MUSIC – 33rd Sunday of Year B

SOURCE: OCP Liturgy Podcasts

“The Lord said: I think thoughts of peace and not of affliction.”

KEY THEMES:

1. Daniel 12:1-3 focuses on the promise of deliverance for those who remain faithful during times of distress, resonating with the theme of hope and trust in God’s plan found in the song.
2. Hebrews 10:11-14, 18 emphasizes the completeness of Christ’s sacrifice and the hope it brings to believers. This passage connects to the song’s theme of trust in God’s provision and the promise of a future filled with hope.
3. Mark 13:24-32 highlights the need for watchfulness and preparedness in anticipation of Christ’s return. Although the song does not directly reference this theme, it encourages listeners to focus on their relationship with God and live in accordance with their faith, which resonates with the passage’s call to maintain faith and be ready.

Hope, Faithfulness, and God’s Promises

Jesse Manibusan and Ken Canedo’s “I Give to You a Future” is a powerful and inspiring song that beautifully aligns with the themes found in Daniel 12:1-3, Hebrews 10:11-14, 18, and Mark 13:24-32. The song’s central message of hope, faithfulness, and trust in God’s promises resonates deeply with these scriptural passages, offering a profound opportunity for preachers to connect with their congregation through relatable and contemporary lyrics.

Daniel 12:1-3 speaks of a time of great distress and the deliverance of those whose names are found written in the book. This passage emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and the divine judgment that will ultimately determine the fate of individuals. “I Give to You a Future” echoes this theme, as the lyrics encourage listeners to surrender their own desires and plans, allowing God to guide them toward His divine purpose.

Hebrews 10:11-14, 18 highlights the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ and its impact on the forgiveness of sins. This passage contrasts the repetitive sacrifices of the old covenant with the singular, perfect sacrifice of Christ, emphasizing the completeness of His atonement. In the song, the lyrics express the desire to let go of personal ambitions, allowing God’s will to prevail. This sentiment connects with the message of Hebrews 10, as the sacrifice of Christ has made believers perfect forever.

Mark 13:24-32 recounts Jesus’s teachings about the end times, emphasizing the need for watchfulness and preparedness. Jesus warns of the signs that will precede His return and encourages His followers to remain alert, as no one knows the exact day or hour when these events will occur. “I Give to You a Future” serves as a reminder for believers to maintain their faith and be ready for Christ’s return by surrendering their lives to God and trusting in His divine plan.

To incorporate these themes into a homily, preachers might consider the following suggestions:

1. Use the song’s lyrics as a starting point to delve into the scriptural passages’ central themes of faithfulness, hope, and preparedness. Quoting specific verses from the passages will help to solidify the connection between the song and scripture.
2. Share personal stories or anecdotes that illustrate the importance of surrendering one’s own desires and plans to follow God’s path. This will help to emphasize the song’s message of trust and reliance on God’s promises.
3. Encourage congregants to reflect on their own journeys of faith, considering moments when they have experienced God’s transformative power and grace. Invite them to contemplate how these scriptural passages and the song can inspire them to deepen their trust in God’s plan for their lives.
4. Conclude the homily by reminding the congregation of their ultimate purpose: to live in a way that reflects their faith and hope in God’s promises. Encourage them to take inspiration from the song’s lyrics, trusting that God has given them a future filled with hope and abundance.

In summary, Jesse Manibusan and Ken Canedo’s “I Give to You a Future” provides a powerful and relatable lens through which to examine the themes found in Daniel 12:1-3, Hebrews 10:11-14, 18, and Mark 13:24-32. Preachers can use this song as a tool to inspire their congregation to deepen their faith, trust in God’s promises, and be prepared for Christ’s return.