March 2015
Sunday Psalm #134b
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March 29, 2015
This is the day the Lord has made
Easter Sunday
April 5, 2015
Our Easter Sunday psalm setting in Filipino is by Marc Misael S. Gamil, and the two settings in English are by Tinnah M. dela Rosa and Joey Delos Santos.
In singing this psalm you testify to what the Lord has done for you. When testifying one first narrates what one has seen and heard and then declares what one believes about what he/she has seen and heard. This psalm is your testimony about God and it becomes a communal song of praise as it moves others to testify to what God has done in their lives. One cannot have an encounter with God without talking about it. So as you sing this song, remember that you are proclaiming God's mighty deed of delivering us from bondage when we cannot free ourselves. (Cf. Working Preacher)
Please click the pictures or the highlighted link to download the high resolution PDF files of our composers. Click the highlighted link to view the readings in English for next Sunday (April 5, 2015) via the US Conference for Catholic Bishops website or the readings in Filipino via the Word and Life Publications.
Sunday Psalm #134a
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March 29, 2015
Easter Vigil Responsorial Psalms
Holy Saturday – Vigil in the Holy Night of Easter
April 4, 2015
For Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday we are sharing psalm responses in English by Tinnah M. dela Rosa and a 3 full psalm settings in Filipino by Dennis N. Marasigan.
Click the picture of the highlighted link to download the high resolution files of our composers.
Click the highlighted link to view the readings for Easter Vigil (April 4, 2015) in English via the US Conference for Catholic Bishops website or in Filipino via the Word and Life Publications.Please click the picture or the highlighted link to donload the high resolution PDF files of our composer
Thursday Music #126
March 26, 2015
Do we listen to the cry of the poor?
Late last year, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) declared 2015 as the Year of the Poor. This comes in perfect timing as Pope Francis visited the Philippines last January. The CBCP echoes Pope Francis’ words in Evangelii Gaudium: The Joy of the Gospel: “Whenever we take a step towards Jesus [and the poor], we come to realize that he is already there, waiting for us with open arms” (EG 3).
Knowing this, what does Jesus then want us to do? Jesus simply wants us to recognize the poor and their God-given dignity - by reaching out to them, humanizing oppressive conditions that betray their authentic worth, and praying for them, among others. And as we pray for them, we do our part in contributing to their richness in God’s Kingdom. Jesus said so Himself in the Book of Matthew, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
As we pray with this song, "The Cry of the Poor" by John Michael Talbot, may we keep in mind the poor-- those who have less, the suffering, the oppressed, those living in unjust structures-- and lift them up to the Lord. May we who see them in their poverty assist them in their journey to God. Let us also reflect on the different ways we also experience poverty - in our finances, our relationships, or even our spiritual lives. Like those who are poor in spirit, may we learn to reach out to God who is never outdone in his love and mercy.
Many thanks to the Diocese of St. Benedict for the video and to Em Alcantara for the reflection!
Do we listen to the cry of the poor?
Late last year, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) declared 2015 as the Year of the Poor. This comes in perfect timing as Pope Francis visited the Philippines last January. The CBCP echoes Pope Francis’ words in Evangelii Gaudium: The Joy of the Gospel: “Whenever we take a step towards Jesus [and the poor], we come to realize that he is already there, waiting for us with open arms” (EG 3).
Knowing this, what does Jesus then want us to do? Jesus simply wants us to recognize the poor and their God-given dignity - by reaching out to them, humanizing oppressive conditions that betray their authentic worth, and praying for them, among others. And as we pray for them, we do our part in contributing to their richness in God’s Kingdom. Jesus said so Himself in the Book of Matthew, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
As we pray with this song, "The Cry of the Poor" by John Michael Talbot, may we keep in mind the poor-- those who have less, the suffering, the oppressed, those living in unjust structures-- and lift them up to the Lord. May we who see them in their poverty assist them in their journey to God. Let us also reflect on the different ways we also experience poverty - in our finances, our relationships, or even our spiritual lives. Like those who are poor in spirit, may we learn to reach out to God who is never outdone in his love and mercy.
Many thanks to the Diocese of St. Benedict for the video and to Em Alcantara for the reflection!
Sunday Psalm #133
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March 22, 2015
My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion (B) March 29, 2015 Our Sunday Psalm composition in English for next week is by Tinnah M. dela Rosa. The verses chosen from Psalm 22 for Palm Sunday progress in the the opposite direction from the movement set up between the gospel reading at the opening of this liturgy and the passion proclaimed during the Liturgy of the Word. In these readings we begin with the crowd shouting praise and end with the story of Christ's degradation and death. In the responsorial psalm, however, we begin with the psalmist's cries of agony and abandonment and end with a song of praise. Thus from opposite directions this responsorial psalm and these readings pull us into the true meaning of glory. A crowd's adulation means nothing; in God's eyes it is suffering and death undertaken for the sake of redemption that means all. When we willingly enter this mystery with Christ - this Holy Week and every day of our lives - we find our tongues praising God (psalm). And we find God's tongue praising us (second reading). Please click the pictureor the highlighted link to download the high resolution PDF files of our composers. Go to the readings for next Sunday (March 22, 2015) in English via the US Conference for Catholic Bishops.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 (March 29, 2015) in English via the US Conference for Catholic Bishops. |
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The few verses from Psalm 22 this Sunday do not do justice to the psalm's depth and its connection with the meaning of what we celebrate this Sunday and throughout Holy Week. Set aside some time this week to read the psalm in its entirety and to reflect on the relationship between suffering and praise of God. Then pray for the grace to enter Christ's suffering with him so that with him you may sing God's praise. (Cf. Living Liturgy 2012, p. 91)
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 (March 29, 2015) in English via the US Conference for Catholic Bishops.
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 (March 29, 2015) in English via the US Conference for Catholic Bishops.
Thursday Music #125
March 19, 2015
How does a day in your life look like? As the day begins, what is the first thing on your mind? Within the routines and events of the day and as it finally comes to a close, what do you take with you as you slumber? Who or what occupies your thoughts, feelings and actions every single day? Does God even enter the picture amidst your hectic daily schedule?
We already are in the fourth week of Lent and if you haven’t taken the time to ask yourself some of these questions, let the song, “Everyday God” by Bernadette Farrell, guide your reflection and prayer today.
Allow the Holy Trinity to speak to you and reveal God’s presence and fidelity in your everyday encounters with people, nature and the rest of His wonderful creations. Ask for the grace to find God in all things each day for being granted such grace will open up a whole new perspective and understanding of His mercy, love and plan for you.
May the God of everyday come and be with us today and always! Have a joyful and blessed Thursday!
Many thanks to Djay Bustamante for the video and Delson Balance for the video!
How does a day in your life look like? As the day begins, what is the first thing on your mind? Within the routines and events of the day and as it finally comes to a close, what do you take with you as you slumber? Who or what occupies your thoughts, feelings and actions every single day? Does God even enter the picture amidst your hectic daily schedule?
We already are in the fourth week of Lent and if you haven’t taken the time to ask yourself some of these questions, let the song, “Everyday God” by Bernadette Farrell, guide your reflection and prayer today.
Allow the Holy Trinity to speak to you and reveal God’s presence and fidelity in your everyday encounters with people, nature and the rest of His wonderful creations. Ask for the grace to find God in all things each day for being granted such grace will open up a whole new perspective and understanding of His mercy, love and plan for you.
May the God of everyday come and be with us today and always! Have a joyful and blessed Thursday!
Many thanks to Djay Bustamante for the video and Delson Balance for the video!
Sunday Psalm #132
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March 15, 2015
Create a clean heart in me
Fifth Sunday of Lent (B)
March 22, 2015
Our Sunday Psalm composition in English for next week is by Tinnah M. dela Rosa while the setting in Filipino is by Dennis N. Marasigan.
The connection between this Sunday's responsorial psalm and the first reading is readily apparent. In the reading God establishes a new covenant with Israel, forgiving the sins that have destroyed the first one. In Psalm 51 the psalmist admits sinfulness, asks God's forgiveness, and begs for a new start ("a clean heart"). Fully confident of God's compassionate "ways," the psalmist promises to call other sinners back home.
Singing these verses from Psalm 51 requires honesty about your own sinfulness and need for forgiveness. The transformation of heart you pray for is personal. Arriving at such honesty is painful, but it is also a moment of resurrection, for it opens the door of your heart for God's loving entry. Psalm 51 sings about the "ways" of God; singing it is the way to God. (Cf. Living Liturgy 2012, p. 85)
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 (March 22, 2015) in English via the US Conference for Catholic Bishops or in Filipino via Word and Life Publications.
Create a clean heart in me
Fifth Sunday of Lent (B)
March 22, 2015
Our Sunday Psalm composition in English for next week is by Tinnah M. dela Rosa while the setting in Filipino is by Dennis N. Marasigan.
The connection between this Sunday's responsorial psalm and the first reading is readily apparent. In the reading God establishes a new covenant with Israel, forgiving the sins that have destroyed the first one. In Psalm 51 the psalmist admits sinfulness, asks God's forgiveness, and begs for a new start ("a clean heart"). Fully confident of God's compassionate "ways," the psalmist promises to call other sinners back home.
Singing these verses from Psalm 51 requires honesty about your own sinfulness and need for forgiveness. The transformation of heart you pray for is personal. Arriving at such honesty is painful, but it is also a moment of resurrection, for it opens the door of your heart for God's loving entry. Psalm 51 sings about the "ways" of God; singing it is the way to God. (Cf. Living Liturgy 2012, p. 85)
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 (March 22, 2015) in English via the US Conference for Catholic Bishops or in Filipino via Word and Life Publications.
Tuesday PraySing #102
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March 10, 2015
Our PraySing post this Tuesday are two versions of the Litany of Saints for the Easter Vigil Liturgy of Baptism. The English version (6 pages) is by Tinnah M. dela Rosa while the Filipino version (4 pages) is by Jeffrey Ray C. Miguel.
The litany begins with the call for mercy upon God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit in the "Lord, have mercy", "Christ, have mercy", "Lord, have mercy". It is followed by asking the intercession of those who have become God's special friends, the saints who are in in lasting communion with God. The second part of the litany begins with another cry of "Lord, be merciful". We then enumerate the ills from which we hope to be delivered and we conclude by the petition, "Lord, deliver us, we pray." In the third part we humbly acknowledge our unworthiness: "Be merciful to us sinners", and add the list of favors that we wish to obtain.
Our PraySing post this Tuesday are two versions of the Litany of Saints for the Easter Vigil Liturgy of Baptism. The English version (6 pages) is by Tinnah M. dela Rosa while the Filipino version (4 pages) is by Jeffrey Ray C. Miguel.
The litany begins with the call for mercy upon God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit in the "Lord, have mercy", "Christ, have mercy", "Lord, have mercy". It is followed by asking the intercession of those who have become God's special friends, the saints who are in in lasting communion with God. The second part of the litany begins with another cry of "Lord, be merciful". We then enumerate the ills from which we hope to be delivered and we conclude by the petition, "Lord, deliver us, we pray." In the third part we humbly acknowledge our unworthiness: "Be merciful to us sinners", and add the list of favors that we wish to obtain.
Sunday Psalm #131
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March 8, 2015
Let my tongue be silenced Fourth Sunday of Lent (B) March 15, 2015 Our Sunday Psalm composition in English for next week is by Tinnah M. dela Rosa. Psalm 137 can only be understood in the context of Israel's exile in Babylon. The exile was devastating and the people had brought it upon themselves through their unfaithfulness to the covenant (first reading). Psalm 137 echoes the bitterness of the exile and is a reflection upon the utter barrenness of that experience. It is also a plea to never again forget what it means to be God's people. The psalm is a direct response to this Sunday's first reading. The Israelites promised to never again forget the homeland destroyed by enemies and later restored by God. In essence they promised to never forget what God did for them in releasing them from exile. On our own lips the psalm is a promise to never forget what God has done to release us from the exile of sin and death: given the life of his own Son (gospel). This Sunday's responsorial psalm will be a difficult one to sing unless you can see it as a typology of your - and everyone's - experience of sin and redemption. When have you been in exile from God and how has God drawn you back? (Cf. Living Liturgy 2012, p. 79) 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 (March 15, 2015) in English via the US Conference for Catholic Bishops. |
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Sunday Psalm #130
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March 1, 2015
Lord, you have the words of everlasting life Third Sunday of Lent (B) March 8, 2015 Our Sunday Psalm compositions in English for next week are by Tinnah M. dela Rosa and Joey Delos Santos while the setting in Filipino is by Dennis N. Marasigan. The Law of God (first reading and psalm) and the wisdom of God (second reading) come together in Jesus. When you sing about the Law in the responsorial psalm, then, you sing about Jesus. As you reflect on the psalm, substitute the name of Jesus for the word "Law"; for example, "Jesus is perfect, refreshing the soul; Jesus is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple," etc. What insights into Jesus does this yield? How might it affect your singing this psalm? (Cf. Living Liturgy 2012, p. 75) 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 (March 8, 2015) in English via the US Conference for Catholic Bishops or in Filipino via Word and Life Publications. |
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