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)

Solemnity of the Christ the King - Year A - November 26, 2023

 Thank you sa nagsend pala ng 50.00 pangload sa pocket wifi.

The readings for the Solemnity of Christ the King Year A tell us that the kingship of Christ is one of a caring master who longs for us to live together in harmony in his kingdom. The first reading tells of the Lord gathering in his flock and tending to them. The second reading reminds us that everything is subject to Jesus Christ, including death. And in the gospel Jesus tells of the Judgement of the Nations, where those who served him in this life are separated from those who did not.
 
Some themes for this Sunday:

• Final Judgment: The gospel describes the final judgment of all nations, indicating a day of accountability for actions during earthly life.

• Moral Responsibility: The criteria for judgment are based on acts of kindness or neglect, emphasizing the importance of moral and ethical conduct.

• Corporal Works of Mercy: Feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, and clothing the naked are highlighted as virtuous deeds, stressing the spiritual value of compassion.

• Identification with Suffering: Jesus says that acts done to “the least of these” are done to him, suggesting a deep spiritual connection between God and those who suffer.

• Universality: The passage refers to “all the nations,” suggesting a universal scope for these spiritual principles.

• Social Justice: The emphasis on helping the marginalized connects with themes of social justice and activism.

 
Entrance:
1.      Himaya Kanimo (Koro Viannista), prioritize verse 1 and 2 good for Gospel
2.      Ang Hari sa Himaya, Ania Na
3.      Ang Ginoo Gahari Karon
4.      Pagbubunyi ("Dahil inako ng Kristong Hari kaligtasan ng Kanyang lipi.")
5.      Bayan Umawit ("Iisang lipi, iisang Diyos, iisang hari...")
6.      All Glory, Laud and Honor (Theodulph) “to thee redeemer king”
7.      Let heaven rejoice ("Hosanna to our King")
 
Readings:
 

• First Reading – Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17: The Lord God promises to act as a shepherd to his scattered flock. He will rescue, pasture, and give them rest. He’ll seek the lost, return the strayed, heal the sick, and bind the injured. He will also judge between the different kinds of sheep in his flock.

• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

The LORD is my shepherd who meets all my needs, guiding and sustaining me. I will dwell in his house forever, surrounded by his goodness and kindness.

• Second Reading – 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28: Christ has risen, initiating the resurrection for all. He’ll reign until all enemies, including death, are defeated. Ultimately, everything will be subjected to God.

• Gospel –Matthew 25:31-46: Jesus tells his disciples about the final judgment where people will be separated like sheep and goats. Those who helped the needy will inherit eternal life, being told that their good deeds were done unto Jesus himself. Those who neglected the needy will face eternal punishment.

 

Offertory:
1.      Daygon Ikaw, Ginoong Dios, swak for the celebration. We should be thankful for HIM
2.      Gasa sa Gugma (Koro Viannista)
3.      Paghahandog ng Sarili (..."Pagharian lahat ayon sa kalooban Mo...")
4.      Mula sa 'Yo ("Buhay ko'y pagharian Mo...")
5.      Ang Tanging Alay Ko. Stanza 3 ang priority. “Aking hinihintay ang ‘Yong pagbabalik, Hesus. Ang makapiling Mo’y kagalakang lubos.” This is so eschatology and triumph of Jesus.
6.      Earthen Vessels (Foley) “gold...wealth...treasure”
 
Communion:
1.      Ang Ginoo Akong Magbalantay (Koro Viannista), swak sa First Reading and Responsorial Psalm
2.      Magsaulog Kita Karon, swak sa Gospel
3.      O Dios Ikaw, Haduol, swak sa First Reading
4.      Awit ng Paghahangad. You might want to prioritize Stanza 3. ("Magdiriwang ang Hari...")
5.      Ang Panginoon ay Aking Pastol (Isidro, Ramirez)
6.      Pagkabighani (Alejo, Francisco)
7.      Sa Diyos Lamang Mapapanatag (Isidro, Que) Prioritize Stanza 3 “Pastol Kang nagmamahal sa kawan”
8.      Ang Mabuting Pastol (Hontiveros)
9.      Hesus na Aking Kapatid (Hontiveros)
10.  One Thing I Ask (Tirol). Best choice. There are all the elements of eschatology, as well as the good shepherd imagery, and even triumph.
11.  If I could Touch You (Francisco) Stanza 3 and counterpoint ang priority. “What you do to your brethren, you do it for Me. I am in the brokenness and woundedness of man.” Although Lenten admittedly, still a very very very good choice.
12.  How lovely Is Your Dwelling Place (Aquino) ("My King and my God.") very good choice.
13.  Like A Shepherd (Dufford) Prioritize Sanzas 2 and 3.
 
Recessional:
1.      Ang Tawag sa Panahon
2.      Pagbanwag
3.      Ang Tawag
4.      Tanda ng Kaharian ng Diyos
5.      Ito ang Bagong Araw (Stanza 2: "Kristo Jesus, tunay Kang Hari...")
6.      All the ends of the earth. You might want to prioritize stanza 3.