The Liturgy Of The Word

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 readings occur.

C). The Second Reading - The Christian Scriptures: This reading is also referred to as the Epistle, is usually from one of the letters in the New Testament which may also include the Book of Acts or the Book of Revelations. While the letters address particular situations in the early Church, their message transcends the centuries to motivate contemporary Christians and deepen our appreciation of the mystery of Christ.

D). The Gospel - Alleluia: “Alleluia” is a Latin echo of the Hebrew acclamation “Praise God!” and is a key word in Christian worship. Here it heralds the Gospel. In a solemn celebration the church deacon goes to the altar where the Gospel is enthroned. He lifts the book and, accompanied by servants (altar-boys) with candles and on some occasions incense (symbols of Christ’s light), processes with the Gospels held high while choir and community acclaim the good news with “Alleluia,” alternating with verses appropriate to today’s Gospel. Christians acclaim the most wonderful deed of God among humankind, Jesus Christ, here made visible in the book containing His words and message to us all.

E). The Gospel Reading: The Gospel is the climax of the liturgy of the word. Catholic faith teaches that in proclaiming the Gospel, Christ is truly present to the community. For this reason the community stands to witness to Christ’s resurrection which allows him to be present to his people.

As the deacon or priest introduce the Gospels all in the community sign themselves with the sign of the cross traced on the forehead, the lips and over the heart. This signing reminds us “Christ in my thoughts” <forehead>, “Christ from my lips or what I say”<lips> and “Christ in my heart” <over the heart>.

Hearing the Gospel proclaimed also reminds and identifies Catholics with the first community which heard these words for the mouth of Jesus. On the conclusion of the reading the minister proclaims, “This is the Gospel of the Lord.” He means not the book, but the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the “Good News” itself. The community affirms in faith by responding, “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ”.

F). The Homily (or mini-sermon): Christians believe that “faith comes through preaching.”(Romans 3:13-15). This idea is rooted in Jewish belief that the creative power of God’s word transforms human life.

The Scriptures are not always easy to understand and apply to present life. For this reason the homily breaks open the Scriptures, showing how the word of God addresses us today. What import does the Gospel have for our lives today, for the world we live in, for issues in the community forum?

G). The Profession of Faith: (the Creed): The Creed is a written profession summarizing the community’s search for an ever deepening understanding of Jesus and His message. The Nicene-Constantinople Creed is most often used at Mass, although the Apostles’ Creed may be used at some liturgies. Please note that both creed’s are used by not only the Catholic Church, but also by Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Methodists, Lutherans, Orthodox and many other Christian faiths.

H). General Intercessions (Prayers of the Faithful): The people petition God for the needs of the Church, society, the parish, people in need, the sick and suffering, and those who have died. They direct our faith which has been deepened through prayer and listening to God’s word to specific situations today. These prayers conclude the Liturgy of the Word.

Next: The Liturgy Of The Eucharist

3rd Sunday of Easter: Prayers of the Faithful

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 competent, honest, and with a sincere desire to serve. We pray: (R)

·       For those who are burdened by poverty, sickness, and big problems: may the Lord give them protection, comfort, and strength to bear all things. We pray: (R)

·       For our relatives, friends, and loved ones: may the Lord give them constant encouragement and guide them in peace and in safety, and may our beloved dead enter into the joy of the heavenly kingdom. We pray: (R)

(Priest):                        God our Father, you restored us to yourself through the resurrection of your Son. Hear our prayers and strengthen us in giving witness to our Easter faith.

                   This we ask through Christ, our Lord. Amen 

Loving Jesus is Embracing His Mission: 3rd Sunday of Easter

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!

Baptism of our Lord: Mass Intro

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!

2nd Sunday of Easter: Prayers of the Faithful

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, and may they persevere in faith, hope, and love, and overcome all things in Christ. We pray: (R)

·       May the Filipino people think of the good of all and vote wisely, and may everyone contribute to make the election honest, peaceful, and credible. We pray: (R)

·       May the Mercy and Compassion of our Risen Lord reign in our hearts so that we can overcome recriminations, divisions, and hatred in this period of electoral campaigns. We pray: (R)

(Priest):                        Loving Father, bring healing to our land. Make us rise from our weaknesses and serve you in faith.

                   This we ask through Christ, our Lord. Amen

Come to our Merciful Divine Master!

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.

        Let us all stand for the entrance hymn!