Song of The Month: August 2015 - "Indescribable" by: Chris Tomlin

"Indescribable" Lyrics

From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea

Creation's revealing Your majesty

From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring

Every creature unique in the song that it sings

All exclaiming

Indescribable, uncontainable,

You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.

You are amazing God

All powerful, untameable,

Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim

You are amazing God

Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go

Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow

Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light

Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night

None can fathom

Indescribable, uncontainable,

You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name

You are amazing God

All powerful, untameable,

Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim

You are amazing God

You are amazing God

Indescribable, uncontainable,

You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.

You are amazing God

All powerful, untameable,

Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim

You are amazing God

Indescribable, uncontainable,

You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.

You are amazing God

Incomparable, unchangeable

You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same

You are amazing God

You are amazing God

"Indescribable" is a song which speaks directly to the heart and proclaims the glory of God. How amazing is our God; how he blesses us in so many ways! This song reminds me of how impossible I find it not to believe. Just look around and see the indescribable work of God but, more importantly, look within and recognize how much we are loved by our creating God. As Chris Tomlin writes: "Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim you are amazing God."



Reflection:

Genesis 1:31 - "God looked at everything he had made, and found it very good."

Ephesians 1:3-6 -  "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens, as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved."

Rev. Gary Janak

Pastor

Our Lady of Victory Parish

Song of The Month: July 2015 - "Multiplied" by: NEEDTOBREATHE

"Multiplied" Lyrics

Your love is like radiant diamonds

Bursting inside us we cannot contain

Your love will surely come find us

Like blazing wild fires singing Your name

God of mercy sweet love of mine

I have surrendered to Your design

May this offering stretch across the skies

And these Halleluiahs be multiplied

Your love is like radiant diamonds

Bursting inside us we cannot contain

Your love will surely come find us

Like blazing wild fires singing Your name

God of mercy sweet love of mine

I have surrendered to Your design

May this offering stretch across the skies

And these Halleluiahs be multiplied

(Multiplied)

(Oh multiplied)

God of mercy sweet love of mine

I have surrendered to Your design

May this offering stretch across the skies

And these Halleluiahs be multiplied

These Halleluiahs be multiplied

(Your love is like radiant diamonds)

(Bursting inside us we cannot contain)

(Your love will surely come find us)

Like blazing wild fires singing Your name

Reflection:

To multiply something is to increase it. In this song, Multiplied, by NeedtoBreathe, what is to be multiplied are the halleluiahs we sing to our saving God, whose love finds us and to whom we are to surrender. The more we surrender to God’s love, which is like radiant diamonds, the more we will be able to lift our voices and sing the halleluiahs God so much deserves. Humility is required to surrender, as well as is the needed recognition that we do nothing alone—it is God who leads us. Let us multiply our praises and embrace the love of God.


Luke 9:16 - “…Then taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. They all ate and were satisfied. And when the leftover fragments were picked up, they filled twelve wicker baskets.” 

Romans 8:37-39 - “No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 

Rev. Gary Janak

Pastor

Our Lady of Victory Parish

Song of The Month: June 2015 - "Vapor" by: The Liturgists

"Vapor" Lyrics

Oh the vapor of it all

It's a chasing of the wind

The powers of the earth so pale and thin

We will set our hearts on you again

Heaven taunts the hearts of men 

We can feel it from within 

The beauty of it all

The mystery

The swelling of a voice 

A rising sea

Holy 

You oh God are Holy

Trees clap their hands for you

Oceans they dance for you

You are holy 

Oh the mystery of it all

I can never peer within 

I'll never find the words or understand 

The fullness of a God

Become a man

Holy 

You oh God are Holy

Trees clap their hands for you

Oceans they dance for you

You are holy 

Infinite and holy

A billion suns rise for you

Clouds paint the skies for you

Mountains stand tall for you

Valleys bow down to you

Everything rising to 

Sing all our songs for you

Holy 

The impossible and holy

Kings become fools for you

Kingdoms to ruins for you

Vapor finds ground in you

Music finds sound for you

Everything rising 

Everything rising 

Come like dawn 

Like waves

Like sunlight 

Bring this world to life 

Come like rain 

Like breath 

Like springtime

Bring this world to life

Reflection:

"Vapor" immediately draws the listener into the overwhelming reality of God's beauty and omnipotence; of how little we are and how big is our God. So much so that for God, "Trees clap their hands. Oceans they dance...A billion suns rise for you. Clouds paint the skies for you. Mountains stand tall for you. Valleys bow down to you." Our hope, as this beautifully haunting song reminds us, is found in setting our hearts on God once again and allowing the Mystery of God's love to unfold within our hearts and to direct our lives.


Psalm 27:4 - "One thing I ask of the Lord; this I seek: To dwell in the Lord’s house all the days of my life, to gaze on the Lord’s beauty, to visit his temple".

Romans 10:15 - "And how can people preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring [the] good news!'"



Rev. Gary Janak
Pastor

Our Lady of Victory Parish

Song of The Month: May 2015 - "In Me": by Casting Crowns

"In Me" Lyrics:

If You ask me to leap

Out of my boat on the crashing waves

If You ask me to go

Preach to a lost world that Jesus saves

I'll go, but I cannot go alone

'Cause I know I'm nothing on my own

But the power of Christ in me makes me strong

Makes me strong

'Cause when I'm weak, You make me strong

When I'm blind, You shine Your light on me

'Cause I'll never get by living on my own ability

How refreshing to know You don't need me

How amazing to find that You want me

So I'll stand on Your truth, and I'll fight with Your strength

Until You bring the victory, by the power of Christ in me

If you ask me to run

And carry Your light into foreign land

If You ask me to fight

Deliver Your people from satan's hand

I'll go, but I cannot go alone

'Cause I know I'm nothing on my own

But the power of Christ in me makes me strong

Makes me strong

'Cause when I'm weak, You make me strong

When I'm blind, You shine Your light on me

'Cause I'll never get by living on my own ability

How refreshing to know You don't need me

How amazing to find that You want me

So I'll stand on Your truth, and I'll fight with Your strength

Until You bring the victory, by the power of Christ in me

To reach out with Your hands

To learn through Your eyes

To love with the love of a savior (the love of a savior)

To feel with Your heart

And to think with Your mind

I'd give my last breath for Your glory (I'd give my last breath for Your glory)

'Cause when I'm weak, You make me strong

When I'm blind, You shine Your light on me

'Cause I'll never get by living on my own ability

When I'm weak, You make me strong

When I'm blind, You shine Your light on me

'Cause I'll never get by living on my own ability

How refreshing to know You don't need me

How amazing to find that You want me

So I'll stand on Your truth, and I'll fight with Your strength

Until You bring the victory, by the power of Christ in me

The power of Christ in me

The power of Christ in me

Reflection:

We are never alone in this walk of life. The Casting Crowns remind us of this in their song. No matter where we are in life, no matter what we are going through, the tribulations or jubilations of life, Jesus is always with us. At our baptism we were untied to the life of Christ and now his power reigns in us. As the song sings, “I’m nothing on my own, but the power of Christ in me makes me strong.” All we have to do is believe.


2 Corinthians 12:10 – “For when I am weak, then I am made strong.”



Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the



John 15:9 – “As the Father loves me, so I also love you.”




Deacon Scott Hill

Our Lady of Victory Cathedral

Song of The Week (4/19 - 4/25) - "Open Me" by: Shawn McDonald

"Open Me" Lyrics:

Would You open up eyes, so I can see

Would You open up my ears, so I can hear

Would You open up my mind, so I can know

Would You open up my heart, so I can love You more

I wanna serve You, my God

I wanna give everything

I wanna serve You, my King, yeah

I wanna serve You, my Lord

I wanna give You everything, yeah

Would You open up eyes, so I can see

Would You open up my ears, so I can hear

Would You open up my mind, so I can know

Would You open up my heart, so I can love You more

I wanna serve You, my God

I wanna give everything

I wanna serve You, my King, yeah

I wanna serve You, my Lord

I wanna give You everything, yeah

Here I am with my arms open wide

Asking for You to come up, up inside

Won't You make me new, won't You make me true

Jesus, won't You make me like You, oh

Will You touch my eyes, so I can see

Will You touch my ears, so I can hear

Will You touch my mind, so I can know

Will You touch my heart, so I can love You more

Won't You open me

Won't You open me

Won't You open me, yeah

Won't You open me

Reflection:

The song this week by Shawn McDonald is also a quite beautiful prayer. The song is a reminder that the closer we are in our relationship to God, the more our eyes, ears, mind, and heart are opened. Once we start thinking, seeing, and loving like God does, we are then fully living-out our Christian identity (our baptismal promises) and are then able to love and serve others because service is at the heart of Christianity. On Holy Thursday, we heard in the gospel reading that what Christ did for the Apostles, we are to do to each other (cf. Jn 13:12-20), i.e. to serve and love one another. Let us pray during this Easter season, may our hearts and minds be opened for us, to know God’s presence within our lives and within every individual, and to serve as Christ served.


John 13:12-15 – “So when he had washed their feet and put his garments back on and reclined at table again, he said to them, “Do you realize what I have done for you? You call me ‘teacher’ and ‘master,’ and rightly so, for indeed I am. If I, therefore, the master and teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you a model to follow.”


1 Samuel 12:24 – “But you must fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart, for you have seen the great things the LORD has done among you.”


Mark 10:45 – “For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”


Deacon Scott Hill

Our Lady of Victory Parish

Song of The Week (4/5 - 4/18) - "Because He Lives" by: Matt Maher

"Because He Lives" Lyrics:

I believe in the Son

I believe in the risen One

I believe I overcome

By the power of His blood

Amen, Amen

I’m alive, I’m alive

Because He lives

Amen, Amen

Let my song join the one that never ends

Because He lives

I was dead in the grave

I was covered in sin and shame

I heard mercy call my name

He rolled the stone away

Amen, Amen

I’m alive, I’m alive

Because He lives

Amen, Amen

Let my song join the one that never ends

Because He lives

I can face tomorrow

Because He lives

Every fear is gone

I know He holds my life my future in His hands

Amen, Amen

I’m alive, I’m alive

Because He lives

Amen, Amen

Let my song join the one that never ends

Amen, Amen

I’m alive, I’m alive

Because He lives

Amen, Amen

Let my song join the one that never ends

Because He lives

Because He lives

*Lyrics and Music are the property of the artists*

Reflection:

Alleluia! Christ has risen! This is the most holiest and glorious time of the year for Christians. I love seeing the Easter lilies at all the churches because not only are they beautiful, but they are a symbol of the resurrection. If Christ wasn’t raised from the tomb, our faith would be in vain. If Christ wasn’t raised from the tomb, then our sins are haven’t been forgiven, which then means we wouldn’t be able to enter into heaven.

However, that’s not the case. Jesus has been raised. Our sins have truly been forgiven and the gates of heaven have been opened for us. As Matt Maher sings, “I’m alive, I’m alive because he lives.” We are genuinely alive because our souls are dead to sin. Christ has defeated death, Alleluia! May all of you have a very blessed and holy Easter season.


1 Corinthians 15:55-57 – “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”


1 Peter 1:3-5 – “Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, he who in his great mercy gave us new birth; a birth unto hope which draws its life from the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead; a birth to an imperishable inheritance, incapable of fading or defilement, which is kept in heaven for you who are guarded with God’s power through faith; a birth to a salvation which stands ready to be revealed in the last days.”


Deacon Scott Hill

Our Lady of Victory Parish

Song of The Week (3/29 - 4/4) Holy Week - "At The Cross" by: Hillsong

CLICK THE LINK to download "At The Cross" on iTunes:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/mighty-to-save-live/id716227384

"At The Cross" Lyrics:

Oh Lord You've searched me

You know my way

Even when I fail You

I know You love me

Your holy presence

Surrounding me

In every season

I know You love me

I know You love me

At the cross I bow my knee

Where Your blood was shed for me

There's no greater love than this

You have overcome the grave

Your glory fills the highest place

What can separate me now

You go before me

You shield my way

Your hand upholds me

I know You love me

At the cross I bow my knee

Where Your blood was shed for me

There's no greater love than this

You have overcome the grave

Your glory fills the highest place

What can separate me now

At the cross I bow my knee

Where Your blood was shed for me

There's no greater love than this

You have overcome the grave

Your glory fills the highest place

What can separate me now

You tore the veil

You made a way

When You said that it is done

You tore the veil

You made a way

When You said that it is done

And when the earth fades

Falls from my eyes

And You stand before me

I know You love me

I know You love me

At the cross I bow my knee

Where Your blood was shed for me

There's no greater love than this

You have overcome the grave

Your glory fills the highest place

What can separate me now

At the cross I bow my knee

Where Your blood was shed for me

There's no greater love than this

You have overcome the grave

Your glory fills the highest place

What can separate me now

You tore the veil

You made a way

When You said that it is done

You tore the veil

You made a way

When You said that it is done

You tore the veil

You made a way

When You said that it is done

You tore the veil

You made a way

When You said that it is done

Reflection:

As we enter into Holy Week, this song, "At The Cross," encourages us to recognize the depth of God's love for us, even when we fail. Through Christ, we have freedom from our sins and a personal invitation to newness of life. In humility, we are to bow down, as Hillsong sings so beautifully, for "At the cross I bow my knee. Where your blood was shed for me. There's no greater love than this. You have overcome the grave. Your glory fills the highest place. What can separate me now." Let us open our hearts to Jesus, on this Holy Week journey, and be filled with His love.



Romans 8: 31-39 - "If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him? Who will bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who acquits us. Who will condemn? It is Christ [Jesus] who died, rather, was raised, who also is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword? As it is written: 'For your sake we are being slain all the day; we are looked upon as sheep to be slaughtered.' No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." 

Rev. Gary Janak

Pastor

Our Lady of Victory Parish