2nd Sunday of Advent - Year B - December 10, 2023

 
A big thanks to all of you who always support us here in choirmassguide. We are now on the 2^nd Sunday of Advent. Kaya namamasko po kami sa inyo... GCash nalang po nasa gilid ang details :) 
 
The readings for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B tell us of John the Baptist and his call to repentance. The first reading foretells the coming of John the Baptist. The psalm reminds us that the Lord is kind and just. The second reading encourages us to grow in holiness. And in the gospel, John the Baptist is baptizing people in preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ.

• Fulfillment of Prophecy: The passage begins by referencing the prophets Isaiah and Malachi, indicating that John the Baptist’s ministry is a fulfillment of prophecy. This theme underscores the continuity of God’s plan as revealed through the prophets.

• Preparation for the Messiah: John’s role as a forerunner for Christ highlights the theme of preparation for the coming of the Messiah. His preaching and baptizing in the wilderness were meant to prepare the hearts and minds of the people for Jesus.

• Humility of John the Baptist: John’s declaration that he is not worthy to untie the sandals of the one coming after him illustrates his humility. It sets an example for the proper attitude of a servant of God, acknowledging one’s own unworthiness in comparison to Christ.

• Baptism as a Symbol of Repentance: The act of baptism in the Jordan River by John symbolizes purification and repentance. This ritual act points to the inner transformation that is required for a renewed relationship with God.

• Anticipation of the Holy Spirit: John distinguishes his baptism with water from the coming baptism with the Holy Spirit by Jesus. This theme introduces the Holy Spirit’s significant role in Christian life and points to the deeper, transformative work that Jesus will accomplish.

• Transition from Old to New Covenant: John’s ministry marks the transition from the prophetic tradition of the Old Testament to the new era inaugurated by Jesus. This theme reflects the shift from the law and prophets to the grace and truth brought by Christ.

 
Entrance:
1.      Andama ang Dalan, which is swak sa gospel
2.      Umanhi ka Mesiyas
3.      Balang Araw (Borres, Francisco)
Suggestion ko lang ‘toh; anyone can very well disagree: Palitan yung ‘Narito na’ng Manunubos, luwalhatiin ang Diyos!’ into ‘Darating na’ng Manunubos, luwalhatiin ang Diyos!’ (JR Medina)
4.      Purihin ang Panginoon. (Prioritize 3rd Stanza: “...Kaya’y Panginoo’y dinggin; ang landas Niya’y tahakin..”)
 
Readings:

• First Reading – Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11: Summary: God promises comfort and forgiveness to Jerusalem, declaring an end to her trials. A path is made for the Lord’s glory, as He comes with power and tenderness, like a caring shepherd.

• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 85: Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

I listen for God’s words, for He promises peace to His people and salvation to the reverent. In our land, kindness and truth, justice and peace, shall unite under His blessings.

• Second Reading – 2 Peter 3:8-14: God’s time differs from ours; He’s patient, desiring all to repent. The Day of the Lord will bring transformation, urging us to live in holiness, awaiting a new righteous world.

• Gospel – Mark 1:1-8: Isaiah prophesied a messenger, John the Baptist, who emerged in the wilderness calling for repentance and baptism for sin forgiveness. He foretold of one greater than himself, unworthy even to untie His sandals, who would baptize with the Holy Spirit, not just water.

 

Offertory:

1. Gasa sa Gugma (Koro Viannista) good choice
2. Daygon Ikaw, Ginoong Dios
3. Gasa Namo Kanimo
4. Pag-aalay ng Puso (Minsan Lamang) (Nemy & Que) as advent (at least the earlier part) has an eschatological notion. Traces of 32nd and 33rd Sundays in Ordinary Time yata ito. (JR Medina)
5. Unang Alay (best choice)
6. We can instantly make this song have an Adventish notion: The last line originally runs: “...Ngayo’y nananalig, nagmamahal sa ‘Yo.” Sing instead, “Ngayo’y umaasa, naghihintay sa ‘Yo.” You then reinforce the message re: anticipation.
7. 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.” 
8. I will be so excommunicated by Fr. Rey Magnaye. (JR Medina)
9. Dwelling Place (“May Christ find a dwelling place in our hearts”) (Foley)
10. Prayer for Generosity (Arboleda)

 
Communion:
1.      Panahon na Karon sa Pagbag-o, literally Christians repent during Advent and Lent season. So this is a good choice
2.      O Dios, Ikaw Haduol
3.      Andani, Pag-andam sa Ani, the main keyword is Pag-andam. For his coming we should prepare.
4.      Ginoo, Sayud Ka sa Tanan (Ad-7)
5.      Awit ng Paghilom. (I’d like to believe and comment that Stanza 2’s “sa daang matuwid” calls to mind G No. 3. Ganunpaman, I acknowledge that many people would say that this is a song more apprpri8 for the liturgical season of Lent.) Tsaka “Hanap-hanap Ka ng puso”
6.      Liwanag ng Aming Puso: Lentish but (“...sa amin manahan Ka...”) 
7.      O Halina, O Hesus (Isidro & Que)
8.      Panginoon Masdan Mo (Isidro & Que)
9.      Hiram sa Diyos. The first two weeks of Advent are very eschatological.
10.  Pananatili (“yayakapain ang landasin...Mo” is again terno sa G No. 3)
11.  Panginoon Aking Tanglaw (Ramirez)
12.  Panginoon, hanggang kailan? (Isidro, Ramirez)
13.  Panginoon Masdan Mo (Isidro & Que)
14.   Sa Dapit Hapon (Tabuena & Hontiveros) Sing stanza 1 repeatedly.
15.   Patience People (Foley) 
16.  The Face of God (Francisco)
17.  Let the Valleys be Raised (Schutte)
18.  O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
19.  The King of Glory (Jabusch)
20.  Empty Space (Foley) “So You may one day see my face” pero some consider this for the Sacred Heart mas apt. Bagaman mas nauugnay ito sa Kabanal-banalang Puso, this is taking it one step further: If we are anticipative and waiting so much, we might as well wait for the right One. Besides, this song could even help in increasing the longing. My own opinion lang ang last sentence; I’d love it if you’d disagree para natu3 tayo lahat thru exchange of reasonable reasons. ??Ang panget ng English ko, but you get what I mean.
21.   In Him Alone
22.  God of Silence (Francisco)
23.  Holy Darkness “As we await You” pero some consider this for the Easter Vigil mas apt.
24.  Hosea (Norbet) Lentish mas kilala, pero if you consider its links to eschatology...
25.  Love is the answer (Hannisian)
26.  One Thing I Ask (Tirol)
27.  This Alone (Manion)
28.  We Remember (Haugen)
29.  Turn to Me
30.  Breath of God: On the one hand, the Holy Spirit was indeed both in 1R and G No. 7. Besides, not too many people would outrightly consider this song as exclusively for Pentecost. 
However, I don’t think that this song should be used indiscriminately for all the Sundays of Advent; cguro 2nd Sunday of Advent lang, kasi the Holy Spirit is indeed the love of God the Father for the Son, and of the Son for the Father, i.e., the love that transpires between them: When the Father sees the Son Whom He loves so much, Siya ay napadidighay, at ang nadidighay is the Holy Spirit. Thus, the Holy Spirit is the breath of God, the breath of love, “hininga ng pag-ibig.” (But take note that this does not happen in the time continuum, for the Godhead is not immersed in a time line.) Pero palayo na ito sa thread. My more important point is this: I believe that Breath of God does not deliver the appropriate message on the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Sundays of Advent.
 
Recessional:
1.      Pagpangatagak na Yamog
2.      Bayan magsiawit na (Aquino)
3.      Tanda ng Kaharian ng Diyos (Morano & Francisco)
4.      Halina, Jesus, aming Mananakop (Isidro, Que) 
5.      A Time Will Come for Singing (Schutte) 
6.      Wait for the Lord
7.      Life Forever More (Ellerton & Francisco)
8.      The Lord is my Light. Prioritize Stanza 2: “Your face, Lord, I seek.”
 
Hope this will help…Have a nice weekend everyone 😊

1st Sunday of Advent - Year B - December 3, 2023

 
Another year of our church calendar has been ended and we are now on Year B. We are still grateful for your help and support for us to continue this ministry despite the odds we encounter this year. Again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
 
The readings for the First Sunday in Advent for Year B are a call to be alert in waiting for the coming of the Lord. The first reading begs the Lord to return to us and save us. The psalm also asks God to look upon us and have mercy. The second reading calls us to remain steadfast in our discipleship. And in the gospel, Jesus warns us to be watchful. Not everyone will be ready in the final hour.
 
Theme:
 

• Vigilance: The passage emphasizes the importance of being watchful and alert. It suggests that one must always be prepared for significant events or the return of Christ, as the exact time is unknown.

• Preparedness: The theme of preparedness is linked to the concept of vigilance. It implies that one should live in a state of readiness, both spiritually and morally, for the end times or second coming.

• Accountability: The passage indicates that there will be a time of reckoning. It teaches that individuals are responsible for their actions and must be ready to account for them at any unexpected moment.

• Faithfulness in Duty: Servants are instructed to carry out their tasks diligently. This reflects the broader spiritual principle that followers should be consistent in their responsibilities and faithful in their duties.

• The Unpredictability of God’s Timing: The text stresses that the timing of divine actions is not for humans to know. It challenges believers to trust in God’s timing and plan, despite not knowing the details.

 
Entrance:

1. Ayaw Paglangan Ginoo
2. Andama Ang Dalan
3. Bayan magsiawit na (Song #33)
4. Advent is about, among others, anticipation for Christ’s coming. Naturally being repetitive, this song’s refrain would have an adventish touch and begin very strongly that mission to arouse the congregation’s anticipation for the coming JC when one sings: “Dakilang biyayang pangako Niya sisilay na” rather than “sumilay” na. Kung baga ang lakas ng pasok/dating nito. Parang the film outfit would be creating a teaser dahel may ilo-launch na big budget film! Most sincere apologies po to Father Arnel if binastardo ko yung song niya.
5. Halina, Jesus, aming Mananakop (Isidro, Que) 
6. Dinggin Mo (Esteban, Hontiveros) "Ama nami't Panginoon" is so 1R.
7. Seek the Lord (especially Stanza 1) (Song #289)
8. Advent is not only about anticipation for the Christ’s first coming. It is also about preparedness for the Second Coming. (Traces of 32nd and 33rd Sundays in Ordinary Time.)
9. Blest be the Lord (Schutte)
10. All the Ends of the Earth (Dufford)

 
Readings:

• First Reading – Isaiah 63:16B-17, 19B; 64:2-7: We acknowledge You as our eternal redeemer, yet we’ve strayed and become sinful. We long for Your mighty presence and deeds, as we are lost without Your guidance.

• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 80: Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

Shepherd of Israel, hear us and save us. Look down, care for us, and let Your face shine upon us that we may be strong and faithful.

• Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 1:3-9: I thank God for the grace given to you, enriching you with knowledge and spiritual gifts as you await Jesus Christ, who will keep you steadfast until His return.

• Gospel – Mark 13:33-37: Jesus advises his disciples to stay vigilant as no one knows when He will return. It’s likened to a man going on a journey who instructs his servants to be watchful in his absence, emphasizing the need to remain prepared at all times.

 

Offertory:

1. Gasa sa Gugma (Koro Viannista) good choice
2. Daygon Ikaw, Ginoong Dios
3. Gasa Namo Kanimo
4. Pag-aalay ng Puso (Minsan Lamang) (Nemy & Que) as advent (at least the earlier part) has an eschatological notion. Traces of 32nd and 33rd Sundays in Ordinary Time yata ito.
5. Ang Tanging Alay Ko Prioritize Stanza 3. One reinforces the more common message of Advent even more when in Stanza 3 this is sung: “Aking hinihintay ang ‘Yong pagdarating, Jesus” rather than “pagbabalik, Jesus.” Nevertheless, pagbabalik can certainly remain, as again this season also has an eschatological notion.
6. Unang Alay (best choice) We can instantly make this song have an Adventish notion: The last line originally runs: “...Ngayo’y nananalig, nagmamahal sa ‘Yo.” Sing instead, “Ngayo’y umaasa, naghihintay sa ‘Yo.” You then reinforce the message re: anticipation.
7. 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.” 
8. I will be so excommunicated by Fr. Rey Magnaye.
9. Prayer for Generosity (Arboleda)
10. Take our Bread (Wise)
11. To Be Your Bread (Haas)

 
Communion:
1.      Panahon na Karon sa Pagbag-o, literally Christians repent during Advent and Lent season. So this is a good choice
2.      O Dios, Ikaw Haduol
3.      Andani, Pag-andam sa Ani, the main keyword is Pag-andam. For his coming we should prepare.
4.      Ginoo, Sayud Ka sa Tanan (Ad-7)
5.      Awit ng Paghahangad (Cenzon) Our response to be watchful: Ika’y pagmamasdan sa dakong banal, nang Makita ko ang ‘Yong pagkarangal.
6.      Awit ng Paghilom (Aquino). “Hanap-hanap Ka ng puso”
7.      Hesus na Aking Kapatid (Hontiveros) Focus on “Tulutan Mo aking mata” Lentish admittedly though.
8.      Liwanag ng Aming Puso: Lentish but (“...sa amin manahan Ka...”) 
9.      O Diyos, Iniibig Kita (Rodrigo & Hontiveros)
10.  Pagsibol (Aquino)
11.  Panginoon Aking Tanglaw (Ramirez)
12.  Sa Dapit Hapon (Tabuena & Hontiveros) Sing stanza 1 repeatedly.
13.  Patience People (Foley) 
14.  The Face of God (Francisco)
15.  God of Silence (Francisco)
16.  Holy Darkness “As we await You” pero some consider this for the Easter Vigil mas apt.
17.  Hosea (Norbet) Lentish mas kilala, pero if you consider its links to eschatology...
18.  Love is the answer (Hannisian)
19.  One Thing I Ask (Tirol)
20.  This Alone (Manion)
21.  We Remember (Haugen)
 
Recessional:

1. Pagpangatagak na Yamog
2. Balang Araw - Suggestion ko lang ‘toh; anyone can very well disagree: consider changing yung ‘Narito na’ng Manunubos, luwalhatiin ang Diyos!’ into ‘Darating na’ng Manunubos, luwalhatiin ang Diyos!’ I just think it will be more faithful to the chronology, na for this season of advent, we should all help build up the anticipation for His coming. Technically Christ already came 2000 years ago, but we do have a liturgical year—every year and time, events that happened 2000 years ago are ever more renewed and ever more recalled to mind, and akma yung message mo when you hit the right pamanahon ng pandiwa (tenses of verbs).
3. Tanda ng Kaharian ng Diyos (Morano & Francisco)
4. Any Marian Song (kasi Nov 27 is Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal)
5. A Time Will Come for Singing (Schutte) 
6. Wait for the Lord
7. Life Forever More (Ellerton & Francisco)