Suggested Mass Line-up for January 8, 2012 (Epiphany)

Sunday, January 8, 2012
Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord


What is the Epiphany?

The word "epiphany" comes from two Greek words, the preposition epi and the verb phainen, and can variously mean, "to shine upon," "to reveal," or "to appear, manifest." The verb epiphainen as well as the noun epiphaneia both occur in the Greek New Testament. For example, 2 Timothy 1:8-10 joyously declares,

God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing [epiphaneia] of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

At times the word is used to refer to the first appearing or revealing of Jesus (either His birth or the beginning of His Messianic ministry) as in the verse above, Titus 2:11, 3:4, and Luke 1:79. At other times it is the revealing and appearing of Jesus at the end of time which is in view as in 1 Timothy 6:14, 2 Timothy 4:1,8, and Titus 2:13.

Whereas most of the occurrences of epiphaneia or epiphaino carry the meaning "to reveal" or "to appear," in Luke 1:79 it means "to shine upon." In Luke 1, Zechariah prophesies that his newborn son John the Baptist will

give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on [epiphaino] those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace (Luke 1:77-79).

This passage is one of the reasons that light is so emphasized at Epiphany time, as is the case, for example, in the Orthodox Church's "Festival of Lights." It also partly explains why candles are so often used.

Here are my suggestions of songs for the mass... :)

Entrance:

1. Aleluya, Daygon ang Ginoo, swak for the Gospel
2. Atong Daygon ang Ginoo
3. Pagmamahal sa Panginoon (Hontiveros), "simula ng karunungan" in honor of the Three wise men
4. Magsiawit sa Panginoon (Isidro and Que)
5. Let Heaven Rejoice (Dufford), prioritize Stanza 5 and 6
6. Sing a New Song (Schutte) prioritize stanza 2 and 3

Kyrie:

1. Kyrie (Villanueva)
2. Maawa Ka (Francisco, Reyes)
3. Lord Have Mercy (Acts and Potencies)

Gloria:

1. Himaya sa Dios (Francisco)
2. Papuri sa Dios (Francisco-Reyes-Torres)
3. Give Glory to GOD

First Reading:

Isaiah 60:1-6

Arise. Jerusalem, shine, for your light has come.

Responsorial Psalm:

Psalm 72:1-13

Lord, every nation on earth will adore You.

Second Reading:

Ephisians 3:2-3, 5-6

Gentiles are saved too.

Alleluia:

1. Aleluya Lamdag Ka, swak sa gospel
2. Salamat sa Dios (Hontiveros)
3. Sing Alleluia (Marcelo)

Gospel:

Matthew 2:1-12 relates:

1. The Wise Men wanted to pay homage to Jesus
2. King Herod meets with them and tries to trick them
3. The Wise Men finally see and visit the Christ Child
4. They gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh 
5. They avoided Herod after being told to do so in a dream.

Important Ideas: 
1. Jesus is savior to all, both Gentiles and Jew. 
2. The Magi represents the Gentiles. Gentiles too pay homage to JC. 
3. Jesus as the Light to all nations. 
4. Pro-Negritis Sunday: Attention is on the Missions to Africa. Actually, kahet saang mission.

My Personal Reflection of the Readings:

This Sunday we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord. The word ‘epiphany’ comes from the Greek language 'epiphaneia' meaning 'appearance', ‘showing forth’ or ‘manifestation’. So we could say that we celebrate the manifestation of the Lord. The feast of the Epiphany originated in the third century to commemorate the first appearance of Christ (the infant King) to the entire world as Saviour. The first reading from Isaiah speaks about light shining through the darkness and the clouds—a wonderful image of describing what epiphany is trying to tell us about our Lord. Our own darkness and the clouds of our lack of understanding so often make it difficult for us to recognize the presence of God, in daily life, in the Lord Jesus, in the Church or in other people. Psalm 72 focuses on the nations coming adore the Lord. “Lord, every nation on earth will adore you” and then speaks of kings from foreign lands bringing gifts to the Lord. The Psalm in a sense introduces the Gospel of today that recounts the story of the three wise kings from the East (also called the Magi), who represent all the nations. These Magi come as seekers of the source of the light. The star is only a guide for them. On finding the source, the infant king, they are overjoyed, they confess, worship him and offer him gifts. In the preface of the Epiphany, we get a sense of the mystery we celebrate. "Today you revealed in Christ your eternal plan of salvation and showed in him as the light of all peoples". The mystery of Christ's birth, the mystery of the Incarnation, is therefore made known to all people all over the world without exception. St. Paul in the second reading speaks about the inclusive nature of salvation in God’s plan. 

The central message of the Epiphany is that Jesus is revealed to us as a light to the nations. The Magi go in search of this light guided by a star until they find the source of the light in Bethlehem. With them we too seek and recognise the child who is born to be our Saviour. Like them, we too pay homage to Christ and accept the light that Christ brings into our hearts. Since we are led to discover Christ, we are therefore called to go out and share with others the Good News revealed to us. Through our daily witness, in loving others, in forgiving them, in our faith and compassion, in our courage and perseverance, may we be like the star that guides them in their journey of faith, to seek and to discover Christ in their lives. The message we take home is two-fold: 1) We are invited today to recognize God's light, God's presence in our lives, and to let our hearts rejoice and throb and overflow because we know that God is with us 2) Consequently, we are called to go out and share with others the Good News of Jesus Christ revealed to us; to share the light that Christ has given us.

Offertory:

1. Gasa sa Gugma (Koro Viannista), swak sa Gospel ang mga gasa nga gidala sa tulo ka hari
2. Ning Adlawa sa Kalipay
3. Pag-aalay ng Sarili (Villaldon)
4. Sumasamo Kami (Judan)
5. One Bread, One Body
6. Earthen Vessel (John Foley)

Sanctus:

1. Santos (R. Villanueva)
2. Santo, Santo, Santo (Francisco-Arboleda-Torres)
3. Holy, Holy, Holy (Dufford-Schutte)

Acclamation:

1. Si Kristo atong Handumon (Cebuano version of Si Kristo ay Gunitain)
2. Si Kristo ay gunitain (Ramirez)
3. Memorial Acclamation (Marcelo-Fenomeno)

Amen:

1. Amen Pagdaygon ang Dios 
2. Amen (Francisco-Arboleda-Reyes-Torres)
3. Amen Alleluia (Bayogos)

Pater Noster:

1. Amahan Namo
2. Ama Namin (Francisco-Arboleda-Torres)
3. Our Father (Pat-Martell)

Doxology:

1. Kay Imo Man
2. Sapagkat Sa’yo ang Kaharian (Francisco-Arboleda-Torres)
3. For The Kingdom

Agnus Dei:

1.  Kordero sa Dios (Pastorella version by Fr. Villanueva)
2.  Kordero ng Diyos (Hontiveros)
3. Lamb of God (Folk)

Communion:

1. Ako ang Kahayag, swak sa Gospel which is Jesus is the light of all the nations
2. Hiyas, sibo na sab sa ebanghelyo
3. Pagpanaw, actually i don't know how to sing this one. nakita lang nako siya sa songbook then akong gibasa iyang lyrics arang kasibo kaayo sa ebanghelyo the journey of the three kings
4. Magpuri sa Panginoon (Hontiveros)
5. Panginoon, Aking Tanglaw (Ramirez)
6. Liwanag ng Aming Puso (Tagle and Hontiveros)
7. Here I am Lord
8. Sing of Him (Dufford)
9. So the Love of GOD (Schutte)

Recessional:

1. Ang Atong Tulubagon
2. Pananagutan
3. The Work of Christmas (Arboleda)

Hope this will help... By the way those visitors outside from Philippines, please introduce yourself. I really want to know WHO YOU and WHERE YOU FROM... Hope you will spare a little time to post a comment :)

Suggested Song Mass Line-Up for January 1, 2012 (New Year)

SONG LINE UP SUGGESTIONS (by: JR Medina)

Sunday, 1 Jan 2012
Solemnity of Mary Mother of God 
& World Day of Prayer for Peace
Liturgical Color: White, but blue is also acceptable


Pasensya na po at hindi ako nakagawa ng Cebuano Guide for the Mass. Siguro from the songs suggested by Kuya JR Medina of Tagalog and English Mass ay makakakuha kayo ng idea kung ano 'yung mga pwede nating kantahin for Cebuano Mass... Happy New Year po :)

                                                                                                         Brian Gangca

Readings

1R: From Numbers 6:22-27: Moses, the acknowledged author of the Book of Numbers, is told by God to teach Aaron and his sons (who were chosen by God to become His priests) on how they ought to bless the Israelites: ‘Say, “May God bless you and keep you.” 

RP: 67

May God bless us in His mercy.

2R: From Galatians 4:4-7. Consequential Ideas: 
1. God sent His Son Who was born of a woman.
2. He lived among us to free us who are enslaved.
3. We thus become adopted children of God.
4. We may thus call God father.
5. As God’s children, we are no longer slaves.

G: Luke 2:16-21

1. Shepherds visit the Savior.
2. After leaving, the shepherds make the message about the arrival of the promised Savior known to others.
3. Mary kept all these, reflecting on them in her heart.
4. The baby was circumicised and named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. 

Important Ideas:
1. Chosenness 
2. God’s blessings 
3. Jesus as sent by the Father for our salvation in fulfillment of His promise 
4. As He is now with us and like us, we are adopted children of the father, 
5. The shepherds and the news about the baby Jesus
6. Mary’s pondering
7. Mary Mother of God
8. January 1 is also World Day of Prayer for Peace

Filipino:

E: 
1. Bayan Magsiawit na! (Aquino) “Dakilang biyayang pangako Niya, sumilay na” is to Important Idea (II) 3. 
2. Bayan umawit (Borres, Baltazar, Francisco) “Iika’y pinili” is to II 1.


PERSONAL REFLECTION OF BRIAN GANGCA:

The name "January" comes from the Roman god Janus, the god with two faces, one looking to the past and the other looking to the future. This is indeed a time to look back at the year that has just ended and to look forward to the new year ahead of us. How did I spend this one year of my life that has just passed? Did I use it to advance my goals and objectives in life? Did I use it to enhance the purpose of my existence? Could I have done better last year in the way I invested my time between the demands of work, family, friends and society, and the demands of my spiritual life? What things did I achieve last year and what did I fail to achieve? How can I consolidate the achievements of last year while reversing the failures and losses in this new year? Through soul searching questions like these we find that a review of the past year naturally leads to setting goals and resolutions for the new year.

There are people who tell you that there is no point making new year resolutions. Do not believe them. We must set goals and make resolutions as a necessary conclusion to our review of the past year. And we do need to review our lives from year to year because, as Socrates says, the unexamined life is not worth living.

Today's newspapers are full of individual and collective new year resolutions. Most of those, however, are not resolutions at all but only wishes. What is the difference between a resolution and a wish? A wish identifies a goal one wants to reach, a resolution specifies the steps one will take to reach it. A wish says this is where I want to be, a resolution says this is the road I will take, this is what I will do to get there. The wishful person says "I want to pass my exams this year" and the resolved person says "I will devote an extra hour to my studies everyday in order to pass my exams." The wishful person says "I will have more peace and love in my family this year" and the resolved person says "I will spend more time with my family at table instead of rushing off to the TV, so that we get to know and understand ourselves better." The wishful person says "I will live a life of union with God this year" and the resolved person says "I will set aside this time everyday to pray and hear God's word." The difference between wishing and resolving is: are we prepared to do what it takes to make our dreams come true, are we prepared to pay the price?

The gospel today presents Mary to us as a model of that new life in Christ that all of us wish for ourselves in the new year. There we see that Mary was prepared to do something to realize this goal. What did she do? We read that the shepherds, when they went to adore the Child Jesus in the manger, told all that the angels had said to them. "But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart" (Luke 2:19). Again after the boy Jesus was found in the Temple, we are told that "His mother treasured all these things in her heart" (Luke 2:51). Mary was a woman who valued the word of God, who treasured it and made time to meditate and ponder it. It is true that the holiness of Mary is attributed to the grace of God, but this should not make us forget that she needed to make an effort in order to cooperate with the grace of God. She pondered the word of God in order to discern what God was saying to her at every stage in her life as the handmaid of God.

The two examples above of Mary pondering the word of God, namely, after the visit of the shepherds and after the finding in the temple, show that Mary found the word of God both in divine revelation (the angels' words to the shepherds) and in her own experiences (her encounter with her son in the temple). Similarly God speaks to us today through divine revelation (e.g. the Bible, the teaching and preaching of the Church) as well as through our personal experiences, if only we made time to reflect on them as Mary did.

Whatever the situation in which we find ourselves - a hardship, a disappointment, a decision to make - God has a solution, an answer that is right for us. We tell God about it in prayer but we also listen to what God has to tell us about it. Prayer is a conversation with God but sometimes all we do is pick up the phone, read out the list of our problems to God and drop the phone without listening to hear what God has to say to us. Let us today resolve to listen more to the voice of God, to treasure God's word and ponder it in our hearts. Then shall we be able to realize our new year resolution of a new life in union with God.

P of the G: 
1. Narito Ako (San Andres) “Pakikinggan at itatago sa sulok ng puso” is to G3.
2. Sumasamo kami (Judan) Prioritize Stanza 3: “Sundin ang ‘Yong kalooban” is reminiscent of Mary’s “Let it be done unto me according to Your word.”
3. Kay Gandang Alay in A Time to Fly By Ateneo Boys Choir 


C: Pwede pagpilian:
1. Liwnagan Mo, Jesus (Aquino) “Daigdig ginawang tahanan ng Diyos nating mahal” is to II 4.
2. Pagsibol (Aquino) is good for New Years Day. 
3. Ang Diyos na Sanggol (Hontiveros) is to II 3.
4. Isang Sanggol (Ramirez) 
5. Villancico is to G 1
6. Kapayapaan (Aquino) is to II 8.
8. Villancico Flamenco (See, Hontiveros, Mehlemans). Stanza 2 is parallel to G 4.

2nd Communion songs just in case mahaba ang pila for Communion:
1. Ang Puso Ko’y Nagpupuri (Honti)
2. Noong Paskong Una (Pagsanghan & Francisco) “Si Maria ang ina”
3. Mariang Ina Ko (Pagsanghan & Francisco)
4. Shallom by JMM in Sumibol by Dulaang Sibol

R: 
1. Ito ang Bagong Araw (Isidro and Ramirez)
2. Pagmamahal sa Panginoon (Hontiveros)
3. Aba Ginoong Maria “Ina ng Diyos”
4. Pananagutan (Honti) Prioritize Stanza 3. “Tayo’y tinuring ng Panginoon bilang mga anak” is reminiscent of II 4.
5. Try natin ang Kahit na Abril ay parang Pasko pa rin.


English:

E: 
1. All the Ends of the Earth (Dufford) “For the Lord of the earth... has come) is to II 
2. City of God (Schutte)
3. Glory and Praise to Our God (Schutte) Prioritize Stanza 3. It is reminiscent of II 4.
4. Lover of us all (also Schutte) “the children of Your loving”
5. The Lord bless you and keep you is reminiscent of 1R.
6. Sing a New Song (also Schutte) Prioritize Stanza 2.
7. Sing to the Mountains (Dufford)
8. Throughout all time (Haas)
9. A Christmas Praise (Aquino & Agatep)
10. Angels we have heard on high. But start from Stanza 2. “Shepherds why this jubilee?”

P of the G: 
1. Dwelling Place (Foley) Prioritize Stanza 3.
2. Earthen Vessels (Foley)
3. Prayer of Rupert Mayer (Francisco) This song may be viewed also as a song of Mary.
4. Take and Receive “Do what Thou wilt command and I obey” is almost similar to Mary’s fiat.
5. Take, Lord, Receive (Foley) Prioritize Stanza 3. “Dispose of it, wholly according to Your will.”

C: Pwedeng pagpilian:
1. Magnificat (Haas) 
2. One more Gift (Francisco) is to II 8
3. Prayer for Peace (Haas)
4. Shelter Me O God (Hurd & Kingsbury) Prioritize Stanza 2. “As a mother gathers her young beneath her care”
5. Sing of Him (Dufford) Prioritize Stanza 2 “Ponder it deeply”
6. The First Noel. But reserve Stanza 3 for the occasion of the Lord’s Epiphany.
7. So the Love of God (D Schutte) "We are God's children, family forever" is parallel to 2R Nos. 3 & 4

2nd Communion Song just in case mahaba ang pila
1. God rest ye merry Gentlemen
2. God with us
3. Have yourself a merry little Christmas
4. Peace Prayer (Hangad). I don’t understand the lyrics, este the syllables, but I’m fascinated by it. Besides, hindi na Advent, so pwede na ang instrumental solos.
5. Lovely Lady dressed in blue (JMM in Sumibol by Dulaang Sibol) “God was just your little boy”

R:
1. I will sing forever (Francisco) “And a song of gentle mercy and of peace.”
2. Let there be peace on earth (Miller & Jackson)
3. The Work of Christmas (Arboleda)
4. Mother Mary in Ateneo Boys’ Choir A Time to Fly
5. Hail Mary “Mother of God”
6. Mary Immaculate “Mother of God”
7. Auld Lang Syne (but ask permission from your PP and Music Ministry first)

Suggested Mass Line-up for December 25, 2011 (Mass during the Day)

Suggested Song Line-up (by JR Medina)

Sunday, December 25, 2011 Solemnity of the Lord's Birth (Mass during the day)
Liturgical Color: White
Note: This is the same as last year's.


Pasensya na po at hindi ako nakagawa ng Cebuano Guide for the Mass. Siguro from the songs suggested by Kuya JR Medina of Tagalog and English Mass ay makakakuha kayo ng idea kung ano 'yung mga pwede nating kantahin for Cebuano Mass... Merry Christmas po :)

                                                                                                         Brian Gangca

Readings:

1R: Isaiah 52:7-10 says: Let Zion rejoice for the Lord shall restore it. The Lord bared His arm in the sight of all the nations. All the ends of the earth will behold the salvation of our God.

RP: Ps 98: All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

2R: From Hebrews 1:1-6: Previously God spoke to mankind through the prophets, but now, it is through His Son, Who is as the Father is, superior to all.

G: 

1. John the Evangelist’s exalted “In the Beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.”
2. John the Baptist is not the light, but will testify to the true Light Who is about to come.

Important Ideas: God the Father and God the Son; the Word of God and the Son of God is/are one and the same

Filipino: 

E:
1. Purihi’t Pasalamatan (Simplicio Esteban & Eddie Hontiveros SJ). Sing only Stanzas 1 & 2.
2. Bayan, Magsiawit Na! (Aquino) Prioritize Stanza 2.
3. Dinggin Mo “Bigyan Mo kami ng liwanag, tibay at pananalig” is reminiscent of G No. 2
4. Halina at Lumapit (Ruben Habito)
5. Magpuri sa Panginoon (Hontiveros)
6. Pagmamahal sa Panginoon (also Honti)
7. Pasko ng Paglaya (Arboleda-Francisco). Stanza 1's "Bayan magalak sa Mabuting Balita" is a short introduction to G No. 1.

Alleluia. This is an excellent Sunday to sing the Alleluia that goes: “Salamat sa Diyos (2x), Sa Wika Mong banal, salamat po. Salamat sa Diyos (2x), Sa Bugtong Mong Anak, salamat po. Aleluya! (7x)

PERSONAL REFLECTION OF BRIAN GANGCA:

Santa's most popular reindeer by far is Rudolf, Rudolf, the red-nosed reindeer. Here is his story as told in music by Johnny Marks: Rudolf, the red-nosed reindeer, had a very shiny nose. And if you ever saw him, you would even say it glows. All of the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names. They never let poor Rudolf play in any reindeer games. Then one foggy Christmas eve Santa came to say: "Rudolf with your nose so bright, won't you guide my sleigh tonight?" Then all the reindeer loved him as they shouted out with glee: "Rudolf the red-nosed reindeer, you'll go down in history!" The story of Rudolf, is the story of salvation. It is our story both as individuals and as the human family. In our own case it is not Santa who saves us but the Child Jesus.

To begin with, Rudolf was a misfit. Compared to the image of the ideal reindeer we can say that something was definitely wrong with him. What is more, he was not in any position to help himself. So are we all, misfits, as the Bible tells us. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). "All we like sheep have gone astray" (Isaiah 53:6). Like lost sheep we are not in a position to help ourselves. Rudolf could not help himself. All that his fellow reindeer did was to makes things worse for him. Only one person could help him, Santa, the messenger from heaven.

Today we celebrate the birth of the Messenger from heaven. As we read in today's gospel, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:1, 14). He comes to liberate us from the human predicament, our sinfulness. For it is sin that mars and disfigures the beautiful image of God that we all are. Sin turns us into a despicable Rudolf, the red-nosed reindeer. But the heavenly Messenger comes, not to take away the red nose but to declare to us the Good News that we are acceptable to God even with the red nose. Rudolf's red nose was a defect. But Santa chose him precisely on account of that. The heavenly Messenger has the ability to turn the defects and red noses of our tainted humanity into assets for the service of God. Jesus is this heavenly messenger.

What makes the reindeer gospel so poignant is that Santa does not use his magic wand to heal Rudolf of his red nose defect. He let him go on with the red nose even as his chosen reindeer. Certainly Rudolf would have wanted nothing so much as to be a normal reindeer like all the rest. Similarly Jesus does not simply make us good men and women, rather he makes us into people who can use all their strengths and defects to the service and the glory of God. This is the proof to us that it is not by our own will power that we are able to become children of God. It is by God's grace, by God's unmerited and unconditional love of us. As God tells St Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

How does the grace of God achieve this transformation in us? God's grace works two things in us: enlightenment and empowerment. "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" (John 1:17). God's truth enlightens us and God grace empowers us. God's truth enlightens us to see ourselves and our world in a new light. It is a word that brings reassurance, affirmation and hope. You can imagine how Rudolf felt when he heard the words of Santa, "Rudolf with your nose so bright, won't you guide my sleigh tonight?" That is why we call it the Good News. It is news that is liberating and empowering. It empowers us by changing our former disposition of insecurity, despair and hopelessness into that of blessed assurance, new hope and enthusiasm in the Lord's service.

Like Rudolf before Santa, let us today listen to the Message that the Child Jesus brings us, let us commit ourselves into his service without looking back, even when we do not know where the journey will lead us, knowing one thing for sure: that the grace of God will supply the strength we need for the long journey of faith ahead. "For to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God" (John 1:12).

P of the G: Narito Ako (Rene San Andres) “Sa kasulatan ‘Yong turo” is a quick reminder of the Word of God.

C:
1. Ama Kong Mahal (Aquino)
2. Pag-ibig Mo Ama (Ando Macalinao SJ & Honti)
3. Pagsibol (Aquino)
4. Isang Sanggol (Ramirez)
5. Bituin (Aquino) JC is “giliw ng Diyos” in Koro 1.

R: Pasko’y Sumapit Na (Isidro & Que) Stanza 1's "Ay si Hesus ang Diyos nating tunay" is sobrang swak sa G.


English:

E: 
1. A Christmas Praise (Aquino & Agatep)
2. Hark! The herald angels Sing. Prioritize Stanzas 2 & 3. "Hail the Incarnate Deity" brings G to mind. 
3. All the ends of the earth (kay Tito Bob toh) an echo of 1R.

P of the G: We Remember (Marty Haugen). First make sure this isn’t one of your service songs. The Refrain would be like:
We remember how You loved us: through His birth
And now we celebrate for He is with us here.
And we believe that we will see Him when He comes
In His glory. 
Lord, we remember, we celebrate, we believe.

Prioritize Stanza Nos. 2 & 3

C: 
1. God with us (Dan Schutte) Consider making this as the 2nd Communion song. 
2. Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming. Stanza 3's "True man, yet very God" is the very message of G No. 1.

R: 
1. The Work of Christmas (Arboleda)
2. Carol of the Bells

Suggested Mass Line-up for December 24, 2011 (Midnight Mass)

SUGGESTED SONG LINE-UP (by: JR Medina)

Actually this is basically the same as that in 2010, because the readings are the same po.

Saturday, Dec 24, 2011: Solemnity of the Lord's Birth (Midnight Mass) 
Liturgical Color: White


Pasensya na po at hindi ako nakagawa ng Cebuano Guide for the Mass. Siguro from the songs suggested by Kuya JR Medina of Tagalog and English Mass ay makakakuha kayo ng idea kung ano 'yung mga pwede nating kantahin for Cebuano Mass... Merry Christmas po :)

                                                                                                         Brian Gangca

Readings:

1R: Isaiah 9:1-6 Israel will again be great.
1. The people who walk in darkness shall see a great light: a light that will shine on all those who live in the land of the shadow of death.
2. For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulders. 

RP: 96

Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.

2R: Timothy 2:11-14

The free gift of eternal salvation is now being offered to everyone. When the glory of Jesus Christ is seen, God wants us to turn away from God-less living.

G: From Luke 2:1-14

The birth of Jesus

1. Bethlehem: For today in the city of David a Savior has been born.
2. She gave birth to her firstborn son, wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger.
3. Shepherds keeping the night watch
4. Angels praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those whom His favor rests.”


Tagalog:

E: Friendly Options

1. Gumising (Onofre Pagsanghan & Manuel Francisco SJ) 
2. Himig ng Hangin (Jandi Arboleda & Norman Agatep). I chose these 2 especially for the words “Gumising” : pang-prep up ba sa congregation.
3. Pasko ng Paglaya (Jandi Arboleda & Manoling Francisco SJ) I chose this dahil sa solo part “Panginoon, hanggang kalian kami magdurusa?” and sa stanza 1 na “Narito na ang Pasko ng Paglaya.” Very good way to bridge Advent and Christmas, as this Mass ends the former and begins the latter.
4. Oyayi (Arnel Aguino SJ). Sing this song as your entrance song only kapag (1) ang gusto ng parish priest is just before the Gospel merong childless couple na magpuprusisyon at iaalay ang Niño sa Belen. Basta kapag gusto ni Father na ang precise moment of JC’s birth is just before the Gospel and not at Entrance pa lang. Sa Parish namin po, ang nag-aalay ng Banal na Sanggol ay ang mag-asawang nagdarasal na magkaanak. And (2) Use this song as processional song kapag may procession ng childless couple who will offer the statue of the Holy Infant and place it at the creche.


PERSONAL REFLECTION of BRIAN GANGCA:

Christmas is finally here. All four weeks of Advent we have been waiting and praying for the coming blessings of Christmas. And now Christmas is here. Today the angels are bringing us the good news of great joy for all the people, for to us is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. This good news of great joy is for all the people of God. As people of God we have a claim to the joy and the peace that the birth of Christ brings to the world. But how do I personally enter into this "great joy" of Christmas? Christmas rings out "joy to the world," yes, but how do I make this joy my own? This is an important question, for, even though God has declared joy to the whole world, there are still many among us who do not flow in this joy, many among us who do not know how to claim this joy and make it their own personally.

A certain missionary was working in a rural African village that had no easy access to good drinking water. People walked for miles to the nearest river to get water. With his encouragement the people undertook a self-help project to sink a borehole. The local government supplemented the people's efforts and a borehole was sunk in the village. In the meantime the missionary had left the village. Soon the village was enjoying fresh and clean drinking water from the borehole. So they wrote the missionary to come and see them and the great difference the borehole had made in the village. He went back to the village and rejoiced with them for the borehole that now gave fresh, clean water on demand. Then he decided to go round and visit some of his old friends. He entered the house of an old woman and asked her to give me a cup of the borehole water to drink. To his surprise she said that there was no drinking water in the house. "But the village now has water," he said. "Yes," she replied, "but the trouble is with my grandson who lives with me. I tell him to go and get water from the borehole and he wouldn't listen to me. All he does is run about and play."

There you are! You see, it is possible for someone to die of thirst in a village that has abundant drinking water. Why? Because there is no way the water out there in the borehole can become your own personally until you lift your foot to go there and draw the water that already belongs to you. The water in the borehole is yours by right. You are entitled to it. But you need to do something to claim this right before it can become your own personally, before it can actually quench your thirst. So is the good news of great joy that God showers on the world at Christmas. We still need to do something, make a little effort, before we can personally experience this joy in our lives, in our families, and in our world.

How do we do that? Well, that is rather easy to explain but pretty hard to practice, so I'll explain. Look at the word JOY. You see that it is made up of three letters: first J, then O, and lastly Y. J stands for Jesus, O for Others, and Y for You. Joy therefore is: Jesus, Others, before You. To know joy in our lives we need to place Jesus first in everything. Secondly, we need to try to please others before trying to please yourself. That is the recipe for joy. That is how we can convert the Christmas "joy to the world" into a personal "joy in my life" now and always.

As we listen to the Christmas story we would do well to pay attention to the various people and groups of people that are mentioned and see whether they try to please Jesus and others before themselves, or whether they seek their own interests first. You will discover that those who practice J-O-Y are the ones who enjoy peace and joy, and that those who practice "self first" are always the unhappy and miserable ones. Here are a few examples.

On the negative side we have the innkeeper who turned Joseph and Mary out in the cold night while he enjoyed the warmth of the inn. There's also Herod who wanted above all his job security as king to the point that he was prepared to kill Jesus and others. These people never get to experience the joy of the good news. On the positive side, consider the shepherds who leave everything they own, their flock, in the bush and go to adore Jesus first. Or the magi, the wise men from the East who leave the security of their homeland and make a long and dangerous journey to Bethlehem just to worship the new-born Jesus and give him gifts. These are the one's who receive God's favour, the ones who experience in their hearts the true peace and joy of Christmas. Let us today resolve to follow their good example by always placing Jesus and others before self and then the joy of Christmas will always be ours.

P of the G: Friendly Options

1. Kapuri-puri Ka (Nemy Que). Put a Christmas touch to this. Sing “Kapuri-puri Ka, Diyos Anak na sinilang ngayon” rather than “Diyos Amang lumikha ng lahat.”
2. Unang Alay (Rey Magnaye) Baka mas maganda toh: “Mga biyayang nagmula sa pagkasilang Mo” rather than “pagpapala Mo”

C: Friendly Options na swak sa G

1. Ang Diyos na Sanggol (Hontiveros)
2. Bituin (Aquino)
3. Isang Sanggol (Fruto Ramirez SJ)
4. Villancico 
5. Villancico Flamenco (See, Hontiveros, Mehlemans)
6. Noong Paskong Una (Pagsanghan-Francisco) 2nd Communion song
7. Paglamig ng Hangin (Francisco) 2nd Communion song

R: Friendly Options

1. Pasko’y Sumapit Na (Danny Isidro SJ & Nemy Que SJ)
2. Pasko Na! (Pagsanhan, Agatep, Arboleda & Francisco)

English:

E: Friendly Options
1. A Christmas Praise (Aquino & Agatep)
2. Adeste Fidelis
3. City of God “The people in darkness have seen a great light” is a quick introduction to 1R No. 1. 

P of the G: Friendly Options
1. Earthen Vessels (John Foley) “Light has shown in our darkness” is reminiscent of 1R No. 1
2. How Shall I Sing to God. Prioritize Stanza 3.
3. We Remember (Marty Haugen). First, make sure this is not one of your service songs. If it is not one of your service songs, consider singing this revised version: 

We remember how You love us: through His Birth.
And now we celebrate for He is with us here.
And we believe that we will see Him when He comes in His glory.
Lord, we remember, we celebrate, we believe.

Then go straight to Stanza 2.

C: Friendly Options. Malamang puno ang simbahan, so malamang madami magkoCommunion. Please prepare a 2nd Communion Song.
1. O Holy Night
2. O Little Town of Bethlehem
3. Silent Night
4. The First Noel. Do not sing Stanza 3, as this is about the three wise men. Wala pa naman sa Gospel for this Sunday sila. Reserve it for the Sunday of the Epiphany of the Lord.
5. Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming
6. God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen (2nd Communion Song)
7. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear (2nd Communion Song)
8. Panis Angelicus (2nd Communion Song). I know this is a song associated with Corpus Christi. Ask your PP or Music Ministry. They'll probably see the associations. 

R: Angels we have heard on high. Many other grand Gloria in excelsis Deo versions would also do.

Suggested Song Line up Dec 23 PM & Dec 24 AM (Day 9 of Simbang Gabi)

Suggested Song Line up
Dec 23 PM & Dec 24 AM (Day 9 of Simbang Gabi)

by: JR Medina
Readings:

1R: As Israel was enjoying a time of peace, King David wanted a temple built for God. But Nathan informs him that God wanted not him but his son to build the temple. The literal meaning of this is that it is is through David’s son Solomon, that God shall have His house, the temple. The extended and symbolic meaning of this is that it is through David’s descendant Jesus, that God shall have His house, the Roman Catholic Church. 

RP: 88

G: Zacharias’ prophecy about his son John the Baptist: God shall send a Messiah, Who shall save Israel from its enemies. Then he says to the baby John the Baptist, “My little son, you shall be called the prophet of the glorious God, for you will prepare the way for the Messiah.”

Important Ideas: 

The Coming Messiah and His precursor, everything associated with John the Baptist, Zacharias who reveals to us that ancient prophecies would be realized in John the Baptist.

Filipino:

E: Friendly Options:

1. Bayan Magsiawit na! (Arnel Aquino SJ) (“...Bagyan, pinagpala ka! Dakilang biyayang pangako Niya, sisilay na!”...) rather than sumilay na.
2. Balang Araw (Silvino Borres Jr SJ & Manoling Francisco SJ) 

Mayroong Papuri. Mayroong Aleluya.

P of the G: May I suggest any of the ff:

1. Ang Tanging Alay Ko. “Aking hinihintay ang ‘Yong pagdarating, Jesus” rather than “pagbabalik, Jesus.” 
2. Unang Alay (Rey Magnaye): Suggest ko sing instead, “Ngayo’y umaasa, naghihintay sa ‘Yo.” Now if your choir sings the Koda, you deliver one solid message if you sing: “Ngayo’y nananalig (umaawit), dumudulog (sumasamba), umaasa (naghihintay) sa ‘Yo.”
3. Paghahandog ng Sarili
4. Sumasamo Kami (Lorenzo Judan) Prioritize Stanza 3. “Lugod naming paglingkuran, layunin ng Kaharian.”

C: For your reference:

1. Balang Araw, if not song as the entrance song, is also a good Communion song. 
2. Likhain mong muli (Albert Alejo, SJ & Manoling Francisco SJ) “Akayin sa landas...”
3. O Hesus, Hilumin Mo (Manoling Francisco SJ) “Ay gawing daan ng ‘Yong kaligtasan” 
4. Pagkakaibigan (Charlie Cenzon SJ & Bong Abad-Santos SJ) “At kung siya’y mamunga ng masagana”
5. Paglingap Mo, Poon (Marius Villaroman). You know, Stanza 1 could very well have been sung by Zacharias and Elizabeth.
6. Pagsibol (Arnel Aquino SJ)
7. Pagtitipan (Rene Javellana SJ & Eddie Hontiveros SJ) This could very well be a song of John the Baptist and Zacharias.
8. Patnubay (Cuyugkeng, Caguioa, Sta. Maria, La Vina) This could very well be a song of John the Baptist.
9. Sa Pag-ibig ng Panginoon (Fruto Ramirez SJ) This could very well be a song of Zacharias, Elizabeth and John the Baptist.) “Nawa’y manahan sa ‘ting puso ang diwa ni Kristo Hesus.”
10. Tubig ng Buhay (Lionel) an allusion to the baptism.

R: Consider:

1. Kung hindi kinanta ang Balang Araw sa Entrance, at hindi din sa Communion, pwede rin iyan sa Recessional.

English: 

E: Friendly Options: 

1. All the Ends of the Earth (Bob Dufford SJ) Just make it “will come with justice for the world” rather than “has come” 
2. City of God (Dan Schutte)
3. My Heart’s Thanksgiving (Arnel Aquino SJ in O Bayan ng Diyos)
4. Sing to the Mountains (Bob Dufford SJ)

Gloria is sung. Alleluia is sung. 

P of the G: Picks

1. Dwelling Place (John Foley SJ) “May Christ find a dwelling place of faith in our hearts.”
2. Prayer of Rupert Mayer (Manoling Francisco SJ) 
3. To Be Your Bread (David Haas) 

C: Pwedeng pagpilian:

1. Let the Valleys be Raised (Dan Schutte)
2. A Time will come for singing (also Dan S)
3. As Water to the Thirsty. Sobrang swak when one takes note of the parallelisms between the things mentioned in the song as John’s longing and service to Jesus. 
4. Holy Darkness (Dan Schutte). “As we await You, O God of silence, we embrace Your holy night.” 
5. In Him Alone (Manoling Francisco SJ) 
6. Love is the Answer (Raymond Hannisian) “After all the places I have been, now I’m going home” is the natural consequence of repenting and believing in the Gospel.
7. Theme from the Cardinal
8. Turn to Me is also parallel to “repenting and believing in the Gospel.”

R: Picks:

1. Recessional song numbers 1 to 4, if not sung as the entrance song, can very well serve as Recessional songs: All the Ends of the Earth (Don’t forget to change “Has come with justice” to “Will come with justice”
2. My Heart’s Thanksgiving (Don’t forget to change “How exalted Your Name is O Yahweh” to “How exalted Your Name is O my Lord”
3. Sing to the Mountains
4. City of God 
5. Wait for the Lord (Taize)