Social Gatherings: Opportunities for Christian Witness (22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time)

Be Humble and Kind to the Poor

A pleasant day to everyone!

          Today’s gospel parable is concerned not with table manners but with our inner disposition before the “table of the Lord,” his offer of salvation.  In the Lord’s feast, there is no place for self-righteousness nor for the only too human desire for honor and recognition. Rather, there are places for humility, joy, and thanksgiving for the good things we have been invited to share.

Prayers of the Faithful

(22^nd Sunday Ordinary Time)

(Priest):            Let us pray for the needs of the Church and of the men and women of today, that we may become more and more a thankful and sharing people, let our response be:

“Lord, hear your people.”

(Reader):

·       May the Church and her leaders strive for humble service and simplicity rather than for power and influence. We pray: (R)

·       May government officials and civil servants see their office as a public trust and so serve the people with sincerity, dedication, and competence. We pray: (R)

·       May no one among us feel so superior as to exclude others or feel so inadequate as not to contribute anything. Instead, may we be mutually enriched by one another. We pray: (R)

·       May we not try to impress, impose, or seek advancement at the expense of others. We pray: (R)

·       May all those wounded and belittled by our words and actions forgive us and inspire us to respect others more. We pray: (R)

·       May the Lord welcome our departed ones to his heavenly banquet. We pray: (R)

(Priest):            Father of hope and consolation, hear the prayers of your people and fill is with your love. May we work for your kingdom in patience and perseverance.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Introduction

(21^st Sunday Ordinary Time)

A pleasant day to everyone!

          Our Gospel today is a wake-up call. Knowing the Lord and the Gospel is not enough. It is necessary to live the life that Jesus lived and put His word into practice.  Entrance into God’s kingdom is not easy. We have to pass through the narrow door.

          May we have the humility to see that God’s kingdom is a gift which we have to accept with joy and courage, so that it may bear fruit in our lives.

Prayers of the Faithful

(21st^h Sunday Ordinary Time)

(Priest):            Let us pray that we may have hearts open to welcome all peoples as brothers and sisters, fellow travelers, and partakers in the Lord’s banquet. With confidence, we pray:

“Lord, listen to your people.”

(Reader):

·       That after preaching to others, the ministers of the Word may live what they preach so that they may become credible witnesses and will not be left out of the reign of God, we pray: (R)

·       That we may see ourselves not as the only ones who will be saves but, like the rest, as partakers of the Lord’s gift of salvation, we pray: (R)

·       That those who suffer in any way and those who feel they may have difficulty passing through the “narrow door” may come closer to Christ who saved us through His cross, we pray: (R)

·       That the Church, the government, and the affluent sectors of our society may address the basic social and economic needs of the less privileged so that we may avoid rift and class struggle among our people, we pray: (R)

·       That our departed loved ones may know the joy of the heavenly banquet together with the forebears and all the holy ones, we pray: (R)

(Priest):            Fill our family with your Spirit, Lord, so that our lives may give you praise and glory.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be a faithful Servants of God: 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

San Antonio de Padua GKK

Deca Homes Resort & Residences

Mintal, Davao City

Introduction

(19^th Sunday Ordinary Time)

A pleasant day to everyone!

        Today’s liturgy focuses on our vigilant faith. We must be like faithful servants who stay awake waiting for their master. We need to open our hearts and minds so that we shall be aware of the Lord’s coming into our lives, be it in moments of prayer and recollection, in active service to our brothers and sisters, or in dramatic events.

Our waiting must be an active waiting.

       

To begin our celebration, let us all stand for the entrance hymn.

Prayers of the Faithful

(19^th Sunday Ordinary Time)

(Priest):            The Lord Jesus has set us as faithful stewards over his people. May we remain ever vigilant and faithful. Aware of our limitations, we pray.

“Lord, make us your faithful servant.”

(Reader):

·       May the community of God’s people set their hearts on never-failing treasures: faith, hope, love, peace, and life eternal. We pray: (R)

·       May our Church and government leaders attend to the needs of the people with wisdom and gentleness, never lording over God’s flock but giving it a shepherd’s care. We pray: (R)

·       May there be more leaders, prophets, and witnesses of faith who will keep alive our hope for a better world, for a more just society, for greater brotherhood and sisterhood among men and women. We pray: (R)

·       May young people not measure success solely in terms of material possessions but instead see in it an opportunity to render service to their neighbors. We pray: (R)

·       May our beloved dead be welcomed as good servants by the Lord in His kingdom, and there enjoy the peace and happiness of the just. We pray: (R)

(Priest):            Father, grant that we who partake in your table of love be also eager to share this love to others.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be simple... Be Generous: 18th Sunday

Introduction

(18^th Sunday Ordinary Time)

A pleasant day to everyone!

        Greed is like a monster which feeds both on the greedy person and the victims of his greed. Once desire for material possessions takes control of our hearts, we lose interest in important values like honesty and family ties. God is replaced by mammon, the idol of wealth.

Today, Jesus warns that the greedy has no place in the kingdom. Such a person is fool who thinks that by amassing riches, he can grow rich in the sight of God.

        To begin our celebration, let us all stand for the entrance hymn.

Prayers of the Faithful

(18^th Sunday Ordinary Time)

(Priest):            God alone suffices. Let us pray that we may put our trust in him rather than in what the world promises. Let us say to Him:

“Lord, let us put our trust in you.”

(Reader):

·       May the Church be ever more the Church of the poor, and enrich the world with the values of sharing, brotherhood, and trust in God. We pray: (R)

·       As we celebrate today St. John Mary Vianney Sunday, may the Filipino clergy and all priests in the world imitate the example of the saint who was outstanding in humility, zeal for confession, and service to the poor. We pray: (R)

·       May the rich and the satisfied come to recognize the vanity of wealth and power and start to store up for themselves treasures that are neither stolen nor corrupted nor lost. We pray: (R)

·       May our political leaders and the wealthy among us strive to improve the lot of the poor and the underprivileged so that our country may be spared from the specter of class warfare. We pray: (R)

·       May the emptiness of life and our experience of its vanities not lead us to despair but help us raise our minds to spiritual realities; may we find fulfillment in the beatitude promised to the poor, the humble, and the meek. We pray: (R)

(Priest):            Father, help us to see your kingdom as our greatest treasure and make us joyful sharers of our goods and talents. At the end of our life, may we appear before you rich with the things of the spirit.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRAY Until Something Happens:

Introduction

(17^th Sunday Ordinary Time)

A pleasant day to everyone!

        Today the Catholic Church in the Philippines celebrates Fil-Mission Sunday, a day set aside to remind us of our missionary vocation to share Christ to all peoples, especially those in Asia and Oceania. Let us offer this Eucharist for the Filipino diocesan priest-missionaries of the Mission Society of the Philippines (MSP) who represent our missionary apostolate to other peoples. Let us extend our support through prayers, sacrifices, and material offerings.

        Let us be united with the mission of the Church to preach the Good News so that people everywhere may know and pray to God who is Abba, our loving Father.

        To begin our celebration, let us all stand for the entrance hymn.

Prayers of the Faithful

(17^th Sunday Ordinary Time)

(Priest):            The Lord Jesus asks us to pray with confidence to the Father. In a special way, we pray for the members and collaborators of the Mission Society of the Philippines, that through their concerned efforts, more people will  be drawn to the Father. Let our response  be;

“Lord, hear our prayer.”

(Reader):

·       For the Pope, bishops, priests, consecrated people, and missionaries: In their life and apostolate, may they radiate the Father’s love and care for His children. We pray: (R)

·       For our government leaders: May they see themselves not as masters lording it over the people but as guardians entrusted with the welfare of all, especially the poor and the weak. We pray: (R)

·       For the members of the Mission Society of the Philippines and all Filipino missionaries: May they share with other peoples the best of Catholic Philippines; may they receive support from the Church leaders and the lay faithful. We pray: (R)

·       For those who have not yet heard of Christ, especially our brothers and sisters in Asia and Oceania: May the Holy Spirit open their minds and hearts to the Good News of salvation. We pray: (R)

·       For young men and women: May they have the courage and generosity to answer the call of Christ to serve in the missionary apostolate of priests, brothers, sisters, catechists, or lay leaders. We pray: (R)

(Priest):            Father, teach us to appreciate your gift of faith. Grant that we may learn to support generously the needs of the missionary apostolate by prayers, sacrifices, and material assistance.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Tune in to the Lord!: 16th Sunday Ordinary Time

Introduction

(16^th Sunday Ordinary Time)

A pleasant day to everyone!

        Like Martha in today’s Gospel, we can be “anxious and upset about many things” when entertaining visitors. We can learn something from Mary. We can go out of our way to be attentive to our visitors. We can spend time to listen to their stories. They need to be listened to just as much as they need to be served food.

        The same is true in our life of faith. What the Lord wants to us, first of all, is to be close to Him, to put our trust in Him amid life’s concerns.

        To begin our celebration, let us all stand for the entrance hymn.

Prayers of the Faithful

(16^th Sunday Ordinary Time)

(Priest):            Let us turn to the Lord that our lives may be marked by a deep love for Him shown in hospitality and service to others. Full of trust, we pray:

“Lord, listen to our prayer.”

(Reader):

·       That those who exercise authority in the Church, or in the government may listen to the Lord and learn from Him to be humble servants, we pray: (R)

·       That those who dedicate themselves to the care of their families or to the service of the sick, the poor, and the handicapped may learn to give themselves in joy and in love, we pray: (R)

·       That those who are anxious and upset about many things at home or at work may know how to give priority to the more important things and spare themselves useless anxiety, we pray: (R)

·       That we may reflect the kindness and compassion of Christ in all our contacts with our fellow men and women, we pray: (R)

·       That the Lord may keep in safety those who travel today, restore our physical and spiritual energies, and give comfort to the sick and the dying, we pray: (R)

(Priest):            Lord, we pray for guidance and enlightenment. Make us sensitive to the needs of others in whom we see Christ Himself.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Show Mercy to Those Whom You Hate: 15th Sunday Ordinary Time

Introduction

(15^th Sunday Ordinary Time)

A pleasant day to everyone!

        In today’s Gospel, Jesus is asked, “What must I do to inherit everlasting life?” It is a question that we ourselves earnestly ask today. What must we do in order to be saved? Jesus narrates to us the parable of the Good Samaritan.

        This is a story in which people have friends and enemies, meet accidents, avoid trouble, or go out of the way to help someone. To be a neighbor is to be more human; one who is more sensitive to life and to the joys and pains of people. It is in being a neighbor that our faith is shown for what it really is, and not merely as some form of dogma.

Prayers of the Faithful

(15^th Sunday Ordinary Time)

(Priest):                        Let us pray that we may learn to imitate the unconditional love of God as depicted in the Parable of the Good Samaritan. With all sincerity we pray:

“Lord, let us love you in others.”

(Reader):

·       That the ministers of the Church, Pope Francis, bishops, priests and deacons may not only speak about love, but be compassionate and loving, so that after preaching to others, they themselves may receive the gift of salvation, we pray: (R)

·       That our newly elected officials may not only focus on administering the basic services of government to the community but also design programs that would improve the living condition of the citizenry, we pray: (R)

·       That those whose profession is to the help the sick and the needy – doctors, nurses, social workers – may be strongly motivated by gentleness and love for those they help, we pray: (R)

·       That those who “lie wounded on the road” – the street children, the victims of sexual abuse, the old and the lonely – may find good Samaritans who will assist them and restore their health and confidence, we pray: (R)

·       That the Lord may reward those who prove to be good neighbors to us, and that we in turn may learn to give a helping hand to those in need, we pray: (R)

(Priest):                        Father of all mercies, we come to you with praise and gratitude for your loving concern. May your Spirit be always with us as we strive to live your commandment of love.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Be An Ambassador of Peace: 14th Sunday Ordinary Time

14^th Sunday Ordinary Time

Introduction

A pleasant day to everyone!

        Part of our daily duty as believers in Christ is to share the Good News with others.  In the Gospel the Lord appoints seventy-two (72) disciples to towns and villages that He intends to visit.  The task of preaching the Gospel is not confined to the twelve apostles.  It is a mission given to all of Jesus’ disciples. 

        We rejoice not so much in our success but in that, the Lord shares with us His saving work and that we have a sure reward with Him in heaven.

        To begin with our Eucharistic celebration, please stand for the entrance hymn.

Prayers of the Faithful

(14^th Sunday Ordinary Time)

(Priest):                        The Lord, the Master of the harvest, continues to send laborers even in our own time.  Let us pray that generous people may take the challenge of announcing the Gospel.  With confidence, we pray:

“Lord, send good laborers to Your harvest”

(Reader):

·       May the people of God nourish themselves with the Word of God in order to be “servants of the Word” in the work of evangelization.  May they have the burning conviction of the apostle Paul, who cried out: “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel.”  We pray: (R)

·       May all people realize that they, too, are missionaries called to bear witness to the Gospel in the vast and complex world of politics, economics, industry, education, science, the arts, and the media of social communication.  We pray: (R)

·       May all workers in the new evangelization rejoice that their names are written in heaven and so keep from getting discouraged when faced with cold reception or even hostility in their mission.  We pray: (R)

·       May all prophets in the Church and in the world point to the radical message of the Gospel, even if doing so would make them downright unpopular, for the cross may be a scandal or folly to some people.  We pray: (R)

·       May those who are discouraged and wounded by life not grow bitter but instead draw strength from our presence and friendship.  We pray: (R)

(Priest):                        Father, You send Jesus to be one with us and to show us Your endless love for humanity.  May we continue His mission and be worthy to be called His disciples.  We ask this through Christ, our Lord.  Amen.

Leaving All Behind To Follow Jesus: 13th Sunday Ordinary Time

Introduction

(13^th Sunday Ordinary Time)

June 30, 2013 

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, good morning!

Doing the Father’s will is Jesus’ “food,” his nourishment and delight.  The Gospel presents Him as resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem, the city of His destiny.  There He will undergo His “exodus,” His liberation of the people by His passion, death, and resurrection.  Not even the close-mindedness and rejection of the Samaritans can stop Him.

The Lord expects the same kind of decisiveness from his followers.  Proclaiming the kingdom of God is so important that everything else is subordinate to it.

        Let us all stand for the entrance hymn!

Prayers of the Faithful

(13^th Sunday Ordinary Time)

(Priest):                        The road to discipleship is marked by difficulties and obstacles.  Let us pray to the Father that we may have the courage and perseverance to remain faithful to Jesus, as we pray:

“Lord, be with us in our journey”

(Reader):

·       We pray for Pope Francis on the occasion of St. Peter, the Apostle Sunday, and for all bishops that they may be blessed with collaborators in the work of evangelization, forming them through Christ who is at work even today.  We pray: (R)

·       May our newly-elected officials hasten the process of healing and reconciliation so that all may work together in building a better future for our country and its people. We pray: (R)

·       May our government and religious leaders strive to help our people to take the way of peace and resolve conflicts and differences through goodwill, dialogue, and mutual respect. We pray: (R)

·       May young people called to priestly and consecrated life have the resolve of the prophets and of Jesus to persevere in their calling. We pray: (R)

·       May we be worthy to bear the name “Christians,” joyfully accepting the reality of the cross in our lives and giving priority to the values of the Gospel.  We pray: (R)

(Priest):                        Loving Father, listen to our prayers. Be with us always that we may remain faithful disciples of Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You for ever and ever.  Amen. 

Accepting Jesus as Your Saviour, Is By Following Him: 12th Sunday Ordinary Time

Introduction

(12^th Sunday Ordinary Time)
June 23, 2013

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, good morning!

In life, we pass through various problems and hardships.  The way we face them marks our identity as Christians. Believing in Jesus, we cannot but live by his words and face life’s difficulties with hope. Behind Jesus’ words for us today is a challenge.  If we want to belong to Jesus, we must deny ourselves in love, take up our cross in sacrifice and follow Him in service.

        Let us all stand for the entrance hymn!

Prayers of the Faithful

(12^th Sunday Ordinary Time)

(Priest):                        The Lord invites us to carry our own cross after Him. St Paul says that it is our way of filling up what is lacking in the suffering of Christ, for the sake of Christ’s Body, which is the Church.  Full of confidence, we pray:

“Lord, hear our prayer”

(Reader):

·       That those who dedicate their lives to the service of the Lord and the Church may always find strength and consolation in Christ, the pioneer in the way of the cross.  We pray: (R)

·       That those who hold public office may die to the lure of money and power, and find the true meaning of life in God.  We pray: (R)

·       That the hungry, the homeless and unemployed may be empowered by the help extended to them by individuals and communities of faith.  We pray: (R)

·        That we may be spared from natural and man-made calamities, and blessed by the Lord in all our honest endeavors and plans.  We pray: (R)

·       That the Lord may keep us all in safety, give joy to our days, and welcome into His kingdom our departed loved ones.  We pray: (R)

(Priest):                        Father most powerful, we trust in You.  Hear the petitions which we carry before You today, together with the Lord Jesus, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever.  Amen.

The Ever Forgiving God: 11th Sunday Ordinary Time

Introduction

(11^th Sunday Ordinary Time)

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, good morning!

Sometimes we can’t but ask:  Does God love people of bad moral character - people, for instance, who lie and steal, who hurt others?  Or does God love only the good, who can claim a reward because of their upright lives?

Today’s liturgy teaches us that salvation is God’s free gift.  May this celebration make us realize and be grateful for God’s freely granted love and forgiveness.  May we rejoice in His unlimited goodness.

        Let us all stand for the entrance hymn!

Prayers of the Faithful

(11^th Sunday Ordinary Time)

(Priest):                        Having experience the compassion of Christ in our lives, let us pray that we, too, may be willing to show compassion to others.  In every prayer, we say:

“Lord, help us to be like you”

(Reader):

·       That Christians may not simply be content with praying but do something concretely to alleviate and lessen the suffering in the world.  We pray: (R)

·       That all priests who are called to serve God and his people may continue to offer themselves for the sanctification and strengthening of the believing community. We pray: (R)

·       That all civil leaders may show special concern for the poor, the oppressed, the unemployed.  We pray: (R)

·        That all people in misery may receive not judgment and criticism but comforting visits that brings hope and life.  We pray: (R)

·       That all of us gathered here may receive the compassion of Christ through one another.  We pray: (R)

(Priest):                        Father, out of love and compassion, You forgive us our sins.  We ask You to grant us the same forgiving heart for our brothers and sisters through Christ, our Lord.  Amen.

Pamalandong

(11^th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

          Niining ika-napulo’g  usa nga Domingo sa Ordinaryong Panahon, ang mga pagbasa naghisgot mahitungod sa grasya sa kapasayloan.   Sa unang pagbasa, gipakita ni Natan kang David kung unsa ka daku ang nahimo niyang sala nga mao ang  pagpatay kang Urias didto sa gubat ug ang pag-ilog sa asawa niini nga si Batseba.  Apan gi-ingnan ni Natan si David nga gipasaylo siya sa Ginoo.

          Sa ika-duhang basahon, si San Pablo misugilon sa mga tawo sa Galatia nga bisan sa iyang pagkamakasasala apan gihimo siya sa Dios nga matarong dili tungod sa iyang pagtuman sa Balaod, kun dili pinaagi sa iyang pagtoo sa anak sa Dios, nga si JesuKristo.

          Sa ebanghelyo, gipasaylo ni Jesus ang babaye nga daghang mga sala.

          Ang gugma sa Dios sa tawo gipakita pinaagi sa pagpasaylo.  Ang Dios wala magtagad kung unsa ka daku sa sayop o sala nga nahimo sa tawo.  Apan ang gipangita sa Dios diha sa tawo mao lamang ang pag-amo ug paghinulsol sa kasaypanan sama kang David sa unang gibasa nga miingon: “nakasala ako sa Ginoo.” Duna ba kita’y kadasig sa pag-ila sa atong kasaypanan?

          Bisan unsa ka daku sa sayop sa tawo, apan kung maka-amgo siya tungod sa pagtoo kang Kristo, sinugdanan kini sa kausaban sa iyang kinabuhi ug musumpay sa mga buhat sa kaluwasan.  Ang kinabuhi ni San Pablo maoy buhing testigo niini.  Unsang matang  nga pagsumpay nato sa mga buhat sa kaluwasan tungod sa atong pagoo kang JesuKristo?

          Apan ang pagbuhat sa mga timaan sa gugma ug pagkamapasalamaton sa tawo, diwa sa usa ka pag-ila sa kaayo sa Ginoo.  Matud pa, kadtong mga nakasinati sa gugma labi pang mahigugmaon.  Apan kadtong  nakadawat og dyotay’ng gugma, mahadlukon nga muhatag sa iyang kaugalingon.  Kita ba manggihatagon kaha sa atong panahon ug mapasayloon?