21st Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A - August 27, 2023

Big thanks to those who supported us always especially to Robert Ronquillo of Holy Family Parish, Kalaklan, Olongapo City.
 
The readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A remind us that God’s wisdom is not the same as our own wisdom. In the first reading we hear that God has the power to remove the mighty from their positions of leadership. In the second reading Paul tells us that we cannot know the mind of God, as his wisdom and knowledge are beyond us. And in the gospel s that Jesus is the Christ, and Jesus declares that this is a revelation from the Father.
 

• Authority: In this passage, Jesus engages His disciples in a conversation about His identity. He asks them who people say He is and then asks them directly who they believe Him to be. Through this dialogue, Jesus affirms His authority as the Messiah, the Son of the living God.

• Faith: Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, demonstrates a significant act of faith. This confession reveals Peter’s recognition of Jesus’ divine nature and purpose.

• Prayer: Jesus’ response to Peter’s confession highlights the role of divine revelation in understanding spiritual truths. He acknowledges that Peter’s confession was revealed to him by the Father in heaven, emphasizing the importance of prayerful communion with God.

• Primacy of Peter: Jesus’ declaration that Peter is the “rock” upon which He will build His church and that He will give Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven signifies the primacy and leadership role assigned to Peter within the community of believers.

• The Church’s Formation: The passage alludes to the formation of the Church, with Jesus affirming its future establishment based on Peter’s confession and leadership. This signifies the beginning of the community of believers that will grow from Christ’s teachings.

• Binding and Loosing: The authority to “bind and loose” granted to Peter symbolizes his role in guiding the Church by making decisions related to doctrine and discipline, highlighting the organizational structure and accountability within the early Church.

Entrance:
1.      Lungsod nga Balaan
2.      Pagmamahal sa Panginoon (Hontiveros)
3.      Isang Pananampalataya (Santos and Hontiveros)
4.      Seek the Lord
5.      Glory and Praise to our God (Schutte)
 
Readings:

• First Reading – Isaiah 22:19-23: The LORD declares that He will remove Shebna from his position and replace him with Eliakim. Eliakim will have authority and be like a trusted peg, honored by his family.

• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 138:  Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.

I thank the LORD wholeheartedly, acknowledging that He hears me. I praise Him among angels and worship in His temple. His love is eternal, and He never abandons His creations.

• Second Reading – Romans 11:33-36: The vastness of God’s wisdom and knowledge is incomprehensible. No one can fully understand His mind or advise Him. Everything originates from and exists for Him. Glory to Him eternally.

• Gospel – Matthew 16:13-20: Jesus asks who people say He is. Peter proclaims Him as Christ, Son of God. Jesus blesses Peter, declaring him foundation of His church, giving him authority over heaven’s keys.
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Offertory:
1.      Gasa sa Gugma (Koro Viannista)
2.      Daygon Ikaw Ginoong Dios (Koro Viannista)
3.      Paghahandog (San Andres) “Lahat ng ito’y nagmula sa Iyo” is so 2R.
4.      Panginoon, Narito Ako (Isidro and Que)
5.      Take and Receive “ All I own are thine”
6.      Dwelling Place (Foley)
 
Communion:
1.      Ako ang Kahayag (Koro Viannista)
2.      Kinabuhi Mo, Kinabuhi Ko (Koro Viannista)
3.      Pagkakaibigan
4.      Panunumpa
5.      One Thing I ask
6.      Here I am, Lord (Schutte) “Whom shall I send”
7.      You are Mine (Haas)
 
Recessional:
1.      Ang Tawag
2.      Pagkabighani (Alejo, Francisco)
3.      Paring Pilipino
4.      You are a Priest Forever
5.      Only in GOD (Foley)
 

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A - August 20. 2023

 THANK YOU PO SA MGA TALAGANG SUMUSUPORTA SA AMIN.
The readings for the 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A highlight that God wills all of the world to be saved. In the first reading the Israelites learn that foreigners who follow the decrees of the Lord also worship God. In the second reading Paul speaks of his ministry to the Gentiles. And in the gospel Jesus heals the daughter of the Canaanite woman.

• Faith and Persistence: The Canaanite woman’s unwavering faith and persistent plea for help display the importance of trust and perseverance in approaching Jesus. Despite initial challenges and seemingly discouraging responses, she remains steadfast in seeking Jesus’ intervention, leading to the manifestation of her faith.

• Humility and Teachability: The encounter between Jesus and the Canaanite woman illustrates the significance of humility and openness to learning from Him. The woman acknowledges Jesus’ authority and power, and even in the face of what may seem like a rebuff, she demonstrates a teachable heart, prompting Jesus to acknowledge and praise her great faith.

• Being Inclusive: In this passage, Jesus encounters a Canaanite woman who comes to Him seeking help for her demon-possessed daughter. Despite cultural barriers and the initial response of the disciples, Jesus demonstrates inclusivity by engaging with her and addressing her needs.

• God’s Love for All People: Jesus’ interaction with the Canaanite woman highlights God’s love for all people, transcending cultural and ethnic boundaries. This encounter emphasizes that God’s compassion extends to everyone, regardless of their background or nationality.

• Jesus’ Mission to Restore Us: The encounter with the Canaanite woman underscores Jesus’ mission to restore and heal humanity. By showing mercy and granting the woman’s request, Jesus demonstrates His divine power to bring healing and deliverance to those in need.

 
Entrance
1.      Lungsod nga Balaan
2.      Ang Tawag
3.      Pag-aalaala (Francisco)
4.      Pagmamahal sa Panginoon (Hontiveros) ... prioritize stanza 2
5.      Sing to the Mountains (Dufford) ….let all the earth
6.      Glory and Praise to our GOD (Schutte) prioritize stanza 4
 

• First Reading – Isaiah 56:1, 6-7: The LORD calls for righteousness and justice. Foreigners who love and serve Him, keeping the covenant and observing the Sabbath, will find acceptance in His house—a house of prayer for all nations.

• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 67: O God, let all the nations praise You! 
• May God’s compassion and blessings shine upon us, revealing His ways to all nations, leading to salvation. Let all praise Him, rejoicing in His just rule and guidance.

• Second Reading – Romans 11:13-15, 29-32: Brothers and sisters, as the apostle to the Gentiles, I glorify my ministry, making my race envious for salvation. Rejection brings reconciliation, and God’s gifts and call endure. Mercy awaits all.

• Gospel – Matthew 15:21-28: A Canaanite woman pleads for Jesus’ help, seeking healing for her possessed daughter. Though initially hesitant, Jesus praises her great faith. Her daughter is healed instantly.

 

Offertory:
1.      Gasa sa Gugma (Koro Viannista)
2.      Daygon Ikaw Ginoong Dios (Koro Viannista)
3.      Nagahalad Kami
4.      Isang Pagkain, Isang Katawan, Isang Bayan (San Pedro)
5.      Pag-aalay (Francisco)
6.      Christify
7.      One Bread, One Body (Foley) …Gentile or Jew
 
Communion:
1.      Way Sukod ang Pagmamahal (Koro Viannista)
2.      Kinabuhi Ko, Kinabuhi Mo (Koro Viannista)
3.      Lig-onon Mo Kami
4.      Buhing Pagtoo … “di lang ni sya pangpatay, pangcommunion jud ni galing lang kay ginakanta sya usually pangpatay. This song is intended for communion jud kita lang nagamit nga pangpatay tungod sa ka solemn sa iyang tono ug sa lyrics” (React lang ang gusto moreact)
5.      Awit ng Paghilom (Aquino)
6.      H’wag Mangamba (Francisco)
7.      Pananatili (Miranda)
8.      In Him Alone (Francisco)
9.      Without Seeing You (Haas)
10.  Sing of Him (Dufford)
 
Recessional:
1.      Ang Tawag sa Panahon
2.      Kay Kita Usa Ra
3.      Pagpalain Kailanman (Aquino)
4.      Panginoon ay Purihin (Borres, Que) diretso na stanza 2 and 3
5.      Lover of Us all (Schutte)
6.      Let Heaven Rejoice (Dufford)