January 2015
Thursday Music #120
January 29, 2015
After that historically remarkable five-day Apostolic Visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines, how have we shown mercy and compassion to others so far?
Easier said than done, but this was a great challenge for us Filipinos, even before Pope Francis landed on Philippine soil. One song sent this message since the middle of last year, and encapsulated the Pope’s message to us.
“We are all God’s Children,” penned by Jamie Rivera with music by Noel Espenida, sends us the message of mercy and compassion, and to answer God’s call of knowing and loving Him. As we look into the text of the song, one can see imagery of the country’s situation—street children, typhoon victims, how we can give back by showing love and mercy, and choosing to be brave—a challenge for the Year of the Laity as declared by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
The refrain itself speaks of one universal message—that we are all God’s children, regardless of race, religion, and situation. God invites us, unworthy we may be, to experience His love by doing good to our fellowmen.
Let us reflect once more on the Pope’s heart-stirring messages while we listen to this song. May we be reminded of how God showed us His mercy and compassion through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Many thanks to airam sadnilac for the video and to Em Alcantara for the reflection!
After that historically remarkable five-day Apostolic Visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines, how have we shown mercy and compassion to others so far?
Easier said than done, but this was a great challenge for us Filipinos, even before Pope Francis landed on Philippine soil. One song sent this message since the middle of last year, and encapsulated the Pope’s message to us.
“We are all God’s Children,” penned by Jamie Rivera with music by Noel Espenida, sends us the message of mercy and compassion, and to answer God’s call of knowing and loving Him. As we look into the text of the song, one can see imagery of the country’s situation—street children, typhoon victims, how we can give back by showing love and mercy, and choosing to be brave—a challenge for the Year of the Laity as declared by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
The refrain itself speaks of one universal message—that we are all God’s children, regardless of race, religion, and situation. God invites us, unworthy we may be, to experience His love by doing good to our fellowmen.
Let us reflect once more on the Pope’s heart-stirring messages while we listen to this song. May we be reminded of how God showed us His mercy and compassion through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Many thanks to airam sadnilac for the video and to Em Alcantara for the reflection!
Sunday Psalm #125
January 25, 2015
If today you hear his voice
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
February 1, 2015
Our Sunday Psalm composition for next week is an original by Tinnah M. dela Rosa.
Your leading this psalm needs to come from a heart that knows it struggles to hear and be faithful to the voice of God. Spend some time this week examining where in your life you struggle with those "voices" that compete with Christian discipleship. Is it the voice of consumerism? Of the pressure to conform? Of timidity in the face of a situation that needs to be confronted? Reflect on why these voices are attractive, and ask for the grace to hear and respond instead to the voice of Christ. (Cf. Living Liturgy 2012, p. 47)
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 (February 1, 2015) in English via the US Conference for Catholic Bishops.
If today you hear his voice
Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
February 1, 2015
Our Sunday Psalm composition for next week is an original by Tinnah M. dela Rosa.
Your leading this psalm needs to come from a heart that knows it struggles to hear and be faithful to the voice of God. Spend some time this week examining where in your life you struggle with those "voices" that compete with Christian discipleship. Is it the voice of consumerism? Of the pressure to conform? Of timidity in the face of a situation that needs to be confronted? Reflect on why these voices are attractive, and ask for the grace to hear and respond instead to the voice of Christ. (Cf. Living Liturgy 2012, p. 47)
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 (February 1, 2015) in English via the US Conference for Catholic Bishops.
Thursday Music #119
January 22, 2015
If you were given a chance to tell the world something, what will it be?
A few days after Pope Francis left Philippine soil, all who were touched by his presence, gestures and words, have much to ponder on. But one message resounds in our consciousness. It is summarized by a song, "Tell the World of His Love," which was composed by Trina Belamide for the World Youth Day in 1995.
Although the song is already twenty years old, its message continues to ring true. God has loved the world so immensely that He gave us His only Son, Jesus Christ who is our savior. Jesus, sent us his message of love. He sends those who hear to bring the message to everyone. And that message is one of love.
We are loved. And we are called by God to love.
Spend some time in conversation with the Lord about His love for you and His call for you to love. Do you hear God's call? Are you ready to tell the world about God's love for you? Are to ready to love as God loves?
May you be able to relish God's love for you! Many thanks to Jaymee Duran for adding the lyrics of the song on this video from the Vatican channel which features the concluding mass of the Pope during his apostolic visit to the Philippines.
If you were given a chance to tell the world something, what will it be?
A few days after Pope Francis left Philippine soil, all who were touched by his presence, gestures and words, have much to ponder on. But one message resounds in our consciousness. It is summarized by a song, "Tell the World of His Love," which was composed by Trina Belamide for the World Youth Day in 1995.
Although the song is already twenty years old, its message continues to ring true. God has loved the world so immensely that He gave us His only Son, Jesus Christ who is our savior. Jesus, sent us his message of love. He sends those who hear to bring the message to everyone. And that message is one of love.
We are loved. And we are called by God to love.
Spend some time in conversation with the Lord about His love for you and His call for you to love. Do you hear God's call? Are you ready to tell the world about God's love for you? Are to ready to love as God loves?
May you be able to relish God's love for you! Many thanks to Jaymee Duran for adding the lyrics of the song on this video from the Vatican channel which features the concluding mass of the Pope during his apostolic visit to the Philippines.
Sunday Psalm #124
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January 18, 2015
Teach me your ways, O Lord Third Sunday in Ordinary Time (B) January 25, 2015 Our Sunday Psalm composition for next week is an original by Tinnah M. dela Rosa. In psalm 25 we pray for the readiness to hear and learn the ways of God. We acknowledge that the kingdom of God is at hand and ask for the grace to live our lives accordingly. Psalm 25, then, is a blueprint for the journey of Ordinary Time, which we have just begun, when God teaches and we learn the way of discipleship. May we sing it with confidence in and commitment to the One who calls. As part of your preparation this week, you might spend some time reflecting on where in your life God is calling you to a deeper discipleship. Use the responsorial psalm as a daily prayer so that when you cantor it on Sunday, your singing will come from a choice to follow where God leads. (Cf. Living Liturgy 2012, p. 43) 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 25, 2015) in English via the US Conference for Catholic Bishops. |
Thursday Music #118
January 15, 2015
When was the last time you felt truly hungry or thirsty but found nothing to satisfy your craving or quench your thirst?
Just as our body sometimes longs for food and drink that truly satisfies, so do our spirits. We need that which will satisfy our hunger and thirst for the the Bread of life and the Fountain of life. Jesus, the Bread and Water of Life provides such a gift as we journey towards the house of God.
Today we are fortunate to have with us Christ's representative on earth in the person of Pope Francis. He shows by his example how each of us can show mercy and compassion for others. Furthermore, he shows us how we can reflect Christ's mercy and compassion. We, too, can become bread broken for others and help quench what people thirst for.
As we enjoy his presence during Pope Francis' Apostolic Visit to the Philippines, we invite you to reflect on the multilingual song, 'Tinapay ng Buhay' with words by Fr. Rene Javellana, SJ and music by Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ. Translated loosely, the refrain means: "Jesus, the Bread of life, the gift of the Father. Jesus, source of life, the Fountain of life. You are our food and drink as we march to the house of God."
As you listen to this piece, reflect on how God's gift of Jesus has been to you food and drink that truly gives life as you journey towards the Father. Spend some time in thanksgiving for this gift of Christ.
Many thanks to 2015 Philippine Papal Visit Mass Songs for the video!
When was the last time you felt truly hungry or thirsty but found nothing to satisfy your craving or quench your thirst?
Just as our body sometimes longs for food and drink that truly satisfies, so do our spirits. We need that which will satisfy our hunger and thirst for the the Bread of life and the Fountain of life. Jesus, the Bread and Water of Life provides such a gift as we journey towards the house of God.
Today we are fortunate to have with us Christ's representative on earth in the person of Pope Francis. He shows by his example how each of us can show mercy and compassion for others. Furthermore, he shows us how we can reflect Christ's mercy and compassion. We, too, can become bread broken for others and help quench what people thirst for.
As we enjoy his presence during Pope Francis' Apostolic Visit to the Philippines, we invite you to reflect on the multilingual song, 'Tinapay ng Buhay' with words by Fr. Rene Javellana, SJ and music by Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ. Translated loosely, the refrain means: "Jesus, the Bread of life, the gift of the Father. Jesus, source of life, the Fountain of life. You are our food and drink as we march to the house of God."
As you listen to this piece, reflect on how God's gift of Jesus has been to you food and drink that truly gives life as you journey towards the Father. Spend some time in thanksgiving for this gift of Christ.
Many thanks to 2015 Philippine Papal Visit Mass Songs for the video!
Sunday Psalm #123a
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January 11, 2015
Feast of the Santo Niño (Philippine Church)
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
January 18, 2015
The english psalm setting for the Feast of the Santo Niño is an original composition by Tinnah M. dela Rosa while the Filipino setting is by Christian Yanez.
On Sunday, we are fortunate to celebrate, once again, the Feast of the Sto. Niño. This devotion, which has its roots in the beginning of the Christianization of our country, is also one of the main features of our popular religiosity. If our devotion to the Sto. Niño is genuine, it must not stop at placing his image in our family altar, or carrying it wherever we go. Our devotion to the Child Jesus must find its practical manifestation in our concern for the total welfare of the millions of children throughout the world and especially for those who are victimized in so many ways. Jesus loved children and showed his love and esteem for them in very practical ways, as we learn from today’s Gospel passage. In this Eucharist let us renew our commitment to do likewise. (Cf. Euchalette, January 18, 2015)
To download the music sheet with a higher resolution, please click here. Click to view the readings in English or in Filipino for the Feast of the Santo Niño (January 19, 2014) via the Euchalette website.
Feast of the Santo Niño (Philippine Church)
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)
January 18, 2015
The english psalm setting for the Feast of the Santo Niño is an original composition by Tinnah M. dela Rosa while the Filipino setting is by Christian Yanez.
On Sunday, we are fortunate to celebrate, once again, the Feast of the Sto. Niño. This devotion, which has its roots in the beginning of the Christianization of our country, is also one of the main features of our popular religiosity. If our devotion to the Sto. Niño is genuine, it must not stop at placing his image in our family altar, or carrying it wherever we go. Our devotion to the Child Jesus must find its practical manifestation in our concern for the total welfare of the millions of children throughout the world and especially for those who are victimized in so many ways. Jesus loved children and showed his love and esteem for them in very practical ways, as we learn from today’s Gospel passage. In this Eucharist let us renew our commitment to do likewise. (Cf. Euchalette, January 18, 2015)
To download the music sheet with a higher resolution, please click here. Click to view the readings in English or in Filipino for the Feast of the Santo Niño (January 19, 2014) via the Euchalette website.
Sunday Psalm #123b
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January 11, 2015
Here am I, Lord Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (B) January 18, 2015 Our Sunday Psalm composition for next week is an original by our founder and regular contributor Tinnah M. dela Rosa. These verses from Psalm 40 express our willingness to respond to God's will for the duration of our lives. With the psalmist, with Samuel (first reading), with the disciples (gospel), with Jesus himself, we commit ourselves to doing God's will. Our lives, as were Samuel's and the disciples', will be changed. And this is what the journey of Ordinary Time is about. As you prepare to sing this Sunday's responsorial psalm, spend some time reflecting on why this psalm and these readings were selected for the second Sunday in Ordinary Time. To what is the liturgy calling you? To what are you as cantor calling the assembly? (Cf. Living Liturgy 2012, p. 39) 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 18, 2015) in English via the US Conference for Catholic Bishops. |
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Sunday Psalm #122
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January 4, 2015
The Lord will bless his people with peace
Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
January 11, 2015
For our first Sunday Psalm post this 2015, we are sharing two versions of Psalm 29 in English (The Lord will bless his people with peace) by Tinnah M. dela Rosa and Joey Delos Santos (2 pages), and one in Filipino by Dennis N. Marasigan (2 pages). We also wish to share an alternative psalm for this feast based on Isaiah 12, "You will draw water joyfully", also by Tinnah.
The numerous signs of God's glory which you enumerate in these psalm verses are external revelations of the even greater glory God works within you through your baptism in Christ. What might you do this week to renew your awareness of the power and grace of baptism? What might you do to bless God for this power and grace? (Cf. Living Liturgy 2013, p. 39)
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 11, 2015) in English via the US Conference for Catholic Bishops or in Filipino via Word and Life Publications.
The Lord will bless his people with peace
Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
January 11, 2015
For our first Sunday Psalm post this 2015, we are sharing two versions of Psalm 29 in English (The Lord will bless his people with peace) by Tinnah M. dela Rosa and Joey Delos Santos (2 pages), and one in Filipino by Dennis N. Marasigan (2 pages). We also wish to share an alternative psalm for this feast based on Isaiah 12, "You will draw water joyfully", also by Tinnah.
The numerous signs of God's glory which you enumerate in these psalm verses are external revelations of the even greater glory God works within you through your baptism in Christ. What might you do this week to renew your awareness of the power and grace of baptism? What might you do to bless God for this power and grace? (Cf. Living Liturgy 2013, p. 39)
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 11, 2015) in English via the US Conference for Catholic Bishops or in Filipino via Word and Life Publications.
Thursday Music #117
January 1, 2015
What event has changed your life forever? Think about it for a moment...
As we continue reflecting on Christ's birth on this new year, let us ponder how his coming on earth has changed many things, beginning with Mary's life.
Mary was no more than a teenager when she was told that she was to become the mother of Jesus Christ. She had her whole future ahead of her as a young woman betrothed to Joseph. But indeed, the promise of a baby changes everything. It changes who we are, how we are, how we love and how we live. It certainly changed Mary as well as Joseph. More importantly, Jesus' coming on earth certainly changed the rest of the world as we know it.
As you listen and pray with the song, "A Baby Changes Everything" performed by Faith Hill, we invite you pray in thanksgiving for Mary's yes to God, for Joseph's acceptance of Mary in her condition, and for their cooperation to be the mother and foster father of God's son. We invite you, too, to ponder on how your own life has changed because of Jesus and because you have known Jesus. Speak to God in gratitude for this.
As you celebrate the solemnity of Mary as the Mother of Christ on this first day of the new year, may you grow in your ability to welcome Christ and the changes he brings into our lives. May you have a blessed new year this 2015!
Many thanks to hjy82 for the video!
What event has changed your life forever? Think about it for a moment...
As we continue reflecting on Christ's birth on this new year, let us ponder how his coming on earth has changed many things, beginning with Mary's life.
Mary was no more than a teenager when she was told that she was to become the mother of Jesus Christ. She had her whole future ahead of her as a young woman betrothed to Joseph. But indeed, the promise of a baby changes everything. It changes who we are, how we are, how we love and how we live. It certainly changed Mary as well as Joseph. More importantly, Jesus' coming on earth certainly changed the rest of the world as we know it.
As you listen and pray with the song, "A Baby Changes Everything" performed by Faith Hill, we invite you pray in thanksgiving for Mary's yes to God, for Joseph's acceptance of Mary in her condition, and for their cooperation to be the mother and foster father of God's son. We invite you, too, to ponder on how your own life has changed because of Jesus and because you have known Jesus. Speak to God in gratitude for this.
As you celebrate the solemnity of Mary as the Mother of Christ on this first day of the new year, may you grow in your ability to welcome Christ and the changes he brings into our lives. May you have a blessed new year this 2015!
Many thanks to hjy82 for the video!