Opening: For all the saints(cc-306)
Ps: CC-13: Lord This is the people(sing and read)
Offertory: Amazing Grace(cc-423)
Com 1: Pan De Vida(cc-482)
Com 2: Blest Are They(cc-397)
Closing: Salvation Belongs To Our God (see sheet)
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
November 5, 2006 - Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time B
November 5, 2006 : Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Reading I: Deuteronomy 6:2-6
Responsorial Psalm: 18:2-3, 3-4, 47, 51
Reading II: Hebrews 7:23-28
Gospel: Mark 12:28b-34
Key words and phrases from the Gospel: love God, love neighbor as yourself, not far from the kingdom of God
To the point: No one draws near to God's kingdom by simply quoting the commandments. Instead, the way into the kingdom is through love of God and neighbor. When we live these commandments rather than simply quote them, we, too, hear Jesus say to each of us, "You are not far from the kingdom of God."
Connecting the Gospel to the first reading: The two great commandments arise from Israel's confession of faith: "The LORD is our God, the LORD alone" Because we believe, we love.
Connecting the Gospel to culture: Despite what much of the entertainment industry projects, love is not self-absorbed but other-centered, not transient but the enduring hallmark of all Christian faith and living.
Understanding Scripture:
The greatest commandment: The Lectionary at this point omits Mark 11:1-12:28 which deals with his arrival in Jerusalem. Only one passage from this section is proclaimed on Sunday (the entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday) while the rest of the passage is read on weekdays.
This Sunday's passage, which takes place in Jerusalem, is a fitting summary statement near the end both of Jesus' public ministry in the Gospel of Mark and as an approaching finale to the liturgical year.
So important is this discussion between Jesus and the scribe that it is found in all three synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) and is proclaimed in all three liturgical years.
The three gospels agree that the greatest commandment is actually a combination of two passages from the Old Testament: Deuteronomy 6:4 and Leviticus 19:18. The linking of these two commandments is found in other ancient writings which may be earlier than the gospels and is, therefore, not unique to Jesus nor does it seem to originate with him.
Mark's version has two distinctive features. (1) Only in Mark does Jesus begin his quotation of the Law with the Shema, "Hear, O Israel . . ." (found in this Sunday's first reading).
The inclusion of the Shema roots the observance of these great commandments in the primary affirmation of Israel's confession of faith: The LORD alone is God. Thus, faith finds its fulfillment in the love of God, neighbor, and self: because we believe, we love.
(2) The second distinctive feature is found in the conclusion. The scribe observes that keeping these commandments far surpasses the offering of sacrifice. In response Jesus tells the scribe that he is not far from the kingdom of God.
Though Jesus approves the scribe's insight that love is more desirable than sacrifice, love and sacrifice should not be seen in conflict with one another, for on the cross the love of Jesus attains its most perfect expression in sacrifice.
For disciples, then and now, the greatest commandment not only sums up the life and teaching of Jesus, it identifies the path of discipleship as the way of love.
Opening: One Spirit, One Church
CCM Opening: Lord Reign In Me
Ps: I Love You Lord(ss2-411)
Offertory: Come To the Water(CC-400)
Com 1: We Have Been Told(cc-460)
Com 2: The Cry of the Poor
Closing: You are Worthy of My Praise(see sheet)
Reading I: Deuteronomy 6:2-6
Responsorial Psalm: 18:2-3, 3-4, 47, 51
Reading II: Hebrews 7:23-28
Gospel: Mark 12:28b-34
Key words and phrases from the Gospel: love God, love neighbor as yourself, not far from the kingdom of God
To the point: No one draws near to God's kingdom by simply quoting the commandments. Instead, the way into the kingdom is through love of God and neighbor. When we live these commandments rather than simply quote them, we, too, hear Jesus say to each of us, "You are not far from the kingdom of God."
Connecting the Gospel to the first reading: The two great commandments arise from Israel's confession of faith: "The LORD is our God, the LORD alone" Because we believe, we love.
Connecting the Gospel to culture: Despite what much of the entertainment industry projects, love is not self-absorbed but other-centered, not transient but the enduring hallmark of all Christian faith and living.
Understanding Scripture:
The greatest commandment: The Lectionary at this point omits Mark 11:1-12:28 which deals with his arrival in Jerusalem. Only one passage from this section is proclaimed on Sunday (the entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday) while the rest of the passage is read on weekdays.
This Sunday's passage, which takes place in Jerusalem, is a fitting summary statement near the end both of Jesus' public ministry in the Gospel of Mark and as an approaching finale to the liturgical year.
So important is this discussion between Jesus and the scribe that it is found in all three synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) and is proclaimed in all three liturgical years.
The three gospels agree that the greatest commandment is actually a combination of two passages from the Old Testament: Deuteronomy 6:4 and Leviticus 19:18. The linking of these two commandments is found in other ancient writings which may be earlier than the gospels and is, therefore, not unique to Jesus nor does it seem to originate with him.
Mark's version has two distinctive features. (1) Only in Mark does Jesus begin his quotation of the Law with the Shema, "Hear, O Israel . . ." (found in this Sunday's first reading).
The inclusion of the Shema roots the observance of these great commandments in the primary affirmation of Israel's confession of faith: The LORD alone is God. Thus, faith finds its fulfillment in the love of God, neighbor, and self: because we believe, we love.
(2) The second distinctive feature is found in the conclusion. The scribe observes that keeping these commandments far surpasses the offering of sacrifice. In response Jesus tells the scribe that he is not far from the kingdom of God.
Though Jesus approves the scribe's insight that love is more desirable than sacrifice, love and sacrifice should not be seen in conflict with one another, for on the cross the love of Jesus attains its most perfect expression in sacrifice.
For disciples, then and now, the greatest commandment not only sums up the life and teaching of Jesus, it identifies the path of discipleship as the way of love.
Opening: One Spirit, One Church
CCM Opening: Lord Reign In Me
Ps: I Love You Lord(ss2-411)
Offertory: Come To the Water(CC-400)
Com 1: We Have Been Told(cc-460)
Com 2: The Cry of the Poor
Closing: You are Worthy of My Praise(see sheet)
October 29, 2006 :Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time B
October 29, 2006
Reading I: Jeremiah 31:7-9
Responsorial Psalm: 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6
Reading II: Hebrews 5:1-6
Gospel: Mark 10:46-52
Key words and phrases from the Gospel: Jesus; Jesus, Son of David; have pity on me; I want to see; followed him on the way
To the point: The encounter between Jesus and Bartimaeus dramatizes the elements of true discipleship:
• recognize Jesus ("Jesus, Son of David");
• acknowledge the need for Jesus ("have pity on me"; "I want to see");
• respond to Jesus' call ("He . . . came to Jesus");
• become Jesus' disciple ("followed him on the way").
Although Bartimaeus models discipleship, he is not the center of the story because discipleship is never about us. The center of the story and the heart of discipleship is always Jesus.
Connecting the Gospel to the first reading: While the gospel highlights the work of Bartimaeus in responding to Jesus' call, the first reading directs our attention to God's actions: "delivered his people . . . bring them back . . . gather them . . . console them guide them . . . lead them."
Connecting the Gospel to religious experience: Almost instinctively we, like Bartimaeus, turn to God when we experience need or crisis. Although unwelcome, such an experience creates space within us to encounter our saving God.
Understanding Scripture:
Seeing and following Jesus: The section of Mark's gospel that deals with discipleship (8:22-10:52) began with the healing of a blind man (8:22-26; omitted from the Sunday Lectionary) and concludes with this Sunday's story of blind Bartimaeus.
In between these two stories of the blind coming to sight are three episodes in which the disciples are blind to the meaning of Jesus' mission and of their own discipleship. Their spiritual "blindness" is evident in their persistent misunderstanding (see Sundays 24, 25, 29).
The gradual coming to sight of the first blind man (8:22-26) culminates in this story in which Bartimaeus both regains his vision and becomes a follower of Jesus.
The disciples, too, must come to "see" Jesus if they are to follow him faithfully.
The focus of this story on the call to discipleship is clear both in 10:49 where the "call" Jesus issues to Bartimaeus is mentioned three times and in 10:52 which reports that Bartimaeus "followed [Jesus] on the way."
The way on which Jesus is walking leads to Jerusalem, a fact already hinted at in Bartimaeus' address to Jesus as "Son of David." In Jerusalem, the City of David, the crowd will see in Jesus one who brings the "kingdom of our father David" (11:10).
Jerusalem is the city in which Jesus will undergo his life-giving death and glorious resurrection.
The story of Bartimaeus comments obliquely on the gospels of the two previous Sundays. On Sunday 28 the rich man is hesitant to follow Jesus because he cannot give up his many possessions; by contrast, as soon as Jesus calls Bartimaeus, "he threw aside his cloak" (10:50), the one thing he owned.
In last Sunday's gospel Jesus asked James and John the exact same question he asks of Bartimaeus, "What do you want me to do for you?" (10:36, 50). The two disciples, who are following Jesus without understanding, ask for seats of glory in the kingdom; by contrast, blind Bartimaeus asks "to see," with the result that he "immediately" follows Jesus, the "Son of David."
This blind beggar has clearer vision than the disciples!
Opening: Alleluia! Sing To Jesus (CC-312)
CCM Opening: Trading My Sorrows(ss2-357)
Psalm: CS2: God has done great things for us
Offertory: Open My Eyes, Lord
Com 1: We Remember
Com 2: Give Me Jesus(CC-349)
Closing: Your Grace Is Enough(SS2-403)
October 29, 2006
Reading I: Jeremiah 31:7-9
Responsorial Psalm: 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6
Reading II: Hebrews 5:1-6
Gospel: Mark 10:46-52
Key words and phrases from the Gospel: Jesus; Jesus, Son of David; have pity on me; I want to see; followed him on the way
To the point: The encounter between Jesus and Bartimaeus dramatizes the elements of true discipleship:
• recognize Jesus ("Jesus, Son of David");
• acknowledge the need for Jesus ("have pity on me"; "I want to see");
• respond to Jesus' call ("He . . . came to Jesus");
• become Jesus' disciple ("followed him on the way").
Although Bartimaeus models discipleship, he is not the center of the story because discipleship is never about us. The center of the story and the heart of discipleship is always Jesus.
Connecting the Gospel to the first reading: While the gospel highlights the work of Bartimaeus in responding to Jesus' call, the first reading directs our attention to God's actions: "delivered his people . . . bring them back . . . gather them . . . console them guide them . . . lead them."
Connecting the Gospel to religious experience: Almost instinctively we, like Bartimaeus, turn to God when we experience need or crisis. Although unwelcome, such an experience creates space within us to encounter our saving God.
Understanding Scripture:
Seeing and following Jesus: The section of Mark's gospel that deals with discipleship (8:22-10:52) began with the healing of a blind man (8:22-26; omitted from the Sunday Lectionary) and concludes with this Sunday's story of blind Bartimaeus.
In between these two stories of the blind coming to sight are three episodes in which the disciples are blind to the meaning of Jesus' mission and of their own discipleship. Their spiritual "blindness" is evident in their persistent misunderstanding (see Sundays 24, 25, 29).
The gradual coming to sight of the first blind man (8:22-26) culminates in this story in which Bartimaeus both regains his vision and becomes a follower of Jesus.
The disciples, too, must come to "see" Jesus if they are to follow him faithfully.
The focus of this story on the call to discipleship is clear both in 10:49 where the "call" Jesus issues to Bartimaeus is mentioned three times and in 10:52 which reports that Bartimaeus "followed [Jesus] on the way."
The way on which Jesus is walking leads to Jerusalem, a fact already hinted at in Bartimaeus' address to Jesus as "Son of David." In Jerusalem, the City of David, the crowd will see in Jesus one who brings the "kingdom of our father David" (11:10).
Jerusalem is the city in which Jesus will undergo his life-giving death and glorious resurrection.
The story of Bartimaeus comments obliquely on the gospels of the two previous Sundays. On Sunday 28 the rich man is hesitant to follow Jesus because he cannot give up his many possessions; by contrast, as soon as Jesus calls Bartimaeus, "he threw aside his cloak" (10:50), the one thing he owned.
In last Sunday's gospel Jesus asked James and John the exact same question he asks of Bartimaeus, "What do you want me to do for you?" (10:36, 50). The two disciples, who are following Jesus without understanding, ask for seats of glory in the kingdom; by contrast, blind Bartimaeus asks "to see," with the result that he "immediately" follows Jesus, the "Son of David."
This blind beggar has clearer vision than the disciples!
Opening: Alleluia! Sing To Jesus (CC-312)
CCM Opening: Trading My Sorrows(ss2-357)
Psalm: CS2: God has done great things for us
Offertory: Open My Eyes, Lord
Com 1: We Remember
Com 2: Give Me Jesus(CC-349)
Closing: Your Grace Is Enough(SS2-403)
Friday, October 13, 2006
Small bible study from Matt Maher
If you haven't checked out http://www.worshiptogether.com, you really should. They regularly give away sheet music. There's a lot of great resources for praise and worship leaders and music ministers. Enjoy!
***
Author: Matt Maher
Scripture References: Deuteronomy 6:5; Psalm 23:5, 116:13; Romans 5:15, 15:13; 2nd Corinthians 1:5, 4:15
How many times do we pray prayers that are pretty much self sustaining? Or prayers that are just about what we need in a given moment, as opposed to a prayer life infused with a kind of grace that spills out into everything we do; Isnt it a poverty when we fail to see the full realization of the gift of God’s grace working in our lives? To see that our worship of God is, in fact, His gift to us. It’s a worship that is meant to be all encompassing of the human experience; that when we love God with our hearts, minds, and souls, His Spirit alive in us overflows. As a result, it doesnt matter what situation we find ourselves in. Note the response of David in Psalm 23. “You prepare a table in the sight of my foes. You anoint my head with oil, and my cup overflows”. In the sight of our sinfulness, God prepares a place in us and anoints us. His cup overflows into us, and our cup, our heart overflows with His grace and mercy, spilling out into everything we do. Everything we are
***
Author: Matt Maher
Scripture References: Deuteronomy 6:5; Psalm 23:5, 116:13; Romans 5:15, 15:13; 2nd Corinthians 1:5, 4:15
How many times do we pray prayers that are pretty much self sustaining? Or prayers that are just about what we need in a given moment, as opposed to a prayer life infused with a kind of grace that spills out into everything we do; Isnt it a poverty when we fail to see the full realization of the gift of God’s grace working in our lives? To see that our worship of God is, in fact, His gift to us. It’s a worship that is meant to be all encompassing of the human experience; that when we love God with our hearts, minds, and souls, His Spirit alive in us overflows. As a result, it doesnt matter what situation we find ourselves in. Note the response of David in Psalm 23. “You prepare a table in the sight of my foes. You anoint my head with oil, and my cup overflows”. In the sight of our sinfulness, God prepares a place in us and anoints us. His cup overflows into us, and our cup, our heart overflows with His grace and mercy, spilling out into everything we do. Everything we are
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time B - October 22, 2006
Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time B - October 22, 2006
Opening: Christ, Be Our Light
Psalm: CC-26 : Lord, Let Your Mercy
Offertory: You Are My King (Amazing Love)
Com 1: Gift of Finest Wheat
Com 2: Pan de Vida
MPB Closing: Though the Mountains May Fall(CC-432)
CCM Closing: Thanks Be To God
Opening: Christ, Be Our Light
Psalm: CC-26 : Lord, Let Your Mercy
Offertory: You Are My King (Amazing Love)
Com 1: Gift of Finest Wheat
Com 2: Pan de Vida
MPB Closing: Though the Mountains May Fall(CC-432)
CCM Closing: Thanks Be To God
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
October 15, 2006 - Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
October 15, 2006 - Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Opening:Gather us In(cc-471)
Ps:RA-175(see sheet)
Offertory:One Spirit, One Church(cc-461)(instrumental)
CCM Offertory:Enough(see sheet)
Com 1:O God, You Search Me(cc-427)
Com 2:Thy Word(ss-211)
Closing:We Fall Down(ss2-401)
Opening:Gather us In(cc-471)
Ps:RA-175(see sheet)
Offertory:One Spirit, One Church(cc-461)(instrumental)
CCM Offertory:Enough(see sheet)
Com 1:O God, You Search Me(cc-427)
Com 2:Thy Word(ss-211)
Closing:We Fall Down(ss2-401)
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