During his 1970 Philippine visit, Pope Paul VI visited the Tondo district of Manila where many of the city’s slum dwellers live. Speaking to the crowds, he said: “It is my duty to come here because I have the same mission as that of Jesus Christ; and God, the Father in heaven, sent Him, as He has told us, to bring to the poor the good news, the Gospel (Lk 4:18).”

“I am head of the Catholic Church and its servant and I feel it my duty to proclaim here before you that the Church loves you who are poor. What does it mean to say that the

Church loves you? It means that the Church recognizes first of all your dignity as human beings, as children of God…. She recognizes, moreover, that preference is due to you, because your needs are many in order to give your lives sufficiency and well-being, both material and spiritual.”

“I must also remind you, in virtue of my apostolic ministry, that apart from material bread, apart from the temporal well-being to which you rightfully aspire, and for the attainment of which all are obligated to you in solidarity, you, like all true men, have other higher needs…. You were created for a higher good, for a ‘kingdom of heaven’.” As Church-in-mission, we are called to generously serve the poor in their many needs.

Fr. James H. Kroeger, MM

Bringing Good News to the PoorPASTORAL CATECHESIS FOR THE YEAR OF MISSIO AD GENTES

Year 35 No. 13 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B) — Green September 26, 2021National Seafarer’s Sunday

The CoViD-19 pandemic has shaken the entire planet. Ninety

percent of the goods in the world are transported by sea, and who are the “blue economy” movers? Seafarers! Online shopping has become part of our life. Who transport what we order? Seafarers! Most of the planes have stopped flying, but ships have not stopped sailing. Who have been crewing these ships? Seafarers! Who are providing the good and tasty fishes on our tables? Fishers!

These two categories of people are among today’s essent ial workers. Seafarers typically work in months-on, months-off rotations to ensure their physical, emotional, physiological, and mental health. During the pandemic, the typical 9 months contract stretched up to 20, and this brought unprecedent pressure to seafarers and their families. Roughly 400,000 seafarers

were stranded on ships around the globe, and probably one-third of these were Filipinos.

Since 1996, the Church in the Philippines has led the celebrations of the National Seafarer’s Day and the National Maritime Week, which always falls on the last Sunday and last week of September (P.D. 1094).

Today’s First Reading begins, “The LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to Moses.” At the start of this pandemic, we all felt somehow lost, insecure, and apprehensive. We were like Moses asking the Lord to guide us to safe shores. Seafarers on board ship, fishers, and their families were no different.

The Letter of James is an excellent reminder that everything comes to an end, including this pandemic. Those rooted in the Lord “have stored up treasure for the last days.” Those exploiting and abusing others,

especially seafarers and fishers, are warned, “…the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts.”

The Gospel teaches us that “whoever is not against us is for us.” We must fight this pandemic like a united crew onboard ship for a smooth sailing; CoViD-19 is making us realize that the world is indeed a small village, and we have to care for it: united we stand, divided we fall. The Lord is our light house.

The words of the Responsorial Psalm are certainly reassuring and encouraging: “The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.” How we desire to have the Lord’s joy in our hearts and not fear to reach our port of destination. Thank you, seafarers and fishers, and may Our Lady Star of the Sea keep on protecting and blessing you all.

hank you,SEAFARERS

AND FISHERS !

Tby Fr. Paulo Prigol, CS

were not in the gathering but had been left in the camp. They too had been on the list, but had not gone out to the tent; yet the spirit came to rest on them also, and they prophesied in the camp. So, when a young man quickly told Moses, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp,” Joshua, son of Nun, who from his youth had been Moses’ aide, said, “Moses, my lord, stop them.” But Moses answered him, “Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the people of the LORD were prophets! Would that the LORD might bestow his spirit on them all!”

— The word of the Lord.All — Thanks be to God.

Responsorial Psalm (Ps 19)

R—The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.

1. The law of the LORD is perfect,w/ refreshing the soul;/ the decree of the LORD is trustworthy,/ giving wisdom to the simple. (R)

2. The fear of the LORD is pure,/ enduring forever;/ the ordinances of the LORD are true,/ all of them just. (R)

3. Though your servant is careful of them,/ very diligent in keeping them,/ yet who can detect failings?/ Cleanse me from my unknown faults! (R)

4. From wanton sin especially, restrain your servant;/ let it not rule over me./ Then shall I be blameless and innocent/ of serious sin. (R)

Second Reading (Jas 5:1–6)

James strongly condemns the rich for their wanton lifestyle and their exploitation of the poor and the

Gloria

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory, Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father. Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, 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; you are seated at 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, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Collect

P — Let us pray. (Pause)O God, who manifest your

almighty power above all by pardoning and showing mercy, bestow, we pray, your grace abundantly upon us and make those hastening to attain your promises heirs to the treasures of heaven.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.All — Amen.

First Reading (Nm 11:25–29) (Sit)

Moses rejoices that, for the sake of Israel, God has given his spirit to the seventy elders, including two at a distance. He then invites Joshua to welcome, not resent, this manifestation of God’s generosity. A reading from the Book of Numbers

THE LORD came down in the cloud and spoke to Moses. Taking some of the spirit that was on Moses, the LORD bestowed it on the seventy elders; and as the spirit came to rest on them, they prophesied.

Now two men, one named Eldad and the other Medad,

THE INTRODUCTORY RITESEntrance Antiphon (Dn 3:31, 29, 30, 43, 42)(Recited when there is no opening song.)

All that you have done to us, O Lord, you have done with true judgment, for we have sinned against you and not obeyed your commandments. But give glory to your name and deal with us according to the bounty of your mercy.

Greeting(The sign of the cross is made here.)

P—The Lord be with you.All—And with your spirit.Introduction(These [or similar words] may be used to address the assembly.)

P—Jesus invites us to reflect on his words: “Whoever is not against us is for us.” Being a disciple of Jesus is always inclusive of all people of good will. We celebrate today the 26th National Seafarer’s Sunday. Filipino seafarers are part of God’s circle of friends. They brave danger and suffer loneliness for the sake of their family and country. We pray that they may continue to be effective ambassadors of our country and faithful messengers of Christ.

Penitential Act

P—Brethren (brothers and sisters), let us acknowledge our sins, and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries. (Pause)

P—Have mercy on us, O Lord.All—For we have sinned against you.P—Show us, O Lord, your mercy. All—And grant us your salvation.P—May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life.All—Amen.P—Lord, have mercy.All—Lord, have mercy.P—Christ, have mercy.All—Christ, have mercy.P—Lord, have mercy.All—Lord, have mercy.

Liturgy of the word

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I believe in one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Prayer of the Faithful

P—Let us offer our prayers to our gracious Father, who, in his great mercy, looks upon us with love and never abandons us in time of our needs. With confidence let us pray:

R—Gracious God, hear us.

C—That Church leaders, especially the Pontifical Council for the Apostleship of the Sea, may continue to guide and sup port priests, religious, and lay people who assist sea farers all over the world, we pray: (R)

C—That those who hold public office may find strength and inspiration in the Mercy of the Father who never abandons anyone in need. We pray: (R)

C—Th a t s e a f a r e r s m ay accomplish their work with professional skill and a sense of responsibility, and remain strong in times of temptation and loneliness, drawing inspi-ration from Filipino values and the Christian faith, we pray (R)

C—That sick seafarers, those who feel lonely, those who suffered injuries or accidents, those facing a number of problems, may feel comforted, guided, and strengthened by God’s mercy, we pray: (R)

C—That our beloved dead may be welcomed in Heaven where true and lasting peace is found, we pray: (R)

C—Let us pray for the urgent concerns of our community and our personal intentions (pause). We pray: (R)

P—Hear us, Lord, our God, and prosper the work of our minds and hands so that your blessings may abound for us and for all your people. We ask this through Christ our Lord. All—Amen.

him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than with two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life crippled than with two feet to be thrown into Gehenna. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. Better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into Gehenna, where ‘their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’ ”

—The Gospel of the Lord.All—Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Homily (Sit)

Profession of Faith (Stand)

All—I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.

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, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, (at the words that follow, up to and including and became man, all bow) and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary and became man.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He 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, 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, who has spoken through the prophets.

weak. Punishment is in store for them on the day of reckoning.

A reading from the Letter of Saint James

COME now, you rich, weep and wail over your impending miseries. Your wealth has rotted away, your clothes have become moth-eaten, your gold and silver have corroded, and that corrosion will be a testimony against you; it will devour your flesh like a fire. You have stored up treasure for the last days. Behold, the wages you withheld from the workers who harvested your fields are crying aloud; and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. You have lived on earth in luxury and pleasure; you have fattened your hearts for the day of slaughter. You have condemned; you have murdered the righteous one; he offers you no resistance.

—The word of the Lord.All —Thanks be to God.

Alleluia (Cf. Jn 17:17b, 17a) (Stand)

All—Alleluia, alleluia. Your word, O Lord, is truth; con-secrate us in the truth. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel (Mk 9:38–43, 45, 47–48)

P—A reading from the holy Gospel according to MarkAll—Glory to you, O Lord.

AT THAT TIME, John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us is for us. Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.

“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for

we proclaim his Death.Who lives and reigns for

ever and ever.All — Amen.

P — The Lord be with you.All — And with your spirit.

Solemn Blessing

P—Bow down for the blessing. (Pause)

May almighty God bless you in his kindness and pour out saving wisdom upon you.All—Amen.

P—May he nourish you always with the teachings of the faithand make you persevere in holy deeds.All—Amen.

P—May he turn your steps towards himself and show you the path of charity and peace.All—Amen.

P — And may the blessing of almighty God, the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit,come down on you and remain with you for ever. All — Amen.

Dismissal

P — Our celebration is ended. Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.All — Thanks be to God.

your Death, O Lord, until you come again.

The Lord’s Prayer

All — Our Father…P — Deliver us, Lord…All — For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever.

Invitation to Peace

Invitation to Communion(Kneel)

P—Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.All—Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.

Communion Antiphon (Cf. Ps 119 [118]:49–50)

Remember your word to your servant, O Lord, by which you have given me hope. This is my comfort when I am brought low.

Prayer after Communion(Stand)

P—Let us pray. (Pause) May this heavenly mystery,

O Lord, restore us in mind and body, that we may be coheirs in glory with Christ, to whose suffering we are united whenever

Presentation of the Gifts (Stand)

P—Pray, brethren…All—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.

Prayer over the Offerings

P—Grant us, O merciful God,that this our offering may find acceptance with you and that through it the wellspring of all blessing may be laid open before us.

Through Christ our Lord.All—Amen.

Preface III(Sundays in Ordinary Time)

P—The Lord be with you.All—And with your spirit.P—Lift up your hearts.All—We lift them up to the Lord.P—Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.All—It is right and just.P—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.

For we know it belongs to your boundless glory, that you came to the aid of mortal beings with your divinity and even fashioned for us a remedy out of mortality itself, that the cause of our downfall might become the means of our salvation, through Christ our Lord.

Through him the host of Angels adores your majesty and rejoices in your presence for ever. May our voices, we pray, join with theirs in one chorus of exultant praise, as we acclaim:All—Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.Hosanna in the highest.(Kneel)

Acclamation (Stand)

All—When we eat this Bread and drink this Cup, we proclaim

THE COMMUNION RITE

THE CONCLUDING RITES

Liturgy of the eucharist