by | Sep 29, 2022 | Evangelium

Friday 30th September 2022

 

 

St. Jerome

Priest, Doctor

(340 – 420),

 

He was born in Dalmatia. He founded a monastery, a hospice, and a school, and settled down to the most important work of his life, the translation of the Bible into Latin, a translation which, with some revisions, is still in use today. He died at Bethlehem.

 

 

Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Ps 1: 2-3

Blessed indeed is he who ponders the law of the Lord day and night: he will yield his fruit in due season.

 

Collect

O God, who gave the Priest Saint Jerome a living and tender love for Sacred Scripture, grant that your people may be ever more fruitfully nourished by your Word and find in it the fount 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 : Job 38:1,12-21,40:3-5

From the heart of the tempest the Lord gave Job his answer. He said: Have you ever in your life given orders to the morning or sent the dawn to its post, telling it to grasp the earth by its edges and shake the wicked out of it, when it changes the earth to sealing clay and dyes it as a man dyes clothes; stealing the light from wicked men and breaking the arm raised to strike? Have you journeyed all the way to the sources of the sea, or walked where the Abyss is deepest? Have you been shown the gates of Death or met the janitors of Shadowland? Have you an inkling of the extent of the earth? Tell me all about it if you have! Which is the way to the home of the light, and where does darkness live? You could then show them the way to their proper places, or put them on the path to where they live! If you know all this, you must have been born with them, you must be very old by now! Job replied to the Lord: My words have been frivolous: what can I reply? I had better lay my finger on my lips. I have spoken once… I will not speak again; more than once… I will add nothing.

 

Psalm 138:1-3,7-10,13-14

R/  Lead me, O Lord, in the path of life eternal.

 

  1. O Lord, you search me and you know me, you know my resting and my rising, you discern my purpose from afar. You mark when I walk or lie down, all my ways lie open to you.
  2. O where can I go from your spirit, or where can I flee from your face? If I climb the heavens, you are there. If I lie in the grave, you are there.
  3. If I take the wings of the dawn and dwell at the sea’s furthest end, even there your hand would lead me, your right hand would hold me fast.
  4. For it was you who created my being, knit me together in my mother’s womb. I thank you for the wonder of my being, for the wonders of all your creation.

 

Gospel Acclamation : Ps144:13

Alleluia, alleluia! The Lord is faithful in all his words and loving in all his deeds. Alleluia!

 

Gospel : Luke 10:13-16

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Alas for you, Chorazin! Alas for you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. And still, it will not go as hard with Tyre and Sidon at the Judgement as with you. And as for you, Capernaum, did you want to be exalted high as heaven? You shall be thrown down to hell. ‘Anyone who listens to you listens to me; anyone who rejects you rejects me, and those who reject me reject the one who sent me.’

 

Prayer over the Offerings

Grant us, O Lord, that, having meditated on your Word, following the example of Saint Jerome, we may more eagerly draw near to offer your majesty the sacrifice of salvation. Through Christ our Lord.

 

Communion Antiphon : Cf. Jer 15: 16

Lord God, your words were found and I consumed them; your word became the joy and the happiness of my heart.

 

Prayer after Communion

May these holy gifts we have received, O Lord, as we rejoice in celebrating Saint Jerome, stir up the hearts of your faithful so that, attentive to sacred teachings, they may understand the path they are to follow and, by following it, obtain life everlasting. Through Christ our Lord.

 

 

Meditation

Jesus warns the cities of Chorazin and Capernaum, as He warns us today, both as individuals and as a society. It is certainly true that there are people in other parts of our country, our society, and our world who would respond much more generously than we have done, if they were given what we have been given, saw what we have seen and heard what we hear. How many opportunities have we wasted? We waste everything, ranging from money to water, food, clothes – in short, the basic amenities, while people suffer on the streets, sleep hungry and have no shelter or clothes to wear. If they had what we have, they would make better use of it. Whatever we have is a miracle and a blessing from God. How many times have we returned from school with no results, whereas there are people craving for education? Can we make good use of these opportunities and help those in need?

 

by | Sep 28, 2022 | Evangelium

Thursday 29th  SEptember 2022

 

Ss. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels

 

He was born in Aquitaine and became a priest. He devoted his whole life to the service of the poor. He founded a congregation of priests for missionary work and with St Louise de Marillac, the Sisters of Charity.

 

Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Ps 102: 20

Bless the Lord, all you his angels, mighty in power, fulfilling his word, and heeding his voice.

 

Collect

O God, who dispose in marvellous order ministries both angelic and human, graciously grant that our life on earth may be defended by those who watch over us as they minister perpetually to you in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

 

First reading : Daniel 7:9-10,13-14

As I watched: Thrones were set in place and one of great age took his seat. His robe was white as snow, the hair of his head as pure as wool. His throne was a blaze of flames, its wheels were a burning fire. A stream of fire poured out, issuing from his presence. A thousand thousand waited on him, ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. A court was held and the books were opened. I gazed into the visions of the night. And I saw, coming on the clouds of heaven, one like a son of man. He came to the one of great age and was led into his presence. On him was conferred sovereignty, glory and kingship, and men of all peoples, nations and languages became his servants. His sovereignty is an eternal sovereignty which shall never pass away, nor will his empire ever be destroyed.

 

Psalm 137(138):1-5

R/  In the presence of the angels I will bless you, O Lord.

 

  1. I thank you, Lord, with all my heart: you have heard the words of my mouth. In the presence of the angels I will bless you. I will adore before your holy temple.
  2. I thank you for your faithfulness and love, which excel all we ever knew of you. On the day I called, you answered; you increased the strength of my soul.
  3. All earth’s kings shall thank you when they hear the words of your mouth. They shall sing of the Lord’s ways: ‘How great is the glory of the Lord!’

 

Gospel Acclamation : Ps102:21

Alleluia, alleluia! Give thanks to the Lord, all his hosts, his servants who do his will. Alleluia!

 

Gospel : John 1:47-51

When Jesus saw Nathanael coming he said of him, ‘There is an Israelite who deserves the name, incapable of deceit.’ ‘How do you know me?’ said Nathanael. ‘Before Philip came to call you,’ said Jesus ‘I saw you under the fig tree.’ Nathanael answered, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are the King of Israel.’ Jesus replied, ‘You believe that just because I said: I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.’ And then he added ‘I tell you most solemnly, you will see heaven laid open and, above the Son of Man, the angels of God ascending and descending.’

 

Prayer over the Offerings

We offer you a sacrifice of praise, O Lord, humbly entreating, that, as these gifts are borne by the ministry of Angels into the presence of your majesty, so you may receive them favourably and make them profitable for our salvation. Through Christ our Lord.

 

Communion Antiphon : Ps 137: 1

I will thank you, Lord, with all my heart; in the presence of the Angels I will praise you.

 

Prayer after Communion

Having been nourished with heavenly Bread, we beseech you humbly, O Lord, that, drawing from it new strength, under the faithful protection of your Angels, we may advance boldly along the way of salvation. Through Christ our Lord.

 

Meditation

Angels, are immortal being created by God, and are messengers charged with specific functions. St. Michael is depicted as an angel who defends us in our battles with sin and the devil, giving us the courage to overcome the forces of evil. Micha-el means ‘who is like God’. St. Gabriel was sent to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and he reminds us of the penetrating power of God’s words through the mystery of the Annunciation. Gabri-el means ‘God is strong’.  We know St. Raphael as a faithful companion who healed Tobit of his blindness. He is charged with ensuring our well-being by healing us of our sicknesses and infirmities. Rapha-el means ‘God heals’. The angels teach us about the care God has for us, and their presence in our lives is a sign of God’s promise to complete the work of salvation He has begun in us. We too, must be messengers to one another, healing them and fighting for them, especially the marginalized and the oppressed.

by | Sep 27, 2022 | Evangelium

wednesday 28th Septemb er 2022

 

St. Wenceslaus

(907 – 935)

 

He was born into the Bohemian royal family. As King, he worked hard to promote order in his kingdom and the free exercise of Christianity. He was murdered by those who opposed this. He is the patron saint of the Czech Republic.

 

Entrance Antiphon : Dn 3: 31, 29, 30, 43, 42

All that you have done to us, O Lord, you have done with true judgement, for we have sinned against you and not obeyed your commandments. But give glory to your name and deal with us according to the bounty of your mercy.

 

Collect

O God, who manifest your almighty power above all by pardoning and showing mercy, bestow, we pray, your grace abundantly upon us, and make those hastening to attain your promises heirs to the treasures of heaven. 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 : Job 9:1-13,14-16

Job spoke to his friends: Indeed, I know it is as you say: how can man be in the right against God? If any were so rash as to challenge him for reasons, one in a thousand would be more than they could answer. His heart is wise, and his strength is great: who then can successfully defy him? He moves the mountains, though they do not know it; he throws them down when he is angry. He shakes the earth, and moves it from its place, making all its pillars tremble. The sun, at his command, forbears to rise, and on the stars he sets a seal. He and no other stretched out the skies, and trampled the Sea’s tall waves. The Bear, Orion too, are of his making, the Pleiades and the Mansions of the South. His works are great, beyond all reckoning, his marvels, past all counting. Were he to pass me, I should not see him, nor detect his stealthy movement. Were he to snatch a prize, who could prevent him, or dare to say, ‘What are you doing?’ God never goes back on his anger, Rahab’s minions still lie at his feet. How dare I plead my cause, then, or choose arguments against him? Suppose I am in the right, what use is my defence? For he whom I must sue is judge as well. If he deigned to answer my citation, could I be sure that he would listen to my voice?

 

Psalm 87:10-15

R/  Let my prayer come into your presence, O Lord.

 

  1. I call to you, Lord, all the day long; to you I stretch out my hands. Will you work your wonders for the dead? Will the shades stand and praise you?
  2. Will your love be told in the grave or your faithfulness among the dead? Will your wonders be known in the dark or your justice in the land of oblivion?
  3. As for me, Lord, I call to you for help: in the morning my prayer comes before you. Lord, why do you reject me? Why do you hide your face?

 

Gospel Acclamation : Ps118:105

Alleluia, alleluia! Your word is a lamp for my steps and a light for my path. Alleluia!

 

Gospel : Luke 9:57-62

As Jesus and his disciples travelled along they met a man on the road who said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ Jesus answered, ‘Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’ Another to whom he said, ‘Follow me’, replied, ‘Let me go and bury my father first.’ But he answered, ‘Leave the dead to bury their dead; your duty is to go and spread the news of the kingdom of God.’

Another said, ‘I will follow you, sir, but first let me go and say goodbye to my people at home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Once the hand is laid on the plough, no one who looks back is fit for the kingdom of God. ’

 

Prayer over the Offerings

Grant us, O merciful God, that this our offering may find acceptance with you and that through it, the wellspring of all blessing may be laid open before us. Through Christ our Lord.

 

Communion Antiphon : Cf. Ps 118: 49-50

Remember your word to your servant, O Lord, by which you have given me hope. This is my comfort when I am brought low.

 

Prayer after Communion

May this heavenly mystery, O Lord, restore us in mind and body, that we may be coheirs in glory with Christ, to whose suffering we are united whenever we proclaim his Death. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

 

 

Meditation

Anything that turns our hearts from a full commitment to follow Jesus should be avoided. Sometimes, we still have a yearning to stay at home (being comfortable and doing what pleases us and not what pleases Jesus), rather than to follow Jesus. Jesus did not reject theose would-be followers, but he showed them that true vocation is in giving primary importance to the love for the kingdom of God. This love is shown through service and sacrifice for the survival of others. The world we live in today, is what many call a ‘global village’, where we can have anything we want. It is easy to, seeking comfort and to forget about our  duty to serve mankind, and thus to build the Kingdom of God.

by | Sep 26, 2022 | Evangelium

Tuesday 27th  September 2022

 

St. Vincent de Paul

(1581 – 1660)

 

He was born in Aquitaine and became a priest. He devoted his whole life to the service of the poor. He founded a congregation of priests for missionary work and with St Louise de Marillac, the Sisters of Charity.

 

 

Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Lk 4: 18

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me and sent me to preach the good news to the poor, to heal the broken-hearted.

 

Collect

O God, who for the relief of the poor and the formation of the clergy endowed the Priest Saint Vincent de Paul with apostolic virtues, grant, we pray, that, afire with that same spirit, we may love what he loved and put into practice what he taught. 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 : Job 3:1-3,11-17,20-23

Job broke the silence and cursed the day of his birth. This is what he said: May the day perish when I was born, and the night that told of a boy conceived. Why did I not die new-born, not perish as I left the womb? Why were there two knees to receive me, two breasts for me to suck? Had there not been, I should now be lying in peace, wrapped in a restful slumber, with the kings and high viziers of earth who build themselves vast vaults, or with princes who have gold and to spare and houses crammed with silver. Or put away like a still-born child that never came to be, like unborn babes that never see the light. Down there, bad men bustle no more, there the weary rest. Why give light to a man of grief? Why give life to those bitter of heart, who long for a death that never comes,and hunt for it more than for a buried treasure? They would be glad to see the grave-mound and shout with joy if they reached the tomb. Why make this gift of light to a man who does not see his way, whom God baulks on every side?

 

Psalm 87:2-8

R/  Let my prayer come into your presence, O Lord.

 

  1. Lord my God, I call for help by day; I cry at night before you. Let my prayer come into your presence. O turn your ear to my cry.
  2. For my soul is filled with evils; my life is on the brink of the grave. I am reckoned as one in the tomb: I have reached the end of my strength.
  3. Like one alone among the dead; like the slain lying in their graves; like those you remember no more, cut off, as they are, from your hand.
  4. You have laid me in the depths of the tomb, in places that are dark, in the depths. Your anger weighs down upon me: I am drowned beneath your waves.

 

Gospel Acclamation : Ps118:36,29

Alleluia, alleluia! Bend my heart to your will, O Lord, and teach me your law. Alleluia!

 

Gospel : Luke 9:51-56

As the time drew near for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely took the road for Jerusalem and sent messengers ahead of him. These set out, and they went into a Samaritan village to make preparations for him, but the people would not receive him because he was making for Jerusalem. Seeing this, the disciples James and John said, ‘Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to burn them up?’ But he turned and rebuked them, and they went off to another village.

 

Prayer over the Offerings

O God, who enabled Saint Vincent to imitate what he celebrated in the divine mysteries, grant that by the power of this sacrifice we, too, may be transformed into an oblation acceptable to you. Through Christ our Lord.

 

Communion Antiphon : Cf. Ps 106: 8-9

Let them thank the Lord for his mercy, his wonders for the children of men, for he satisfies the thirsty soul, and the hungry he fills with good things.

 

Prayer after Communion

Renewed by this heavenly Sacrament, O Lord, we implore, that just as we are prompted by Saint Vincent’s example to imitate your Son in his preaching of the Gospel to the poor, so, too, we may be sustained by his prayers. Through Christ our Lord.

 

 

Meditation

One can handle a disappointment better when one realizes that everything is a privilege. One of the most difficult things to do in relationships is to offer peace and friendship to those who do not want any form of contact with us. It is equally not easy to humble ourselves before those who want to have nothing to do with us, who do not even want to see us around. But what is our reaction to this? Do we hit back or ignore them; or do we try again? The outcome of every occasion of rejection will always depend on us. We must stay positive-minded, for calling down fire or thunder may not solve the issue, but may only close-up the little space which would have provided a little chance for a talk.

by | Sep 25, 2022 | Evangelium

Monday 26th  September 2022

 

  1. Cosmas and Damian

 

They are buried at Cyrrhus in Syria, where a basilica was constructed in their honour. In the fifth century their cult spread rapidly through the entire Church.

 

Entrance Antiphon : Dn 3: 31, 29, 30, 43, 42

All that you have done to us, O Lord, you have done with true judgement, for we have sinned against you and not obeyed your commandments. But give glory to your name and deal with us according to the bounty of your mercy.

 

Collect

O God, who manifest your almighty power above all by pardoning and showing mercy, bestow, we pray, your grace abundantly upon us, and make those hastening to attain your promises heirs to the treasures of heaven. 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 : Proverbs 3:27-34

One day the Sons of God came to attend on the Lord, and among them was Satan. So the Lord said to Satan, ‘Where have you been?’ ‘Round the earth,’ he answered ‘roaming about.’ So the Lord asked him, ‘Did you notice my servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth: a sound and honest man who fears God and shuns evil.’ ‘Yes,’ Satan said ‘but Job is not God-fearing for nothing, is he? Have you not put a wall round him and his house and all his domain? You have blessed all he undertakes, and his flocks throng the countryside. But stretch out your hand and lay a finger on his possessions: I warrant you, he will curse you to your face.’ ‘Very well,’ the Lord said to Satan ‘all he has is in your power. But keep your hands off his person.’ So Satan left the presence of the Lord. On the day when Job’s sons and daughters were at their meal and drinking wine at their eldest brother’s house, a messenger came to Job. ‘Your oxen’ he said ‘were at the plough, with the donkeys grazing at their side, when the Sabaeans swept down on them and carried them off. Your servants they put to the sword: I alone escaped to tell you.’ He had not finished speaking when another messenger arrived. ‘The fire of God’ he said ‘has fallen from the heavens and burnt up all your sheep, and your shepherds too: I alone escaped to tell you.’ He had not finished speaking when another messenger arrived. ‘The Chaldaeans,’ he said ‘three bands of them, have raided your camels and made off with them. Your servants they put to the sword: I alone escaped to tell you.’ He had not finished speaking when another messenger arrived. ‘Your sons and daughters’ he said ‘were at their meal and drinking wine at their eldest brother’s house, when suddenly from the wilderness a gale sprang up, and it battered all four corners of the house which fell in on the young people. They are dead: I alone escaped to tell you.’ Job rose and tore his gown and shaved his head. Then falling to the ground he worshipped and said: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, naked I shall return. The Lord gave, the Lord has taken back. Blessed be the name of the Lord!’ In all this misfortune Job committed no sin nor offered any insult to God.

 

Psalm 16:1-3,6-7

R/ Turn your ear to me, O Lord; hear my words.

 

  1. Lord, hear a cause that is just, pay heed to my cry. Turn your ear to my prayer: no deceit is on my lips.
  2. From you may my judgement come forth. Your eyes discern the truth. You search my heart, you visit me by night. You test me and you find in me no wrong.
  3. I am here and I call, you will hear me, O God. Turn your ear to me; hear my words. Display your great love, you whose right hand saves your friends from those who rebel against them.

 

Gospel Acclamation : Jn14:6

Alleluia, alleluia! I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, says the Lord; No one can come to the Father except through me. Alleluia!

 

Gospel : Luke 9:46-50

An argument started between the disciples about which of them was the greatest. Jesus knew what thoughts were going through their minds, and he took a little child and set him by his side and then said to them, ‘Anyone who welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For the least among you all, that is the one who is great.’ John spoke up. ‘Master,’ he said ‘we saw a man casting out devils in your name, and because he is not with us we tried to stop him.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘You must not stop him: anyone who is not against you is for you.’

 

Prayer over the Offerings

Grant us, O merciful God, that this our offering may find acceptance with you and that through it the wellspring of all blessing may be laid open before us. Through Christ our Lord.

 

Communion Antiphon : Cf. Ps 118: 49-50

Remember your word to your servant, O Lord, by which you have given me hope. This is my comfort when I am brought low.

 

Prayer after Communion

May this heavenly mystery, O Lord, restore us in mind and body, that we may be coheirs in glory with Christ, to whose suffering we are united whenever we proclaim his Death. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

 

Meditation

How does one understand greatness? In this passage, jesus appeals to us to forget our selfish ambitions and to spend our lives serving others in all humility, with trusting faith in a god of providence. With god we are great, and apart from him, we are simply empty. We should have priorities in life. The kingdom of heaven should be the priority of every christian because god’s priority is to save man so that he may spend eternity with him. We will be seriously mistaken if our objectives as christians is to prove to others that we are believers or if our goal in becoming managing directors is to oppress them. When we look at ourselves today, what can we say is our priority as christians?

by | Sep 24, 2022 | Evangelium

Sunday 25th  September 2022

 

 

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Psalter II

 

Entrance Antiphon : Dn 3: 31, 29, 30, 43, 42

All that you have done to us, O Lord, you have done with true judgement, for we have sinned against you and not obeyed your commandments. But give glory to your name and deal with us according to the bounty of your mercy.

 

Collect

O God, who manifest your almighty power above all by pardoning and showing mercy, bestow, we pray, your grace abundantly upon us, and make those hastening to attain your promises heirs to the treasures of heaven. 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 : Amos 6:1,4-7

The almighty Lord says this: Woe to those ensconced so snugly in Zion and to those who feel so safe on the mountain of Samaria, those famous men of this first of nations to whom the House of Israel goes as client. Lying on ivory beds and sprawling on their divans, they dine on lambs from the flock, and stall-fattened veal; they bawl to the sound of the harp, they invent new instruments of music like David, they drink wine by the bowlful, and use the finest oil for anointing themselves, but about the ruin of Joseph they do not care at all. That is why they will be the first to be exiled; the sprawlers’ revelry is over.

 

Psalm 145(146):7-10

R/   My soul, give praise to the Lord.

 

  1. It is the Lord who keeps faith for ever, who is just to those who are oppressed. It is he who gives bread to the hungry, the Lord, who sets prisoners free.
  2. It is the Lord who gives sight to the blind, who raises up those who are bowed down. It is the Lord who loves the just, the Lord, who protects the stranger.
  3. The Lord upholds the widow and orphan but thwarts the path of the wicked. The Lord will reign for ever, Zion’s God, from age to age.

 

Second reading : 1 Timothy 6:11-16

As a man dedicated to God, you must aim to be saintly and religious, filled with faith and love, patient and gentle. Fight the good fight of the faith and win for yourself the eternal life to which you were called when you made your profession and spoke up for the truth in front of many witnesses. Now, before God the source of all life and before Christ, who spoke up as a witness for the truth in front of Pontius Pilate, I put to you the duty of doing all that you have been told, with no faults or failures, until the Appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, who at the due time will be revealed by God, the blessed and only Ruler of all, the King of kings and the Lord of lords, who alone is immortal, whose home is in inaccessible light, whom no man has seen and no man is able to see: to him be honour and everlasting power. Amen.

 

Gospel Acclamation : Jn10:27

Alleluia, alleluia! The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice,  says the Lord,  I know them and they follow me. Alleluia!

 

Gospel : Luke 16:19-31

Jesus said to the Pharisees: ‘There was a rich man who used to dress in purple and fine linen and feast magnificently every day. And at his gate there lay a poor man called Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to fill himself with the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even came and licked his sores. Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. ‘In his torment in Hades he looked up and saw Abraham a long way off with Lazarus in his bosom. So he cried out, “Father Abraham, pity me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in agony in these flames.” “My son,” Abraham replied “remember that during your life good things came your way, just as bad things came the way of Lazarus. Now he is being comforted here while you are in agony. But that is not all: between us and you a great gulf has been fixed, to stop anyone, if he wanted to, crossing from our side to yours, and to stop any crossing from your side to ours.” ‘The rich man replied, “Father, I beg you then to send Lazarus to my father’s house, since I have five brothers, to give them warning so that they do not come to this place of torment too.” “They have Moses and the prophets,” said Abraham “let them listen to them.” “Ah no, father Abraham,” said the rich man “but if someone comes to them from the dead, they will repent.” Then Abraham said to him, “If they will not listen either to Moses or to the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone should rise from the dead.”’

 

Prayer over the Offerings

Grant us, O merciful God, that this our offering may find acceptance with you and that through it the wellspring of all blessing may be laid open before us. Through Christ our Lord.

 

Communion Antiphon : Cf. Ps 118: 49-50

Remember your word to your servant, O Lord, by which you have given me hope. This is my comfort when I am brought low.

 

Prayer after Communion

May this heavenly mystery, O Lord, restore us in mind and body, that we may be coheirs in glory with Christ, to whose suffering we are united whenever we proclaim his Death. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

 

 

Meditation

The Penitential prayer – ‘I Confess to Almighty God’ tells us that there is sin by commission and by omission (…in what I have done and in what I have failed to do). The danger with being rich, as Jesus warns, is that we may become excessively attached to something and too selfish to allow someone else even have a look, let alone touch it. The sin of the rich was a sin of omission. He did not consider Lazarus worthy of having even the scraps of food that fell from his table. We can become chronic misers who that cannot share what they have. We are called every day to come to the aid of the poor and the less privileged in the society. We either pretend we are not aware, or we are too busy to attend to them. It only makes sense that whatever we have as resources and blessings from God, should make us become blessings to others in need.