Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Sunday Reading Reflections:

Sunday, January 31, 2010
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 Reflection:

Here is the second poetic story of creation from the Book of Genesis. In earlier verses which are not part of today's reading, the story describes how God made the first man from clay. God then fashioned all kinds of birds and animals. But none of them were suitable partners for the man. So God made the first woman from the man's own body.

Together the man and the woman became one body. They were equal and suitable partners for one another. In marriage, husband and wife enter a union blessed by God. The primary message of the story is that man and woman both come from God. We are God's unique creation in a world of wonderful creatures he has entrusted to our care.

Reading 2 Reflection:

The humble person does not look down on others or try to raise himself to a prominent position. Jesus, the Son of God, is a perfect example of humility. He made himself lower than the angels by taking on our human nature. He then made himself subject to suffering and death in order to gain our salvation.

Jesus tasted death for all of us so that we can share in his glory with God the Father. He is pleased to call us his brothers and sisters. In return, at every Eucharist, we thank him for lifting us up with him.

Gospel Reflection:

Some people are more interested in the letter of the law than the spirit of the law. The Pharisees tried to test Jesus by asking him if he agreed with the law of Moses regarding divorce. Jesus draws their attention to the true meaning of marriage. He reminds the Pharisees of the teaching from Genesis about the man and the woman becoming one flesh.

Jesus is focusing on God's loving plan for marriage partners. In the second story, Jesus scolds his disciples for trying to keep the little children away from him. He hugs, holds, and blesses the children. Once again he teaches that all who follow him must trust in God and openly accept the Good News.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Sunday Reading Reflections:

Sunday, January 24, 2010
Third Sunday in Ordinary Time


Reading 1 Reflection:

Today's reading presents an interesting picture of the priest Ezra standing above the people to deliver his interpretation of the law of God. His reading goes on for hours and saddens the people as they consider how much they need to reform their lives.

Perhaps their weeping finally convinces Ezra to "take it easy on them." He and Nehemiah, the governor of Judah, then encourage the people to celebrate their observance of the law. The people, they say, should have a great feast because "rejoicing in the Lord" will be their source of strength.

Reading 2 Reflection:

Human beings have a desire to belong to another person, to a community, or to God. We can imagine how the Christians at Corinth welcomed Paul's letter assuring them that they were all "one body."

They were not to create divisions among themselves by identifying as Jews or Greeks, slaves or free people, women or men. Because they had all been anointed by the Holy Spirit, they had become together the one body of Christ. Each was a member; no one was left out.

Gospel Reflection:

Just as Ezra, in our first reading, read to the people from Scripture, Jesus reads from the book of the prophet Isaiah about the Servant of the Lord. He announces that he is the fulfillment of Scripture.

Then he tells the crowd in the synagogue that he is the one sent by God. His presence is their guarantee that a "year of favor," or time of salvation, has begun. All eyes are glued on him as he puts down the scroll and takes his seat.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Sunday Reading Reflections:

Sunday, January 17, 2010
Feasts of the Child Jesus (Sto. Niño)



Theme: WE LOVE JESUS IN THE CHILDREN AND YOUTH OF TODAY

Today we celebrate the feast of the Sto. Niño, the yearly celebration that is
so dear to the hearts of all Filipino Catholics. This observance brings us back
to the beginning of the Christianization of our land but also enables us to see the relevance
of this devotion to our lives today.

In a special manner, it forces us to focus on our children and youth, with all the problems they pose and the hopes they raise. Today, and especially the Eucharistic celebration we are about to start, are renewed opportunities for us to entrust our “niños” to the protection and guidance of the Holy Child.

He, who is so much a part of our history and our lives, will surely take care of our children and will teach us how to do likewise.


Reading 1 Reflection :

Now that the Christmas season is over, we might think that we can go back to our "ordinary lives" during Ordinary Time. But Ordinary Time is never "ordinary" in that sense! Ordinary Time in the liturgical year is the time when the Sundays are numbered "in order." This season of Ordinary Time will last about six weeks. Ash Wednesday will follow the Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time. During Ordinary Time, we celebrate the whole life of Christ, not just one aspect of it. So Ordinary Time is a time of celebration after all! It is a good time to remind ourselves that every Sunday celebrates Easter, the resurrection of Christ.

Every day of Ordinary Time invites us to know Christ better and to live his teachings in a deeper way. And there is nothing "ordinary" about that!In the Old Testament, God's covenant with the people is sometimes compared to a marriage covenant between a husband and wife. In today's first reading, the prophet uses this imagery. With great enthusiasm, he celebrates a great event. The Lord has not only delivered the people from their enemies but has "married" them and made them his own. Their faithfulness has been rewarded. Now they can say to their enemies, "See, we told you! Our God has saved us."

Reading 2 Reflection:

Today's second reading reminds us that the Christian community is filled with gifts of the Spirit. These gifts enable some of us to be teachers or counselors, prophets or preachers, healers or leaders. But they all come from the same Spirit and are intended to build up the faith community. We should never be jealous of someone else's gift because all the gifts truly belong to all of us as the Body of Christ. Do you ever rejoice in the gifts of others?


Gospel Reflection:

The Old Testament reading today celebrates the "marriage" of Israel with the Lord. In the gospel reading, Jesus and his friends are taking part in a wedding celebration at Cana. Everyone is having a grand old time until the wine runs out. Then Jesus, in what is described as the first of his signs (miracles), turns six jars of water into choice wine! Everyone is astonished. But turning the water used for Jewish rituals into wine, Jesus gives God's people a sign that the Messiah has come. Later the disciples would recognize Jesus as the Bridegroom of the Church, the new people of God.

Wednesday, January 06, 2010

Sunday Reading Reflections:

January 10, 2010
Feast of the Baptism of the Lord



Reading 1 Reflection:

Today's reading might be called Jesus' theme song, even though it was written long before his birth. Known as one of the four "suffering Servant Songs" in the Old Testament, this reading describes someone who sounds exactly like Jesus. And Jesus himself quotes some of these lines from the prophet, who was probably describing Israel itself.

By accepting his own suffering and remaining faithful to God, Israel could be "a light for the nations." For us, the reading is an inspiring portrait of Jesus, the Suffering Servant, who humbly brings justice, freedom, and peace to God's people.

Reading 2 Reflection:

Today the Roman centurian Cornelius and hsi fellow converts to Christianity are delighted to hear the apostle say that "God shows no partiality." Some of the early Jewish Christians belieeved that the good news of Jesus was intended only for the Jews.

But Peter insisted that Jesus' mission was to all nations. He pointed to the Baptism of Jesus as the beginning of his ministry, the day when he was "anointed with the Holy Spirit and power."

Gospel Reflection:

We all want to be recognized for who we really are. Today's gospel reading describes that memorable day when Jesus had the joy of being recognized by John the Baptist and approved by God as "God's beloved Son." Although Jesus did not need to be baptized (since he was without sin), he wanted to identify himself as closely as possible with God's people.

Take a few minutes today to be thankful for your Baptism. Ask Jesus to help you recognize yourself more deeply as a beloved daughter or son of God.

MESSAGE FROM THE HOLY FATHER: POPE BENEDICT XVI

The Holy Father's Monthly Intentions for the year 2010:

http://www.hyscience.com/archives/Pope20Benedict20XVI_1.jpg

SEPTEMBER 2010


The Word of God as Sign of Social Development

General: That in less developed parts of the world the proclamation of the Word of God may renew people’s hearts, encouraging them to work actively toward authentic social progress.

The End of War

Missionary: That by opening our hearts to love we may put an end to the numerous wars and conflicts which continue to bloody our world.

RCAM NEWS:

***************************************************
CELEBRATION OF THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI
Parents of Priests' Day

PARENTS AND FAMILY OF PRIESTS
(On the Year for Priests)

Archdiocese Recognizes Parents of Priests

Photogallery
*************************************************** Source: www.rcam.org

LITURGICAL NEWS:

Ministry of Liturgical Affairs
121 Arzobispo St. Intramuros, Manila


ON-GOING FORMATION FOR EMHC 2010

ON-GOING FORMATION FOR LECTORS AND COMMENTATORS

ALC CIRCULARS


Liturgical Music Module
Read


On-going Formation for Altar Servers
Read


Schedule of Basic Formations
Read


Seminar-Workshop on Proclamations Skills for Lectors
Read


PROPORMAS

Application for Basic Seminars
click here


Letter of Acceptance
click here


Letter of Endorsement
click here


Performance Appraisal for Lay Liturgical Ministers
click here


Recommendation
click here


Please see below link:


Archdiocese of Manila (a 3-year Plan for 2008, 2009 and 2010


POSTER on Proper Attire in Church


Circular on Proper Attire in Church


LITURGICAL BOOKS (Ministry of Liturgical Affairs)


Source: http://www.rcam.org/

About Us:

Philippines
"IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD ..." (John 1:1) The Word service proclaims, not only the contents of the readings, but also the bigger reality that God speaks continually to his people that we are called to a dialogue with God and with one another. To proclaim their inspired content in the midst of the worshipping community is a ministry entrusted to a few. The manner of proclamation is important for the delivery of the message in order to enable the community to enter into the spirit of the Word. The magnificence of this ministry cries out for the excellence that the Word of the Lord deserves. As lectors at the Mass we transmit that Word to human hearts and minds. The readings remind the people of the vision of the Christian community . . . of the things that truly matter.