by Norbert Doulanni | Oct 20, 2025 | Evangelium
Saint John of Bridlington (1319 – 1379)
Psalter: Week I
Green
John Twenge was born near Bridlington, in Yorkshire. In his lifetime he enjoyed a reputation for great holiness and for miraculous powers. After his death the fame of the miracles wrought by his intercession spread rapidly through the land, and he was canonized by Pope Boniface IX in 1404.
Entrance Antiphon : Ps 16: 6, 8
To you I call; for you will surely heed me, O God; turn your ear to me; hear my words. Guard me as the apple of your eye; in the shadow of your wings protect me.
Collect
Almighty ever-living God, grant that we may always conform our will to yours and serve your majesty in sincerity of heart. 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 : Romans 5:12,15,17-21
Sin entered the world through one man, and through sin death, and thus death has spread through the whole human race because everyone has sinned; but the gift itself considerably outweighed the fall. If it is certain that through one man’s fall so many died, it is even more certain that divine grace, coming through the one man, Jesus Christ, came to so many as an abundant free gift. If it is certain that death reigned over everyone as the consequence of one man’s fall, it is even more certain that one man, Jesus Christ, will cause everyone to reign in life who receives the free gift that he does not deserve, of being made righteous. Again, as one man’s fall brought condemnation on everyone, so the good act of one man brings everyone life and makes them justified. As by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by one man’s obedience many will be made righteous. When law came, it was to multiply the opportunities of failing, but however great the number of sins committed, grace was even greater; and so, just as sin reigned wherever there was death, so grace will reign to bring eternal life thanks to the righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 39(40):7-10,17
R/ Here I am, Lord! I come to do your will.
You do not ask for sacrifice and offerings, but an open ear. You do not ask for holocaust and victim. Instead, here am I.
In the scroll of the book it stands written that I should do your will. My God, I delight in your law in the depth of my heart.
Your justice I have proclaimed in the great assembly. My lips I have not sealed; you know it, O Lord.
O let there be rejoicing and gladness for all who seek you. Let them ever say: ‘The Lord is great’, who love your saving help.
Gospel Acclamation : Lk8:15
Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed are those who, with a noble and generous heart, take the word of God to themselves and yield a harvest through their perseverance. Alleluia!
Gospel : Luke 12:36-38
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘See that you are dressed for action and have your lamps lit. Be like men waiting for their master to return from the wedding feast, ready to open the door as soon as he comes and knocks. Happy those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. I tell you solemnly, he will put on an apron, sit them down at table and wait on them. It may be in the second watch he comes, or in the third, but happy those servants if he finds them ready.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Grant us, Lord, we pray, a sincere respect for your gifts, that, through the purifying action of your grace, we may be cleansed by the very mysteries we serve. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Cf. Ps 32: 18-19
Behold, the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, who hope in his merciful love, to rescue their souls from death, to keep them alive in famine.
Prayer after Communion
Grant, O Lord, we pray, that, benefiting from participation in heavenly things, we may be helped by what you give in this present age and prepared for the gifts that are eternal. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Picture the master of a household putting on an apron, inviting his servants to sit down at table, and then serving them. This scene, as described by Jesus, has no place in the cultural context of his day. However, it corresponds to the image of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, including those of the one who will betray Him, Judas! In normal circumstances, the roles of master and servant are sharply distinct, but in Jesus they coexist harmoniously. The master displays this sign of honour toward his servants in response to their faithful attentiveness. The Lord, who sustains us, expects our faithfulness and vigilance, urging us to be prepared to welcome him whenever he comes. In the Book of Revelation, the risen Lord says, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” Somehow, Jesus is always knocking at the door of our lives. If we welcome his daily visits to the door of our hearts, He will serve and sustain us in all kinds of ways.
by Norbert Doulanni | Oct 19, 2025 | Evangelium
Blessed DaudiOkelo (1902 – 1918)
and JildoIrwa (1906 – 1918)
Psalter: Week I
Green
These two catechists died for their faith on 20 October 1918 at Paimol In Northern Uganda. They were still very young – Daudi was 16, while Jildo was only 12. During the persecutions of Christians, they were dragged outside their hut and killed for the sole reason of teaching the Christian faith.
Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Ps 16: 6, 8
To you I call; for you will surely heed me, O God; turn your ear to me; hear my words. Guard me as the apple of your eye; in the shadow of your wings protect me.
Collect
Almighty ever-living God, grant that we may always conform our will to yours and serve your majesty in sincerity of heart. 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: Romans 4:20-25
Since God had made him a promise, Abraham refused either to deny it or even to doubt it, but drew strength from faith and gave glory to God, convinced that God had power to do what he had promised. This is the faith that was ‘considered as justifying him.’ Scripture however does not refer only to him but to us as well when it says that his faith was thus ‘considered’; our faith too will be ‘considered’ if we believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, Jesus who was put to death for our sins and raised to life to justify us.
Responsorial Psalm: Luke 1:69-75
R/ Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel! He has visited his people.
He has raised up for us a mighty saviour in the house of David his servant,as he promised by the lips of holy men,those who were his prophets from of old.
A saviour who would free us from our foes, from the hands of all who hate us.
So his love for our fathers is fulfilled and his holy covenant remembered.
He swore to Abraham our father to grant us that free from fear, and saved from the hands of our foes,we might serve him in holiness and justice all the days of our life in his presence.
Gospel Acclamation: Ps24:4,5
Alleluia, alleluia! Teach me your paths, my God,make me walk in your truth.Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 12:13-21
A man in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Master, tell my brother to give me a share of our inheritance.’ ‘My friend,’ he replied, ‘who appointed me your judge, or the arbitrator of your claims?’ Then he said to them, ‘Watch, and be on your guard against avarice of any kind, for a man’s life is not made secure by what he owns, even when he has more than he needs.’Then he told them a parable: ‘There was once a rich man who, having had a good harvest from his land, thought to himself, “What am I to do? I have not enough room to store my crops.” Then he said, “This is what I will do: I will pull down my barns and build bigger ones, and store all my grain and my goods in them, and I will say to my soul: My soul, you have plenty of good things laid by for many years to come; take things easy, eat, drink, have a good time.” But God said to him, “Fool! This very night the demand will be made for your soul; and this hoard of yours, whose will it be then?” So it is when a man stores up treasure for himself in place of making himself rich in the sight of God.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Grant us, Lord, we pray, a sincere respect for your gifts, that, through the purifying action of your grace, we may be cleansed by the very mysteries we serve. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Cf. Ps 32: 18-19
Behold, the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, who hope in his merciful love, to rescue their souls from death, to keep them alive in famine.
Prayer after Communion
Grant, O Lord, we pray, that, benefiting from participation in heavenly things, we may be helped by what you give in this present age and prepared for the gifts that are eternal. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Wills, legacies, and inheritance often become sources of conflict, leading to disputes among friends and relatives. Unwilling to involve Himself in a family squabble over an inheritance, Jesus takes the opportunity to address the dangers of greed through a parable. The story revolves around a farmer who experiences a bountiful harvest. However, the abundance of his crops becomes a source of worry for him, as he begins to ponder how to store the surplus grain. He channels his energies into building bigger barns to store his excess goods, aiming to secure his future. Tragically, shortly after completing this task, he dies. This parable illustrates the folly of relying on material abundance for security. The farmer’s belief that he has ensured a life of comfort and luxury proves to be a false sense of security. The real and lasting security lies not in storing up massive excesses, but in becoming rich in the sight of God. This is achieved by following the example of Jesus, who gives Himself so that others may experience a fuller life. When we recognise God as our ultimate security through faith, it frees us to give generously, sharing what we have received, echoing the selfless generosity of Jesus.
by Norbert Doulanni | Oct 18, 2025 | Evangelium
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Saints John de Brébeuf, Isaac Jogues and Companions
Psalter: Week I
Green
Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Ps 16: 6, 8
To you I call; for you will surely heed me, O God; turn your ear to me; hear my words. Guard me as the apple of your eye; in the shadow of your wings protect me.
Collect
Almighty ever-living God, grant that we may always conform our will to yours and serve your majesty in sincerity of heart. 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 : Exodus 17:8-13
The Amalekites came and attacked Israel at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, ‘Pick out men for yourself, and tomorrow morning march out to engage Amalek. I, meanwhile, will stand on the hilltop, the staff of God in my hand.’ Joshua did as Moses told him and marched out to engage Amalek, while Moses and Aaron and Hur went up to the top of the hill. As long as Moses kept his arms raised, Israel had the advantage; when he let his arms fall, the advantage went to Amalek. But Moses’ arms grew heavy, so they took a stone and put it under him and on this he sat, Aaron and Hur supporting his arms, one on one side, one on the other; and his arms remained firm till sunset. With the edge of the sword Joshua cut down Amalek and his people.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 120(121)
R/ Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
I lift up my eyes to the mountains; from where shall come my help? My help shall come from the Lord who made heaven and earth.
May he never allow you to stumble! Let him sleep not, your guard. No, he sleeps not nor slumbers, Israel’s guard.
The Lord is your guard and your shade; at your right side he stands. By day the sun shall not smite you nor the moon in the night.
The Lord will guard you from evil, he will guard your soul. The Lord will guard your going and coming both now and forever.
Second reading : 2 Timothy 3:14-4:2
You must keep to what you have been taught and know to be true; remember who your teachers were, and how, ever since you were a child, you have known the holy scriptures – from these you can learn the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and can profitably be used for teaching, for refuting error, for guiding people’s lives and teaching them to be holy. This is how the man who is dedicated to God becomes fully equipped and ready for any good work. Before God and before Christ Jesus who is to be judge of the living and the dead, I put this duty to you, in the name of his Appearing and of his kingdom: proclaim the message and, welcome or unwelcome, insist on it. Refute falsehood, correct error, call to obedience – but do all with patience and with the intention of teaching.
Gospel Acclamation : cf.Ep1:17, 18
Alleluia, alleluia! May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our mind, so that we can see what hope his call holds for us. Alleluia!
Gospel : Luke 18:1-8
Jesus told his disciples a parable about the need to pray continually and never lose heart. ‘There was a judge in a certain town’ he said ‘who had neither fear of God nor respect for man. In the same town there was a widow who kept on coming to him and saying, “I want justice from you against my enemy!” For a long time he refused, but at last he said to himself, “Maybe I have neither fear of God nor respect for man, but since she keeps pestering me I must give this widow her just rights, or she will persist in coming and worry me to death.”’ And the Lord said ‘You notice what the unjust judge has to say? Now will not God see justice done to his chosen who cry to him day and night even when he delays to help them? I promise you, he will see justice done to them, and done speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find any faith on earth?’
Prayer over the Offerings
Grant us, Lord, we pray, a sincere respect for your gifts, that, through the purifying action of your grace, we may be cleansed by the very mysteries we serve. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Cf. Ps 32: 18-19
Behold, the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, who hope in his merciful love, to rescue their souls from death, to keep them alive in famine.
Prayer after Communion
Grant, O Lord, we pray, that, benefiting from participation in heavenly things, we may be helped by what you give in this present age and prepared for the gifts that are eternal. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
We are immersed in a task of great significance: our salvation, a pursuit that demands unwavering perseverance. To attain it, we must actively collaborate with God, engaging in a kind of struggle with Him. Today’s reading serves as an encouragement to persist in prayer. It unveils the narrative of the widow whose unyielding persistence compells an unjust judge to grant her justice. Although she faces the threat of being a poor person under menace, the law is firmly on her side. The justice of her case is not in doubt, but the challenge is to get a judge willing to hear it. This determined widow becomes a model for us, urging us to pray persistently both for ourselves and others. We can articulate our needs particularly those for peace, love, grace, and salvation. Unlike the unjust judge, our God is just and responsive. We are, therefore, called to maintain perseverance in hope. In this spirit, we trust that ultimately all will be well, and we will joyfully enter into His presence, having reached our final destination.
by Norbert Doulanni | Oct 17, 2025 | Evangelium
Saint Luke, Evangelist –
Feast
Psalter: Week IV
Red
He was a Greek doctor who converted to Christianity. He was a companion of the Apostle Paul, and wrote his Gospel in accordance with Paul’s teaching. He also wrote the Acts of the Apostles, which narrates the early history of the Church up to Paul’s first stay in Rome.
Entrance Antiphon : Is 52: 7
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings glad tidings of peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation!
Collect
Lord God, who chose Saint Luke to reveal by his preaching and writings the mystery of your love for the poor, grant that those who already glory in your name may persevere as one heart and one soul and that all nations may merit to see your salvation. 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 : 2 Timothy 4:10-17
Demas has deserted me for love of this life and gone to Thessalonika, Crescens has gone to Galatia and Titus to Dalmatia; only Luke is with me. Get Mark to come and bring him with you; I find him a useful helper in my work. I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak I left with Carpus in Troas, and the scrolls, especially the parchment ones. Alexander the coppersmith has done me a lot of harm; the Lord will repay him for what he has done. Be on your guard against him yourself, because he has been bitterly contesting everything that we say. The first time I had to present my defence, there was not a single witness to support me. Every one of them deserted me – may they not be held accountable for it. But the Lord stood by me and gave me power, so that through me the whole message might be proclaimed for all the pagans to hear; and so I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.
Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 144(145):10-13a,17-18
R/ Your friends, O Lord, make known the glorious splendour of your reign.
All your creatures shall thank you, O Lord, and your friends shall repeat their blessing. They shall speak of the glory of your reign and declare your might, O God.
They make known to men your mighty deeds and the glorious splendour of your reign. Yours is an everlasting kingdom; your rule lasts from age to age.
The Lord is just in all his ways and loving in all his deeds. He is close to all who call him, who call on him from their hearts.
Gospel Acclamation : Jn15:16
Alleluia, alleluia! I chose you from the world to go out and bear fruit, fruit that will last, says the Lord. Alleluia!
Gospel : Luke 10:1-9
The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out ahead of him, in pairs, to all the towns and places he himself was to visit. He said to them, ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest. Start off now, but remember, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Carry no purse, no haversack, no sandals. Salute no one on the road. Whatever house you go into, let your first words be, “Peace to this house!” And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you. Stay in the same house, taking what food and drink they have to offer, for the labourer deserves his wages; do not move from house to house. Whenever you go into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is set before you. Cure those in it who are sick, and say, “The kingdom of God is very near to you.”’
Prayer over the Offerings
Grant through your heavenly gifts that we may serve you in freedom of heart, we pray, O Lord, so that the offerings we make on the feast day of Saint Luke may bring us healing and give us glory. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Cf. Lk 10: 1, 9
The Lord sent out disciples to proclaim throughout the towns: The kingdom of God is at hand for you.
Prayer after Communion
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that what we have received from your holy altar may sanctify us and make us strong in the faith of the Gospel which Saint Luke proclaimed. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
We celebrate the evangelist Saint Luke, known as the “the beloved physician” (Col. 4:14 and 11; cf. 2 Tim. 4:11, Philem. 24), and Paul’s acquaintance. Luke’s gospel adapts to the changing conditions of the Christian life. Although he warmly welcomes Christians of Gentile background, Luke himself is believed to be a Jew of the Diaspora, likely from Antioch, as second-century tradition indicates. He consistently presents Jesus as Lord and Master, as well as a humble servant of the Father, a figure to be revered and emulated. Luke emphasises the significance of piety, prayer, love, and compassion, particularly for the poor and those despised by society, similar to Jesus’ attitude toward outsiders, women, children, and sinners. Luke has contributed most of the beloved parables, such as the Good Samaritan, the lost coin, and the prodigal son, each infused with a distinctive quality of mercy and tenderness. Luke is rightfully acknowledged as the “Scribe of the gentleness of Christ.” Faithful in his mission as an evangelist, he serves as an inspiration for us today, urging us to be faithful in our mission and calling as Christians.
by Norbert Doulanni | Oct 16, 2025 | Evangelium
Saint Ignatius of Antioch (- 107)
Psalter: Week IV
Red
He was the second bishop of Antioch after St Peter. He was arrested, condemned to death and transported to Rome to be thrown to the wild beasts in the arena. He was martyred in 107 and his feast was already being celebrated on this day in fourth-century Antioch.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Gal 2: 19-20
I am crucified with Christ, yet I live;no longer I, but Christ lives in me.I live by faith in the Son of God,who has loved me and given himself up for me.
Collect
Almighty ever-living God,who adorn the sacred body of your Churchwith the confessions of holy Martyrs,grant, we pray,that, just as the glorious passion of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, which we celebrate today, brought him eternal splendour, so it may be for us unending protection.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 : Romans 4:1-8
What shall we say about Abraham, the ancestor from whom we are all descended? If Abraham was justified as a reward for doing something, he would really have had something to boast about, though not in God’s sight because scripture says: Abraham put his faith in God, and this faith was considered as justifying him. If a man has work to show, his wages are not considered as a favour but as his due; but when a man has nothing to show except faith in the one who justifies sinners, then his faith is considered as justifying him. And David says the same: a man is happy if God considers him righteous, irrespective of good deeds: Happy those whose crimes are forgiven,
whose sins are blotted out; happy the man whom the Lord considers sinless.
Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 31(32):1-2,5,11
R/ You are my refuge, O Lord; you fill me with the joy of salvation.
Happy the man whose offence is forgiven, whose sin is remitted. O happy the man to whom the Lord imputes no guilt, in whose spirit is no guile.
But now I have acknowledged my sins; my guilt I did not hide. I said: ‘I will confess my offence to the Lord.’ And you, Lord, have forgiven the guilt of my sin.
Rejoice, rejoice in the Lord, exult, you just! O come, ring out your joy, all you upright of heart.
Gospel Acclamation : Ps18:9
Alleluia, alleluia! Your words gladden the heart, O Lord, they give light to the eyes. Alleluia!
Gospel : Luke 12:1-7
The people had gathered in their thousands so that they were treading on one another. And Jesus began to speak, first of all to his disciples. ‘Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees – that is, their hypocrisy. Everything that is now covered will be uncovered, and everything now hidden will be made clear. For this reason, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in hidden places will be proclaimed on the housetops. ‘To you my friends I say: Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. I will tell you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has the power to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Can you not buy five sparrows for two pennies? And yet not one is forgotten in God’s sight. Why, every hair on your head has been counted. There is no need to be afraid: you are worth more than hundreds of sparrows.’
Prayer over the Offerings
May this oblation and our homage be pleasing to you, O Lord,just as you accepted Saint Ignatius, the wheat of Christ,made pure bread through his martyrdom and passion.Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon
I am the wheat of Christ to be ground by the teeth of beasts,that I may be found to be pure bread.
Prayer after Communion
May the heavenly Bread we have received, O Lord,on the feast day of Saint Ignatiusrenew us, we pray,and make us Christians in name and in deed.Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
God’s concern extends even to the minutest details of creation, emphasising that not even the humble and little sparrow is not insignificant or forgotten. There is a common temptation for those in authority to become detached from the ordinary aspects of life as their ranks rise. However, today’s gospel reassures us that this does not apply to God. The Creator of all is actively and personally involved with every one of His creatures. Jesus wraps this idea in this memorable image, “not one sparrow is forgotten in God’s sight.” In the context of our own lives, Jesus further stresses that “Every hair on your head has been counted; you are worth more than hundreds of sparrows.” This revelation portrays a God who is intimately close to us, caring about every aspect of our lives — our joys and sorrows, successes and failures. Understanding this truth, we can freely speak to God about all our experiences, whether in sorrow or in joy. In prayer, we can openly and honestly present the details of our lives to God in prayer, knowing that he is deeply concerned about us. We can speak from the heart to God, as to our closest friend, confident of being understood.
by Norbert Doulanni | Oct 15, 2025 | Evangelium
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque
(1647 – 1690)
Psalter: Week IV
Green
She joined the Visitation Sisters at Paray-le-Monial. She made rapid progress along the way of perfection and was given mystical visions as a result of which she worked hard to institute devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Church.
Entrance Antiphon : Ps 129: 3-4
If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But with you is found forgiveness, O God of Israel.
Collect
May your grace, O Lord, we pray, at all times go before us and follow after and make us always determined to carry out good works. 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 : Romans 3:21-30
God’s justice that was made known through the Law and the Prophets has now been revealed outside the Law, since it is the same justice of God that comes through faith to everyone, Jew and pagan alike, who believes in Jesus Christ. Both Jew and pagan sinned and forfeited God’s glory, and both are justified through the free gift of his grace by being redeemed in Christ Jesus who was appointed by God to sacrifice his life so as to win reconciliation through faith. In this way God makes his justice known; first, for the past, when sins went unpunished because he held his hand, then, for the present age, by showing positively that he is just, and that he justifies everyone who believes in Jesus. So what becomes of our boasts? There is no room for them. What sort of law excludes them? The sort of law that tells us what to do? On the contrary, it is the law of faith, since, as we see it, a man is justified by faith and not by doing something the Law tells him to do. Is God the God of Jews alone and not of the pagans too? Of the pagans too, most certainly, since there is only one God.
Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 129(130):1-6
R/ With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption.
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord, Lord, hear my voice! O let your ears be attentiveto the voice of my pleading.
If you, O Lord, should mark our guilt, Lord, who would survive? But with you is found forgiveness: for this we revere you.
My soul is waiting for the Lord. I count on his word. My soul is longing for the Lord more than watchman for daybreak.
Gospel Acclamation : Ps110:7,8
Alleluia, alleluia! Your precepts, O Lord, are all of them sure; they stand firm for ever and ever.
Alleluia!
Gospel : Luke 11:47-54
Jesus said: ‘Alas for you who build the tombs of the prophets, the men your ancestors killed! In this way you both witness what your ancestors did and approve it; they did the killing, you do the building. ‘And that is why the Wisdom of God said, “I will send them prophets and apostles; some they will slaughter and persecute, so that this generation will have to answer for every prophet’s blood that has been shed since the foundation of the world, from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was murdered between the altar and the sanctuary.” Yes, I tell you, this generation will have to answer for it all. ‘Alas for you lawyers who have taken away the key of knowledge! You have not gone in yourselves, and have prevented others going in who wanted to.’ When he left the house, the scribes and the Pharisees began a furious attack on him and tried to force answers from him on innumerable questions, setting traps to catch him out in something he might say.
Prayer over the Offerings
Accept, O Lord, the prayers of your faithful with the sacrificial offerings, that, through these acts of devotedness, we may pass over to the glory of heaven. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Ps 33: 11
The rich suffer want and go hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no blessing.
Prayer after Communion
We entreat your majesty most humbly, O Lord, that, as you feed us with the nourishment which comes from the most holy Body and Blood of your Son, so you may make us sharers of his divine nature. Who lives and reigns forever and ever.
Meditation
In today’s gospel, Jesus criticises the Pharisees for “taking away the key of knowledge.” They reject God’s instructions and, in turn, prevent others from discovering God. They have failed in their mission as teachers of God’s ways. Jesus stands as the complete and ultimate revelation of God. In rejecting his words, the Pharisees are essentially depriving others of the key of knowledge, failing to recognise God’s work through Jesus. By giving us Jesus, God has given us the key to understanding Him, God our Creator. He serves as the key to this unique knowledge, and there is always more to learn from Him. The mistake lies in believing ourselves fully informed about God. We are like infants, perpetual learners, who always have much to learn. This understanding leads Jesus to pray to the Lord of heaven and earth, saying, “You have hidden these things from the learned and the clever and have revealed them to infants.” Embracing this humility allows us to know God more fully.
