by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Apr 13, 2023 | Evangelium
FRIday 14 APRIL
Saint Lydwine
St. Lydwine is the patroness of sickness. She was born in Holland. She experienced mystical gifts, including supernatural visions of heaven, hell, purgatory, apparitions of Christ, and the stigmata. She was canonized Pope Leo XIII in 1890.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 77: 53
The Lord led his people in hope, while the sea engulfed their foes, alleluia.
Collect
Almighty ever-living God, who gave us the Paschal Mystery in the covenant you established for reconciling the human race, so dispose our minds, we pray, that what we celebrate by professing the faith, we may express in deeds. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading: Acts 4:1-12
While Peter and John were talking to the people the priests came up to them, accompanied by the captain of the Temple and the Sadducees. They were extremely annoyed at their teaching the people the doctrine of the resurrection from the dead by proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus. They arrested them, but as it was already late, they held them till the next day. But many of those who had listened to their message became believers, the total number of whom had now risen to something like five thousand. The next day the rulers, elders and Scribes had a meeting in Jerusalem with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, Jonathan, Alexander and all the members of the high-priestly families. They made the prisoners stand in the middle and began to interrogate them, “By what power, and by whose name have you men done this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, addressed them, “Rulers of the people, and elders! If you are questioning us today about an act of kindness to a cripple, and asking us how he was healed, then I am glad to tell you all, and would indeed be glad to tell the whole people of Israel, that it was by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the one you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by this name and by no other that this man is able to stand up perfectly healthy, here in your presence, today. This is the stone rejected by you the builders, but which has proved to be the keystone. For of all the names in the world given to men, this is the only one by which we can be saved.”
Psalm 117:1-2,4,22-27
R/ The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone.
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end. Let the sons of Israel say: ‘His love has no end.’ Let those who fear the Lord say: ‘His love has no end.’
The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone. This is the work of the Lord, a marvel in our eyes. This day was made by the Lord; we rejoice and are glad.
O Lord, grant us salvation; O Lord, grant success. Blessed in the name of the Lord is he who comes. We bless you from the house of the Lord; the Lord God is our light.
Gospel Acclamation: Ps117:24
Alleluia, alleluia! This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad. Alleluia!
Gospel: John 21:1-14
Jesus showed himself again to the disciples. It was by the Sea of Tiberias, and it happened like this: Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee and two more of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.” They replied, “We’ll come with you.” They went out and got into the boat but caught nothing that night. It was light by now and there stood Jesus on the shore, though the disciples did not realise that it was Jesus. Jesus called out, “Have you caught anything, friends?” And when they answered, “No”, he said, “Throw the net out to starboard and you’ll find something.” So they dropped the net, and there were so many fish that they could not haul it in. The disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” At these words “It is the Lord”, Simon Peter, who had practically nothing on, wrapped his cloak round him and jumped into the water. The other disciples came on in the boat, towing the net and the fish; they were only about a hundred yards from land. As soon as they came ashore they saw that there was some bread there, and a charcoal fire with fish cooking on it. Jesus said, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore, full of big fish, one hundred and fifty-three of them; and in spite of there being so many the net was not broken. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples was bold enough to ask, “Who are you?” They knew quite well it was the Lord. Jesus then stepped forward, took the bread and gave it to them, and the same with the fish. This was the third time that Jesus showed himself to the disciples after rising from the dead.
Prayer over the Offerings
Perfect within us, O Lord, we pray, the solemn exchange brought about by these paschal offerings, that we may be drawn from earthly desires to a longing for the things of heaven. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Jn 21: 12-13
Jesus said to his disciples: Come and eat. And he took bread and gave it to them, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
Keep safe, O Lord, we pray, those whom you have saved by your kindness that, redeemed by the Passion of your Son, they may rejoice in his Resurrection. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Meditation
“Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’” A third time after his resurrection, Jesus appears to his disciples, assuring them of the closeness of his presence. Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, Simon Peter and his fellow disciples return to their former activities. After all, the master is no longer there; they have to keep busy. But the Master warns them: “Whoever puts his hand to the plough and looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God” (Lk 9:62). But that night they caught no fish. Jesus comes to them under the sign of the fruitfulness linked to his person and to the Eucharist, the sacrament of his presence. After the abundance of the catch, he sets the table for them: “Come and eat”. It is by having our eyes fixed on Christ who gives himself to us that all our activities can bear abundant fruit. Lord grant us, like the beloved disciple, to recognize you on our shores and in the everyday events of our lives.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Apr 12, 2023 | Evangelium
THURSday 13 APRIL
SAINT Martin
He was born in Todi in Umbria and elected Pope in 649. He called a synod to combat the Monothelite heresy concerning the nature of Christ. He died on in 655.
Entrance Antiphon: Wis 10: 20-21
They praised in unison your conquering hand, O Lord, for wisdom opened mouths that were mute and gave eloquence to the tongues of infants, alleluia.
Collect
O God, who have united the many nations in confessing your name, grant that those reborn in the font of Baptism may be one in the faith of their hearts and the homage of their deeds. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading: Acts 3:11-26
Everyone came running towards Peter and John in great excitement, to the Portico of Solomon, as it is called, where the man was still clinging to Peter and John. When Peter saw the people he addressed them, “Why are you so surprised at this? Why are you staring at us as though we had made this man walk by our own power or holiness? You are Israelites, and it is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our ancestors, who has glorified his servant Jesus, the same Jesus you handed over and then disowned in the presence of Pilate after Pilate had decided to release him. It was you who accused the Holy One, the Just One, you who demanded the reprieve of a murderer while you killed the prince of life. God, however, raised him from the dead, and to that fact we are the witnesses; and it is the name of Jesus which, through our faith in it, has brought back the strength of this man whom you see here and who is well known to you. It is faith in that name that has restored this man to health, as you can all see. Now I know, brothers, that neither you nor your leaders had any idea what you were really doing; this was the way God carried out what he had foretold, when he said through all his prophets that his Christ would suffer. Now you must repent and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, and so that the Lord may send the time of comfort. Then he will send you the Christ he has predestined, that is Jesus, whom heaven must keep till the universal restoration comes which God proclaimed, speaking through his holy prophets. Moses, for example, said: ‘The Lord God will raise up a prophet like myself for you, from among your own brothers; you must listen to whatever he tells you. The man who does not listen to that prophet is to be cut off from the people.’ In fact, all the prophets that have ever spoken, from Samuel onwards, have predicted these days. You are the heirs of the prophets, the heirs of the covenant God made with our ancestors when he told Abraham: in your offspring all the families of the earth will be blessed. It was for you in the first place that God raised up his servant and sent him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways.”
Psalm 8:2, 5-9
R/ How great is your name, O Lord our God, through all the earth!
How great is your name, O Lord our God, through all the earth! What is man that you should keep him in mind, mortal man that you care for him?
Yet you have made him little less than a god; with glory and honour you crowned him, gave him power over the works of your hand, put all things under his feet.
All of them, sheep and cattle, yes, even the savage beasts, birds of the air, and fish that make their way through the waters.
Gospel Acclamation: Ps 117:24
Alleluia, alleluia! This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad. Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 24:35-48
The disciples told their story of what had happened on the road and how they had recognised him at the breaking of bread. They were still talking about all this when he himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you!” In a state of alarm and fright, they thought they were seeing a ghost. But he said, “Why are you so agitated, and why are these doubts rising in your hearts? Look at my hands and feet; yes, it is I indeed. Touch me and see for yourselves; a ghost has no flesh and bones as you can see I have.” And as he said this he showed them his hands and feet. Their joy was so great that they still could not believe it, and they stood there dumbfounded; so he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” And they offered him a piece of grilled fish, which he took and ate before their eyes. Then he told them, “This is what I meant when I said, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets and in the Psalms has to be fulfilled.” He then opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and he said to them, “So you see how it is written that the Christ would suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that, in his name, repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses to this.”
Prayer over the Offerings
Graciously be pleased, O Lord, to accept the sacrificial gifts we offer joyfully both for those who have been reborn and in hope of your increased help from heaven. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. 1 Pt 2: 9
O chosen people, proclaim the mighty works of him, who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
Hear, O Lord, our prayers, that this most holy exchange, by which you have redeemed us, may bring your help in this present life and ensure for us eternal gladness. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
“Peace be with you” is the very first gift of the Risen One to his gathered disciples. “Let not your hearts be troubled” he had already said to them before his death. His death troubled them all, but he is alive in their midst, he is not a spirit. His resurrection is a fulfilment the Scriptures and a revelation of his divine nature to all. He is glorified in his body and in this humanity that he assumed, so that from now on, all men become participants of his divine nature. His peace thus gives his disciples, and even more so to every desperate person, the assurance and the taste of a new beginning, of a new life with God. God carries out his plan of salvation in ways that are sometimes unfathomable, but he always makes us discover his will and involves us in its implementation. To become witnesses of the kerygma and the peace of the Risen One is to accept all the Scriptures as Good News for man. It is up to you to be witnesses of it.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Apr 11, 2023 | Evangelium
WEDNESday 12 APRIL
SAINT Zeno of Verona
Zeno, a native of North Africa, was appointed bishop of Verona (Northern Italy) in 362. He preached much against Arianism and fostered the growth of missionary activity in his area. He died in 371.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Mt 25: 34
Come, you blessed of my Father; receive the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, alleluia.
Collect
O God, who gladden us year by year with the solemnity of the Lord’s Resurrection, graciously grant that, by celebrating these present festivities, we may merit through them to reach eternal joys. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading: Acts 3:1-10
Once, when Peter and John were going up to the Temple for the prayers at the ninth hour, it happened that there was a man being carried past. He was a cripple from birth; and they used to put him down every day near the Temple entrance called the Beautiful Gate so that he could beg from the people going in. When this man saw Peter and John on their way into the Temple he begged from them. Both Peter and John looked straight at him and said, “Look at us.” He turned to them expectantly, hoping to get something from them, but Peter said, “I have neither silver nor gold, but I will give you what I have: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk!” Peter then took him by the hand and helped him to stand up. Instantly his feet and ankles became firm, he jumped up, stood, and began to walk, and he went with them into the Temple, walking and jumping and praising God. Everyone could see him walking and praising God, and they recognised him as the man who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple. They were all astonished and unable to explain what had happened to him.
Psalm 104:1-4, 6-9
R/ Let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice.
Give thanks to the Lord, tell his name. Make known his deeds among the peoples. O sing to him, sing his praise; tell all his wonderful works!
Be proud of his holy name, let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice. Consider the Lord and his strength; constantly seek his face.
O children of Abraham, his servant, O sons of the Jacob he chose. He, the Lord, is our God: his judgements prevail in all the earth.
He remembers his covenant for ever, his promise for a thousand generations, the covenant he made with Abraham, the oath he swore to Isaac.
Gospel Acclamation: Ps117:24
Alleluia, alleluia! This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad. Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 24:13-35
Two of the disciples of Jesus were on their way to a village called Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking together about all that had happened. Now as they talked this over, Jesus himself came up and walked by their side; but something prevented them from recognising him. He said to them, “What matters are you discussing as you walk along?” They stopped short, their faces downcast. Then one of them, called Cleopas, answered him, “You must be the only person staying in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have been happening there these last few days.” “What things?” he asked. “All about Jesus of Nazareth” they answered “who proved he was a great prophet by the things he said and did in the sight of God and of the whole people; and how our chief priests and our leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and had him crucified. Our own hope had been that he would be the one to set Israel free. And this is not all: two whole days have gone by since it all happened; and some women from our group have astounded us: they went to the tomb in the early morning, and when they did not find the body, they came back to tell us they had seen a vision of angels who declared he was alive. Some of our friends went to the tomb and found everything exactly as the women had reported, but of him they saw nothing.” Then he said to them, “You foolish men! So slow to believe the full message of the prophets! Was it not ordained that the Christ should suffer and so enter into his glory?” Then, starting with Moses and going through all the prophets, he explained to them the passages throughout the Scriptures that were about himself. When they drew near to the village to which they were going, he made as if to go on; but they pressed him to stay with them. “It is nearly evening” they said “and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. Now while he was with them at table, he took the bread and said the blessing; then he broke it and handed it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognised him; but he had vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked to us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” They set out that instant and returned to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven assembled together with their companions, who said to them, “Yes, it is true. The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then they told their story of what had happened on the road and how they had recognised him at the breaking of bread.
Prayer over the Offerings
Receive, we pray, O Lord, the sacrifice which has redeemed the human race, and be pleased to accomplish in us salvation of mind and body. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Lk 24: 35
The disciples recognized the Lord Jesus in the breaking of the bread, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
We pray, O Lord, that the reverent reception of the Sacrament of your Son may cleanse us from our old ways and transform us into a new creation. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
“And we who hoped that it was he who would deliver Israel!” A sigh of despair, an expression of loss of the essential. Cleophas’ words remind us that Israel’s long messianic expectation, which has never been a quiet river, seems to have been disappointed once again. The two friends walk sadly along a deserted road. Discouraged, disillusioned, they return home, everything is over, they have to start all over again. It had been a new world with Jesus, but he died crucified and his tomb is empty. Yet it is on this road of discouragement, where all seems lost, that the risen one comes to them, opens their minds to the understanding of the Scriptures and makes himself known at the meal. It is there that their Passover and their resurrection take place; they return to Jerusalem and testify full of confidence and enthusiasm. May the Risen One always be with us on our human journey and reveal himself to us in the Eucharist. But first, we must, like the disciples of Emmaus, listen to him and welcome him into our homes.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Apr 10, 2023 | Evangelium
TUESday 11 APRIL
SAINT Stanislas
He was born in Poland in 1036. He became bishop of Krakow 1072. He ruled the church as a good shepherd and gave help to the poor. He was murdered as he was celebrating Mass on 8 May 1079.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Sir 15: 3-4
He gave them the water of wisdom to drink; it will be made strong in them and will not be moved; it will raise them up for ever, alleluia.
Collect
O God, who have bestowed on us paschal remedies, endow your people with heavenly gifts, so that, possessed of perfect freedom, they may rejoice in heaven over what gladdens them now on earth. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading: Acts 2: 36-41
On the day of Pentecost, Peter spoke to the Jews: “The whole House of Israel can be certain that God has made this Jesus whom you crucified both Lord and Christ.” Hearing this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the apostles, “What must we do, brothers?” “You must repent,” Peter answered, “and every one of you must be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise that was made is for you and your children, and for all those who are far away, for all those whom the Lord our God will call to himself.” He spoke to them for a long time using many arguments, and he urged them, “Save yourselves from this perverse generation.” They were convinced by his arguments, and they accepted what he said and were baptised. That very day about three thousand were added to their number.
Psalm 32:4-5, 18-20, 22
R/The Lord fills the earth with his love.
The word of the Lord is faithful and all his works to be trusted. The Lord loves justice and right and fills the earth with his love.
The Lord looks on those who revere him, on those who hope in his love, to rescue their souls from death, to keep them alive in famine.
Our soul is waiting for the Lord. The Lord is our help and our shield. May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you.
Gospel Acclamation: Ps117:24
Alleluia, alleluia! This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad. Alleluia!
Gospel: John 20:11-18
Mary stayed outside near the tomb, weeping. Then, still weeping, she stooped to look inside, and saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had been, one at the head, the other at the feet. They said, “Woman, why are you weeping?” “They have taken my Lord away” she replied, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” As she said this she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, though she did not recognise him. Jesus said, “Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and remove him.” Jesus said, “Mary!” She knew him then and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbuni!” – which means Master. Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go and find the brothers, and tell them: I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.” So Mary of Magdala went and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord and that he had said these things to her.
Prayer over the Offerings
Accept in compassion, Lord, we pray, the offerings of your family, that under your protective care, they may never lose what they have received, but attain the gifts that are eternal. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Col 3: 1-2
If you have risen with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God; mind the things that are above, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
Hear us, almighty God, and, as you have bestowed on your family the perfect grace of Baptism, so prepare their hearts for the reward of eternal happiness. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
“Woman, why are u crying? Who are you looking for?” The death of Jesus has left a painful void and the empty tomb makes one even more desperate. Mary Magdalene weeps, looking for her Lord. She does not yet know about the mystery of the resurrection. She weeps, out of love, for the life lost. But she soon learns that, if from the womb life is born, from the tomb too, life springs forth by the power of the Spirit. Jesus calls her: “Mary”. Like the Beloved of the Book of Songs, his voice resounds in her heart, he speaks, he says to her: Arise, my friend, my beautiful one, and come… See, the winter has gone, the rains have stopped, the flowers are appearing on the earth… (cf. Ct 12, 8-12). Mary understood everything: It’s him! “Rabbuni!” she exclaimed. She testifies: “I have seen the Lord!” May we, like Mary Magdalene, seek unceasingly the Face of the Risen Lord, believe what we have seen and bear witness to what we have believed.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Apr 9, 2023 | Evangelium
MONday 10 APRIL
SAINT Michael de Sanctis
He was born in Catalonia, Spain around 1591. St. Michael de Sanctis is noted in the Roman Martyrology as being “remarkable for innocence of life, wonderful penitence, and love for God.”
Entrance Antiphon: Ex 13: 5, 9
The Lord has led you into a land flowing with milk and honey, that the law of the Lord may always be on your lips, alleluia.
Collect
O God, who give constant increase to your Church by new offspring, grant that your servants may hold fast in their lives to the Sacrament they have received in faith. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading: Acts 2:14, 22-33
On the day of Pentecost Peter stood up with the Eleven and addressed the crowd in a loud voice: “Men of Israel, listen to what I am going to say: Jesus the Nazarene was a man commended to you by God by the miracles and portents and signs that God worked through him when he was among you, as you all know. This man, who was put into your power by the deliberate intention and foreknowledge of God, you took and had crucified by men outside the Law. You killed him, but God raised him to life, freeing him from the pangs of Hades; for it was impossible for him to be held in its power since, as David says of him: ‘I saw the Lord before me always, for with him at my right hand nothing can shake me. So my heart was glad and my tongue cried out with joy; my body, too, will rest in the hope that you will not abandon my soul to Hades nor allow your holy one to experience corruption. You have made known the way of life to me, you will fill me with gladness through your presence.’ Brothers, no one can deny that the patriarch David himself is dead and buried: his tomb is still with us. But since he was a prophet, and knew that God had sworn him an oath to make one of his descendants succeed him on the throne, what he foresaw and spoke about was the resurrection of the Christ: he is the one who was not abandoned to Hades, and whose body did not experience corruption. God raised this man Jesus to life, and all of us are witnesses to that. Now raised to the heights by God’s right hand, he has received from the Father the Holy Spirit, who was promised, and what you see and hear is the outpouring of that Spirit.”
Psalm 15:1-2, 5, 7-11
R/ Preserve me, Lord, I take refuge in you.
Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you. I say to the Lord: ‘You are my God. O Lord, it is you who are my portion and cup; it is you yourself who are my prize.’
I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel, who even at night directs my heart. I keep the Lord ever in my sight: since he is at my right hand, I shall stand firm.
And so my heart rejoices, my soul is glad; even my body shall rest in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead, nor let your beloved know decay.
You will show me the path of life, the fullness of joy in your presence, at your right hand happiness for ever.
Gospel Acclamation: Ps 117:24
Alleluia, alleluia! This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad. Alleluia!
Gospel: Matthew 28:8-15
Filled with awe and great joy the women came quickly away from the tomb and ran to tell the disciples. And there, coming to meet them, was Jesus. “Greetings” he said. And the women came up to him and, falling down before him, clasped his feet. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers that they must leave for Galilee; they will see me there.” While they were on their way, some of the guards went off into the city to tell the chief priests all that had happened. These held a meeting with the elders and, after some discussion, handed a considerable sum of money to the soldiers with these instructions, “This is what you must say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ And should the governor come to hear of this, we undertake to put things right with him ourselves and to see that you do not get into trouble.” The soldiers took the money and carried out their instructions, and to this day that is the story among the Jews.
Prayer over the Offerings
Accept graciously, O Lord, we pray, the offerings of your peoples, that, renewed by confession of your name and by Baptism, they may attain unending happiness. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Rm 6: 9
Christ, having risen from the dead, dies now no more; death will no longer have dominion over him, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
May the grace of this paschal Sacrament abound in our minds, we pray, O Lord, and make those you have set on the way of eternal salvation worthy of your gifts. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
“Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers that they must go to Galilee; they will see me there.” The resurrection sets us on the road to meet the risen one. It sets us on the way because it is not an end but a step towards our ascension. Between the Jewish authorities’ refusal to believe and the corruption of the soldiers, the work of salvation clears a path for man. Taking this path leads to the risen one: “there they will see me”. “Christ, risen from the dead, dies no more; death has no power over him”; it is this faith, freed from all fear and carried by this immense joy, that must animate the Christian’s journey to salvation.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Apr 8, 2023 | Evangelium
SUNday 09 APRIL
EASTER SUNDAY
Psalter week I
SAINT Waldetrudis
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 138: 18
I have risen, and I am with you still, alleluia. You have laid your hand upon me, alleluia. Too wonderful for me, this knowledge, alleluia, alleluia.
Collect
O God, who on this day, through your Only Begotten Son, have conquered death and unlocked for us the path to eternity, grant, we pray, that we who keep the solemnity of the Lord’s Resurrection may, through the renewal brought by your Spirit, rise up in the light of life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading: Acts 10:34, 37-43
Peter addressed Cornelius and his household: “You must have heard about the recent happenings in Judaea; about Jesus of Nazareth and how he began in Galilee, after John had been preaching baptism. God had anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and because God was with him, Jesus went about doing good and curing all who had fallen into the power of the devil. Now I, and those with me, can witness to everything he did throughout the countryside of Judaea and in Jerusalem itself: and also to the fact that they killed him by hanging him on a tree, yet three days afterwards God raised him to life and allowed him to be seen, not by the whole people but only by certain witnesses God had chosen beforehand. Now we are those witnesses – we have eaten and drunk with him after his resurrection from the dead – and he has ordered us to proclaim this to his people and to tell them that God has appointed him to judge everyone, alive or dead. It is to him that all the prophets bear this witness: that all who believe in Jesus will have their sins forgiven through his name.”
Psalm 117:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
R/This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad.
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end. Let the sons of Israel say: ‘His love has no end.’
The Lord’s right hand has triumphed; his right hand raised me up. I shall not die, I shall live and recount his deeds.
The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone. This is the work of the Lord, a marvel in our eyes.
Second reading: Colossians 3:1-4
Since you have been brought back to true life with Christ, you must look for the things that are in heaven, where Christ is, sitting at God’s right hand. Let your thoughts be on heavenly things, not on the things that are on the earth, because you have died, and now the life you have is hidden with Christ in God. But when Christ is revealed – and he is your life – you too will be revealed in all your glory with him.
Sequence
Christians, to the Paschal Victim offer sacrifice and praise. The sheep are ransomed by the Lamb; and Christ, the undefiled, hath sinners to his Father reconciled. Death with life contended: combat strangely ended! Life’s own Champion, slain, yet lives to reign. Tell us, Mary: say what thou didst see upon the way. The tomb the Living did enclose; I saw Christ’s glory as he rose! The angels there attesting; shroud with grave-clothes resting. Christ, my hope, has risen: he goes before you into Galilee. That Christ is truly risen from the dead we know. Victorious king, thy mercy show!
Gospel Acclamation: 1Cor5:7-8
Alleluia, alleluia! Christ, our Passover, has been sacrificed: let us celebrate the feast then, in the Lord. Alleluia!
Gospel: John 20:1-9
It was very early on the first day of the week and still dark, when Mary of Magdala came to the tomb. She saw that the stone had been moved away from the tomb and came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved. “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb” she said, “and we don’t know where they have put him.” So Peter set out with the other disciple to go to the tomb. They ran together, but the other disciple, running faster than Peter, reached the tomb first; he bent down and saw the linen cloths lying on the ground, but did not go in. Simon Peter who was following now came up, went right into the tomb, saw the linen cloths on the ground, and also the cloth that had been over his head; this was not with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in; he saw and he believed. Till this moment they had failed to understand the teaching of Scripture that he must rise from the dead.
Prayer over the Offerings
Exultant with paschal gladness, O Lord, we offer the sacrifice by which your Church is wondrously reborn and nourished. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: 1 Cor 5: 7-8
Christ our Passover has been sacrificed, alleluia; therefore let us keep the feast with the unleavened bread of purity and truth, alleluia, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
Look upon your Church, O God, with unfailing love and favour, so that, renewed by the paschal mysteries, she may come to the glory of the resurrection. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Christ is risen, he has conquered death so that each of us may live. This is the Lord’s Passover; this is our Passover. Mary Magdalene, the first messenger of the resurrection, shows us that there is life ahead of us: she goes to the tomb with her heart full of anguish and her eyes full of tears, but she runs back to the apostles with her soul full of joy, her heart overflowing with good news to pass on: “He is risen.” The news of Easter is always joyful for everyone. Christ is risen and we with him, he is alive so that we too may live from him and through him. He goes before us in Galilee, he is always before us as a light that will never be extinguished, as a love that grows in us, animates our life’s struggles and gives them meaning. Yes, the joy of Easter is not just a passing emotion. It is born of a victory obtained at the price of a gift of life, that of Christ for us. Purified in the crucible of suffering and death, this joy proclaims that life always triumphs. It is a joy that has overcome doubt and fear because it has found its roots and strength in the resurrection.
