Suggested Mass Line-Up of Songs for the 5th Sunday of Lent Year B (March 25, 2012)

Sunday March 25, 2012

5^th Sunday of Lent

Since this Sunday is fallen on March 25, so the Feast of Annunciation shall be moved to March 26 (Monday)

Notes:

1. Turn down the mirth. Huwag mag-concert. Huwag bumirit. 
2. Lent is the time for musical instruments also to be austere. Musical instruments during Lent should give only the bare minimum or necessary support to the singing (the human voice). Sustenance lang po. 

Entrance:

1.      Tun-I Kami Ginoo

2.      Mag-awit Kita

3.      Dios Namo sa Kalooy

4.      Buksan ang aming puso (Tinio, Hontiveros) 

5.      Sa Piging ng Panginoon (Tabuena, Hontiveros). “Buhay ay inialay N’ya sa dakilang Diyos Ama. Upang atin nang makamtan buhay na walang hanggan.”

6.      Hosea (Norbet)

7.      Blest Be the Lord (Schutte)

Kyrie:

1.      Ginoo, Malooy Ka

2.      Kyrie –Mass 3 (Fr. Villanueva)

3.      Ginoo Kaloy-I Kami

4.      Panginoon Maawa Ka (Cayabyab)

5.      Lord, Have Mercy (Francisco-Reyes)

NO GLORIA

First Reading...

"The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt - a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the Lord.

But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord; I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, 'Know the Lord, 'for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,' says the Lord; 'for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.'" [Jer. 31:31-4]

Responsorial Psalm Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 14-15.

R. (12a) Create a clean heart in me, O God.
Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness;
in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense.
Thoroughly wash me from my guilt
and of my sin cleanse me.
R. Create a clean heart in me, O God.
A clean heart create for me, O God,
and a steadfast spirit renew within me.
Cast me not out from your presence,
and your Holy Spirit take not from me.
R. Create a clean heart in me, O God.
Give me back the joy of your salvation,
and a willing spirit sustain in me.
I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners shall return to you.
R. Create a clean heart in me, O God.

Second Reading...

"In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him." [Heb. 5:7-9]

Gospel Acclamation:

1.      Pagdayeg Alang Kanimo

2.      Ang mga Pulong Mo

3.      Wika Mo

4.      Words of Life

Gospel Reading...

"Among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, 'Sir, we wish to see Jesus.'

Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, 'The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies; it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.'

'Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour.

Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say - 'Father, save me from this hour?' No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.'

Then a voice came from heaven, 'I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.'

The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, 'An angel has spoken to him.' Jesus answered, 'This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.' Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die." [Jn. 12:20-33]

Homily/Reflection:

My brothers and sisters in Christ, today, we are entering the fifth week of Lent. Before long, Easter will be upon us. To remind us of the grace of God that was manifested in us through the glorious Resurrection of Jesus Christ that is celebrated on Easter Day, today's readings speak of the Lord drawing all people to Himself.

The First Reading was taken from the Book of Jeremiah. [Jer. 31:31- 34] From this Holy Book that is found in the Old Testament, we learn of God's promise of a New Covenant. We heard that God promised to write His laws in our hearts, that we will all know Him, that our sins would be forgiven and that our sins will never again be remembered by God.

As Christians, we all know that the New Covenant of grace was instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper. Sitting at the table with His disciples, Jesus took the cup, and after giving thanks He gave it to them, saying "Drink from it, all of you; for this is My Blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." [Mt. 26-27-8]

But what does it mean that God will write His laws in our hearts and that we will all know Him? What does it mean that we will no longer teach one another or say to each other, "Know the Lord." Some have interpreted this last question to mean that now, they only need the guidance of the Holy Spirit who inspires them in their heart. They no longer need the priests, the bishops, the pope or even the Catholic Church. When such a thought crosses the worldly mind, these individuals start their own new Church, alleging that the Holy Spirit inspired them to do so. But this is not what God was saying. To perceive the fullness of the spiritual meaning of God's Words, it is necessary to search the other Words of God within the Scriptures that are associated with the promise of a New Covenant.

Over and above the gift of a new heart, God promised to place within us a new human spirit. With the new heart and the new human spirit, we would become God's people and He would be our God. [Ezek. 11:19-20; 18:31] Over and above these free gifts, God also promised to place His indwelling Holy Spirit to help us to remain good, to obey His Holy ways. [Ezek. 36:26-7]

These gifts that are the fulfilment of God's promises are exactly what it means to be reborn. God literally placed a new heart and spirit within us when we received the Sacrament of Baptism through faith in Jesus Christ. [Jn. 3:3, 5, 7; 1 Jn. 4:7, 5:1, 4] Truly, we are not the same anymore; part of our creation has been changed. 

This is the new agreement, the beautiful promise that God made with us as His people, that He would help us to become good by writing His laws in our hearts. [Jer. 31:33] Through this Divine manifestation, we as God's people will always know what is right and wrong, what makes God happy or sad. God's laws are always written in our hearts because, our Teacher, the Holy Spirit dwells within us. We have become living Temples of the Holy Spirit. [1 Cor. 3:16] Through this manifestation, God once more lives with us as His people. [Jer. 31:33]

Contrary to the teaching of those who have misinterpreted the Holy Bible, God's dwelling with His people is not a physical dwelling, but rather a spiritual dwelling through the presence of the Holy Spirit.

So, what does it mean that we will no longer teach one another or say to each other, "Know the Lord."? It means that, through our faith in Christ and the Sacrament of Baptism, we now know right from wrong, the righteousness of the Lord versus the evils of the prince of darkness. The indwelling Holy Spirit immediately convicts us of our sins when we disobey the holy ways of the Lord God.

The First Reading concluded by saying that our sins will be forgiven and never remembered again by God. [Jer. 31:34] What does that mean to us?

When Jesus commanded the apostles to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to the whole creation, that those who believe be baptised and saved, Jesus made faith an important part of Baptism (C.C.C. # 1226) along with the forgiveness of sin. [Mk. 16:15-6] (C.C.C. # 985)

As God's children, when we were born again through faith in Jesus and the Sacrament of Baptism, our past sins were forgiven up until the moment that we received the Sacrament of our new birth. To maintain our ongoing righteousness, we must continuously receive the Sacrament of Forgiveness. Having done so, now being in a state of grace, we are able to receive the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, the Living Bread, as our assurance of salvation and eternal life in the Kingdom of God.

Through the Sacrament of Confession, Conversion, Penance, Reconciliation, Forgiveness, whatever name you may choose to call it, your sins are forgiven and never remembered again by God. This holy Sacrament is the fulfillment of God's promise that is found in the Old Testament. Through this Sacrament, God is drawing us to Him in righteousness.

Today's Second Reading from the Letter to the Hebrews [Heb. 5:7-9] teaches us, through the example of our Lord Jesus, how we must respond to God's calling that draws us to Him.

During that reading, we heard that, in His human nature, Jesus learned obedience through what He suffered. Through suffering, Jesus was made perfect. Through perfection, He became the source of salvation for all who obey Him.

Reviewing this Bible passage that relates to Jesus in His human nature, we perceive from this reading that Jesus also had a fear of death. In His physical body, He was just as human as you and I. He ate, slept, cried when Lazarus died, got tired, and so on. Although He was God Himself, having lowered Himself to our humanity so we may learn from Him, Jesus prayed to the Heavenly Father. While He wished that the horrible death that awaited His physical body could pass away, He submitted Himself to the fullness of the Divine Will of God the Father.

From this perfect example of obedience and submission, we learn that through suffering, our souls are sanctified. When we endure hunger, we are spiritually enlightened to the needs of those who suffer hunger. When we suffer unemployment and have to set our pride aside to turn to social assistance, we learn in our hearts that we should not judge others who also are obligated to turn to social assistance because of their unfortunate circumstances. From every form of suffering, there is a spiritual lesson to be learned. Suffering sanctifies the soul so it may become more in the likeness of Christ who is perfect.

Jesus is the source of salvation for those who obey Him. Answering God's calling to be drawn to the Lord, we must always be thankful to the Lord for what He sends us, trusting in His infinite grace to sanctify us through His Spirit.

Today's Gospel Reading from the Gospel of John [Jn. 12:20-33] reaffirms what has just been said. In a parable, Jesus said, "Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies; it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour."

What is this grain of wheat that must fall into the earth and die? The grain of wheat is symbolic of the Sacrament of Baptism. When a person is baptised, his old sinful nature dies and is buried with Christ. [Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12] And, just as Jesus was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, through baptism, a new creation is raised from death to walk the new life that has been received through Christ. [Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12] (C.C.C. # 628)

The new creation is everything! [Gal. 6:15] By being baptised in the Name of Christ, the convert becomes a new creation. (C.C.C. # 1265) Everything has become new. The old heart and spirit that were stained by the original sin, they have passed away. They are dead! [2 Cor. 5:17] Because there is no more trace of the original sin or any other sin in the new heart and spirit, they are pure in the eyes of God. They have become suitable as a Temple of the Holy Spirit for God to live in the Christian.

As a new creation of God, the convert who was baptised through faith in Christ, by the grace of God the Father and the power of the Holy Spirit, is called to bear much fruit so his soul may shine as a light in the world. To shine as a light in the world, he must hate his life.

Those who love their lives, they will lose it. This is because they choose to preoccupy their worldly minds with wealth, the flesh, desires, addictions, fames, etc... They are without any living hope. They have no eternal life awaiting them in the Kingdom of God because their lives are void of spirituality. They do not have the free gift of righteousness that comes from Christ, the gift that is necessary to be admitted into the Heavenly Kingdom of God.

But those who hate their lives, having chosen to live their living faith in Christ by embracing a spiritual life with heavenly thoughts, what is righteous, what is pious, what is according to the Divine Will of God, they will keep what they have. They will receive their salvation and inherit eternal life in the Kingdom of God, the rewards that awaits all those who embrace a spiritual life through faith, hope and love towards others.

Jesus said, "Whoever serves me must follow me." Yes, we must follow Him! And those who follow Jesus, they have the assurance that God the Father will honour them.

To follow Jesus is not always easy. The human nature always seeks to avoid suffering. At the same time, our spiritual nature tells us to self-sacrifice ourselves for others. Both natures are constantly in conflict with one another. How I wish I could always do what I want to do instead of doing what I do not want to do!

But, through Christ, I will conquer because the ruler of this world is being driven out. The days of the ruler of this world are limited. As the number of newly baptized children of God increases, the number of those who walk in the darkness diminishes. While the Kingdom of God is increasing on earth, the kingdom of Satan is shrinking.

This is sufficient reason to glorify the name of God. Before our eyes, we see the manifestation of the grace of God. Before our eyes, we see the fulfillment of God drawing all the people to Himself as He promised He would do in the days of the Old Testament.

Offertory:

1.      Dios Nia Ko

2.      Ania Among Halad

3.      O Dios Dawata

4.      Kung ‘Yong Nanaisin (Francisco)

5.      Narito Ako, Panginoon (Que)

6.      Panginoon, Narito Ako (Isidro, Que) 

7.      Dwelling Place (Foley) 

8.      Prayer of Rupert Mayer (Francisco)

Sanctus:

1. Santos (Mass 21 Villanueva)
2. Santos Set IV
3. Santos (Bukas Palad)
4. Sanctus (pwede yung latin chant or yung English translation)

Acclamation:

1.      Manluluwas sa Kalibutan

2.      Si Kristo’y Namatay (Hontiveros)

3.      Dying

Amen:

1.      Amen (chord of A D)

2.      Amen (Francisco, Arboleda, Reyes, Torres)

Pater Noster:

At your choice… If the congregation can participate to sing this, that would be better.

Doxology:

1.      Kay Imo Man (Chord of Am)

2.      Sapagkat

3.      For the Kingdom

Agnus Dei:

1.      Kordero sa Dios IV (chord of Dm-B)

2.      Kordero ng Dios (Que)

3.      Lamb of God (Folk)

Communion:

1.      Ako ang Kahayag

2.      Anino

3.      Balaan nga Gugma

4.      Himig Heswita Medley (you can see it on youtube.com)

5.      Pagkakaibigan (Cenzon, Abad Santos)

6.      Awit ng Paghilom (Aquino)

7.      Dakilang Pag-ibig (Pangilinan, Hontiveros)

8.      Diyos ay Pag-ibig

9.      Huwag Kang Mangamba (Pagsanghan, Francisco)

10.  Likhain Mong Muli (Alejo, Francisco)

11.  Maging Akin Muli (Aquino)

12.  O Hesus, Hilumin Mo (Francisco)

13.  Anima Christi (Arboleda)

14.  Behold the Wood (Schutte)

15.  Come to Me (Francisco)

16.  Come to Me All Who Are Weary (Schutte)

17.  Come With Me Into The Fields (Schutte)

18.  Empty Space (Go, Francisco)

19.  Father, Mercy (Dufford)

20.  Holy Darkness (Schutte)

21.  If I Could Touch You (Francisco)

22.  Jesus on the Cross (Go, Francisco)

23.  Now We Remain (Haas) 

24.  Only This I Want (Schutte)

25.  Out of Roads (Go, Aquino)

26.  You Are Mine (Haas)

27.  Your Heart Today (Francisco)

Recessional:

1.      Kinsa?

2.      Ang Atong Tulubagon

3.      Maliban na Mahulog sa Lupa

4.      Pananagutan (Hontiveros)

5.      Seek the Lord (O’Connor)

6.      Save Us, O Lord (Dufford)

Please introduce yourself… I really want to know who are these people who visit my blog…. Please…

Suggested Mass Song Line-up for 4th Sunday of Lent, March 18, 2012

Sunday, March 18, 2012

4^th Sunday of Lent

Laetere Sunday

Latin appears to be a dead language. Sometimes, though, it pops up in a few specific places. The Fourth Sunday of Lent is traditionally called Laetere Sunday (Sunday of rejoicing). It’s like a little relief from the austerity of much of Lent.

Laetare Sunday so called from the incipit of the Introit at Mass, "Laetare Jerusalem" ("O be joyful, Jerusalem"), is a name often used to denote the fourth Sunday of the season of Lent in the Christian liturgical calendar. This Sunday is also known as Mothering Sunday, Refreshment Sunday, Mid-Lent Sunday (in French mi-carême), and Rose Sunday (because the golden rose sent by the popes to Catholic sovereigns used to be blessed at this time). The term "Laetare Sunday" is used predominantly, though not exclusively, by Roman Catholics and Anglicans. The word translates from the Latin laetare, singular imperative of laetari to rejoice.

This Sunday was also once known as "the Sunday of the Five Loaves," from the traditional Gospel reading for the day. Prior to the adoption of the modern "common" lectionaries, the Gospel reading for this Sunday in the Lutheran, Anglican, Roman Catholic, Western-rite Orthodox, and Old Catholic churches was the story of the miracle of the loaves and fishes.

In the Roman Catholic, Anglican, and some Protestant traditions, there may be flowers on the high altar, and priests are given the option to wear rose-coloured vestments at Mass held on this day, in place of the violet vestments normally worn during Lent. The day is a day of relaxation from normal lenten rigors; a day of hope with Easter being at last within sight. Traditionally, even weddings (otherwise banned during Lent) could be performed on this day.

Laetare Sunday can fall on any date between March 1 and April 4.

Notes:

1. Turn down the mirth. Huwag mag-concert. Huwag bumirit. 
2. Lent is the time for musical instruments also to be austere. Musical instruments during Lent should give only the bare minimum or necessary support to the singing (the human voice). Sustenance lang po. 

Entrance:

1.      Tun-I Kami Ginoo

2.      Mag-awit Kita

3.      Dios Namo sa Kalooy

4.      Buksan ang Aming Puso (Tinio, Hontiveros)

5.      Blest be the Lord

6.      Seek the Lord (O’Connor)

Kyrie:

1.      Ginoo, Malooy Ka

2.      Kyrie –Mass 3 (Fr. Villanueva)

3.      Ginoo Kaloy-I Kami

4.      Panginoon Maawa Ka (Cayabyab)

5.      Lord, Have Mercy (Francisco-Reyes)

NO GLORIA

First Reading...

"All the leading priests and the people were exceedingly unfaithful, following all the abominations of the nations; and they polluted the house of the Lord that he had consecrated to Jerusalem.

The Lord, the God of their ancestors, persistently sent his messengers to them, because he had compassion on his people and on his dwelling place; but they kept mocking the messengers of God, despising his words, and scoffing at his Prophets, until the wrath of the Lord against his people became so great that there was no remedy.

Therefore the Lord brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans, who burned the house of God, broke down the wall of Jerusalem, burned all its palaces with fire, and destroyed all its precious vessels. The king took into exile in Babylon those who had escaped from the sword, and they became servants to him and to his sons until the establishment of the kingdom of Persia, to fulfil the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had made up for its sabbaths. All the days that it lay desolate it kept sabbath, to fulfil seventy years.

In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, in fulfilment of the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord stirred up the spirit of King Cyrus of Persia so that he sent a herald throughout all his kingdom and also declared in a written edict: 'Thus says King Cyrus of Persia: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever is among you of all his people, may the Lord his God be with him! Let him go up.'" [2 Chr. 36:14-7, 19-23]

---

Responsorial Psalm…

“Let my tongue be silenced, if I ever forget You.” [Psalm 137:14-16, 19-23]

Second Reading...

"God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - for it is by grace you have been saved.

And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come God might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. This is not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. [Eph. 2:4-10]

Gospel Acclamation:

1.      Pagdayeg Alang Kanimo

2.      Ang mga Pulong Mo

3.      Wika Mo

4.      Words of Life

---

Gospel Reading...

"Jesus said to Nicodemus: 'Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.

Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God.

"And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God." [Jn. 3:14-21]

Homily/Reflection:

My brothers and sisters in the Lord Jesus, our loving and merciful God has compassion for His people! During the First Reading from the Second Book of Chronicles [2 Chr. 36:14-17, 19-23] that is found in the Old Testament, we heard of the compassion and patience of the Lord God. The Lord God does not wish for any to perish because of their disobedience to His righteousness.

Having compassion on His people and love for His holy House that He consecrated in Jerusalem, the Lord God tolerated with patience the sins of His people. God communicated with His people by sending many prophets as messengers to them so they would turn away from their sins. In their wickedness, the people despised the Words of God and scoffed at His prophets. Finally, the wrath of God struck the people. God raised a great army through the king of the Chaldeans. Everything was destroyed, the House of God, the walls of Jerusalem, the palaces and its precious vessels. And those who escaped the sword, they were taken into exile in Babylon as servants to the king of the Chaldeans and his sons.

Considering the punishment that fell upon God's people who had turned away from Him, God did not abandon them. He only disciplined them for a little while to show them how helpless they were without His Divine intervention and protection.

When king Cyrus of Persia came into power, he was inspired by the Spirit of the Lord to call the children of God to return to the holy city of Jerusalem to rebuilt the House of Yahweh. The punishment of God had come to its end.

In this Lenten Season, the First Reading holds a spiritual message for us. How often do we come to realize that are lives are void of the inner joy and peace of the Lord Jesus? Is it not because we too have set the Lord aside so we can keep our worldly minds busy with our fame, pleasures, wealth, possessions, entertainment, sports, television, and all the goodies of the world? How much time do we really dedicate towards our spiritual growth so that we may worship the Lord in spirit as we have been called to do?

If we turn away from the Lord, He will not abandon us. At the same time, He will let us go our own way to use that opportunity to discipline us so we may come to the realization that we too are helpless without His Divine Providence. And, when we wake up from our blindness, the Lord will be there to once more bless us with His inner joy and peace.

During these days when a dark cloud has set itself over our world, threatening to destroy millions of lives, can we associate this age of darkness to our failure of maintaining the righteousness of God? Is it not true that while many claim to be Catholics, even politicians, their morals leave much to be desired? Is it not true that their position on abortion, homosexuality, same sex marriage, divorce, etc... oppose the teachings of the Catholic Church? Is it not also true that many of our Church leaders have permitted themselves to fall to every kind of sins of the flesh, causing a scandal that has rocked the Catholic Church in many nations? Indeed, have we failed to maintain God's righteousness? Is God punishing the world because of the sins of His people who have become indifferent to true righteousness?

Just how much does the Lord God love us? During the Second Reading from the Letter to the Ephesians, [Ephes. 2:4-10] we heard that God is rich in mercy. While mankind was dead through its trespasses by walking in the darkness of the worldly ways, He gave it life through Christ. Through His grace, those who believe have been saved.

God continuously showers His grace upon His people to show them His compassion. He knows that without Christ, there is no hope. Humans are helpless sheep before raging wolves.

If we are saved by the grace of God, it is not by our own doing. There is nothing that we can do to secure our salvation. While the scientists have unsuccessfully tried to create a youth formula to stop the aging process, they have yet to find a way to secure the eternal life of the soul in the Kingdom of God. How can one secure the new birth that is absolutely necessary for eternal life in the Kingdom of God when what is spiritual cannot be seen or touched? It is impossible! Those who experience spiritual death by rejecting the grace of God, they will inherit eternal damnation. Eternal life in the beatific vision of God can only come to us by the grace of God. To inherit God's gift of salvation, we do not need the scientists! We need the gift of the grace of God, faith in Jesus Christ and the Sacrament of Baptism!

Why is God giving us the free gift of salvation in His eternal Kingdom? It is because we have been created through Jesus to do good works by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is because we have been called to shine in the fruit of the Holy Spirit as holy children who are worthy of the grace of God.

During today's Gospel Reading, [Jn. 3:14-21] we heard of the moment when Jesus said to Nicodemus, 'Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.' [Jn. 3:14] In this Biblical passage, Jesus was referring to an event that occurred in the days of the Old Testament.

In the days of Moses, the people of God had lost their patience and spoke against God and Moses. They constantly complained, "Why did you bring us out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food or water, and we detest this miserable food!" [Num. 21:5] To punish the ungrateful people for having spoken against Him, God sent poisonous snakes. Many Israelites were bitten and died. When the people repented and acknowledged that they had wrongly spoken again the Lord God and Moses, they asked Moses to pray to the Lord to take away the poisonous serpents. Following this, God instructed Moses to make a metal snake and to put it on a pole so that anyone who was bitten could look at it and be healed.

This event was prophetic in nature. It represented what was to come in the days of the ministry of the Lord Jesus on earth. The metal snake was an image of Christ. As the metal snake was raised and put on the pole, Jesus was also raised and nailed to the Holy Cross.

During the days of Moses, those who were bitten by the serpent, they died. Equally today, those who allow themselves to be bitten (seduced), by the serpent who is Satan, they shall also endure spiritual death by being eternally condemned into Hell. But, as those who looked up to the metal snake on the pole were healed, today, we also are healed when we set our eyes on Christ. Our living faith in the Lord Jesus is our assurance of salvation and eternal life in the Kingdom of God.

In the next passage from today's Gospel Reading, Jesus said, "Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God."

In other words, Jesus did not come to punish you - He came to save you through Him! He did not come to judge you - He came to save you through Him! Jesus came to show you the way, the truth and the life so you may walk in the Light.

Jesus is the Light. He is the only way! He is the only Truth! He is the only Life! There are none other but Jesus who can save us by the grace of the Heavenly Father and the power of the Holy Spirit. Through our living faith in Christ, we have the assurance of salvation.

What is living faith in Christ? It is walking according to the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is walking according to the teachings of the Holy Catholic Church, teachings that have been divinely handed down to the Church through apostolic succession. When we walk according to the teachings of Christ and the Holy Catholic Church that He has instituted on earth, we are walking in the Light. If we oppose these teachings, we oppose the Light, Christ Himself. If we oppose these teachings, we are walking in the darkness. We cannot walk in both at the same time, the Light and the darkness; we must choose one way and reject the other.

During this time of Lent, let us review our hearts to determine where we stand. Are we walking in the Light of God? Are we walking in the darkness? Are we walking half and half, one foot in the Light and one foot in the darkness? Our eternal life and salvation depends entirely on our living faith that calls us to look up to Jesus on the Holy Cross. Our salvation and eternal happiness require that we give ourselves entirely to Christ, having both feet in the Light.

God has compassion on His people and does not want any of us to be lost. If we have not been completely faithful to the Light of Christ or if we have shipwrecked along our spiritual journey, let us sincerely repent from our sins. Let us receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation so we may once more receive the righteousness of God that we enjoyed when we received the Sacrament of Baptism. Then, let us receive the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, the Living Bread, so we may have the inner joy and peace of Christ in our hearts.

Offertory:

1.      O Dios Dawata

2.      Aniang among Halad

3.      Diyutay Lang Kini

4.      Sumasamo Kami (Judan)

5.      Panginoon Narito Ako

6.      Unang Alay (modified version)

7.      Now We Remain (Haas)

8.      Take Our Bread (Wise)

Sanctus:

1. Santos (Mass 21 Villanueva)
2. Santos (Bukas Palad)
3. Sanctus (pwede yung latin chant or yung English translation)
4. Holy, Holy, Holy (Dufford – Schutte)
5. Mas maigi yung alam ng mga tao o maninimba para makasabay sila

Acclamation:

1.      Manluluwas sa Kalibutan

2.      Si Kristo’y Namatay (Hontiveros)

3.      Dying

Amen: (bawal ang Dakilang Amen or Great Amen for this season)

1.      Amen (chord of A D)

2.      Amen (Francisco, Arboleda, Reyes, Torres)

Pater Noster:

At your choice… If the congregation can participate to sing this, that would be better.

Doxology:

1.      Kay Imo Man (Chord of Am)

2.      Sapagkat

3.      For the Kingdom

Agnus Dei:

1.      Kordero sa Dios IV (chord of Dm-B)

2.      Kordero ng Dios (Que)

3.      Lamb of God (Folk)

Communion:

1.      Kini Maong Akong Lawas

2.      Kinabuhi mo Kinabuhi Ko

3.      Ako ang Kahayag

4.      Balaan nga Gugma

5.      Dios Namo sa Kalooy

6.      Awit ng Paghilom (Aquino)

7.      Maging akin Muli (Aquino)

8.      Dakilang Pag-ibig (Pangilinan, Hontiveros) Prioritize Stanza 2. Swak sa 2R.

9.      Likhain mong Muli (Alejo, Francisco)

10.  God of Silence (Francisco)

11.  Empty Space (Go, Francisco)

Recessional:

1.      Kinsa?

2.      Ang Atong Tulubagon

3.      Alay sa Kapwa (Esteban, Hontiveros) Prioritize Stanza 3.

4.      Save Us, O Lord (Dufford)

I just want to clarify about my post last week. Ilabina sa Cebuano songs, nasayop ko adtong Kini Maong Akong Lawas nga nabutang nako sa Offertory. Maglibog man gud ko ani nila sa Diyutay Lang Kini nga dapat maoy Offertory song. Ang Kini Maong Akong Lawas is for Communion….

Have a blessed week everyone. Please share your choice photos with us. Introduce your group to us… send it to dmecchoir@yahoo.com... God Bless Us All J

Suggested Mass Line-Up for the 3rd Sunday of Lent, March 11, 2012

Sunday, March 11, 2012

3^rd Sunday of Lent

Liturgical Color: Violet

EXODUS 20:1-17                         This is the best known of three different versions of the Ten Commandments.  Comparing this passage with Exodus 34:10-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21 leaves those who hold to a literalist view of scripture in more than a slight quandary.  How could

God dictate three versions of the same law code, and supposedly to the same person? A more adequate interpretation recognizes the obvious discrepancies between various source texts, each having been written at different times in different contexts.  Jesus himself acknowledged the importance of the Law of Moses and then went on to give a summary of that law which has universal application:  Love God with heart, mind, soul and strength; and love one's neighbor as oneself.  He drew this from two separate texts in the Hebrew Scriptures.

PSALM 19                               This psalm rejoices in the glory of creation and in the sanctity of God's moral law.   The closing verse is often used as a prayer offered before a sermon.

1 CORINTHIANS 1:18-25                  This is the heart of Paul's message, not only to the Corinthians, but to every other congregation to which he preached or wrote.  All other arguments aside, he proclaimed faith in Jesus Christ crucified and risen as God's sole means of redeeming

all creation.

JOHN 2:13-22                           Unlike the other Gospel writers, John places this crucial incident in Jesus' ministry - the cleansing of the temple - at the beginning of the ministry, not the end.  This is in keeping with John's view that Jesus' coming into the world created the moment when all must decide between following the light which Jesus represents or the darkness which separates humanity from God.  Note how John says that even the disciples did not understand what Jesus meant in referring to his resurrection – the one great act of God's absolute sovereignty - as his authority for perpetrating this apparently blasphemous deed.

Entrance:

1.      Tun-I Kami Ginoo

2.      Pasaylo, Ginoo

3.      Alay sa Kapwa (Esteban, Hontiveros) 

4.      Buksan ang aming puso (Tinio, Hontiveros) 

5.      Dinggin Mo (Esteban, Hontiveros)

6.      Hosea (Norbet)

Kyrie:

1.      Ginoo Kaloy-I Kami (Set IV Fernandez)

2.      Kyrie (Mass IV Villanueva)

3.      Panginoon Maawa Ka

4.      Lord Have Mercy

No Gloria

First Reading:

Ex. 20:1-17

enumerates the Ten Commandments, from Commandment 1 (I the Lord am your God; you shall have no other god besides Me) to Commandment 10 (You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife).

Responsorial Psalm:

Ps. 19: 8,9,10,11

Lord, You have the ways of everlasting life. 

Second Reading:

1 Cor. 1:22-25

is about Christ crucified. 
1. We proclaim a crucified Messiah. 
2. Jews and Greeks
3. wisdom of God
4. The “foolishness” of God is wiser than humans, and the “weakness” of God is stronger than humans. 

Gospel Acclamation:

1.      Ang mga Pulong mo

2.      Pagdayeg Alang Kanimo

3.      Alalahanin mo Panginoon

4.      Wika Mo

5.      Glory and Praise

6.      Words of Life

Gospel:

Jn. 2:13-25

1. Jesus’ holy anger at the merchants in the Temple in Jerusalem
2. “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up”
3. Jesus was referring to the temple of His body

Notes:

1. Turn down the mirth. Huwag mag-concert. Huwag bumirit. 
2. Lent is the time for musical instruments also to be austere. Musical instruments during Lent should give only the bare minimum or necessary support to the singing (the human voice). Sustenance lang po. 

Homily/Reflection of the Readings:

The first Bible verse from today's First Reading [Ex. 20:1] states, "God spoke all these words." How appropriate are these words for the Lenten Season. In the First Reading, [Ex. 20:1-7] we heard the Words of God the Father. In the Second Reading, [1 Cor. 1:18, 22-25] we heard the Words of the Holy Spirit speaking through St. Paul. And, in the Gospel of St. John, [Jn. 2:13-25] we heard the Words of Jesus.

From these readings, each Divine Presence of the Holy Trinity provided us with a message as to how we should prepare ourselves during the Lenten Season. And for those who are parents of children, the message includes the "how" of preparing their young ones for the approach of Easter, the glorious Feast of the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Most of us are familiar with the First Reading because it contained the Ten Commandments. But having heard the Word of God and/or being familiar with it, does this mean that we always practice it? During the Lenten Season, this is the proper time to review the Ten Commandments so we may ask ourselves, "Am I obeying God's Divine Will?" "Am I living a holy life?"

The First Commandment reminds us that there is only One God who brought us out of slavery. It is by the grace of God that we have been saved through faith in Jesus Christ and the Sacrament of Baptism. It is by the grace of God that we have received our new creation as the first instalment towards inheriting the Kingdom of God. Being indebted to God through Jesus Christ, it would be hypocrisy for us to turn to astrology versus faith, to gambling versus Divine Providence, to fortune tellers versus trust in God, to self-abuse through addictions versus maturing in Christ, and the list goes on as we all know.

There is one living God. And our living faith demands of us that we respect Our Lord by remaining loyal to Him in all our thoughts, our words and our actions.

God forbids us to make idols. Some say, "I do not have idols in my home." But, when entering their homes, what do we find? We find good luck charms, good luck elephants of all colours and sizes, good luck unicorns, pictures of movie stars that the teenagers worship, etc... While some may claim that they do not to worship idols, they certainly surround themselves with them.

The Second Commandment reminds us not to use the Most Holy Name of the Lord in vain. That specifically means to stop swearing. Some may claim, well it is just a habit, not being intended against God. Habit or not, it is still using the Name of God in vain and God forbids it.

The Third Commandment reminds us to keep the Sabbath holy. Since the institution of the Holy Catholic Church through Jesus Christ, the Sabbath has been replaced with Sunday as the holy day. Sunday reminds us of the day of the glorious Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a holy day! It is a day that God has set aside for us to rest, to go to Church to receive Jesus Christ in our hearts through the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. It is a day of rejoicing and fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. It is a day to praise God, to thank Him for all what He has given us. And when all that is done, it is a time to rest with our family so we may enjoy a loving relationship with one another.

The Fourth Commandment reminds us to honour our parents so we may live a long life. How often do we hear, "I hate my parents because they have so many rules." Yes, many hate their parents because they have many caring and loving rules. These children seem unaware to the fact that a child is God's gift to parents. As such, God expects the parents to raise holy children who know right from wrong. Parents who fail to do so shall be made accountable to God. And if children deliberately make it difficult for their parents by not honouring them, by refusing to respect and obey them, they shall personally be made accountable to God. God knows the hearts and He will not punish the parents who have done all they could to raise their children in righteousness when their children have refused to cooperate and obey.

The Fifth Commandment reminds us not to murder. What is murder? Some think it is just taking a gun and shooting someone. Murder means more than shooting someone. Abortion is murder. Euthanasia is murder. The moment someone dies as a result of promoting wars, hatred, or discrimination against minority groups, it becomes murder. We may not be the one who actually committed the crime but we are just as guilty by encouraging such a crime. The death penalty is murder when it is an abuse of power. If someone is sentenced to death because he is a schizophrenic or because he suffers from another mental illness, is this not the murder of the sick? Where is the compassion and the mercy? Where is the love of Christ to convert sinners? Has God placed us as judges over our brothers to determine who should live and die?

The Sixth Commandment reminds us not to commit adultery. Adultery has become an acceptable norm of society - acceptable to society but not acceptable to God. How many times do we hear of those who say, "Well I live a good life." "I go to Church on Sunday and I receive communion." "I am a good Christian." Not only are these poor souls deceiving themselves while living in sin, but they dare receive Holy Communion while in a state of mortal sin, this being just like slapping Jesus in the face. Do they not know that we are not allowed to receive Holy Communion while in a state of mortal sin? Do they not know that adultery is a mortal sin? Do they not know that if they died tonight, they would be denied entry into the eternal Kingdom of God because they have chosen their fleshly desires over the righteousness of God?

The Seventh Commandment reminds us not to steal. Many say they do not steal. They borrow but they do not return what they borrowed. They take little things from their employers such as pens, erasers, rulers, never asking for them, nor paying for them. They find an object of value and do not try to find its owner just to make sure that they can keep it, even when they suspect who may have lost it. Some go to the extent of switching prices on merchandise in the stores so they can get a good deal. Others notice that items have been wrongly priced and take advantage of it. Some charge up their Visa or Chargex Cards knowing that they will never be able to pay it back. To solve the problem, they declare personal bankruptcy. These are all different ways of stealing. How can one say he does not steal when he practices these things without scruples?

The Eight Commandment reminds us not to bear false witness against our neighbours. How many allow their tongues to get out of control like a wild fire that destroys a forest? How many say things about others that they would never say in front of their face? How many parents encourage their children to lie against a parent by claiming "abuse" during custody battles? How many have destroyed the reputation of others or caused years of hardship upon a person because of lies? Is this the love that Jesus preached?

The Ninth and Tenth Commandments remind us not to covet our neighbour's house, nor his wife or what belongs to him. It is not spiritually healthy for a husband or wife to spend all their time drinking coffee at the neighbours when they should be striving on maturing in their sacred marriage so they can grow in the love of Jesus with each other. Nor is it spiritually healthy to desire the personal property of one's neighbour. No one has ever gone to Heaven with a suitcase of personal belongings or lots of cash in their pockets. Worldly things are useless in Heaven. If we want Heavenly treasures, we must seek spiritual growth in the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

As St. Paul tells us in the Second Reading, the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing. But for those who are saved, it is the power of God. The message of the cross is the message of love of Jesus that was summarized in two Commandments. First, love God. Secondly, love your neighbours as you would like them to love you. If what I just finished saying about the Ten Commandments is foolishness to me, then I am perishing. Either I live by the teachings of God or I do not! Either I go to Heaven or I do not! It is as simple as that!

We proclaim Christ crucified. To the unbelievers, this is a stumbling block and foolishness. They claim that if Jesus was God, why did the angels not rescue Him from being crucified? They fail to perceive that in Divine love, Jesus took our place on the cross. He died for our sins so we, as children of God, may inherit the Heavenly Kingdom.

Those who think they can see, they are blind. God's foolishness is wiser than human wisdom. God's weakness is stronger than human strength. For us who are faithful children of God, Christ is our power. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, in our hearts, we perceive the wisdom of God.

In today's Gospel, we heard of when Jesus went up to the Temple in Jerusalem at the approach of the Passover. There He found people selling animals and exchanging money in His Father's House. Making a whip, Jesus drove the animals out and overturned the tables of the money changers.

The people demanded an explanation from Jesus, under what authority was He acting to do such a thing. Jesus told them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." Being blind to the spiritual meaning of the words of Jesus, the people asked how He could do it in three days when the Temple was still under construction after forty-six years. They did not realize that Jesus was talking about His Body, the glorious Resurrection.

During the Lenten Season, this Gospel passage bears another spiritual meaning. We are Temples of the indwelling Holy Spirit. As Jesus cleaned the Temple of the animals and money changers, we should clean our Temples of our habits, our vices, our sins, all what is unrighteous and offensive to the Lord God. While our physical bodies shall die when our moment arrives, our souls shall continue to live because of the loving atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Together, in spirit, we shall await our glorious resurrection when our physical bodies shall be raised from the dead. Then, at the moment of the final judgment, it shall be determined if we are to partake in the eternal Kingdom of God or be denied entrance into His infinite glory.

Death shall destroy our Temples. But until such time as death does its work, we are called by the grace of the Heavenly Father and the power of the Holy Spirit to sanctify our Temples in Christ. We are called to become holy as God is Holy.

As we continue on our journey towards Easter, let us reflect on the cleanliness of our Temples. Let us reflect on what God has said to us when He spoke to us today through the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Let us now make a firm commitment on cleaning our Temples for the glory of God.

Offertory:

1.      O Dios Dawata (Koro Viannista)

2.      Kini Mao Akong Lawas

3.      Alay Kapwa (Tinio & Hontiveros) 

4.      Kung ‘Yong nanaisin (Francisco) 

5.      Take and Receive

6.      Prayer of Rupert Mayer 

7.      One Bread, One Body

Sanctus:

1. Santos (Mass 4 Villanueva)
2. Santos (Bukas Palad)
3. Sanctus (pwede yung latin chant or yung English translation)

Acclamation:

1.      Manluluwas sa Kalibutan

2.      Si Kristo’y Namatay (Hontiveros)

3.      Dying

Amen:

1.      Amen (chord of A D)

2.      Amen (Francisco, Arboleda, Reyes, Torres)

Pater Noster:

At your choice… If the congregation can participate to sing this, that would be better.

Doxology:

1.      Kay Imo Man (Chord of Am)

2.      Sapagkat

3.      For the Kingdom

Agnus Dei:

1.      Kordero sa Dios IV (chord of Dm-B)

2.      Kordero ng Dios (Que)

3.      Lamb of God (Folk)

Communion:

1.      Balaan nga Gugma

2.      Dios Namo sa Kalooy

3.      Bawat Sandali

4.      Dakilang Pag-ibig

5.      Kaibigan, Kapanalig

6.      Anima Christi

7.      God of Silence

Recessional:

1.      Kinsa?

2.      Mag-awit Kita

3.      Natapos Na

4.      Pagbabasbas

5.      Pagmamahal sa Panginoon

6.      I am the Bread of Life (Toolan)

Have a nice and productive week everyone J