Friday, June 25, 2010

Sunday Reading Reflections:

June 27, 2010
Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time



Reading 1 Reflection:

Today we hear the dramatic story of the prophet Elijah appointing his successor. At God's command, Elijah chooses Elisha to take his place. Elijah throws his cloak, the symbol of his prophet's vocation, over Elisha's shoulders. With no questions asked, Elisha mmediately says farewell to his family and destroys his oxen and plow. He drops everything to follow God's call.


Reading 2 Reflection:

When Elisha gave up everything to do God's will, he must have felt truly free. In our second reading, Paul reminds the Galatians that Christians have been called to live in freedom. Those who have accepted Christ follow his example of love. Those who listen to the "flesh"?whatever urges them to act against God's will?are still slaves. They act against their own best interests when they listen to the voice of selfishness.

Gospel Reflection:

Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem. He is preparing himself to face suffering and death. He forgives the Samaritans who refuse to welcome him, showing his disciples how to behave toward their enemies. He then responds to three different people who want to follow him. Does he say, "Come with me and all will be well?" Not at all. Jesus tells them right up front that the cost of becoming his disciple is high. That cost may include giving up home, family, and means of income.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Sunday Reading Reflections:

June 20, 2010
Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time


Reading 1 Reflection:

The first reading is from the prophet Zechariah whose initial prophecy is dated around the year 520 B.C.. Today s reading from Chapter 12 is part of the Book of Zechariah attributed to other authors and is sometimes called "Deutero-Zechariah."

Chapter 12 begins the oracle proclaiming the victory of God's people. The blessings that will be poured out on Jerusalem come through the suffering of "him whom they have pierced." There will be mourning, but also purification from sin and uncleanness.

One cannot help but think of Jerusalem today and the mourning that takes place daily in the midst of divisions and wars. Where is the "spirit of grace"? It remains, of course, for God never abandons his people. The spirit of God's grace lives in the hearts of those who have mourned for all those who have known suffering and even death in the Holy City. Grace abounds in those who work ceaselessly for peace against tremendous odds. Pray that God's grace will be poured out on the people of Jerusalem and on all God's people who know mourning.

Reading 2 Reflection:

In this letter to the Galatians, Paul is writing to the people he converted from paganism to Christianity. He writes to correct some of the errors that have been presented to the Galatians by those Jews who believed that any converts must follow Jewish laws--circumcision and other obligations. Paul proclaims that faith in Jesus Christ and Baptism make all one in Christ, regardless of one's former state.

Paul writes of the divisions and inequities which existed between people at that time: Jews and Greeks, slaves and free people, males and females. From the time of Saint Paul until this day, all who are baptized in Jesus Christ are clothed with him, belong to him, and are heirs of the promise of Eternal Life. We have only to recognize any divisions, inequities, injustices and correct them. Preserving the unity of the Body of Christ must be the concern of all who belong to him.

Gospel Reflection:

Today's Gospel from Luke is perhaps one of the most poignant accounts of Jesus. Before this exchange with his disciples, Jesus has already cured the possessed man, cured Simon Peter's mother-in-law, cured the leper, taught the multitude about God's love, healed the paralytic, healed the centurion s slave, raised the widow's son from death, pardoned the sinful woman, calmed the storm at sea, healed the Gerasene demoniac and Jairus' daughter and the woman with the hemorrhage. He had fed the 5,000 men plus women and children with 5 loaves and 2 fish.

Now, he is in praying in solitude and the disciples are with him. He asks, "Who do the crowds say that I am?" What did Jesus feel as he asked? What answer did he expect, or hope for? And what did he think when the disciples answered: John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the ancient prophets arisen? Then, the Gospel says, he said, "But who do you say that I am?" Did Jesus hope--after all the miracles and teachings--they would finally understand? Today, we might reflect on that same question that Jesus asks, "Who do you say that I am?" We have the witness of Peter who was the first to reply to Jesus, saying Jesus is "The Christ of God." But when he turns to you and me, how shall we respond?

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

Sunday Reading Reflections:

June 13, 2010
Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time



Reading 1 Reflection:


In the first reading, Nathan tells King David a story that helps David to see the terrible sin he has committed. Because he wanted another man's wife for himself, David deliberately placed the soldier in the front line of battle where he would be killed. God had given David so many blessings and David now realizes he has sinned against God.

David is filled with sorrow but Nathan assures him of God's forgiveness. Like David, any one of us can lose our perspective and let our desires rule us. We are not entitled to take what belongs to somebody else. Pray for God's help against this temptation.

Reading 2 Reflection:

Today's reading helps us to see the importance of faith. St. Paul says that having faith in Jesus is what makes us favorable in God's eyes. Paul tells us that his faith is so strong that it's as if he no longer lives, but Christ lives in him. People should be able to see God's love radiating in us.

Those who are so intent on keeping the law that they don't reflect God's love are missing the point. Keeping the law is important, but the law alone will not help us to be saved.


Gospel Reflection:


The gospel reading tells the beautiful story of Jesus' response to the sinful woman. In her love for Jesus, she disregards the usual way guests are treated at a banquet. She bathes Jesus' feet first with her tears, then with precious ointment, and wipes them with her hair. Simon, the host of the banquet, shows Jesus none of the usual courtesies when he arrives.

Moreover he condemns Jesus for associating with the woman who was a known sinner. In telling Simon a story about forgiving debts, Jesus praises the woman. She is forgiven much because of her great love. Jesus points out Simon's need for forgiveness because of his lack of hospitality, his lack of respect for each of them, and his self-righteousness. The story is a powerful example of the relationship between forgiveness and love.

Thursday, June 03, 2010

Sunday Reading Reflections:

June 6, 2010
SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST


Reading 1 Reflection:

The scene in our Old Testament reading is the city of Salem, which would later become Jerusalem. The king of that city, Melchizedek, was also a priest. He came out to give Abram, whom God later called Abraham, a blessing, and to share bread and wine with him.

Melchizedek's blessing celebrated how God had protected Abram, the father of the Israelites, in a battle. Centuries later Christians saw a likeness between Jesus Christ and Melchizedek. They understood the sharing of bread and wine in this reading as a sign of the Eucharist.

Reading 2 Reflection:

Today, on the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, we listen to Paul's account of the Last Supper. Jesus takes the bread, gives thanks, breaks it, and says, "This is my body."

He repeats the same actions with a cup of wine, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood." In the same way, the celebrant repeats the words and actions of Jesus in the eucharistic prayer at each Mass. When we gather together for Mass, we share the Body and Blood of Christ, just as Jesus invited us to do at the Last Supper.

Gospel Reflection:

Have you noticed how all the readings today speak of feeding people? Our gospel story shows us Jesus and the Twelve surrounded by a huge, hungry crowd. When the Twelve protest that they cannot feed everyone, Jesus has them divide the crowd into smaller groups. Then he takes what they have five loaves, two fishes gives thanks (blesses the food), breaks it, and invites the disciples to pass it around and share it.

There is more than enough for everyone! We can, of course, see this story as a sign of the Eucharist, in which Jesus continues to feed the multitude of his followers. But we can also see it as a challenge to do what we can to feed the millions of hungry people in our world today.

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:

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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
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On-going Formation for Altar Servers
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Schedule of Basic Formations
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Seminar-Workshop on Proclamations Skills for Lectors
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PROPORMAS

Application for Basic Seminars
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Letter of Acceptance
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Letter of Endorsement
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Performance Appraisal for Lay Liturgical Ministers
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Recommendation
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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.