31st Sunday in Ordinary Time

THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

INTRODUCTION

November 5, 2023

Good morning brothers and sisters in Christ.

We are now in the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time.

In the First Reading, from the Book of the Prophet Malachi, Jesus said, "A great King am I,"... "And my name will be feared among the nations.

In the Second reading, from the Letter of Paul to the Thessalonians, He said to them, "Working night and day in order not to burden any of you, we proclaimed to you the Gospel of God."

And in the Holy Gospel according to Matthew, Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying, "... Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

Let us all stand to begin the Eucharistic celebration.

Responsorial Psalm: In you, Lord, I have found my peace.

Prayer of the Faithful: Lord Jesus, hear our prayer.

FIRST READING

Mal. 1:14b -2:2b, 8-10

You have turned aside from the way, and have caused many to falter by your instruction.

A reading from the Book of the Prophet Malachi

A great King am I, says the LORD of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations. And now, O priests, this commandment is for you: If you do not listen, if you do not lay it to heart, to give glory to my name, says the LORD of hosts, I will send a curse upon you and of your blessing I will make a curse.

You have turned aside from the way, and have caused many to falter by your instruction; you have made void the covenant of Levi, says the LORD of hosts. , therefore, have made you contemptible and base before all the people, I since you do not keep my ways, but show partiality in your decisions. Have we not all the one father? Has not the one God created us?

Why then do we break faith with one another, violating the covenant of our fathers?

The word of the Lord.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Ps. 131:1, 2, 3

R. In you, Lord, I have found my peace.

O LORD, my heart is not proud, nor are my eyes haughty; I busy not myself with great things, nor with things too sublime for me.

R. In you, Lord, I have found my peace.

Nay rather, I have stilled and quieted my soul like a weaned child. Like a weaned child on its mother's lap, so is my soul within me.

R. In you, Lord, I have found my peace.

O Israel, hope in the LORD, both now and forever.

R. In you, Lord, I have found my peace.

SECOND READING

Thess. 2:76-9,13

We were determined to share with you not only the Gospel of God, but our very selves as well.

A reading from the first Letter of Saint Paul to the Thessalonians

Brothers and sisters:

We were gentle among you, as a nursing mother cares for her children.

With such affection for you, we were determined to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our very selves as well, so dearly beloved had you become to us.

You recall, brothers and sisters, our toil and drudgery. Working night and day in order not to burden any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.

And for this reason we too give thanks to God unceasingly, that, in receiving the word of God from hearing us, you received not a human word but, as it truly is, the word of God, which is now at work in you who believe.

The word of the Lord.

ALLELUIA                     Mt 23:9b, 10b

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

You have but one Father in heaven and one master, the Christ.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

GOSPEL

Mt. 23.1-12

They preach but they do not practice.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew

Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying,

"The scribes and the Pharisees have taken their seat on the chair of Moses.

Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice.

They tie up heavy burdens hard to carry and lay them on people's shoulders, but they will not lift a finger to move them.

All their works are performed to be seen.

They widen their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.

They love places of honor at banquets, seats of honor in synagogues, greetings in marketplaces, and the salutation 'Rabbi.'

As for you, do not be called 'Rabbi.'

You have but one teacher, and you are all brothers.

Call no one on earth your father; you have but one Father in heaven.

Do not be called 'Master';

you have but one master, the Christ. The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

The Gospel of the Lord.

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

November 5, 2023

Priest: Today's readings remind our leaders to be humble and faithful to their duties. They are also an indirect reminder to us to pray for them that they may live up to God's expectations and ours. Let us keep this in mind as we say together:

LORD JESUS, HEAR OUR PRAYER.

1. For the Holy Father and the other leaders of the Church; Bishops, Priests, Deacons and Religious men and women, may the Lord continue to be an inspiration to them and to all the believers and even the non-believers through their teaching and good example. Let us pray to the Lord.

2. For all the civil leaders, may God's graces be always upon them as they continue to lead the people with justice and love and with the intentions for the common good. Let us pray to the Lord.

3. For all parents, catechists, and community leaders, may the Lord touch their hearts to be the first to practice the good qualities they teach to their children, their students, and members. Let us pray to the Lord.

4. For all the sick, dying, and elderly, may the Lord bless them with grateful hearts for all the blessings they received in their lives and healing be upon them. Let us pray to the Lord.

5. For our brothers and sister who joyfully give praises and thanksgiving to God especially may experience His unfailing love in their endeavors. Let us pray to the Lord.

6. For all the faithful departed especially may their sins be forgiven and receive the everlasting life. Let us pray to the Lord.

Priest: Lord Jesus, our Divine Leader, guide and protect our leaders from any form of selfishness and pride. Guide them and us to the attainment of the lasting reward in the Kingdom where you live and reign for ever and ever. Amen

Announcement

November 5, 2023

1. The San Pedro Cathedral Parish organized a Raffle for a Cause, this is for the immediate repair of the cathedral. Tickets are available at the parish office, sold at 100 pesos per ticket, big prizes awaits for the winners. Grand raffle draw will be on December 23, 2023.

2. The youth ministry of the parish will again start up their income generating project or IGP which is the "Light a Star on Christmas, Season 2 - Maging liwanag sa dilim." Where a parishioner can be a sponsor by purchasing a christmas Parol which are available for only 300 pesos and this lanterns will be lighted and will serve as decorations inside the church. For more details, you may approach the youth in-charge posted outside the church or visit the parish office.

Thank you very much.