CHOIR MASS HAN-AY

The Liturgy Of The Word In the liturgy of the word Christians come together to thank God for God’s gifts. Listening to God’s word (the Bible) they grow in faith more conformed to the mind of Christ. Liturgy celebrates the wonders of creation and gives thanks for the reality of redemption. The liturgy is a celebration not of what God has said, but of God today speaking to our hearts and souls. A).   The First Reading: -The Hebrew Scriptures : The first reading is mostly chosen from the Old Testament and during some seasons the Book of Acts might be read. This reading usually harmonizes with the Gospel reading (see below). This reveals the continuity between Israel and Jesus who comes not to replace but to fulfill Israel. B).   The Responsorial Psalm : The Psalm reflects themes in the readings. The Psalm consists of an antiphon. This is a vehicle of prayer and praise - an atmosphere of prayer within which the re...

Prayers of the Faithful (3 rd Sunday of Easter) (Priest):                        The Lord sustains his people with love. In need, we turn to him and pray: “Lord, keep us in your love” (Reader): ·        For the Church, the People of God: may believers everywhere feel the power of the resurrection, especially in times of weakness, trials, and great difficulties. We pray: (R) ·        For those who exercise authority and service in the Church and in the government: may their love for Jesus, the Good Shepherd continue to deepen and be a perennial source of inspiration and strength in their service to God’s people. We pray: (R) ·        For the coming elections: may everyone forsake the politics of money, fame, and patronage and elect to office leaders who are co...

Introduction (3rd Sunday of Easter) Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, good morning! Our belief in the resurrection comes from the witness of the apostles. These hardy fishermen of Galilee ran away during Jesus’ suffering and death. But the risen Jesus appears to them and calls them back to be “fishers of men”. In particular, Jesus rehabilitates their leader, Simon Peter. Jesus asks of him a threefold confession of love to make up for his threefold denial at the passion. Simon Peter, who trusts no longer in his capabilities but in the Lord who knows the human heart, is then entrusted with the care of the Lord’s flock.         Let us all stand for the entrance hymn!

Introduction (Baptism of our Lord) Dear brothers and sisters, in Christ, good morning!         Today we celebrate the Feast of the Lord’s Baptism. Although sinless, Jesus humbly went down with sinners into the waters of the Jordan to receive John’s baptism of repentance. He takes unto himself our sinfulness. The baptism of the Lord inaugurates Jesus’ mission as Messiah. But Jesus reveals himself not as a glorious figure but one who is obedient to the Father and close to the poor and sinners.         The Feast of the Lord’s Baptism also reminds us of our own baptism, which is dying to our own sinful ways to rise up as beloved children of the Father in heaven.         Please rise for the entrance hymn!

Prayers of the Faithful (2 nd Sunday of Easter: Cycle C) (Priest):                        Let us pray to the Lord for a living faith, that we may feel his comforting presence among us, especially in times of trials and difficulties. For each petition, we fervently say: “Lord, increase our faith” (Reader): ·       May the shepherds of our Church continue to grow in faith, and in this faith strengthen the people that the Lord has entrusted to them. We pray: (R) ·       May all government leaders rely on the Lord Jesus, the Good Shepherd, and from him draw inspiration and strength to serve the people with honesty, joy, and dedication. We pray: (R) ·       May those whose faith is tested in darkness and in doubt, encounter the living Lord in his Word and in prayer, a...

Come to our Merciful Divine Master! Introduction (2 nd Sunday of Easter) Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, good morning! Before believing in anything, we normally ask for proof that is “certified true and correct.” In matters of faith, however, this is not always the case. In today’s Gospel, Christ calls blessed those who believe without seeing. Jesus had shown himself to the apostles - he is alive and reigns in glory. The response of Thomas is for every believer. We confess Jesus as our Lord and God though we have not seen him with our own eyes. But we do see him with the eyes of faith, and we give testimony to this faith by our living hope and active service to our brothers and sisters. Today also is Divine Mercy Sunday, promoted by St Faustina Kowalska. This celebration is a perennial call to every Christians to face, with confidence to divine benevolence, the difficulties and trials that humankind will experience in the years to come.   ...