December 2014
Tuesday PraySing #101
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December 30, 2014
The Hebrew acclamation "Praise God!" is echoed by the Latin “Alleluia”. It is a key word in Christian worship that heralds the Gospel. In a solemn celebration the deacon goes to the altar where the Gospel is enthroned. He lifts the book and, accompanied by altar servers with candles and on some occasions incense, processes with the Gospels held high while choir and community acclaim the good news with “Alleluia,” alternating with verses appropriate to the Gospel of the day. Christians acclaim the most wonderful deed of God among humankind, Jesus Christ, here made visible in the book containing His words and message to us all. As we approach the new year, PraySing Ministry wishes to share a new composition of the Alleluia from composer, arranger, conductor and singer Jay-EL Viteno. Please feel free to sing this for your liturgical celebrations. You may click the picture to download the high resolution PDF file of our featured composer. |
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Sunday Psalm #121
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December 28, 2014
Lord, every nation on earth will adore you The Epiphany of the Lord January 4, 2015 The two psalm settings in English for next Sunday are original compositions by Alejandro D. Consolacion and Tinnah M. dela Rosa and the setting in Filipino is by Jeffrey Ray C. Miguel. Paying attention to the background of this responsorial psalm will help you sing it with greater understanding of its relationship to the solemnity of the Epiphany. Much of the psalm is intercessory prayer for the king that he be able to fulfill his mission of implementing God's plan of justice and peace for the poor. This was a tall order; even Christ the King was not able to fill it without the sacrifice of his life. Through baptism we are God's kingly people. This means that all nations will come to adore Christ if we lead them through lives of justice and peace. Your singing of this psalm is not only a proclamation of what will be but also invitation that we, God's kingly people, make it happen. (Cf. Living Liturgy 2012, p. 33) Please click the picture or the highlighted link to download the high resolution PDF files of our composers. Go to the readings for next Sunday (January 4, 2015) in English via the US Conference for Catholic Bishops and in Filipino via Word and Life Publications. |
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Thursday Music #116
December 25, 2014
Is Christ still the center of our Christmas?
As early as a few months back, Christmas decors are already in store shelves, Christmas carols being rehearsed by choirs, some even already play Christmas songs on the radio. Many have flocked to stores and groceries in search of gifts to give away and meals to serve for their Christmas parties.
We prepare too early, but are we really preparing for the right reasons?
This most wonderful day we celebrate every year has once again come. We have had four weeks of spiritual preparation through the Advent Season. Advent means coming. But today we celebrate Christmas - Jesus who is God's love made flesh has come into our midst!
As we celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ our Savior, we invite you to pray with this simple song, "When Love was born" performed by Mark Schultz. Take time to reflect on that night in Bethlehem when everything was just perfect, when He who is love became one like us. Re-connect with Christ, remember why we celebrate this season and echo the reason.
Wishing everyone a season filled with hope, love, joy, and peace. Merry Christmas!
Many thanks to Alwyn Barry for the video and to Em Alcantara for the reflection!
Is Christ still the center of our Christmas?
As early as a few months back, Christmas decors are already in store shelves, Christmas carols being rehearsed by choirs, some even already play Christmas songs on the radio. Many have flocked to stores and groceries in search of gifts to give away and meals to serve for their Christmas parties.
We prepare too early, but are we really preparing for the right reasons?
This most wonderful day we celebrate every year has once again come. We have had four weeks of spiritual preparation through the Advent Season. Advent means coming. But today we celebrate Christmas - Jesus who is God's love made flesh has come into our midst!
As we celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ our Savior, we invite you to pray with this simple song, "When Love was born" performed by Mark Schultz. Take time to reflect on that night in Bethlehem when everything was just perfect, when He who is love became one like us. Re-connect with Christ, remember why we celebrate this season and echo the reason.
Wishing everyone a season filled with hope, love, joy, and peace. Merry Christmas!
Many thanks to Alwyn Barry for the video and to Em Alcantara for the reflection!
Sunday Psalm #120
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December 21, 2014
Blessed are those who fear the Lord Feast of the Holy Family December 28, 2014 This psalm setting for next Sunday is an original composition by Tinnah M. dela Rosa. In this responsorial psalm you call the assembly to become conscious of who they are - a holy family who dwell in the house of the Lord. What would strengthen your own sense of yourself as a member of God's family? How might you live this week so that this identity may be more evident to others? (Cf. Living Liturgy 2013, p. 29) Please click the picture or the highlighted link to download the high resolution PDF files of our composers. Go to the readings for next Sunday (December 28, 2014) in English via the US Conference for Catholic Bishops |
Thursday Music #115
December 18, 2014
Have you ever imagined yourself in the shoes of this ordinary carpenter who had such an extraordinary task of raising the Savior of the world? He relied on God through a message of an angel in a dream. With all the challenging and scandalous experiences prior to Jesus’ birth, would you be able to endure and accomplish the works of Joseph who mostly lived a hidden and not much talked about life?
Among the members of the Holy Family, it is probably St. Joseph whom we hear the least about, especially if we browse through the pages of the New Testament. Two weeks ago, we invited you to ponder on the Nativity Story from the perspective of Mary. Today, we invite you to reflect on the same story but from the eyes of Joseph as you pray with the song, “Strange Way to Save the Word” performed by 4Him.
Probably, just like St. Joseph we have so many “Why” questions in our lives that need answers. But we can learn from Joseph as we continue to trust in God and let His plan unfold. Strange as it may seem, even though we may work behind the scenes, it will not only lead us to a better understanding and appreciation of our current situation but more importantly to God’s great love for us. God’s love as always, sees us through. A lot of times God's love is evident in the most mysterious and unexpected ways.
Have a joyful and blessed Thursday! Many thanks to Betsy Coy for the video and Delson Balance for the reflection!
Have you ever imagined yourself in the shoes of this ordinary carpenter who had such an extraordinary task of raising the Savior of the world? He relied on God through a message of an angel in a dream. With all the challenging and scandalous experiences prior to Jesus’ birth, would you be able to endure and accomplish the works of Joseph who mostly lived a hidden and not much talked about life?
Among the members of the Holy Family, it is probably St. Joseph whom we hear the least about, especially if we browse through the pages of the New Testament. Two weeks ago, we invited you to ponder on the Nativity Story from the perspective of Mary. Today, we invite you to reflect on the same story but from the eyes of Joseph as you pray with the song, “Strange Way to Save the Word” performed by 4Him.
Probably, just like St. Joseph we have so many “Why” questions in our lives that need answers. But we can learn from Joseph as we continue to trust in God and let His plan unfold. Strange as it may seem, even though we may work behind the scenes, it will not only lead us to a better understanding and appreciation of our current situation but more importantly to God’s great love for us. God’s love as always, sees us through. A lot of times God's love is evident in the most mysterious and unexpected ways.
Have a joyful and blessed Thursday! Many thanks to Betsy Coy for the video and Delson Balance for the reflection!
Sunday Psalm #119
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December 15, 2014
Forever will I sing the goodness of the Lord
Fourth Sunday of Advent (B)
December 21, 2014
Our psalm setting in English is by Tinnah M. dela Rosa and the setting in Filipino is by Marc Misael S. Gamil.
In this psalm you sing about the goodness of God who remains faithful to what has been promised. Take some time this week to thank God for how this promise has been fulfilled in the coming of Christ - in your life personally, and in the life of the church. (Cf. Living Liturgy 2012, p. 17)
Please click the picture or the highlighted link to download the high resolution PDF files of our composers. Go to the readings for next Sunday (December 21, 2014) in English via the US Conference for Catholic Bishops and in Filipino via the Word and Life Publications.
Forever will I sing the goodness of the Lord
Fourth Sunday of Advent (B)
December 21, 2014
Our psalm setting in English is by Tinnah M. dela Rosa and the setting in Filipino is by Marc Misael S. Gamil.
In this psalm you sing about the goodness of God who remains faithful to what has been promised. Take some time this week to thank God for how this promise has been fulfilled in the coming of Christ - in your life personally, and in the life of the church. (Cf. Living Liturgy 2012, p. 17)
Please click the picture or the highlighted link to download the high resolution PDF files of our composers. Go to the readings for next Sunday (December 21, 2014) in English via the US Conference for Catholic Bishops and in Filipino via the Word and Life Publications.
Thursday Music #114
December 11, 2014
Have you ever been in a situation or emergency where you had to call out for help?
Today we invite you to pray and sing "Come, Lord! Maranatha!" composed by Fr. Ricky Manalo, CSP with a similar sense of urgency as when we call for help in an emergency.
But we can only feel that sense of urgency when we are aware of the plight of the hungry, the homeless, and other vulnerable sectors of our society. The advent season is a time to "see" the faces of persons sleeping under the bridge, to know the story of the families who come to collect their food basket from our parish, and to reach out to those who are victims of abuse.
May the song renew our faith in Jesus who will 'set us free' as he brings peace and justice to the world. Let us surrender our fears, frustration, and sense of helplessness and let Jesus inspire us so that we may also do our share of bringing peace and justice to those around us.
Many thanks to Agnes Choo for the video and to Dona Flynn for the reflection!
Have you ever been in a situation or emergency where you had to call out for help?
Today we invite you to pray and sing "Come, Lord! Maranatha!" composed by Fr. Ricky Manalo, CSP with a similar sense of urgency as when we call for help in an emergency.
But we can only feel that sense of urgency when we are aware of the plight of the hungry, the homeless, and other vulnerable sectors of our society. The advent season is a time to "see" the faces of persons sleeping under the bridge, to know the story of the families who come to collect their food basket from our parish, and to reach out to those who are victims of abuse.
May the song renew our faith in Jesus who will 'set us free' as he brings peace and justice to the world. Let us surrender our fears, frustration, and sense of helplessness and let Jesus inspire us so that we may also do our share of bringing peace and justice to those around us.
Many thanks to Agnes Choo for the video and to Dona Flynn for the reflection!
Sunday Psalm #118
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December 7, 2014
My soul rejoices in my God
Third Sunday of Advent (B)
December 14, 2014
Our psalm setting in English is by Tinnah M. dela Rosa and the setting in Filipino is by Dennis N. Marasigan.
Mary's Magnificat proclaims the goodness and mercy of God. As you sing it this Sunday, you make the same proclamation: you too have seen God's goodness. When? Where? How? (Cf. Living Liturgy 2012, p. 13)
Please click the picture or the highlighted link to download the high resolution PDF files of our composers. Go to the readings for next Sunday (December 14, 2014) in English via the US Conference for Catholic Bishops and in Filipino via the Word and Life Publications.
My soul rejoices in my God
Third Sunday of Advent (B)
December 14, 2014
Our psalm setting in English is by Tinnah M. dela Rosa and the setting in Filipino is by Dennis N. Marasigan.
Mary's Magnificat proclaims the goodness and mercy of God. As you sing it this Sunday, you make the same proclamation: you too have seen God's goodness. When? Where? How? (Cf. Living Liturgy 2012, p. 13)
Please click the picture or the highlighted link to download the high resolution PDF files of our composers. Go to the readings for next Sunday (December 14, 2014) in English via the US Conference for Catholic Bishops and in Filipino via the Word and Life Publications.
Thursday Music #113
December 4, 2014
Have you ever wondered what Mary must have thought and felt when she was told by an angel that she will bear the Son of God?
Today we invite you to ponder on the Nativity Story from the perspective of Mary. Mary, despite her human fears and doubts, trusts in God's goodness and mercy as she dealt with the unique situation she was in.
Just like Mary we, too, face difficult situations from time to time that challenge our ability to trust in God's plan for us. When faced with challenging situations, are you also able to call on the Lord to 'hold you together' and 'lighten your darkness'?
As you pray with the song, 'Breath of Heaven', with music by Chris Eaton and lyrics by Chris Eaton and Amy Grant who also sang the song, we invite you to spend some time in silent prayer. As you walk through your unique path, ask the Lord to be with you. You do not have to walk your path alone. The Lord's spirit, our Breath of Heaven, walks with us and helps us to be strong.
Have a blessed Thursday! Many thanks to Bob Marshall for sharing the video.
Have you ever wondered what Mary must have thought and felt when she was told by an angel that she will bear the Son of God?
Today we invite you to ponder on the Nativity Story from the perspective of Mary. Mary, despite her human fears and doubts, trusts in God's goodness and mercy as she dealt with the unique situation she was in.
Just like Mary we, too, face difficult situations from time to time that challenge our ability to trust in God's plan for us. When faced with challenging situations, are you also able to call on the Lord to 'hold you together' and 'lighten your darkness'?
As you pray with the song, 'Breath of Heaven', with music by Chris Eaton and lyrics by Chris Eaton and Amy Grant who also sang the song, we invite you to spend some time in silent prayer. As you walk through your unique path, ask the Lord to be with you. You do not have to walk your path alone. The Lord's spirit, our Breath of Heaven, walks with us and helps us to be strong.
Have a blessed Thursday! Many thanks to Bob Marshall for sharing the video.