Theological Status: Critical Concern
Biblical Parallel(Archetype): Thyatira
❓ What do these grades mean?
🔍 Biblical Discernment: The 7 Church Parallels
The Cold Orthodox Parallel
Ephesus
Teaching that upholds doctrinal precision yet parallels the loss of the "first love"—the vital, motivating power of the Gospel (Rev 2:4).
Why strictly "Mark & Avoid"?
We do not issue this rating to attack the speaker, but to protect the listener. This church's overall teaching trend consistently deviates from sound doctrine. As per Romans 16:17, we identify these patterns so believers can guard their hearts.
We do not issue this rating to attack the speaker, but to protect the listener. This church's overall teaching trend consistently deviates from sound doctrine. As per Romans 16:17, we identify these patterns so believers can guard their hearts.
🧐 Overview
Sermon Summary: This sermon encourages listeners to find and fulfill their unique mission from God, a call to purposeful living. However, the service frames this mission within a theological system that raises serious questions about the finished work of Jesus Christ and who we should pray to, suggesting our redemption is an ongoing event rather than a completed act.
Big Idea: Each of us has a mission to serve God. [00:18:43 ▶️ 📄]
Pastoral Analysis: The homily itself is a topical exhortation to a life of purpose and service, which is commendable in its intent. However, the liturgical context in which it is delivered contains critical doctrinal errors. The corporate confession includes prayers to Mary and saints, violating the sole mediatorship of Christ. Furthermore, the Eucharistic liturgy presents the Lord's Supper as a sacrifice where the 'work of our redemption is accomplished,' which directly contradicts the biblical teaching of Christ's finished, 'once for all' atoning sacrifice. The sermon's moralistic focus on human performance, detached from a clear presentation of the gospel's power, renders it theologically weak and ultimately places the burden on the listener rather than on Christ.
Biblical Parallel(Archetype): Thyatira — The service mixes orthodox Trinitarian belief with the promotion of teachings that corrupt the Gospel, such as prayer to saints and a view of communion that undermines the finished, 'once for all' sacrifice of Christ.
🧭 Biblical Alignment Dashboard
Overall Verdict: Fundamentally in Error
| Category | Status | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Soteriology | ❌ FAIL | The system presented undermines the doctrine of 'Solus Christus' by directing prayers and requests for intercession to Mary and saints. It also presents redemption as an ongoing work accomplished in the liturgy, rather than a finished work of Christ on the cross, creating ambiguity about the basis of salvation. |
| Bibliology | ⚠️ WEAK | While multiple passages of Scripture are read publicly, the sermon itself uses the texts as a launchpad for a topical message about 'mission' rather than engaging in a deep exegesis of the passages to let the text itself set the agenda. |
| Hermeneutic | ⚠️ WEAK | The connection made to Christ is primarily moralistic. Christ is presented as the ultimate example of someone with a mission, but the application focuses on believers imitating this pattern of service rather than resting in the specific redemptive work He accomplished for them. |
| Theology Proper | ✅ PASS | The recitation of the Nicene Creed and the prayers offered affirm an orthodox, historical understanding of the Trinity and the attributes of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. |
| Sacramentology | ❌ FAIL | The liturgy presents communion as a re-presentation of Christ's sacrifice where 'the work of our redemption is accomplished.' This contradicts the biblical teaching that Christ's sacrifice was a finished, 'once for all' event (Hebrews 9:28, 10:10) and turns the sacrament from a memorial feast into a ritual of ongoing redemption. |
📖 How they Handle Scripture & Jesus
Primary Text: John 1:35-37 (Topical)
Scripture Saturation: Verses Read: 20 | Referenced: 3 | Alluded: 3
Passages Read Aloud:
-
Isaiah 49:3
[00:10:31 ▶️ 📄]
"The Lord said to me, you are my servant Israel through whom I will show my glory."
-
Isaiah 49:5
[00:10:42 ▶️ 📄]
"Now the Lord has spoken who formed me as his servant from the womb that Jacob may be brought back to him and Israel gathered to him"
-
Isaiah 49:16
[00:10:54 ▶️ 📄]
"And I am made glorious in the sight of the Lord, and my God is now my strength."
-
Isaiah 49:14
[00:11:04 ▶️ 📄]
"It is too little, the Lord says, for you to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob and restore the survivors of Israel."
-
Isaiah 49:6
[00:11:15 ▶️ 📄]
"I will make you a light to the nations. that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth."
-
1 Corinthians 1:1-3
[00:14:57 ▶️ 📄]
"Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Sustenius, our brother, to the church of God that is in Corinth, to you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with all those everywhere who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord and ours, Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
-
John 1:29-34
[00:17:06 ▶️ 📄]
"Glory to you, O Lord. John the baptist saw jesus coming towards him and said behold the lamb of god who takes away the sins of the world he is the one of whom i said a man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me i did not know him but the reason why i baptized i came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel. John testified further, saying, I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me. On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. Now I have sinned and testify that he is the Son of God."
-
Luke 22:19
[00:42:58 ▶️ 📄]
"Do this in memory of me."
-
Matthew 6:9-13
[00:45:35 ▶️ 📄]-[00:45:50 ▶️ 📄]
"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from"
Key References: Isaiah 49:6, 1 Corinthians 1:1-3, John 1:29-34
Christological Connection: Moralistic: The sermon references Christ as the ultimate example of someone with a mission, but the application focuses on believers imitating this pattern of service rather than resting in the specific redemptive work He accomplished.
🧱 Sermon Outline
- Introduction [00:18:51 ▶️ 📄] : The pastor introduces the central theme that every person has a specific mission from God, rooted in the call to know, love, and serve Him.
- Point 1: The Danger of Missed Opportunity [00:20:39 ▶️ 📄] : An exhortation against procrastination and spiritual laziness, warning that believers might miss their unique, God-given moment if they are not consistently living out their faith.
- Point 2: Biblical Examples of Mission [00:23:52 ▶️ 📄] : The pastor references the missions of the Suffering Servant (Christ), Sosthenes (a persecutor turned companion), and John the Baptist (the forerunner) to illustrate how God calls different people in different ways.
- Conclusion: A Call to Perseverance [00:29:01 ▶️ 📄] : The sermon concludes by urging the congregation to pray for the grace of final perseverance in order to remain faithful and accomplish the mission God has for them.
💧 Sacraments & Ordinances
Fencing the Table (Communion):
- Believers Only Stated: ❌ No (Open Table Risk)
- Warning Against Unworthy Manner: ⚠️ None Detected
🗝️ Key Topics & Themes
- Mission of believers [00:18:43 ▶️ 📄] : Discussion on the unique mission assigned to each believer by God.
- Importance of consistency in faith [00:29:24 ▶️ 📄] : Emphasis on the importance of remaining consistent in faith and seizing opportunities to serve God.
- Final Perseverance [00:29:06 ▶️ 📄] : The pastor discusses the importance of persevering in faith until the end.
- Opportunities to Serve [00:29:41 ▶️ 📄] : The pastor emphasizes that every opportunity to do good work is important.
✅ Commendations
Doctrinal Fidelity | Affirmation of Historical Orthodoxy
The corporate recitation of the Nicene Creed [00:30:45 ▶️ 📄] is a powerful anchor to historical, biblical truth concerning the nature of the Triune God and the person and work of Jesus Christ. This is a vital point of unity with the church throughout the ages.
Pastoral Exhortation | Call to Purposeful Living
The sermon's central theme, that God has a mission for each person, is a biblical concept (Ephesians 2:10) and a commendable effort to move the congregation from passive belief to active service.
⚠️ Theological Concerns
🔴 Violation of Solus Christus (Christ as Sole Mediator)
Root Cause: Idolatry / Syncretism. This practice introduces a system of human and angelic intercessors that is not prescribed in Scripture and detracts from the sufficiency and supremacy of Christ's high priestly ministry.
"Therefore I ask the Blessed Mary, ever-Virgin, All the angels and saints, and you my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God." [00:07:24 ▶️ 📄]
Correction: A stronger, more biblical approach is to model all prayer through our Great High Priest, Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5 states clearly, 'For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.' Hebrews 4:16 encourages us to draw near to the throne of grace with confidence *through Him*, not through other intermediaries.
🔴 Corruption of the Lord's Supper and Finished Atonement
Root Cause: Denial of Sola Gratia. This view turns the sacrament from a means of grace that points to a finished historical act into a ritual that is presented as accomplishing the work itself, subtly shifting the basis of assurance from Christ's cross to participation in the rite.
"for whenever the memorial of this sacrifice is celebrated, the work of our redemption is accomplished through Christ our Lord." [00:38:56 ▶️ 📄]
Correction: The Bible is emphatic that Christ's sacrifice was a singular, unrepeatable, and fully sufficient event. Hebrews 10:10 says we 'have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.' The Lord's Supper is a memorial feast where we *proclaim* this finished work (1 Cor 11:26), not a sacrifice where we *accomplish* it.
🟠 Moralistic Drift
Root Cause: Moralistic Drift (Sardis). This approach detaches the commands of Scripture from the power of the Gospel. It preaches the Law (what you must do) without sufficiently grounding it in Grace (what Christ has done).
"And you can be resting during when your mission presents itself, your specific mission to earth." [00:22:53 ▶️ 📄]
Correction: A stronger, more biblical way to frame this is to ground the call to works in the reality of grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 establishes that salvation is by grace through faith, not works. Then, verse 10 explains that we are 'created in Christ Jesus for good works.' Our mission is not a task to achieve acceptance, but the joyful overflow of the acceptance we already have.
📜 Full Sermon Transcript (Audit)
Use the 📄 icons next to quotes above to automatically jump to their location in this raw transcript.
[00:03:35] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Join us for worship today as we celebrate the second Sunday in ordinary time.
[00:03:42] There will be a second collection today to benefit a combined mission collection for churches in Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe, Africa, and the United States Mission Appeal and the Catholic Home Missions.
[00:03:56] Please be generous.
[00:03:58] Please turn off your cell phones or set them for the silent mode.
[00:04:01] For safety reasons, we ask that all children be accompanied by an adult when attending the restrooms.
[00:04:07] Our presider for this Mass is Father Engelbert Offen.
[00:04:11] Our Gathering Hymn is number 850 in your Gatherer Book.
[00:04:18] Let us all stand and sing together.
[00:04:22] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
And we're singing verses 1 and 5.
[00:04:34] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
Let us build a house where love can dwell and all can safely live A place where saints and children tell how hearts learn to forgive
[00:04:50] Fill our hopes and dreams and visions Rock of faith and vault of grace Here the love of Christ shall end divisions All are welcome, all are welcome All are welcome in this place
[00:05:16] Let us build a house where all our needs, their songs and visions heard, and loved and treasured, taught and claimed, as words within the Word.
[00:05:36] Let us proclaim from floor to rafter All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place
[00:06:08] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.
[00:06:20] So practically say welcome to your neighbor.
[00:06:26] I want us to say welcome to this place, in this place.
[00:06:30] Not from home, in this place.
[00:06:34] Okay, this Mass is offered for all of us, the parishioners of St. Therese, so we could articulate our intentions in our hearts, knowing that we are all praying for our intentions.
[00:06:47] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
[00:06:51] Amen.
[00:06:51] The Lord be with you.
[00:06:53] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_05]:
And with thy spirit.
[00:06:54] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Brothers and sisters, let us call to mind our sins, and so prepare ourselves for a worthy celebration of this Mass.
[00:07:05] I confess to Almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have feared to do, through my faults, through my faults, through my most grievous faults.
[00:07:24] Therefore I ask the Blessed Mary, ever-Virgin,
[00:07:28] All the angels and saints, and you my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.
[00:07:36] May Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.
[00:07:42] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
Amen.
[00:07:44] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Lord have mercy.
[00:07:45] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
Lord have mercy.
[00:07:47] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Christ have mercy.
[00:07:48] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
Christ have mercy.
[00:07:49] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Lord have mercy.
[00:07:50] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
Lord have mercy.
[00:07:58] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
We praise you, we bless you, we adore you We glorify you We give you thanks for your great glory
[00:08:20] Lord God, Heavenly King, O God Almighty, Father, Lord Jesus Christ, Holy Begotten Son,
[00:08:35] Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father You take away the sins of the world Have mercy on us You take away the sins of the world Receive our prayer
[00:08:59] You are still the right hand of the Father Have mercy on us For you alone are the Holy One You alone are the Lord You alone are the Most High Jesus Christ In the Holy Spirit
[00:09:27] In the glory of God the Father.
[00:09:42] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
Amen.
[00:09:43] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Let us pray.
[00:09:48] Almighty ever-living God, who governs all things both in heaven and on earth,
[00:09:54] Mercifully hear the pleading of your people and bestow your peace on our times through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit God forever and ever.
[00:10:26] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_00]:
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
[00:10:31] The Lord said to me, you are my servant Israel through whom I will show my glory.
[00:10:42] Now the Lord has spoken who formed me as his servant from the womb that Jacob may be brought back to him and Israel gathered to him
[00:10:54] And I am made glorious in the sight of the Lord, and my God is now my strength.
[00:11:04] It is too little, the Lord says, for you to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob and restore the survivors of Israel.
[00:11:15] I will make you a light to the nations.
[00:11:21] that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.
[00:11:27] The word of the Lord.
[00:11:28] Thanks be to God.
[00:11:54] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
Here am I, Lord, I come to do your will Here am I, Lord, I come to do your will
[00:12:17] I have waited, waited for the Lord And he stooped toward me and heard my cry And he put a new song into my mouth A hymn to our God
[00:12:41] Here am I, Lord, I come to do your will.
[00:12:52] Sacrifice or offering you wished not, but ears open to obedience you gave me.
[00:13:03] Holocaust or sin offerings you sought not,
[00:13:08] Then said I, behold, I come Here am I, Lord, I come to do your will
[00:13:27] In the written scroll it is prescribed for me To do your will, O my God, is my delight And your law is within my heart
[00:13:50] I come to do your will.
[00:14:00] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
I announced your justice in the vast assembly.
[00:14:08] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
I did not restrain my lips as you, O Lord, know.
[00:14:19] Here am I, Lord, I come to do Your will
[00:14:51] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_01]:
A reading from the first letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians.
[00:14:57] Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Sustenius, our brother, to the church of God that is in Corinth, to you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with all those everywhere who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord and ours,
[00:15:23] Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
[00:15:31] The Word of the Lord.
[00:15:33] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_05]:
Thanks be to God.
[00:15:55] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
[00:16:19] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us.
[00:16:29] To those who accepted Him, He gave power to become children of God.
[00:16:41] Alleluia!
[00:16:54] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
Alleluia!
[00:16:54] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Alleluia!
[00:16:56] The Lord be with you.
[00:16:58] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
And with thy spirit.
[00:17:01] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John.
[00:17:06] Glory to you, O Lord.
[00:17:11] John the baptist saw jesus coming towards him and said behold the lamb of god who takes away the sins of the world he is the one of whom i said a man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me i did not know him but the reason why i baptized i came baptizing with water
[00:17:42] was that he might be made known to Israel.
[00:17:48] John testified further, saying, I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and remain upon him.
[00:17:58] I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me.
[00:18:08] On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.
[00:18:19] Now I have sinned and testify that he is the Son of God.
[00:18:28] The Gospel of the Lord.
[00:18:32] Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
[00:18:43] God is good and all the times good.
[00:18:51] The liturgy of the world of today seems to be reminding us in a very powerful way that each of us has a mission.
[00:19:04] Remember we said it's just a reminder because everybody should know that.
[00:19:08] Of course, the Catechism of the Catholic Church is what we started getting at the very early levels of faith formation.
[00:19:15] And even the basics of the Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that God made us to know Him, to love Him, to serve Him, and to be happy with Him forever in Heaven.
[00:19:31] And if that is the teaching of the Church, which is true,
[00:19:36] Then how can you serve the Lord without knowing how He wants you to serve Him?
[00:19:44] For one thing, we are certain that God wants each of us to serve Him.
[00:19:49] As to what our precise missions will be, those can only be seen after we have transited.
[00:20:00] When we die, we will see precisely
[00:20:04] the particular is we're all made to serve God we are all Christians we are all children of God he loves us we have opportunities to serve him that each person has a moment in your life there's a moment which was created for you and just you
[00:20:26] We will see that in the scriptures, in the readings of today.
[00:20:30] But we have some particular thing which was not meant for anybody.
[00:20:36] It was meant for me.
[00:20:37] It was meant for you.
[00:20:39] And that is why we should not play with the opportunities we have.
[00:20:44] We should not miss the opportunities to do anything that is good.
[00:20:49] We don't procrastinate our goodness.
[00:20:52] Just do good.
[00:20:54] Just be nice.
[00:20:55] Whenever the opportunity presents itself for you to serve, just serve.
[00:20:59] It could be that moment you want to procrastinate is actually the moment that was designed.
[00:21:07] In our lives every day, we do the will of God.
[00:21:11] We have things that we do for God.
[00:21:13] We have missions for every day.
[00:21:15] There are things that He wants us to do.
[00:21:17] But there is a purpose for which we were created.
[00:21:21] I give a simple example.
[00:21:23] I was called to the priesthood.
[00:21:26] God called me to the priesthood.
[00:21:28] I keep serving him and try to make myself available to serve him in the sacraments and the different ways, the pastoral ways in which the priest should serve.
[00:21:41] But there could be somebody who knows whether I was designed
[00:21:49] To give baptism, the waters of baptism, to a future president of the United States.
[00:21:58] Who knows whether God created you to parent a future governor or whoever of a particular state that will make a name for itself or for the country or for the world.
[00:22:14] We all have precise missions.
[00:22:16] Those, sometimes they are revealed to us by the Holy Spirit, sometimes they come in the midst of, the word there is, encrypted in a bigger mission to be Christians, to be servants of God, encrypted into it.
[00:22:34] And when we do, we live according to how we are called to live as Christians, your mission can't pass you by.
[00:22:42] It can pass you by if you leave your Christianity at moments.
[00:22:47] Sometimes you feel as to be a good Christian, another time you feel, I should rest.
[00:22:53] And you can be resting during when your mission presents itself, your specific mission to earth.
[00:23:00] Presence itself.
[00:23:01] So when we just do the effort and beg God every day for the grace of final perseverance, for the grace of being a good Christian until I die, we will definitely meet up with our mission.
[00:23:16] And I think my conviction, I've read from some other spiritual writers, they say
[00:23:21] that at the hour of when we would have died then you will see the effects of your individual action all your actions you will see all the effects how they impacted the community how they impacted the world and you will see how your particular mission is highlighted the decision the concrete thing that you did one particular action that you did which God had designed for you and it came your way
[00:23:52] In the first reading of this Mass, we hear that the suffering servant in the prophecy of the prophet Isaiah, the suffering servant, his mission was to redeem.
[00:24:06] That's the prophecy of Christ, his prophesying of Christ.
[00:24:10] It was not just to redeem humanity, but in that his mission to redeem humanity is encrypted
[00:24:19] The fact that he's going to shine as a light for the world.
[00:24:24] So we are going to see people who see his light and follow.
[00:24:28] But the biggest part of it is he comes to redeem the world.
[00:24:36] In the second reading of the day, we get this name Sustenance that appears only two times in the Bible, Sustenance.
[00:24:44] Sustenance, now he is a close companion of Saint Paul.
[00:24:49] He sends greetings and includes Sustenance in him who is his powerful helper.
[00:24:55] But the other part of Sustenance in scripture is seen when Sustenance
[00:25:02] Arrested Paul and brought him to be judged and condemned but when the governor the chief judge backed out that there was no case there the people assembled and gave and got him well flocked so sustenance had to be beaten to his senses
[00:25:24] Then with that, it led him gradually and he became a close companion of the Paul he wanted to persecute.
[00:25:35] That is the truth in many of our calling, in any of us in our mission.
[00:25:40] For some, it's so clear.
[00:25:42] For others, they have to struggle, struggle before they will figure it out.
[00:25:46] And when they figure it out, they click and they remain very faithful.
[00:25:53] Some of us are spoilt because we were born Catholics, raised Catholics, and then sometimes we feel we have been too Catholic, we want to rest, we want to relax.
[00:26:06] And then we miss our mission.
[00:26:10] Some people felt really handpicked by the Holy Spirit in some mysterious way God says now it is time for him or for her to accomplish and then sends you in somebody from nowhere who speaks Catholicism to you and then again it clicks and then some they say sometimes the expression is she has or he has a kind of burning zeal of a convert
[00:26:42] So brothers and sisters, one of the things I am up to emphasize today is that don't hesitate to speak the faith to people because your own mission may be to direct somebody pointing the way to Christ like we will soon see with John the Baptist in the Gospel of today.
[00:27:04] and everything that person is gonna do or the other generation from that person, maybe the person's child or children will turn out to be, will be because you succeeded in your mission which was to point their father or their mother to Christ.
[00:27:24] So we can't afford to be, sometimes we get too shy to speak about our faith, to stand out about our faith, but then our mission can be hidden in that.
[00:27:35] In the gospel just proclaimed, John fulfills and completes his mission.
[00:27:42] Now he can now say he must grow higher and I must grow smaller because he has accomplished his mission.
[00:27:49] What was John's mission?
[00:27:50] First, to preach the baptism of repentance in preparation for the coming of Christ.
[00:27:57] And that wasn't all.
[00:27:59] He also had the mission
[00:28:03] To recognize Christ and to point him to the people.
[00:28:07] Preaching the baptism of repentance for the preparing of Christ was not enough.
[00:28:11] He had to accomplish it by recognizing Christ when he comes.
[00:28:16] And there is, like in the gospel, they say, behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
[00:28:21] He is the one of whom I said, I said with all passion, sometimes the gospel seem, if we don't
[00:28:28] Maybe the way we read it, that's how it also comes across.
[00:28:31] Because it can't, the way I read it, it did not carry the excitement of John.
[00:28:37] But if I had read it to carry the excitement of John, it could have also seemed to some people like a drama.
[00:28:43] But that would be exactly the kind of expression of John.
[00:28:48] Behold the Lamb of God, and everybody kind of, and they look at him.
[00:28:52] He is the one of whom I said, and he says everything that was in the gospel.
[00:28:57] With that he has accomplished.
[00:29:01] We could be sitting here when we have accomplished our mission.
[00:29:06] So whatever we are doing now is bonus and then waiting for praying for the final perseverance so that God meets us when he wants us finally.
[00:29:17] He meets us where we have accomplished and we're consistent in the faith.
[00:29:24] It could also be that even at the age of 80 or what or 80 something even 90 that moment is yet to come.
[00:29:34] And that is why every opportunity to be a Christian is an opportunity not to let go.
[00:29:41] Every opportunity that presents itself to do some good work is an opportunity not to let go.
[00:29:52] especially as we don't know the moment of our mission, the moment the mission, your personal mission presents itself.
[00:30:01] So we keep praying to God for the grace
[00:30:06] of retaining the faith we have received and also for the grace of final perseverance, in which case we would have met with God's mission for us and also look like Simeon.
[00:30:21] At last, Lord, you can let your servant go in peace, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared for all the nations to see.
[00:30:29] Delight to enlighten the Gentiles and give glory to Israel, your people.
[00:30:34] God is good in all the times.
[00:30:45] I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
[00:30:54] I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages, God from God, light from light, true God from true God.
[00:31:07] Begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father.
[00:31:11] Through him all things were made, for us men and for our salvation.
[00:31:17] He came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man.
[00:31:24] For our salvation we fight under Pontius Pilate.
[00:31:28] He suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day, in accordance with the Scriptures.
[00:31:35] He ascended into heaven and seated at the right hand of the Father will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end I believe in the Holy Spirit
[00:31:49] The Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified.
[00:31:59] He has spoken through the prophets.
[00:32:01] I believe in one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.
[00:32:05] I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
[00:32:09] And I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.
[00:32:14] Amen.
[00:32:16] The Lord be with you.
[00:32:18] Brothers and sisters, let us lift up our hearts in prayers to God for the world, for our church, for our parish, and for our families, especially as He has a mission for each one of us in the world.
[00:32:33] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_00]:
that civil officials and leaders may have the wisdom and virtues to address the challenges in their areas to advance the common good.
[00:32:44] Let us pray to the Lord.
[00:32:46] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_06]:
Lord hear our prayer.
[00:32:48] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_00]:
For those with illness of body or mind and for those who care for them with compassion, let us pray to the Lord.
[00:32:57] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_06]:
Lord hear our prayer.
[00:32:59] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_00]:
Let us pray to the Lord.
[00:33:02] Lord hear our prayer.
[00:33:10] For the eternal rest for all our faithful departed, especially those we miss from our families and for all grieving loved ones, let us pray to the Lord.
[00:33:21] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_06]:
Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:33:23] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_00]:
For those preparing for sacraments this spring and for their catechists, let us pray to the Lord.
[00:33:30] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_06]:
Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:33:33] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_00]:
For the safety of those who daily serve for protection, defense, and rescue of others abroad and here in the homeland, let us pray to the Lord.
[00:33:45] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_06]:
Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:33:47] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_00]:
For participation in works of mercy, especially in our local area, let us pray to the Lord.
[00:33:55] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_06]:
Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:33:58] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_00]:
That the God of mercy will hear the prayers we now speak in the silence of our hearts.
[00:34:13] Let us pray to the Lord.
[00:34:15] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:34:18] God of mercy and compassion,
[00:34:23] We bring ourselves to you with these petitions we have presented, that you, who allot each one of us their task, may also grant us the graces to accomplish them for your greater glory and for our salvation, through Christ our Lord.
[00:34:39] Amen.
[00:34:44] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
Our offertory is number 834, We Are Many Parts, number 834.
[00:34:53] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
We are many parts We are all one body And the gifts we have We are given to share
[00:35:19] May the Spirit of love Make us one indeed One the love that we share One our hope in despair One the cross that we bear
[00:35:41] God of all, we look to you We would be your servants true Let us be your love to all the world We are many parts We are all one body And the gifts we have We are given to share
[00:36:11] Be the spirit of love Make us one indeed One the love that we share One our hope in despair One the cross that we bear So my pain is pain for you And your joy is my joy too
[00:36:41] All is brought together in the Lord We are many parts We are all one body And the gifts we have We are given to share
[00:37:03] May the Spirit of love Make us one indeed One the love that we share One our hope in despair One the cross that we bear
[00:37:40] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
Let's pray.
[00:38:09] Thank you for watching!
[00:38:40] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
That my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God the Almighty Father.
[00:38:46] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his holy church.
[00:38:55] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_06]:
Amen.
[00:38:56] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Grant also, Lord, we pray, that we may participate worthily in these mysteries, for whenever the memorial of this sacrifice is celebrated, the work of our redemption is accomplished through Christ our Lord.
[00:39:14] Amen.
[00:39:15] The Lord be with you.
[00:39:18] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
And with your spirit.
[00:39:20] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Lift up your hearts.
[00:39:23] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
We lift them up to the Lord.
[00:39:27] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
[00:39:30] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
It is right and just.
[00:39:35] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God, through Christ our Lord.
[00:39:50] For out of compassion for the waywardness that is ours, he humbled himself and was born of the Virgin.
[00:39:58] By the Passion of the Cross, he freed us from unending death.
[00:40:04] and by rising from the dead he gave us life eternal and so with angels and archangels with thrones and dominions and with all the hosts and powers of heaven we sing the hymn of your glory as without a hint we are clear
[00:40:33] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
Holy, holy, holy Lord God of hosts Heaven and earth are full of your glory Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest
[00:40:57] Blessed is he who calls in the name of the Lord Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest
[00:41:24] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
You are indeed holy, O Lord, the fount of all holiness.
[00:41:28] Make holy therefore this gift, we pray, by sending down your Spirit upon them like the dewfall, so that they may become for us the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[00:41:41] At the time he was betrayed and entered willingly into his Passion, he took bread.
[00:41:47] And giving thanks, broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take this, all of you, and eat of it, for this is my body, which will be given up for you.
[00:42:14] In a similar way,
[00:42:17] When supper was ended, he took the chalice, and once more giving thanks, he gave the chalice to his disciples, saying, Take this, all of you, and drink from it, for this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.
[00:42:39] Do this in memory of me.
[00:42:58] The mystery of faith
[00:43:10] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
Save us, Savior of the world, for by your cross and resurrection you have set us free.
[00:43:31] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Therefore,
[00:43:33] As we celebrate the memorial of his death and resurrection, we offer you, Lord, the bread of life and the chalice of salvation, giving thanks that you have held us worthy to be in your presence and minister to you.
[00:43:46] Humbly we pray that, partaking of the body and blood of Christ, we may be gathered into one by the Holy Spirit.
[00:43:54] Remember, Lord, your Church spread throughout the world and bring her to the fullness of charity.
[00:44:00] Together with you, our Pope,
[00:44:02] and Michael our Bishop and all the clergy.
[00:44:07] Remember also our brothers and sisters who have fallen asleep.
[00:44:12] In the hope of the resurrection, we pray in a special way for our fallen relatives and friends and members of this parish.
[00:44:22] Welcome them into the light of your face.
[00:44:25] Have mercy on us all, we pray, that with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, with Blessed Joseph, her spouse, with your blessed Apostles, St. Therese, and all the Saints who have pleased you throughout the ages, we may merit to be coheirs to eternal life and may praise and glorify you through your Son, Jesus Christ.
[00:44:50] Through him, with him, in him, O God, Almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours forever and ever.
[00:45:13] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
Amen, amen, amen.
[00:45:25] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
At the Savior's command, informed by divine teaching, we dare to pray.
[00:45:30] Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
[00:45:35] Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
[00:45:41] Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
[00:45:50] And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from
[00:45:54] Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil.
[00:45:58] Graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
[00:46:11] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_05]:
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever.
[00:46:15] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your apostles, Peace I leave you, my peace I give you, look not on our sins but on the faith of your church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will, who live and reign forever and ever.
[00:46:33] The peace of the Lord be with you always.
[00:46:36] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_05]:
And with your spirit.
[00:46:37] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Let us now offer each other the sign of peace.
[00:46:40] Peace be with you.
[00:46:44] Peace be with you.
[00:46:46] Peace be with you and God bless you.
[00:47:09] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world.
[00:47:21] Have mercy on us.
[00:47:26] Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world.
[00:47:37] Have mercy on us.
[00:47:42] Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world.
[00:47:54] Grant us peace.
[00:48:07] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Behold the Lamb of God.
[00:48:10] Behold He who takes away the sins of the world.
[00:48:14] Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.
[00:48:18] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_05]:
Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.
[00:48:50] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
of Christ.
[00:50:37] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_05]:
Our first communion hymn is number 939 in your gather hymnal, Behold the Lamb, number 939.
[00:51:14] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
Those who were in the dark Are thankful for the sunlight We who live, we who die Are grateful for this gift Thankful for God's love
[00:51:41] Behold, behold the Lamb of God All who eat, all who drink shall live And all, all who dwell in God
[00:52:08] Shall come to know God's glory.
[00:52:19] Peaceful now those whose hearts are blessed with understanding,
[00:52:30] of the wheat of the wine united with God's word and the love we share
[00:52:44] Behold, behold the Lamb of God All who eat, all who drink shall live And all, all who dwell in God
[00:53:14] I come to know God's glory.
[00:53:26] Gentle one, child of God, join with us at this table.
[00:53:36] Bless our lives, nourish all who hunger for this feast.
[00:53:46] Shelter them with peace.
[00:53:53] Behold, behold the Lamb of God, all who eat, all who drink shall live, and all
[00:54:14] All who dwell in God shall come to know God's glory.
[00:54:32] Lord of all, give us light, deliver us from evil.
[00:54:43] Make us one, be our shield, make still the winds that blow.
[00:54:54] Cradle us with love,
[00:54:59] Behold, behold the Lamb of God All who eat, all who drink shall live And all, all who dwell in God
[00:55:27] Our next communion hymn is 751, the servant song, number 751.
[00:56:05] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
The Lord is with you.
[00:56:14] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
Will you let me be your servant?
[00:56:20] Let me be as Christ to you.
[00:56:25] Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant too.
[00:56:39] We are pilgrims on a journey We are travelers on the road We are here to help each other Walk the mile and bear the load
[00:57:05] I will hold the Christ light for you In the nighttime of your fear I will hold my hand out to you Speak the peace you long to hear
[00:57:31] I will weep when you are weeping when you laugh I'll laugh with you I will share your joy and sorrow till we've seen this journey through when we see
[00:58:02] We shall find such harmony Born of all we've known together Of Christ's love and agony Will you let me
[00:58:28] Let me be as Christ to you.
[00:58:35] Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant too.
[00:59:12] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
.
[00:59:13] .
[00:59:13] .
[01:00:24] Let us pray.
[01:01:17] Let us pray.
[01:02:09] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
We have come to know and to believe in the love that God has for us.
[01:02:15] Let us pray.
[01:02:16] Pour on us, O Lord, the spirit of your love, and in your kindness make those you have nourished by this one heavenly bread one in mind and heart.
[01:02:31] We make our prayers through Christ our Lord.
[01:02:40] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Join us next Sunday after the 10 a.m. Mass for the Little Way Preschool Open House.
[01:02:46] Meet our teachers, explore the classrooms, and learn about our joyful, faith-filled program.
[01:02:52] Registration for the annual Women's Day of Reflection is open.
[01:02:56] Space is limited.
[01:02:57] Details on how to register are in the bulletin.
[01:03:01] Please check the bulletin for more information about what's happening here at St. Therese.
[01:03:08] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
The Lord be with you.
[01:03:10] May the blessings of Almighty God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit come upon you and remain with you now and forever.
[01:03:21] Go forth, the Mass is ended.
[01:03:27] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Our song of sending forth is in the Gather Book number 777, Here I Am Lord number 777.
[01:03:46] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry.
[01:03:54] All who dwell in dark and sin, my hand will stay.
[01:04:03] I who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.
[01:04:11] Who will bear my light to them?
[01:04:15] Whom shall I stand?
[01:04:19] Here I am, Lord, is it I, Lord?
[01:04:30] I have heard you calling in the night.
[01:04:42] I will call, Lord, if you lead me.
[01:04:43] I will hold your people in my heart
Join us for worship today as we celebrate the second Sunday in ordinary time.
[00:03:42] There will be a second collection today to benefit a combined mission collection for churches in Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe, Africa, and the United States Mission Appeal and the Catholic Home Missions.
[00:03:56] Please be generous.
[00:03:58] Please turn off your cell phones or set them for the silent mode.
[00:04:01] For safety reasons, we ask that all children be accompanied by an adult when attending the restrooms.
[00:04:07] Our presider for this Mass is Father Engelbert Offen.
[00:04:11] Our Gathering Hymn is number 850 in your Gatherer Book.
[00:04:18] Let us all stand and sing together.
[00:04:22] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
And we're singing verses 1 and 5.
[00:04:34] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
Let us build a house where love can dwell and all can safely live A place where saints and children tell how hearts learn to forgive
[00:04:50] Fill our hopes and dreams and visions Rock of faith and vault of grace Here the love of Christ shall end divisions All are welcome, all are welcome All are welcome in this place
[00:05:16] Let us build a house where all our needs, their songs and visions heard, and loved and treasured, taught and claimed, as words within the Word.
[00:05:36] Let us proclaim from floor to rafter All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place
[00:06:08] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.
[00:06:20] So practically say welcome to your neighbor.
[00:06:26] I want us to say welcome to this place, in this place.
[00:06:30] Not from home, in this place.
[00:06:34] Okay, this Mass is offered for all of us, the parishioners of St. Therese, so we could articulate our intentions in our hearts, knowing that we are all praying for our intentions.
[00:06:47] In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
[00:06:51] Amen.
[00:06:51] The Lord be with you.
[00:06:53] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_05]:
And with thy spirit.
[00:06:54] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Brothers and sisters, let us call to mind our sins, and so prepare ourselves for a worthy celebration of this Mass.
[00:07:05] I confess to Almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have feared to do, through my faults, through my faults, through my most grievous faults.
[00:07:24] Therefore I ask the Blessed Mary, ever-Virgin,
[00:07:28] All the angels and saints, and you my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.
[00:07:36] May Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.
[00:07:42] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
Amen.
[00:07:44] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Lord have mercy.
[00:07:45] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
Lord have mercy.
[00:07:47] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Christ have mercy.
[00:07:48] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
Christ have mercy.
[00:07:49] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Lord have mercy.
[00:07:50] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
Lord have mercy.
[00:07:58] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
We praise you, we bless you, we adore you We glorify you We give you thanks for your great glory
[00:08:20] Lord God, Heavenly King, O God Almighty, Father, Lord Jesus Christ, Holy Begotten Son,
[00:08:35] Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father You take away the sins of the world Have mercy on us You take away the sins of the world Receive our prayer
[00:08:59] You are still the right hand of the Father Have mercy on us For you alone are the Holy One You alone are the Lord You alone are the Most High Jesus Christ In the Holy Spirit
[00:09:27] In the glory of God the Father.
[00:09:42] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
Amen.
[00:09:43] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Let us pray.
[00:09:48] Almighty ever-living God, who governs all things both in heaven and on earth,
[00:09:54] Mercifully hear the pleading of your people and bestow your peace on our times through our Lord Jesus Christ your Son who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit God forever and ever.
[00:10:26] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_00]:
A reading from the book of the prophet Isaiah.
[00:10:31] The Lord said to me, you are my servant Israel through whom I will show my glory.
[00:10:42] Now the Lord has spoken who formed me as his servant from the womb that Jacob may be brought back to him and Israel gathered to him
[00:10:54] And I am made glorious in the sight of the Lord, and my God is now my strength.
[00:11:04] It is too little, the Lord says, for you to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob and restore the survivors of Israel.
[00:11:15] I will make you a light to the nations.
[00:11:21] that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.
[00:11:27] The word of the Lord.
[00:11:28] Thanks be to God.
[00:11:54] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
Here am I, Lord, I come to do your will Here am I, Lord, I come to do your will
[00:12:17] I have waited, waited for the Lord And he stooped toward me and heard my cry And he put a new song into my mouth A hymn to our God
[00:12:41] Here am I, Lord, I come to do your will.
[00:12:52] Sacrifice or offering you wished not, but ears open to obedience you gave me.
[00:13:03] Holocaust or sin offerings you sought not,
[00:13:08] Then said I, behold, I come Here am I, Lord, I come to do your will
[00:13:27] In the written scroll it is prescribed for me To do your will, O my God, is my delight And your law is within my heart
[00:13:50] I come to do your will.
[00:14:00] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
I announced your justice in the vast assembly.
[00:14:08] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
I did not restrain my lips as you, O Lord, know.
[00:14:19] Here am I, Lord, I come to do Your will
[00:14:51] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_01]:
A reading from the first letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians.
[00:14:57] Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Sustenius, our brother, to the church of God that is in Corinth, to you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with all those everywhere who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord and ours,
[00:15:23] Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
[00:15:31] The Word of the Lord.
[00:15:33] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_05]:
Thanks be to God.
[00:15:55] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]:
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
[00:16:19] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us.
[00:16:29] To those who accepted Him, He gave power to become children of God.
[00:16:41] Alleluia!
[00:16:54] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
Alleluia!
[00:16:54] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Alleluia!
[00:16:56] The Lord be with you.
[00:16:58] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
And with thy spirit.
[00:17:01] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to John.
[00:17:06] Glory to you, O Lord.
[00:17:11] John the baptist saw jesus coming towards him and said behold the lamb of god who takes away the sins of the world he is the one of whom i said a man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me i did not know him but the reason why i baptized i came baptizing with water
[00:17:42] was that he might be made known to Israel.
[00:17:48] John testified further, saying, I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and remain upon him.
[00:17:58] I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me.
[00:18:08] On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.
[00:18:19] Now I have sinned and testify that he is the Son of God.
[00:18:28] The Gospel of the Lord.
[00:18:32] Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
[00:18:43] God is good and all the times good.
[00:18:51] The liturgy of the world of today seems to be reminding us in a very powerful way that each of us has a mission.
[00:19:04] Remember we said it's just a reminder because everybody should know that.
[00:19:08] Of course, the Catechism of the Catholic Church is what we started getting at the very early levels of faith formation.
[00:19:15] And even the basics of the Catechism of the Catholic Church tells us that God made us to know Him, to love Him, to serve Him, and to be happy with Him forever in Heaven.
[00:19:31] And if that is the teaching of the Church, which is true,
[00:19:36] Then how can you serve the Lord without knowing how He wants you to serve Him?
[00:19:44] For one thing, we are certain that God wants each of us to serve Him.
[00:19:49] As to what our precise missions will be, those can only be seen after we have transited.
[00:20:00] When we die, we will see precisely
[00:20:04] the particular is we're all made to serve God we are all Christians we are all children of God he loves us we have opportunities to serve him that each person has a moment in your life there's a moment which was created for you and just you
[00:20:26] We will see that in the scriptures, in the readings of today.
[00:20:30] But we have some particular thing which was not meant for anybody.
[00:20:36] It was meant for me.
[00:20:37] It was meant for you.
[00:20:39] And that is why we should not play with the opportunities we have.
[00:20:44] We should not miss the opportunities to do anything that is good.
[00:20:49] We don't procrastinate our goodness.
[00:20:52] Just do good.
[00:20:54] Just be nice.
[00:20:55] Whenever the opportunity presents itself for you to serve, just serve.
[00:20:59] It could be that moment you want to procrastinate is actually the moment that was designed.
[00:21:07] In our lives every day, we do the will of God.
[00:21:11] We have things that we do for God.
[00:21:13] We have missions for every day.
[00:21:15] There are things that He wants us to do.
[00:21:17] But there is a purpose for which we were created.
[00:21:21] I give a simple example.
[00:21:23] I was called to the priesthood.
[00:21:26] God called me to the priesthood.
[00:21:28] I keep serving him and try to make myself available to serve him in the sacraments and the different ways, the pastoral ways in which the priest should serve.
[00:21:41] But there could be somebody who knows whether I was designed
[00:21:49] To give baptism, the waters of baptism, to a future president of the United States.
[00:21:58] Who knows whether God created you to parent a future governor or whoever of a particular state that will make a name for itself or for the country or for the world.
[00:22:14] We all have precise missions.
[00:22:16] Those, sometimes they are revealed to us by the Holy Spirit, sometimes they come in the midst of, the word there is, encrypted in a bigger mission to be Christians, to be servants of God, encrypted into it.
[00:22:34] And when we do, we live according to how we are called to live as Christians, your mission can't pass you by.
[00:22:42] It can pass you by if you leave your Christianity at moments.
[00:22:47] Sometimes you feel as to be a good Christian, another time you feel, I should rest.
[00:22:53] And you can be resting during when your mission presents itself, your specific mission to earth.
[00:23:00] Presence itself.
[00:23:01] So when we just do the effort and beg God every day for the grace of final perseverance, for the grace of being a good Christian until I die, we will definitely meet up with our mission.
[00:23:16] And I think my conviction, I've read from some other spiritual writers, they say
[00:23:21] that at the hour of when we would have died then you will see the effects of your individual action all your actions you will see all the effects how they impacted the community how they impacted the world and you will see how your particular mission is highlighted the decision the concrete thing that you did one particular action that you did which God had designed for you and it came your way
[00:23:52] In the first reading of this Mass, we hear that the suffering servant in the prophecy of the prophet Isaiah, the suffering servant, his mission was to redeem.
[00:24:06] That's the prophecy of Christ, his prophesying of Christ.
[00:24:10] It was not just to redeem humanity, but in that his mission to redeem humanity is encrypted
[00:24:19] The fact that he's going to shine as a light for the world.
[00:24:24] So we are going to see people who see his light and follow.
[00:24:28] But the biggest part of it is he comes to redeem the world.
[00:24:36] In the second reading of the day, we get this name Sustenance that appears only two times in the Bible, Sustenance.
[00:24:44] Sustenance, now he is a close companion of Saint Paul.
[00:24:49] He sends greetings and includes Sustenance in him who is his powerful helper.
[00:24:55] But the other part of Sustenance in scripture is seen when Sustenance
[00:25:02] Arrested Paul and brought him to be judged and condemned but when the governor the chief judge backed out that there was no case there the people assembled and gave and got him well flocked so sustenance had to be beaten to his senses
[00:25:24] Then with that, it led him gradually and he became a close companion of the Paul he wanted to persecute.
[00:25:35] That is the truth in many of our calling, in any of us in our mission.
[00:25:40] For some, it's so clear.
[00:25:42] For others, they have to struggle, struggle before they will figure it out.
[00:25:46] And when they figure it out, they click and they remain very faithful.
[00:25:53] Some of us are spoilt because we were born Catholics, raised Catholics, and then sometimes we feel we have been too Catholic, we want to rest, we want to relax.
[00:26:06] And then we miss our mission.
[00:26:10] Some people felt really handpicked by the Holy Spirit in some mysterious way God says now it is time for him or for her to accomplish and then sends you in somebody from nowhere who speaks Catholicism to you and then again it clicks and then some they say sometimes the expression is she has or he has a kind of burning zeal of a convert
[00:26:42] So brothers and sisters, one of the things I am up to emphasize today is that don't hesitate to speak the faith to people because your own mission may be to direct somebody pointing the way to Christ like we will soon see with John the Baptist in the Gospel of today.
[00:27:04] and everything that person is gonna do or the other generation from that person, maybe the person's child or children will turn out to be, will be because you succeeded in your mission which was to point their father or their mother to Christ.
[00:27:24] So we can't afford to be, sometimes we get too shy to speak about our faith, to stand out about our faith, but then our mission can be hidden in that.
[00:27:35] In the gospel just proclaimed, John fulfills and completes his mission.
[00:27:42] Now he can now say he must grow higher and I must grow smaller because he has accomplished his mission.
[00:27:49] What was John's mission?
[00:27:50] First, to preach the baptism of repentance in preparation for the coming of Christ.
[00:27:57] And that wasn't all.
[00:27:59] He also had the mission
[00:28:03] To recognize Christ and to point him to the people.
[00:28:07] Preaching the baptism of repentance for the preparing of Christ was not enough.
[00:28:11] He had to accomplish it by recognizing Christ when he comes.
[00:28:16] And there is, like in the gospel, they say, behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
[00:28:21] He is the one of whom I said, I said with all passion, sometimes the gospel seem, if we don't
[00:28:28] Maybe the way we read it, that's how it also comes across.
[00:28:31] Because it can't, the way I read it, it did not carry the excitement of John.
[00:28:37] But if I had read it to carry the excitement of John, it could have also seemed to some people like a drama.
[00:28:43] But that would be exactly the kind of expression of John.
[00:28:48] Behold the Lamb of God, and everybody kind of, and they look at him.
[00:28:52] He is the one of whom I said, and he says everything that was in the gospel.
[00:28:57] With that he has accomplished.
[00:29:01] We could be sitting here when we have accomplished our mission.
[00:29:06] So whatever we are doing now is bonus and then waiting for praying for the final perseverance so that God meets us when he wants us finally.
[00:29:17] He meets us where we have accomplished and we're consistent in the faith.
[00:29:24] It could also be that even at the age of 80 or what or 80 something even 90 that moment is yet to come.
[00:29:34] And that is why every opportunity to be a Christian is an opportunity not to let go.
[00:29:41] Every opportunity that presents itself to do some good work is an opportunity not to let go.
[00:29:52] especially as we don't know the moment of our mission, the moment the mission, your personal mission presents itself.
[00:30:01] So we keep praying to God for the grace
[00:30:06] of retaining the faith we have received and also for the grace of final perseverance, in which case we would have met with God's mission for us and also look like Simeon.
[00:30:21] At last, Lord, you can let your servant go in peace, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared for all the nations to see.
[00:30:29] Delight to enlighten the Gentiles and give glory to Israel, your people.
[00:30:34] God is good in all the times.
[00:30:45] I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.
[00:30:54] I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages, God from God, light from light, true God from true God.
[00:31:07] Begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father.
[00:31:11] Through him all things were made, for us men and for our salvation.
[00:31:17] He came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man.
[00:31:24] For our salvation we fight under Pontius Pilate.
[00:31:28] He suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day, in accordance with the Scriptures.
[00:31:35] He ascended into heaven and seated at the right hand of the Father will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end I believe in the Holy Spirit
[00:31:49] The Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified.
[00:31:59] He has spoken through the prophets.
[00:32:01] I believe in one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.
[00:32:05] I confess one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
[00:32:09] And I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.
[00:32:14] Amen.
[00:32:16] The Lord be with you.
[00:32:18] Brothers and sisters, let us lift up our hearts in prayers to God for the world, for our church, for our parish, and for our families, especially as He has a mission for each one of us in the world.
[00:32:33] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_00]:
that civil officials and leaders may have the wisdom and virtues to address the challenges in their areas to advance the common good.
[00:32:44] Let us pray to the Lord.
[00:32:46] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_06]:
Lord hear our prayer.
[00:32:48] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_00]:
For those with illness of body or mind and for those who care for them with compassion, let us pray to the Lord.
[00:32:57] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_06]:
Lord hear our prayer.
[00:32:59] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_00]:
Let us pray to the Lord.
[00:33:02] Lord hear our prayer.
[00:33:10] For the eternal rest for all our faithful departed, especially those we miss from our families and for all grieving loved ones, let us pray to the Lord.
[00:33:21] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_06]:
Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:33:23] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_00]:
For those preparing for sacraments this spring and for their catechists, let us pray to the Lord.
[00:33:30] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_06]:
Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:33:33] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_00]:
For the safety of those who daily serve for protection, defense, and rescue of others abroad and here in the homeland, let us pray to the Lord.
[00:33:45] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_06]:
Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:33:47] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_00]:
For participation in works of mercy, especially in our local area, let us pray to the Lord.
[00:33:55] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_06]:
Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:33:58] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_00]:
That the God of mercy will hear the prayers we now speak in the silence of our hearts.
[00:34:13] Let us pray to the Lord.
[00:34:15] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Lord, hear our prayer.
[00:34:18] God of mercy and compassion,
[00:34:23] We bring ourselves to you with these petitions we have presented, that you, who allot each one of us their task, may also grant us the graces to accomplish them for your greater glory and for our salvation, through Christ our Lord.
[00:34:39] Amen.
[00:34:44] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
Our offertory is number 834, We Are Many Parts, number 834.
[00:34:53] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
We are many parts We are all one body And the gifts we have We are given to share
[00:35:19] May the Spirit of love Make us one indeed One the love that we share One our hope in despair One the cross that we bear
[00:35:41] God of all, we look to you We would be your servants true Let us be your love to all the world We are many parts We are all one body And the gifts we have We are given to share
[00:36:11] Be the spirit of love Make us one indeed One the love that we share One our hope in despair One the cross that we bear So my pain is pain for you And your joy is my joy too
[00:36:41] All is brought together in the Lord We are many parts We are all one body And the gifts we have We are given to share
[00:37:03] May the Spirit of love Make us one indeed One the love that we share One our hope in despair One the cross that we bear
[00:37:40] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
Let's pray.
[00:38:09] Thank you for watching!
[00:38:40] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
That my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God the Almighty Father.
[00:38:46] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]:
May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his holy church.
[00:38:55] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_06]:
Amen.
[00:38:56] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Grant also, Lord, we pray, that we may participate worthily in these mysteries, for whenever the memorial of this sacrifice is celebrated, the work of our redemption is accomplished through Christ our Lord.
[00:39:14] Amen.
[00:39:15] The Lord be with you.
[00:39:18] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
And with your spirit.
[00:39:20] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Lift up your hearts.
[00:39:23] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
We lift them up to the Lord.
[00:39:27] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
[00:39:30] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
It is right and just.
[00:39:35] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Lord, Holy Father, Almighty and Eternal God, through Christ our Lord.
[00:39:50] For out of compassion for the waywardness that is ours, he humbled himself and was born of the Virgin.
[00:39:58] By the Passion of the Cross, he freed us from unending death.
[00:40:04] and by rising from the dead he gave us life eternal and so with angels and archangels with thrones and dominions and with all the hosts and powers of heaven we sing the hymn of your glory as without a hint we are clear
[00:40:33] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
Holy, holy, holy Lord God of hosts Heaven and earth are full of your glory Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest
[00:40:57] Blessed is he who calls in the name of the Lord Hosanna, Hosanna in the highest
[00:41:24] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
You are indeed holy, O Lord, the fount of all holiness.
[00:41:28] Make holy therefore this gift, we pray, by sending down your Spirit upon them like the dewfall, so that they may become for us the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[00:41:41] At the time he was betrayed and entered willingly into his Passion, he took bread.
[00:41:47] And giving thanks, broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take this, all of you, and eat of it, for this is my body, which will be given up for you.
[00:42:14] In a similar way,
[00:42:17] When supper was ended, he took the chalice, and once more giving thanks, he gave the chalice to his disciples, saying, Take this, all of you, and drink from it, for this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.
[00:42:39] Do this in memory of me.
[00:42:58] The mystery of faith
[00:43:10] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
Save us, Savior of the world, for by your cross and resurrection you have set us free.
[00:43:31] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Therefore,
[00:43:33] As we celebrate the memorial of his death and resurrection, we offer you, Lord, the bread of life and the chalice of salvation, giving thanks that you have held us worthy to be in your presence and minister to you.
[00:43:46] Humbly we pray that, partaking of the body and blood of Christ, we may be gathered into one by the Holy Spirit.
[00:43:54] Remember, Lord, your Church spread throughout the world and bring her to the fullness of charity.
[00:44:00] Together with you, our Pope,
[00:44:02] and Michael our Bishop and all the clergy.
[00:44:07] Remember also our brothers and sisters who have fallen asleep.
[00:44:12] In the hope of the resurrection, we pray in a special way for our fallen relatives and friends and members of this parish.
[00:44:22] Welcome them into the light of your face.
[00:44:25] Have mercy on us all, we pray, that with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, with Blessed Joseph, her spouse, with your blessed Apostles, St. Therese, and all the Saints who have pleased you throughout the ages, we may merit to be coheirs to eternal life and may praise and glorify you through your Son, Jesus Christ.
[00:44:50] Through him, with him, in him, O God, Almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours forever and ever.
[00:45:13] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
Amen, amen, amen.
[00:45:25] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
At the Savior's command, informed by divine teaching, we dare to pray.
[00:45:30] Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
[00:45:35] Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
[00:45:41] Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
[00:45:50] And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from
[00:45:54] Deliver us, Lord, we pray, from every evil.
[00:45:58] Graciously grant peace in our days, that, by the help of your mercy, we may be always free from sin and safe from all distress, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
[00:46:11] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_05]:
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever.
[00:46:15] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Lord Jesus Christ, who said to your apostles, Peace I leave you, my peace I give you, look not on our sins but on the faith of your church, and graciously grant her peace and unity in accordance with your will, who live and reign forever and ever.
[00:46:33] The peace of the Lord be with you always.
[00:46:36] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_05]:
And with your spirit.
[00:46:37] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Let us now offer each other the sign of peace.
[00:46:40] Peace be with you.
[00:46:44] Peace be with you.
[00:46:46] Peace be with you and God bless you.
[00:47:09] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world.
[00:47:21] Have mercy on us.
[00:47:26] Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world.
[00:47:37] Have mercy on us.
[00:47:42] Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world.
[00:47:54] Grant us peace.
[00:48:07] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
Behold the Lamb of God.
[00:48:10] Behold He who takes away the sins of the world.
[00:48:14] Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.
[00:48:18] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_05]:
Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.
[00:48:50] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
of Christ.
[00:50:37] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_05]:
Our first communion hymn is number 939 in your gather hymnal, Behold the Lamb, number 939.
[00:51:14] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
Those who were in the dark Are thankful for the sunlight We who live, we who die Are grateful for this gift Thankful for God's love
[00:51:41] Behold, behold the Lamb of God All who eat, all who drink shall live And all, all who dwell in God
[00:52:08] Shall come to know God's glory.
[00:52:19] Peaceful now those whose hearts are blessed with understanding,
[00:52:30] of the wheat of the wine united with God's word and the love we share
[00:52:44] Behold, behold the Lamb of God All who eat, all who drink shall live And all, all who dwell in God
[00:53:14] I come to know God's glory.
[00:53:26] Gentle one, child of God, join with us at this table.
[00:53:36] Bless our lives, nourish all who hunger for this feast.
[00:53:46] Shelter them with peace.
[00:53:53] Behold, behold the Lamb of God, all who eat, all who drink shall live, and all
[00:54:14] All who dwell in God shall come to know God's glory.
[00:54:32] Lord of all, give us light, deliver us from evil.
[00:54:43] Make us one, be our shield, make still the winds that blow.
[00:54:54] Cradle us with love,
[00:54:59] Behold, behold the Lamb of God All who eat, all who drink shall live And all, all who dwell in God
[00:55:27] Our next communion hymn is 751, the servant song, number 751.
[00:56:05] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
The Lord is with you.
[00:56:14] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
Will you let me be your servant?
[00:56:20] Let me be as Christ to you.
[00:56:25] Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant too.
[00:56:39] We are pilgrims on a journey We are travelers on the road We are here to help each other Walk the mile and bear the load
[00:57:05] I will hold the Christ light for you In the nighttime of your fear I will hold my hand out to you Speak the peace you long to hear
[00:57:31] I will weep when you are weeping when you laugh I'll laugh with you I will share your joy and sorrow till we've seen this journey through when we see
[00:58:02] We shall find such harmony Born of all we've known together Of Christ's love and agony Will you let me
[00:58:28] Let me be as Christ to you.
[00:58:35] Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant too.
[00:59:12] [SPEAKER UNKNOWN]:
.
[00:59:13] .
[00:59:13] .
[01:00:24] Let us pray.
[01:01:17] Let us pray.
[01:02:09] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
We have come to know and to believe in the love that God has for us.
[01:02:15] Let us pray.
[01:02:16] Pour on us, O Lord, the spirit of your love, and in your kindness make those you have nourished by this one heavenly bread one in mind and heart.
[01:02:31] We make our prayers through Christ our Lord.
[01:02:40] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Join us next Sunday after the 10 a.m. Mass for the Little Way Preschool Open House.
[01:02:46] Meet our teachers, explore the classrooms, and learn about our joyful, faith-filled program.
[01:02:52] Registration for the annual Women's Day of Reflection is open.
[01:02:56] Space is limited.
[01:02:57] Details on how to register are in the bulletin.
[01:03:01] Please check the bulletin for more information about what's happening here at St. Therese.
[01:03:08] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]:
The Lord be with you.
[01:03:10] May the blessings of Almighty God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit come upon you and remain with you now and forever.
[01:03:21] Go forth, the Mass is ended.
[01:03:27] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]:
Our song of sending forth is in the Gather Book number 777, Here I Am Lord number 777.
[01:03:46] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_08]:
I, the Lord of sea and sky, I have heard my people cry.
[01:03:54] All who dwell in dark and sin, my hand will stay.
[01:04:03] I who made the stars of night, I will make their darkness bright.
[01:04:11] Who will bear my light to them?
[01:04:15] Whom shall I stand?
[01:04:19] Here I am, Lord, is it I, Lord?
[01:04:30] I have heard you calling in the night.
[01:04:42] I will call, Lord, if you lead me.
[01:04:43] I will hold your people in my heart
