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Suggested Songs for Misa de Gallo Mass and December 23 Sunday Mass


MISA DE GALLO LINE-UP
Please click the link below to get the line up suggestions courtesy of JR Medina


December 23, 2012
4th Sunday of Lent Year C
Liturgical Color : Purple/Violet

“From You Shall Come Forth”

Readings lang po ang pinagkaiba sa Misa de Gallo at sa morning Sunday mass… Kaya pwedeng kantahin na rin ang line-up suggestions of songs na nakapaloob sa mga link na nasa itaas. J
First Reading                          Mi 5:1-4a
Thus says the LORD:
You, Bethlehem-Ephrathah
too small to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
one who is to be ruler in Israel;
whose origin is from of old,
from ancient times.
Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time
when she who is to give birth has borne,
and the rest of his kindred shall return
to the children of Israel.
He shall stand firm and shepherd his flock
by the strength of the LORD,
in the majestic name of the LORD, his God;
and they shall remain, for now his greatness
shall reach to the ends of the earth;
he shall be peace.
Responsorial Psalm                     Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19.
R. (4) Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
O shepherd of Israel, hearken,
from your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth.
Rouse your power,
and come to save us.
R. 
Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
Once again, O LORD of hosts,
look down from heaven, and see;
take care of this vine,
and protect what your right hand has planted
the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
R. 
Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
May your help be with the man of your right hand,
with the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
Then we will no more withdraw from you;
give us new life, and we will call upon your name.
R. 
Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.
Second Reading                        Heb 10:5-10
Brothers and sisters:
When Christ came into the world, he said:
"Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
but a body you prepared for me;
in holocausts and sin offerings you took no delight.
Then I said, 'As is written of me in the scroll,
behold, I come to do your will, O God.'"

First he says, "Sacrifices and offerings,
holocausts and sin offerings,
you neither desired nor delighted in."
These are offered according to the law.
Then he says, "Behold, I come to do your will."
He takes away the first to establish the second.
By this "will," we have been consecrated
through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Gospel                         Lk 1:39-45
Mary set out
and traveled to the hill country in haste
to a town of Judah,
where she entered the house of Zechariah
and greeted Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting,
the infant leaped in her womb,
and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit,
cried out in a loud voice and said,
"Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
And how does this happen to me,
that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
Blessed are you who believed
that what was spoken to you by the Lord
would be fulfilled."

Homily/Reflections of the Readings (Dec. 23)

Welcome my brothers and sisters in Christ to the Fourth and last Sunday of Advent. In a few days, we will be celebrating Christmas, the day of the Lord's coming into the world as the incarnate God of love. I pray that all of you have had sufficient time to spiritually prepare yourselves during the Season of Advent that is coming to a closing.

Today's First Reading from the Book of Micah [Mic. 5:2-5] announced the arrival of the promised Messiah. To enjoy a greater appreciation of the prophecy of Micah which took place around 750 B.C., one must place himself back in time to a few centuries prior to the birth of Christ. In those days, Micah prophesied that until such time as the Messiah arrives to deliver Israel from its oppressors, the Jewish people will continue to be subject to other nations.

From Bethlehem of Ephrathah shall rise the King from the royal line of king David. Both Jesse and king David [1 Sam. 17:12] came from Bethlehem which is located 5-6 miles South of Jerusalem. Bethlehem which means, "house of bread" was formally known as Ephrath [Gen. 35:19] and Ephrathat. [Ruth 4:11]

The rising Messiah shall have His origin from of old, from ancient days. In other words, the Messiah shall be God Himself. That God Himself would be the Messiah is repeated in the prophecies of Malachi in 397 B.C. Malachi stated, "See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way for Me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His Temple." Here, it is announced that the messenger John the Baptist would prepare the way for God Himself. Another proof that God would come to dwell with His people is found in the prophecy of Isaiah and its fulfillment affirmed in the Gospel of Matthew where the name of the Messiah is said to be "Immanuel" which means "God is with us." [Is. 7:14; Mt. 1:23] 

Micah continues by stating that Israel shall remain subject to other nations until such time as she who is in labour has brought forth. Then, God's people shall be delivered and united as one. If one tries to perceive this prophecy with a worldly mind, it will be misunderstood. Why? Because it is a reference to a spiritual delivery and freedom. It is a reference to the people's delivery from the slavery of sin through the Sacred Blood of Christ.

Regarding the woman in labour bringing forth a child, the Book of Isaiah says, "Before she was in labour, she gave birth; before her pain came upon her she delivered a son. Who has heard of such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall a land be born in one day? Shall a nation be delivered in one moment?" [Is. 66:7-8] For a land to be born in one day or for a nation to be delivered in one moment, this can only be a reference to the suffering, the death, the burial and the glorious Resurrection of Christ who has overcome sin for the redemption of mankind. It can only be a reference to the eternal establishment of the abode of the saints, the spiritual Kingdom of God on earth as it is in Heaven.

Through physical death, those who have received the Sacrament of Baptism and who have persevered in their living faith in Christ, have inherited the Kingdom of God. Once and for always, they have been freed from all human oppression, suffering, and the ongoing inner battle between the spiritual and the worldly natures.

This is the Divine truth that the promised Messiah came to announce, the Good News that fulfilled all the promises of the Old Testament. The greatness of the incarnation of God shines in love, mercy and forgiveness. It glorifies the Most Holy Name of the Lord Jesus.

The coming of Christ into the world was to put an end to the Old Covenant under the Laws of Moses. It was to put an end to the imperfect sacrifices and offerings, the burnt offerings and sin offerings. The coming of Christ into the world was to abolish the Old Covenant in order to establish the New and Everlasting Covenant that was made perfect once and for all through the sacrifice of the Blood of Christ.

Through the sacrifice of the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ, we have been sanctified according to God's Divine Will and promises that were made during the days of the Old Testament. Through the offering of the Body of Jesus Christ, during the Sacrament of Baptism, we have received the gifts of the new creation of the godly seed, the new heart and the indwelling Holy Spirit. This Sacrament can only be received once for nothing human or spiritual can surpass the new creation of the godly seed and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

As we heard during today's Gospel Reading, when Mary entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth, Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and expressed words that were eternally written in the Holy Bible. While in the presence of Elizabeth, John the Baptist, the child in the womb, was also filled with the Holy Spirit and leaped for joy.

In both cases, a spiritual manifestation came forth from those who were touched by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. Equally, the coming of Jesus in the world should touch each and everyone of our hearts. From us should come forth the living water so it may flow freely towards our brothers and sisters in the love of Christ. As Elizabeth and John the Baptist expressed great joy in the presence of the Lord, we also should be expressing great joy.

On Christmas Eve, some of you will stay up until midnight to commemorate the arrival of Baby Jesus in the world. Others will wait until they rise on Christmas morning. Be it at midnight or in the morning, all should be prepared to rejoice in the coming of the Lord Jesus. 

For the fullness of our joy to be complete during the anniversary of the Lord's coming into the world, our preparation demands that we receive the Lord Jesus in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist so the Lord may make His Holy dwelling in our bodily Temples.

To receive the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist in full preparation, we must receive the Sacrament of Confession so, in a state of grace, we will be found worthy in the eyes of God. Then, our joy shall have reached its fullness.

May the joy of the Lord come forth from each and everyone of you during this holy Season. Alleluia!


Suggested Songs for Misa de Gallo and December 16, 2012 Mass


MISA DE GALLO LINE-UP




December 16, 2012
3rd Sunday of Advent (Year C) Gaudete Sunday
Liturgical Color : Rose/Pink

“The Lord, Your God, is in your Midst”

Entrance…
1.     Umanhi Ka, Ayaw Paglangan
2.     Umanhi ka Mesiyas
3.     Ang Panginoon ay Darating
4.     Ang Puso Ko’y Nagpupuri “Nagagalak ang aking espiritu”
5.     Halina’t Umawit (Flores, Villaroman) “Nang may kagalakan”
6.     Sumigaw sa Galak (Que)
7.     Magalak Tayo sa Diyos
8.     Halina, Jesus, aming Mananakop (Isidro, Que)
9.     Umawit Kayo (Aquino) Stanzas 2 and 4 ang priority. Change "Yahweh" to "Poon."
10.   O Come, Divine Messiah
First Reading                  Zep 3:14-18a
Shout for joy, O daughter Zion!
Sing joyfully, O Israel!
Be glad and exult with all your heart,
O daughter Jerusalem!
The LORD has removed the judgment against you
he has turned away your enemies;
the King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst,
you have no further misfortune to fear.
On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem:
Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged!
The LORD, your God, is in your midst,
a mighty savior;
he will rejoice over you with gladness,
and renew you in his love,
he will sing joyfully because of you,
as one sings at festivals.
Responsorial Psalm             Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6.
R. (6) Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
God indeed is my savior;
I am confident and unafraid.
My strength and my courage is the LORD,
and he has been my savior.
With joy you will draw water
at the fountain of salvation.
R. Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name;
among the nations make known his deeds,
proclaim how exalted is his name.
R. Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement;
let this be known throughout all the earth.
Shout with exultation, O city of Zion,
for great in your midst
is the Holy One of Israel!
R. Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
Second Reading                        Phil 4:4-7
Brothers and sisters:
Rejoice in the Lord always.
I shall say it again: rejoice!
Your kindness should be known to all.
The Lord is near.
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Gospel                         Lk 3:10-18
The crowds asked John the Baptist,
"What should we do?"
He said to them in reply,
"Whoever has two cloaks
should share with the person who has none.
And whoever has food should do likewise."
Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him,
"Teacher, what should we do?"
He answered them,
"Stop collecting more than what is prescribed."
Soldiers also asked him,
"And what is it that we should do?"
He told them,
"Do not practice extortion,
do not falsely accuse anyone,
and be satisfied with your wages."

Now the people were filled with expectation,
and all were asking in their hearts
whether John might be the Christ.
John answered them all, saying,
"I am baptizing you with water,
but one mightier than I is coming.
I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor
and to gather the wheat into his barn,
but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."
Exhorting them in many other ways,
he preached good news to the people.

Homily/Reflections of Readings (Dec. 16)
My brothers and sisters in Christ, welcome to today's celebration of the Holy Mass which commemorates the Third Sunday of Advent.

Today's readings are a continuation of our preparation for the coming of the Lord Jesus. This truth can be perceived three different ways. (1) It can represent our commemoration of the incarnation of God on Christmas Day through the birth of Baby Jesus. (2) It can represent our appearing before the Lord at the end of this life. (3) Or it can represent the final coming of the Lord Jesus in full glory with the saints at the end of the world, which ever may come first in our lives.

Today's readings, rich in spiritual food, echo the glory that is associated with the arrival of the Messiah on earth.

The first reading [Zeph. 3:14-8] begins by stating, "Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem!" Zion or Sion was the mount in the south western part of Jerusalem. Over a period of centuries, the poets and prophets gave Zion a sacred meaning to the extent of, being synonym to Jerusalem, it became known as the sacred capital. Therefore, when the people of Zion are told to rejoice and exult, this is symbolic of rejoicing and exulting in the most Sacred place of Jerusalem.

The first reading continues by saying, "The Lord has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies." Embracing a spiritual approach, from this passage we perceive that through the redemption plan of our Lord Jesus, the enemy, sin, has been conquered. Through faith in Jesus and the Sacrament of Baptism that bestows upon us a new heart, a new spirit and the indwelling Holy Spirit, we obtain our first righteousness towards salvation in Jesus Christ. Through the Sacrament of Confession, we obtain ongoing righteousness, to the extent that God will no longer remember our past sins. [Jer. 31:34] Through the atoning Blood of Christ, the Lord God forgives our sins.

Next, we heard, "The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall fear disasters no more." Spiritually speaking, disaster means condemnation because of sin. Now that the Lord is in our midst, spiritually present in us through the indwelling Divine Presence of the Holy Spirit, and physically present with us in the Sacred Tabernacles of the Churches, we no longer have to fear death and eternal punishment. Our Saviour, the Living Bread, is physically present among us. By receiving the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist while in a state of grace, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are assured our salvation and adoption as children of God.

So why is it that we should not fear or let our hands grow weak? It is because the Lord Jesus, the all powerful King of kings, is in our midst, He who is a Warrior who gives victory.

The Lord Jesus shall rejoice with gladness because He has reclaimed what is rightfully His by establishing His spiritual Kingdom on earth in Jerusalem. When the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles on Pentecost Day in Jerusalem, [Lk. 24:47, 52; Acts 1:4; 2:1-4], the Holy Catholic Church, the Body of Christ, had its beginning. Through the Sacrament of Baptism, believers become new creations [2 Cor. 5:17] that entitles them to become members of the spiritual Kingdom of God on earth. Now, they can worship the Heavenly Father in spirit and truth, such being pleasing to Him. [Jn. 4:24]

Indeed, the Lord Jesus is renewing us in His love. For through His death and glorious Resurrection, we received a new life that springs like flowing water. We have become living stones that shine forth to form a living Temple for God on earth. The Lord exults over us for we are the fruit of His Divine Blood. As precious gems to the Lord, He smoothens the road ahead of us so we may be moved by His Spirit to bloom and become His holy bride, a glorious gift for the Heavenly Father.

During today's Second Reading, [Phil. 4:4-7] we heard, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice." Yes, rejoice! For we are the fruits of the Lord's glorious work. Each and everyone of us has been called before creation to become the object of God's Divine Plan. What a joy it is to know that God has counted us among those that He has chosen.

"Let your gentleness be known to everyone." Gentleness is one of the nine fruit of the Holy Spirit. [Gal. 5:23] When others are moved by the gentleness that flows from our humble beings, they are moved by the fruit of the Holy Spirit that flows through us for the glory of God.

"The Lord is near." How near is the Lord? His Spirit dwells within us when we are in a state of grace. He is physically present in the Sacred Tabernacles of the Catholic Churches. He is here and there, within the reach of all! So near is the Lord that during the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, we literally touch His physical Body. The Lord is with us! He has made His dwelling among us!

"Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Yes, let us worship the Lord God by appealing to Him for our needs with a thanksgiving mind. Having God as our Father, what fear can we possibly have? The fear of death? Physical death only means our freedom from our bodily form so we may worship God in the fullness of our spiritual being. Our fear should not be of those who can kill the body but rather of he who can destroy both, the soul and the body in hell. [Mt. 10:28]

"The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus." [Phil. 4:7] Those who enjoy the peace of God know no fear. Surely that surpasses the human understanding of those who fear death. For the Christian who lives his faith in Christ, death is life. Death is a new beginning. Death is a passage from the darkness to the light. Death is letting go of tears and sufferings in exchange for eternal joy and peace. How precious death is to those who have the peace of God. It is as a pearl hidden in a treasure chest, waiting for the day when the Lord will say, "Come to your eternal rest in Me!"

Before finding our eternal rest in the Lord Jesus, we must be sanctified by the power of the Holy Spirit. We must embrace holy ways. Today's Gospel Reading [Lk. 3:10-8] teaches us some of the many holy ways that we should be embracing.

If you have two coats, you must share with anyone who has none. With Winter setting in, many of the poor cannot afford a warm coat, they still wearing a Spring or Summer coat. They do not know warmth for they shiver every moment when they step out of their homes. Your generosity can make the difference between they being warm or cold. As Jesus said, what you have done onto them, you have done onto Me. By sharing your coat with anyone who has none, you are sharing your coat with Jesus.

Holiness involves sharing our food with those who have none or very little. Holiness is finding those who are ashamed of their poverty and who will not come forward to ask for food. While it cannot be denied that there are many abusers of our many social agencies that are intended to help those who are really needy, many of the hungry are not registered with these agencies. And what about the children who are starving because their parents are addicted to alcohol or drugs? Do we have a right to say that these children deserve to go hungry because their parents fall short of spiritual wisdom in their human weaknesses? Holiness is not judgmental! It is full of compassion! It reaches out to those in need so it may be accredited to one's favour on Judgment Day.

Holiness embraces honesty. While today's Gospel tells the tax collector to collect no more than the amount prescribed to him, equally it can be said that we should pay no more and no 'less' than what we owe in taxes to our Government.

The list of virtues is endless for those who seek true righteousness. They will always find an area towards which they can improve their holiness so they may become more in the likeness of Christ.

During today's Gospel Reading, John the Baptist said that the One who was coming would baptize us with the Holy Spirit and fire. Baptism with the Holy Spirit represents the Sacrament of Confirmation and the receiving of the indwelling Holy Spirit. It means to be sent forth to preach the Gospel to our brothers and sisters. Baptism by fire means to be sanctified by the power of the Holy Spirit so that we may become holy children of God. Unless we are sanctified, we cannot enter Heaven. For Heaven is the home of those who love, the humble, those who serve, the obedient, those who tell the truth, those who are pure in mind, the gentle, those who share, etc... These are the holy qualities that we should strive for.

John the Baptist ended his words during today's Gospel Reading by saying, "His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.' Does the Lord consider us as wheat or the chaff? That is the question that we have to answer. That is the question that will make the big difference at His coming. That is the difference that will determine if our presence before the Lord God will be a pleasant one or an unpleasant one.

This week, let us reflect upon these things. Let us ask in our hearts, "Am I ready for the coming of the Lord Jesus?" "Am I ready to commemorate Christmas with a true spirit of holiness?" "Am I ready to appear before the Lord if I was to die tonight?" "Am I ready for the final coming of the Lord in His full glory if He was to come in five minutes from now?"

Accordingly, let each and everyone do what is necessary to be sanctified in Christ sor our face to face meeting with the Lord will be a joyful one.

Offertory…
1.     Aniang Among Halad
2.     Daygon Ikaw Ginoong Dios
3.     Ang Tanging Alay Ko
4.     Narito Ako (San Andres)
5.     Narito Ako, Panginoon (Que)
6.     Paghahandog (San Andres)
7.     Paghahandog ng Sarili (any version)
8.     Unang Alay (Magnaye) See my notes in previous posts.
9.     Prayer for Generosity (Arboleda)
10.   Dwelling Place (Foley) “May Christ find a dwelling place in our hearts”
11.   How Shall I Sing to God (Haas) Priority ang Stanza 1. Avoid Stanzas 2 and 3. Tila hindi appropriate sa theme yung 2, and sa season yung 3.

Communion…
1.     Andama ang Dalan, pwede rin ito sa communion
2.     Panahon Na
3.     Ang Kaluluwa ko’y Nauuhaw (Isidro, Que)
4.     Liwanag ng aming Puso (Tagle, Hontiveros) 
5.     Liwanagan Mo, Jesus (Aquino)
6.     Panginoon, Masdan Mo (Isidro, Que)
7.     Tubig Ng Buhay (Valdellon) So reminiscent of John the Baptist.
8.     A Time will Come for Singing (Schutte) 
9.     Patience, People (Foley) 
10.   Gift of Emmanuel (Valdellon)
11.   The Face of God (Francisco)
12.   God of Silence (Francisco)

Recessional…
1.     E1 if not used in Entrance
2.     E2 if not used in Entrance
3.     Ang Tawag sa Panahon
4.     Balang Araw (Borres, Francisco) Opinyon ko lang ‘toh: consider changing yung ‘Narito na’ng Manunubos, luwalhatiin ang Diyos!’ into ‘Darating na’ng Manunubos, luwalhatiin ang Diyos!’
5.     Panginoon, Hanggang Kailan? (Isidro, Ramirez)
6.     The Lord is my Light (Foley). Prioritize Stanza 2: “Your face, Lord, I seek.”
7.     Wait for the Lord
8.     Save Us, O Lord (Dufford) Prioritize Stanza 2.
9.     Cry Out With Joy
10.   Sing to the Mountains (Dufford) “Let all the earth rejoice.”

Have a blessed weekend everyone J





Suggested Songs for December 9, 2012 Mass


December 9, 2012
2nd Sunday of Advent (Year C)
Liturgical Color : Purple/Violet

“They went out from You, O Jerusalem”

Important Ideas: Preparing the way, making the path straight, waiting, welcoming the coming One.
Note:   Instrumental solos are bawal kapag advent. Be subdued. Be moderate.
            No Gloria for this Season

Entrance…
1.     Andama ang Dalan, swak sa Gospel
2.     Umanhi Ka Mesiyas
3.     Purihin ang Panginoon (Isidro, Ramirez) Prioritize 3rd Stanza: “...Kaya’y Panginoo’y dinggin; ang landas Niya’y tahakin..”
4.     Halina’t Umawit (Flores, Villaroman)
5.     Let the valleys be raised (“Make the pathway straight and the highway run smooth”)
6.     Blest be the Lord (Schutte)
7.     City of God (Schutte). Suggestion. Change “has turned” into “will turn
8.     I Rejoiced (Foley)
9.     Let Heaven Rejoice (Dufford)
First Reading                                          Bar 5:1-9
Jerusalem, take off your robe of mourning and misery;
put on the splendor of glory from God forever:
wrapped in the cloak of justice from God,
bear on your head the mitre
that displays the glory of the eternal name.
For God will show all the earth your splendor:
you will be named by God forever
the peace of justice, the glory of God's worship.

Up, Jerusalem! stand upon the heights;
look to the east and see your children
gathered from the east and the west
at the word of the Holy One,
rejoicing that they are remembered by God.
Led away on foot by their enemies they left you:
but God will bring them back to you
borne aloft in glory as on royal thrones.
For God has commanded
that every lofty mountain be made low,
and that the age-old depths and gorges
be filled to level ground,
that Israel may advance secure in the glory of God.
The forests and every fragrant kind of tree
have overshadowed Israel at God's command;
for God is leading Israel in joy
by the light of his glory,
with his mercy and justice for company.
Responsorial Psalm                             Ps 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6.
R. (3) The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
When the LORD brought back the captives of Zion,
we were like men dreaming.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with rejoicing.
R. 
The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
Then they said among the nations,
"The LORD has done great things for them."
The LORD has done great things for us;
we are glad indeed.
R. 
The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
Restore our fortunes, O LORD,
like the torrents in the southern desert.
Those who sow in tears
shall reap rejoicing.
R. 
The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
Although they go forth weeping,
carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing,
carrying their sheaves.
R. 
The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
Second Reading                                Phil 1:4-6, 8-11
Brothers and sisters:
I pray always with joy in my every prayer for all of you,
because of your partnership for the gospel
from the first day until now.
I am confident of this,
that the one who began a good work in you
will continue to complete it
until the day of Christ Jesus.
God is my witness,
how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
And this is my prayer:
that your love may increase ever more and more
in knowledge and every kind of perception,
to discern what is of value,
so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
filled with the fruit of righteousness
that comes through Jesus Christ
for the glory and praise of God.

I would like to suggest na magandang awiting ang Aleluya Kami ay Gawin mong Daan dito…
Gospel                                         Lk 3:1-6
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar,
when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea,
and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee,
and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region
of Ituraea and Trachonitis,
and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene,
during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas,
the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert.
John went throughout the whole region of the Jordan,
proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,
as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah:
A voice of one crying out in the desert:
"Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths.
Every valley shall be filled
and every mountain and hill shall be made low.
The winding roads shall be made straight,
and the rough ways made smooth,
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God."

Homily/Reflection of the Readings (Dec. 9)

May the Holy Spirit open your hearts as you hear the message of God on this Second Sunday of Advent. Good morning my brothers and sisters in Christ. Being of one family in Christ, our door is always opened to those who hunger for spiritual strength through powerful Word of God.

Today's spiritual message that is discerned through the readings that we have just heard consists of informing us that we should continue to prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ in our lives.

The First Reading [Bar. 5:1-9] is based on a prophetic song. In it, God promised to bring back His people from exile. As biblical history tells us, in 597 B.C., General Nebuzaradan captured Jerusalem and took the Jewish people into exile to Babylon. [2 kgs 25:11; Jer. 29:1-2]

In a way, this event is a picture of God's creation of man. Through the disobedience of our first parents, Satan became the prince of this world. Through sin, we were all called to experience a spiritual death that would deprive us of the eternal beatific vision of God. But, through the Blood of Christ, we have been freed from our exile. Jesus rightfully regained the earthly Kingdom after having been crowned as the King of kings during His triumphal entry in Jerusalem. [Mt. 21:1-11; Mk. 11:1-11; Lk. 19:28- 40; Jn. 12:12-9] Delivered from the grip of Satan through our faith in Christ and the gifts of a new heart, a new spirit and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit through the Sacrament of Baptism, we have become members of the Body of Christ, the new earth on which Jesus has established His spiritual Kingdom.

The First Reading begins by stating, "Take off the garment of your sorrow and affliction, O Jerusalem, and put on forever the beauty of the glory from God." What is the garment of our sorrow and afflictions? What does it mean to put on forever the beauty of the glory from God?

The garment of our sorrow and afflictions is death and suffering. For after Adam had disobeyed the God, the Lord said to him, "Because you have listened to the voice of your wife, and have eaten of the tree about which I commanded you, 'You shall not eat of it,' cursed is the ground because of you; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return."

Through the sin of Adam, humankind was called to experience spiritual death in the eternal absence of the Divine Presence of God. But now, God manifested a special love for His creations. He no longer wanted to see them suffer. In His infinite Wisdom, He opened a new door to those who would welcome it. That door was opened through faith in Jesus Christ and the Sacrament of Baptism. As Jesus said, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit." [Jn. 3:5]

That door involved receiving a new heart and spirit (becoming a new creation) of the "godly seed" [1 Jn. 5:9] and the indwelling Holy Spirit. "So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!" [2 Cor. 5:17] By being born again in spirit, one "puts on forever the beauty of the glory of God." [Bar. 5:1]

While our human nature is sinful because we have inherited the original sin, our spiritual nature is holy in nature. Through our spiritual nature, we have become true worshippers that worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. [Jn. 4:23-3]

The First Reading continues by stating, "Put on the robe of the righteousness that comes from God." "For God will give you evermore the name, 'Righteous, Peace, Godly Glory." To put on the robe of the righteousness that comes from God is to live our faith in Christ by walking in harmony with our new creation. Through the Sacrament of Baptism, our souls received the first righteousness, God forgiving the original sin that we have inherited and all the sins that were committed prior to our receiving this Holy Sacrament. To maintain an ongoing righteousness, we are required to make use of the Sacrament of Confession that reinstates our state of grace. The Sacraments of Baptism and Confession are our robe of righteousness that comes from God. Through these precious Sacraments, we are justified before God through Jesus Christ.

The prophecy of Baruch continued by stating that God would bring His people back to Jerusalem. This has been fulfilled through Christ, through His crowning as King in Jerusalem, through His death on the Cross in Jerusalem for the redemption of mankind, through His glorious resurrection in Jerusalem, and through the coming of His Holy Spirit in Jerusalem on Pentecost Day for the institution of the Holy Catholic Church. Indeed, people have come from the East and West, the South and North, from all Nations and races, to join the Holy Church of Christ as the means of salvation through the fullness of the grace of God.

Through Christ, God has manifested His Divine mercy and righteousness to all of mankind. Through Jesus, God incarnated, is seen the light of His glory. "For in Him (Jesus) all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell," [Col. 1:19] the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Truly, christianity went out from you O Jerusalem. Mercy and righteousness went out from you O Jerusalem. The Kingdom of God on earth went out from you O Jerusalem.

Keeping in mind that our root is from Jerusalem, let us constantly pray for each other with joy in every one of our prayers. Through our participation in the sharing of the Gospel as instruments of the Holy Spirit, let us be confident that He will bring the good works of Christ to its completion before the final coming of the Lord at the end of the world.

In the meantime, may our love overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help each other so we may do what is best, so that in the day of Christ, we may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.

During today's Gospel Reading, [Lk. 3:1-6] we heard the words of John the Baptist, "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth: and all flesh shall see the salvation of God."

These words parallel the words of the First Reading from the Book of Baruch and the prophecies from the Books of Isaiah and Jeremiah. These words admonish the people to prepare for the end of their exile for the salvation of God is at hand. As we know today, these prophetic words have been fulfilled through the death, Resurrection and Ascension of Christ.

This week, let us reflect upon our spiritual ancestors, our saintly brothers and sisters, who have gone out from Jerusalem so we may share in the joy of the Gospel of Christ. Let us reflect upon their message which has become our message. Have we prepared ourselves to celebrate the past coming of the Lord that is commemorated on Christmas day? Have we prepared ourselves to appear before the Lord should death suddenly come upon us? And, if the end of the world was to happen today and Jesus was to return at that moment, have we prepared ourselves for that great moment? 

Let us, each according to our own spiritual needs, embrace the necessary steps that are necessary to ensure that we have prepared ourselves for whichever may come first in our lives so the glory of God may be manifested through our humble obedience and servitude.

Offertory…
1.     Mugna Sa Dios
2.     Nagahalad Kami
3.     Daygon Ikaw Ginoong Dios
4.     Pag-aalay ng Puso
5.     Narito Ako, Panginoon
6.     Ang Tangin Alay
7.     Dwelling Place
8.     All That I have (Hangad)

Communion…
1.     Si Hesus ang Dalan, literally pwede siya sa Gospel
2.     Kinabuhi mo, Kinabuhi Ko
3.     Adlaw’g Gabii
4.     Ang Mabuhay sa Pag-ibig (Tabuena, Hontiveros) 
5.     Bawat Sandali (Gan, Francisco)
6.     Likhain Mong Muli (Alejo, Francisco)
7.     Maging Akin Muli (Aquino) Nos. 3 and 4 are both admittedly Lenten, but if you study the lyrics applicable siya sa Gospel. 
8.     Halina Jesus Aming Mananakop 
9.     Panginoon Masdan Mo
10.   In Him Alone (Francisco)
11.   One Thing I Ask (Tirol)
12.   Turn to Me (Foley)
13.   Patience People (Foley)
14.   The Face of God (Francisco)

Recessional…
1.     Umanhi Ka Ayaw Paglangan
2.     Pagpangatagak na Yamog
3.     Tanda ng Kaharian ng Diyos (Morano, Francisco)
4.     Sumigaw sa Galak (Que) 
5.     The Lord is my Light. Prioritize Stanza 2: “Your face, Lord, I seek.”
6.     Let there Be Peace on Earth (Miller, Jackson)
7.     Cry out with Joy
8.     Wait for the Lord

Have a blessed week po sa lahat… J

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