Sarili
5. One
Bread, One Body
6. Take
our Bread
COMMUNION:
1. Kini
Maong Akong Lawas
2. Balaan
nga Gugma
3. Gugma
ang Dios
4. Pagkakaibigan
5. Pagkabighani
6. Kahanga-hanga
7. Kaibigan,
Kapanalig
8. God
of Love (Schutte)
9. Here
in this Place (Haas)
10. How
lovely is your dwelling place (Aquino)
11. Love
is the Answer (Hannisian)
12. We
Remember (Haugen) Stanza 4 ang priority.
RECESSIONAL:
1. Ang
Tawag
2. Pag-inambitay
(if not used in entrance)
3. Tanda
ng Kaharian
4. Ito
ang bagong Araw
5. All
my Days
6. I
will Sing Forever
7. My
Heart’s Thanksgiving
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"
