SONG LINE UP SUGGESTIONS Dec 22 PM & Dec 23 AM (Day 8 of Simbang Gabi)

SONG LINE UP SUGGESTIONS 
Dec 22 PM & Dec 23 AM (Day 8 of Simbang Gabi)

by: JR Medina
Readings:

1R: Malachi says that there will be a messenger, a precursor, before the Lord comes. This, of course, is none other than John the Baptist.

RP: 24 

G: The story of John the Baptist’s birth. Zacharias regains his voice after naming the baby John. At this shocking turn of events (shocking in the culture of the Israelites), people probe, “What will this child turn out to be? For tha hand of the Lord is surely upon him in some special way.” 

Important Ideas: 

The role of the precursor

Filipino:

E: Friendly Options:

1. Bayan Magsiawit na! (Arnel Aquino SJ) (“...Bayan, 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.

Today is a very good occasion to sing yung Aleluya “Kami ay gawin mong daan...”

P of the G: May I suggest either 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.”

C: Think of concepts associated with John the Baptist: baptism, straightening the path, producing good fruits. Thus:

1. Awit ng Paghilom (Arnel Aquino): Prioritize Stanza 2 “Ako’y akayin sa daang matuwid.” 
2. Tubig ng Buhay (Lionel)
3. Pagkakaibigan (Cenzon & Abad-Santos) 
4. Pananatili (Noel Miranda) “Yayakapin ang landasin.”

R: 
1. Maliban na Mahulog sa lupa 

English: 

E: Friendly Options: 

1. Let the Valleys be Raised (Dan Schutte) 
2. Water of Life (also Dan Schutte)
3. O Come, Divine Messiah
4. O come, O come, Emmanuel 

Gloria is sung. Alleluia is sung. 

P of the G: 

1. Dwelling Place (John Foley SJ) “May Christ find a dwelling place of faith in our hearts.”

C: Pwedeng pagpilian:

1. A Time will come for singing (Dan Schutte)
2. The Face of God (Manoling Francisco SJ)
3. Patience, People (John Foley SJ) 
4. Turn to Me (John Foley SJ also)
5. Let the Valleys be raised (if not used as entrance song)

R: Picks:

1. Let the Valleys be raised (if not used as entrance song nor as communion song) 
2. Wait for the Lord

SONG LINE UP SUGGESTIONS Dec 21 PM & Dec 22 AM (Day 7 of Simbang Gabi)

SONG LINE UP SUGGESTIONS 
Dec 21 PM & Dec 22 AM (Day 7 of Simbang Gabi)

by: JR Medina
Readings:

1R: This is about the story of the birth of Samuel, the last judge of Israel. In his adulthood he will anoint the future kings of Israel: Saul and David. Samuel’s mother has a hard time giving birth to him, and so after she gives birth to him, she sings a song of thanksgiving. Samuel’s mom’s song is the ancestor of Jesus’ mom’s song. 

G: Luke gives us Mary’s song of praise: the Magnificat. 

Important Ideas: 

The Magnificat expresses the happiness brought about by praising God and following His will.

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. Halina’t Umawit (Albert Flores & Marius Villaroman)
3. Purihi’t Pasalamatan (Simplicio Esteban & Eddie Hontiveros SJ)
4. Sumigaw sa Galak (Nemy Que SJ)
5. Magnificat (Te Deum)

Mayroong Papuri. Mayroong Aleluya.

P of the G: May I suggest either 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.”

C: For your reference:
1. Halina Hesus Aming Mananakop (Danny Isidro SJ & Nemy Que SJ)
2. Halina, O Hesus (also Isidro & Que)
3. Panginoon Hanggang Kailan (Danny Isidro SJ & Fruto Ramirez SJ)
4. Balang Araw (Silvino Borres Jr SJ & Manoling Francisco SJ)
5. Halina Hesus (Rene Javellana SJ & Eddie Hontiveros SJ)

R: Consider:
1. Ang Puso ko’y Nagpupuri (Hontiveros) 

English: 

E: Friendly Options: 

1. O come, Divine Messiah 
2. I Rejoiced (John Foley SJ)
3. Let Heaven Rejoice (Bob Dufford SJ) Stanzas 1 & 2 only
4. Sing to the Mountains (Bob Dufford SJ)
5. My Heart’s Thanksgiving
6. O come, O come, Emmanuel 
7. Magnificat (Te Deum)

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. Earthen Vessels. Prioritize Stanza 2. “He has chosen the lowly who are small in this world” is a natural parallel to the Magnificat. 

C: Pwedeng pagpilian:

1. A Time will come for singing (Dan Schutte)
2. The Face of God (Manoling Francisco SJ)
3. Patience, People (John Foley SJ) 
4. As the 2nd Communion Song: Magnificat (David Haas)

R: Picks:

1. Recessional song numbers 1 to 3, if not sung as the entrance song, can very well serve as Recessional songs: Let Heaven Rejoice
2. My Heart’s Thanksgiving
3. Sing to the Mountains
4. Patience, People (John Foley SJ)
5. Wait for the Lord (Taize)

Dec 20 PM & Dec 21 AM (Day 6 of Simbang Gabi)

SONG LINE UP SUGGESTIONS 
Dec 20 PM & Dec 21 AM (Day 6 of Simbang Gabi)

By: JR Medina and Brian Gangca
Readings:

1R: The author of the Song of Songs describes how a young woman is so delighted when a handsome stag visits her by her room’s window. This is actually a double analogy. The joy of the young woman for the stag’s visit is the joy of Mankind when God is there. The joy of the young woman for the stag’s visit is also the joy of Elizabeth for Mary’s visit. 

G: the familiar Visitation. Mary visits her kinswoman Elizabeth whom the angel Gabriel had previously told her to be with child at a super advanced age. This is the dialogue between the two women. 

Important Ideas: 

1. The visitation. Joy because of the privilege, the honor of being visited by the Mother of the Lord, and being so near the Lord Himself.
2. Awe at God’s wonderful deeds, for He chooses the lowly. 
3. God’s plan of salvation
4. Joy because of we are saved. 

Cebuano:

Entrance:

1. Umanhi Ka, Ayaw Paglangan
2. Adlaw’g Gabii

Offertory:

1. Dawata Kining Kamot Ko
2. Gasa sa Gugma

Communion:

1. Sa Atong Pagpuyo ( F7)
2. Umanhi Ka Mesiyas
3. Bilihong Gasa

Recessional:

1. Andama ang Dalan
2. Tan-awa ang Imong Katawhan
3. Umanhi Ka Mesiyas (if not used in Communion)

Tagalog:

E: Friendly Options:

1. Awit ng Pasasalamat (Eddie Hontiveros SJ) 
2. Bayan Magsiawit na! (Arnel Aquino SJ) (“...Bagyan, pinagpala ka! Dakilang biyayang pangako Niya, sisilay na!”...) rather than sumilay na.
3. Halina’t Umawit (Albert Flores & Marius Villaroman)
4. Purihi’t Pasalamatan (Simplicio Esteban & Eddie Hontiveros SJ)
5. Sumigaw sa Galak (Nemy Que SJ)
6. Ang Puso Ko’y Nagpupuri

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. Panginoon, Narito Ako (Danny Isidro SJ & Nemy Que SJ) in the Best of Himig Heswita
4. Tanging Yaman (Philip Gan & Manoling Francisco SJ in the Best of Bukas Palad (vol 1) 

C: 
1. Bawat Sandali (Gan & Francisco)
2. Ang Pagdalaw (Fruto Ramirez SJ)

R: Consider:
1. Aba Ginoong Maria 
2. Ave Maria
3. Pananagutan (Eddie Hontiveros SJ in Purihi’t Pasalamatan album)
But prioritize Stanza 2 “Sa ating pagmamahalan at paglilingkod sa kanino man. Tayo ay nagdadala ng balita ng kaligtasan.”
This is exactly what Mary did: her virtue of helpfulness/service to her kinswoman Elizabeth also caused the second good deed of bringing forth to the latter the Good News, JC Himself.
4. If Bayan Magsiawit na is not used as entrance song, pwede siyang recessional song. 
5. If Sumigaw sa Galak is not used as entrance song, pwede siyang recessional song.

English: 

E: Friendly Options: 
1. O come, Divine Messiah 
2. I Rejoiced (John Foley SJ)
3. Let Heaven Rejoice (Bob Dufford SJ) Stanzas 1 & 2 only
4. My Heart’s Thanksgiving (Arnel Aquino SJ in O Bayan ng Diyos!) “What am that You should love me” is parallel to Elizabeth’s “Who am I that I should merit a visit from the Mother of my Lord?”
5. Sing to the Mountains (Bob Dufford SJ) 
6. Magnificat (Te Deum)


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. Earthen Vessels. Prioritize Stanza 2. “He has chosen the lowly who are small in this world” is a natural parallel to Elizabeth’s humility.
3. How shall I sing to God (David Haas in Your Dwelling Place). This could be interpreted to have been Elizabeth's song, as Elizabeth has just been "filled with gladness." Stanzas 2 & 3 would be the application to us mankind.

C: Pwedeng pagpilian:

1. How Lovely is Your Dwelling Place, O Lord (Arnel Aquino SJ)
2. On Eagle’s Wings (Michael Joncas)
3. Without Seeing You (David Haas)
All three songs could easily have been sung by Elizabeth, and it would fit her situation, as according to the Gospel.
4. You are mine. The song could easily have been sung by God to Elizabeth.

R: Picks:
1. Hail Mary 
2. Ave Maria (Fruto Ramirez SJ)
3. Recessional song numbers 3 to 5, if not sung as the entrance song, can very well serve as Recessional songs: Let Heaven Rejoice
4. My Heart’s Thanksgiving
5. Sing to the Mountains
6. Wait for the Lord (Taize) 
 7. Magnificat

Song Suggestions for Dec 19 PM & Dec 20 AM (Day 5 of Simbang Gabi)

SONG LINE UP SUGGESTIONS 
Dec 19 PM & Dec 20 AM (Day 5 of Simbang Gabi)

By. JR Medina and Brian Gangca

Readings:

1R: King Ahab threatened the people of Judah, and so Isaiah warns him and prophesies that the victory of Judah is certain, for no less than God Himself has promised a sign of victory to the Israelites: the sign of the Emmanuel: the sign of a virgin giving birth to a child-savior-king, Whose name shall be Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” It is thus impossible to defeat a people with whom God lives with.

RP: the famous Psalm 23 

G: the even more famous Annunciation. This is the dialogue between Mary and the angel Gabriel. 

Important Ideas: 

1. The prophecy of the Virgin giving birth 
2. The forthcoming fulfillment of the prophecy
3. Mary’s fiat, or docility to God’s will
4. To a less degree, the Good Shepherd

Cebuano:

Entrance:

1. Umanhi Ka, Ayaw Paglangan
2. Adlaw’g Gabii
3. Ayaw Paglangan Ginoo

Offertory:

1. Dawata Kining Kamot Ko
2. Gasa Namo Kanimo
3. Gasa sa Gugma

Communion:

1. Sa Atong Pagpuyo ( F7)
2. Umanhi Ka Mesiyas

Recessional:

1. Andama ang Dalan
2. Tan-awa ang Imong Katawhan
3. Umanhi Ka Mesiyas (if not used in Communion)
4. Santa Maria
5. Maria

Filipino:

E: Friendly Options:

1. Halina, Hesus (Javellana & Hontiveros) “Sa simula isinaloob Mo, O Diyos, kaligtasan ng tao.” 
2. Bayan Magsiawit na! (Arnel Aquino SJ) (“...Bagyan, pinagpala ka! Dakilang biyayang pangako Niya, sisilay na!”...) rather than sumilay na.
3. Magpasalamat kayo sa Panginoon (Fruto Ramirez SJ) Stanza 2's "Na S'yang nagligtas sa Kanyang hinirang bayang Israel"is an acknowledgement of what 1R tells. 

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. Mula sa ‘Yo (Manoling Francisco SJ)
4. Sumasamo Kami (Lorenzo Judan)
5. Narito Ako (Rene San Andres)
6. Paghahandog ng Sarili “Kunin Mo o Diyos at tanggapin Mo ang aking kalayaan, ang aking kalooban...”

O6 is a quick reminder to Mary's "Maganap nawa sa akin ang Iyong kalooban." Many offertory songs are very parallel to Mary’s fiat.

C: Choose among:

1. Emmanuel (Gozum & Francisco) in album Pasko Na! Best choice. Just change Stanza 2’s “Isinilang ang Poon” to “Isisilang ang Poon.”
2. Ang Mabuting Pastol (Eddie Hontiveros SJ) 
2. Ang Panginoon ang aking Pastol (Isidro SJ & Ramirez SJ) 
3. Villancico “Pastol, pastol, gumising! Halina at dalawin!”

R: Consider:

1. Aba Ginoong Maria
2. Abang Maria (Manoling Francisco)
3. If Bayan Magsiawit na is not used as entrance song, pwede siyang recessional song. 
4. Same with Magpasalamat kayo sa Panginoon. It can be either entrance or recessional.

English: 

E: Friendly Options: 

1. O come, O come, Emmanuel, or
2. Let Heaven Rejoice (Bob Dufford) Stanzas 1 & 2 only

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. Take and Receive. "Take all my will" is a quick reminder of "Be it done to me according to Your will."

C: Pwedeng pagpilian:

1. The Face of God (Manoling Francisco SJ)
2. Pastorale (also Manoling Francisco SJ)
3. Lo, How a rose E’er Blooming
4. The King of Glory (WF Jabusch)
5. Emmanuel (Gozum & Francisco). Just change in Stanza 2: “Rejoice, a Savior is born” into “Rejoice, a Savior will come”
6. God With Us (Dan Schutte)
7. Like a Shepherd (Bob Dufford SJ)

R: Picks:

1. Immaculate Mother
2. Ave Maria (Fruto Ramirez SJ)
3. Hail Mary
4. Wait for the Lord (Taize)

Song Suggestions for Dec 18 PM & Dec 19 AM (Day 4 of Simbang Gabi)

SONG LINE UP SUGGESTIONS 
Dec 18 PM & Dec 19 AM (Day 4 of Simbang Gabi)

By: JR Medina and Brian Gangca

Readings:
1R: Judges 13:2-7, 24-25 The Birth of Samson. The story is about Samson’s birth. Samson was from the womb of her mother a nazirite, a man dedicated to God. He is one of the judges of Israel, that is one of its superheroes, through whom God will save his people. This is not the case similar to the virgin birth of Mary, since, the story teller tells us that the wife was barren. The case is similar to that of the mother of John the Baptist. In fact, the reading from Luke with which this selection of the Judges is coordinated for the Simbang Gabi, is about the conception of the Baptist.

RP: 70 

G: Lk 1:5-25 The Annunciation to Zechariah: The beginning of Luke’s infancy narratives is the annunciation to Zechariah, and is an integral element in his comparison between John the Baptist and Jesus. The concern is to show that from birth, it was John’s role to point to the coming Messiah, Jesus. As in the case of Manoah’s wife, the Baptist’s mother was barren. There is an added difficulty in Luke: she was, like Zechariah, already advanced in age. The skepticism of Zechariah made him mute. He will not be able to speak until the birth of the Baptist.

Important Ideas: Plurality of Salvation, the plan of salvation is of old, kin, God’s wonderful might, i.e., victory over sin, God fulfills His promises 

Cebuano:

Entrance:

1. Umanhi Ka, Ayaw Paglangan
2. Adlaw’g Gabii

Offertory:

1. Dawata Kining Kamot Ko
2. Gasa sa Gugma

Communion:

1. Sa Atong Pagpuyo ( F7)
2. Umanhi Ka Mesiyas
3. Bilihong Gasa

Recessional:

1. Andama ang Dalan
2. Tan-awa ang Imong Katawhan
3. Umanhi Ka Mesiyas (if not used in Communion)

Tagalog:

E: Friendly Options:

1. Halina, Hesus (Javellana & Hontiveros) “Sa simula isinaloob Mo, O Diyos, kaligtasan ng tao.” 
2. Bayan Magsiawit na! (Arnel Aquino SJ) (“...Bagyan, pinagpala ka! Dakilang biyayang pangako Niya, sisilay na!”...) rather than sumilay na.
3. Bayan, umawit (Borres, Baltazar, Francisco). “sapagkat ngayon kayo’y pinili” rather than ika’y pinili. Doing so produces a line more faithful to and reminiscent of the plenty characters in both 1R and G. "Ika'y pinili" though, could be used, if you want to emphasize 1R only. In that case, only Judah, not necessarily his race, might be recalled to mind.
4. Ang Puso ko'y nagpupuri. (Hontiveros) Prioritize Stanza 3: "At sa lahat ng salinlahi ang awa N'ya'y walang hanggan" is a good teaser to JC's ancestral lineage.
5. Pagmamahal sa Panginoon (Hontiveros) "ating...tanang mga tao...atin")

Mayroong Papuri. Mayroong Aleluya.

P of the G: 
1. Pag-aalay (Manoling Francisco, SJ). From Stanza 1, go straight to Stanza 3. “Lahat ng aming mahal sa buhay...” This calls to mind family and kin. 
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.”

C: Choose among:

1. Panginoon masdan Mo (Danny Isidro SJ/Nemy Que SJ) 
2. Pag-ibig Ko (Cenzon) Very applicable to the sinful condition of some of Jesus’ ancestors. (Despite such a condition, the Son of God comes from them.) “Ako’y kapiling mo kahit ikaw pa ma’y mapalayo.”
But u know what, let’s make this song more apt: 
Stanza 1: Hindi n’yo kailangang magbago, kahit ito’y mas ibig Ko. Hindi n'yo kailangang magsikap nang husto, upang kayo’y ibigin Ko.
Koro: Iniibig kayo, manalig na sana; Ako’y kapiling n’yo, kahit kayo pa ma’y mapalayo.
Stanza 2, in my opinion, is better left unsung on this occasion, dahel mas akma siya kapag kumpisalang bayan. Cguro just repeat Stanza 1. 
3. Panginoon hanggang kailan? (Danny Isidro SJ/Fruto Ramirez SJ)
4. Sino kayo (Javellana-Que) "Sino kayong napabilang sa Kanyang kapisanan" could be interpreted as Jesus’ kin.
5. Likhain Mong Muli (Albert Alejo SJ & Manoling Francisco SJ) "Ilikha Mo kami ng 'sang bagong puso, hugasan ang kamay na basa sa dugo" could very likely be the prayer of Jesus' ancestors.

R: 
1. Kung hindi gagamiten ang E1 and E2 as entrance songs, either can very well serve as appropriate recessional songs.
2. Bayan ng Diyos (Arnel Aquino SJ) is the perfect recessional song for this occasion.


English: 

E: Friendly Options:

1. Come with praise: yung kay Tito Dan (Schutte)
2. Lover of us all (Dan Schutte)
3. Save us, O Lord: yung kay Tito Bob D
Tip: look for songs na pang-maramihan: we, us, kami, tayo. Try to avoid songs na singular: ako, I, me, myself.

Gloria is sung. Alleluia is sung. 

P of the G: 

1. Earthen Vessels (John Foley SJ)
2. Prayer of Rupert Mayer (Manoling Francisco’s)
3. Take our Bread (Joseph Wise)
4. To be Your Bread (kay Tito David H) Stanza 1’s “with our lives as they are” is sobrang swak sa G.

C: Pwedeng pagpilian:

1. Love is the Answer (Raymond Hannisian). Prioritize Stanza 2.
Kasi kung stanza 1 ang kakantahen, I’d advise mas bagay yung song kung yung mga “I” ay gagawing “we”, tsaka yung “my” to “our”.
Pero yung stanza 2, onti lang ang babaguhen, okay na okay na: Though we came by diff’rent roads, now we walk together. Stay beside us all our days, strangers never more. Through the cool of summer rains, by the hearthside fire, I’ll be with you when nothing remains, I am home to stay.
2. My fave advent song The Face of God (Manoling Francisco SJ)
3. So the Love of God (Dan Schutte)
4. Without seeing You. This is a song not only of Doubting Thomas. This could very well be the song of Jesus’ ancestors.
5. You are mine. This could very well be God’s song for Jesus’ ancestors.


R: 
1. The King of Glory (WF Jabusch) Stanza 1’s “the Promised of ages” is an implied reminder to the 14 x 3 (do the math ha) generations. So is the King of Glory (Judah's tribe is acknowledged as the royal tribe).
2. Wait for the Lord (Taize)

Suggested Mass Line-Up for December 18, 2011 (4th Sunday of Advent and 3rd day of Simbang Gabi)

December 18, 2011

4^th Sunday of Advent – Year B

Liturgical Color : Purple

Just few months ago, I learned that I have a colon cancer. The time that I knew it, I ask HIM. Why me? Why me who serve you and devoted my time to make you happy? A lot of questions came that time to my mind questioning HIM. But at the end, I sat down and think that maybe this is a test for me and to my family.

I belong to a poor family where I and my mother only work for us. My father doesn’t have a permanent job. So when my doctor told me to proceed to Cebu City for Colonoscopy, I just told myself that “Brian all you need to do is to pray because you know that you cannot afford for that kind of medication.” So until now I continue praying that GOD will heal me. GOD will cure my ill. And I hope that you too will pray for me. Hope you will do. I know GOD has purpose for giving this to me and I will accept this with my entire heart.

Brothers and sisters here are my suggestions for the songs of the mass this Sunday.

Entrance:

1.      Ayaw Paglangan Ginoo (Ad-I)

2.      Umanhi ka, Ayaw Paglangan

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!’ 

4.      Bayan, umawit “sapagkat ngayon ika’y pinili” is reminiscent of choosiness

5.      All the Ends of the Earth (Dufford). Change all “has come” to will come.

6.      Let Heaven rejoice (Dufford). Focus on stanzas 1 and 2.

7.      Magnificat (Te Deum)

Kyrie:

1.      Ginoo Kaloy-I Kami (Fernandez)

2.      Panginoon, Maawa Ka (Francisco)

3.      Lord, Have Mercy (Francisco, Reyes)

SIMBANG GABI MASS SCHEDULES: MERONG GLORIA. MERONG ALELUYA.
REGULAR SUNDAY MASS SCHEDULES: WALANG GLORIA. MERONG ALELUYA.

Lighting of the 4th Candle in the Advent Wreath: 

O Come Divine Messiah 

Halina, O Jesus (Isidro/Que)

Halina, Hesus (Javellana/Hontiveros)

First Reading:

2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16
7:1 Now when the king was settled in his house, and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him,

7:2 the king said to the prophet Nathan, "See now, I am living in a house of cedar, but the ark of God stays in a tent."

7:3 Nathan said to the king, "Go, do all that you have in mind; for the LORD is with you."

7:4 But that same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan:

7:5 Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the LORD: Are you the one to build me a house to live in?

7:6 I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent and a tabernacle.

7:7 Wherever I have moved about among all the people of Israel, did I ever speak a word with any of the tribal leaders of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, "Why have you not built me a house of cedar?"

7:8 Now therefore thus you shall say to my servant David: Thus says the LORD of hosts: I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep to be prince over my people Israel;

7:9 and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth.

7:10 And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may live in their own place, and be disturbed no more; and evildoers shall afflict them no more, as formerly,

7:11 from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel; and I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house.

7:16 Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever.

Responsorial Psalm

Luke 1:46b-55
1:46b "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

1:48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

1:49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

1:50 His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.

1:51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

1:52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly;

1:53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.

1:54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,

1:55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever." 

OR

Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 
89:1 I will sing of your steadfast love, O LORD, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations.

89:2 I declare that your steadfast love is established forever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens.

89:3 You said, "I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to my servant David:

89:4 'I will establish your descendants forever, and build your throne for all generations.'" Selah

89:19 Then you spoke in a vision to your faithful one, and said: "I have set the crown on one who is mighty, I have exalted one chosen from the people.

89:20 I have found my servant David; with my holy oil I have anointed him;

89:21 my hand shall always remain with him; my arm also shall strengthen him.

89:22 The enemy shall not outwit him, the wicked shall not humble him.

89:23 I will crush his foes before him and strike down those who hate him.

89:24 My faithfulness and steadfast love shall be with him; and in my name his horn shall be exalted.

89:25 I will set his hand on the sea and his right hand on the rivers.

89:26 He shall cry to me, 'You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation!' 

Second Reading:

Romans 16:25-27 
16:25 Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages

16:26 but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith --

16:27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen. 

Alleluia:

1. Ang Ginoo, Among Kahayag (D12)
2. Aleluya! Ang Pulong Mo (D9)
3. Aleluya Wikain Mo
4. Alleluya (Francisco-Arboleda-Reyes)

Gospel:

Luke 1:26-38
1:26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth,

1:27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary.

1:28 And he came to her and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you."

1:29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

1:30 The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

1:31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.

1:32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David.

1:33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."

1:34 Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?"

1:35 The angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God.

1:36 And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren.

1:37 For nothing will be impossible with God."

1:38 Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her. 

PERSONAL REFLECTION:

There are two distinct and opposing traditions in the Bible, one that opposes monarchy, kingship, as being bad and making people only slaves, and a pro-monarchy, pro-kingship tradition that sees that type of leadership as good. Both types are clearly seen in the Old Testament, but what we read today seems to be very much pro-monarchy. Israel’s second King, David was firmly established on the throne of Israel when he realized that even though he was firmly established as King and had a beautiful home, fit for a king, that God was still dwelling in a tent.  The ark of the covenant which had followed the people as they travelled back to their land, was still unhoused.  So David called Nathan to him and said that he wanted to build God a home, a temple. The prophet Nathan thought that was a wonderful idea. God had anointed David and was pleased with David. God was with David, so Nathan told him to go ahead and do what he planned to do.

But, as usual, God saw things in a different way. You can almost hear God laughing at David. How can you contain me. I am the Creator of all things. How can I be housed? And the God goes on to explain how he has taken care of his people, how he has shepherded them, and goes on to promise David that “I will raise up your offspring after you… I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. Your throne shall be established forever.”

When we look back on this with Christian eyes, we can see that God has been housed in his own creation: In Jesus Christ he has become incarnate. The creator has become part of creation. And through the line of David has this happened.  So the prophecy has been fulfilled in Jesus: God is a father to Jesus, and Jesus is his son. The throne of David will last forever through Jesus. This is also how we can call Christ our King. This is what Paul talks about in the second reading today when he talks about the “revelation of the mystery”, the “secret” that has been “disclosed”, and how through the prophets and their prophecies fulfillment, Christ can be known not just to Israelites but to all people.

And so, the Gospel today is the fulfillment of that prophecy that came in a message to the prophet Nathan. Jesus is the culmination of that message, and it is through another message and messenger that it becomes known to a young, virginal, betrothed girl. Notice that both messages from God start off the same way: The Lord is with you. Also, as part of the message, both David and Mary are told that their prodigy will be made great. “I will make for you a great name like the name of the great ones of the earth,” God says to Nathan about David and his seed.  To Mary, the angel says: “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David. He will reign…forever.”

The parallelism in these two stories is so complimentary and beautiful. Luke’s point, is of course, that Christ is the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy, and his birth begins a new age, that birth which we will celebrate throughout the world next week. And only God can bring this about.  It is only through divine intervention that this can happen. And what we are doing in Advent, doing today, is bringing what is past into the present. Jesus comes again every Christmas, and we get to experience the wonder of that miracle each year. That in Jesus we have seen and experienced God.

Lastly, I would like to comment on Mary’s acceptance of this divine intervention.  It is true that there were many myths from Greece and other Middle Eastern countries that had gods impregnating women. And it is also true, that people at this time didn’t know much but the very basics of how impregnation came about. They had, in fact, some bizarre ideas about it. One of the main differences, though, is in Mary’s acceptance of God’s gift in contrast to the rapes in most of the mythology when a God has sex with a mortal. What is important is not a scientific explanation of how it happened, though, even when our modern scientific minds might be interested. For Luke, it is simply the fact that the child was going to be holy, the offspring of God. And because, for Luke, God can do anything, he has the angel tell Mary that a barren cousin, past the age of child-bearing was also with child, one who would be the end of the Old testament, just as Mary’s child would be the beginning of the new. Mary’s response: “Let it be done to me according to your word” is the response that is a resounding “yes” to the story of our salvation, to the beginning of a new contract between God and his people, and the start of 2000 years of his reign which will never end. Unlike the Roman Emperor who was also called Son of God and Lord, this Lord would promise a kingdom of peace and social justice, not through war and conquering, but through love and caring. I will end today with a quotation from Marcus Borg which is a fitting conclusion to our Advent:

“Past, present, and future are brought together in Advent. It is a season of expectant anticipation, of anticipatory joy. It is also a season of repentant preparation for a future that is yet to come.” (Borg. First Christmas: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus. p. 156)

And this is the Good News we have been preparing for, the Good News we will celebrate for the 2011th time next week, and the Good News that we have inherited from our God: “Let it be done to me according to your word!”

Offertory:

1. Gasa sa Gugma (Koro Viannista) good choice
2. Daygon Ikaw, Ginoong Dios
3. Gasa Namo Kanimo
4. Paghahandog ng Sarili “Kunin Mo o Diyos at tanggapin Mo ang aking kalayaan, ang aking kalooban...”
   Many offertory songs are very parallel to Mary’s fiat.
5. Panalanging Maging Bukas Palad (Rodrigo & Ramirez)
6. Narito Ako (Rene San Andres)
7. Mula sa ‘Yo (Manoling Francisco SJ)
8. Christify 
9. Dwelling Place “May Christ find a dwelling place in our hearts” 

Sanctus:

1.      Santos (Mass III 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’y Namatay (Hontiveros)

3.      Memorial Acclamation (Marcelo-Fenomeno)

Amen:

1.      Amen Pagdaygon ang Dios

2.      Dakilang Amen (Francisco)

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-Torress)

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.      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.      Panahon Na

6.      Emmanuel (Gozum/Francisco), 

7.      Oyayi (Cenacle Sisters/Prayers from the Upper Room) 

8.      Panginoon, hanggang kailan? (Isidro, Ramirez)

9.      The Face of God (Manoling Francisco SJ)

10.  The King of Glory (WF Jabusch)

11.  Emmanuel (Gozum & Francisco)

Recessional:

1.      Umanhi ka Mesiyas

2.      Awit ni Maria sa Pagdayeg

3.      Ang Tawag sa Panahon

4.      Panginoon, Hanggang Kailan? (Isidro & Ramirez)

5.      Aba Ginoong Maria. Sobrang swak sa G.

6.      Abang Maria (Manoling Francisco) 

7.      I will sing forever (Swak sa RP)

8.      Hail Mary

9.      The King of Glory (“He is Emmanuel, the Promised of Ages”)

10.  Wait for the Lord. 

Have a blessed week everyone J