by Norbert Doulanni | Jan 24, 2026 | Evangelium
3rd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
CONVERSION OF SAINT PAUL APOSTLE
Psalter III
GREEN
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 95: 1, 6
O sing a new song to the Lord; sing to the Lord, all the earth. In his presence are majesty and splendour, strength and honour in his holy place.
Collect
Almighty ever-living God, direct our actions according to your good pleasure, that in the name of your beloved Son we may abound in good works. 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: Isaiah 8:23—9:3
First the Lord degraded the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the end he has glorified the seaward road, the land west of the Jordan, the District of the Gentiles. Anguish has taken wing, dispelled is darkness: for there is no gloom where until now there was distress. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, as they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as people make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, and the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27:1, 4, 13–14
R/ The Lord is my light and my salvation.
- The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The Lord is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid?
- One thing I ask of the Lord; this I seek: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, that I may gaze on the loveliness of the Lord and contemplate his temple.
- I believe that I shall see the bounty of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord with courage; be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord.
Second reading: 1 Corinthians 1:10–13, 17
I urge you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose. For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers and sisters, by Chloe’s people, that there are rivalries among you. I mean that each of you is saying, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or « I belong to Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with the wisdom of human eloquence, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its meaning.
Gospel Acclamation: Matthew4:23
Alleluia, alleluia. Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the kingdom and cured every disease among the people. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Matthew 4:12–23
When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” As he was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him. He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father and followed him. He went around all of Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and curing every disease and illness among the people.
Prayer over the Offerings
Accept our offerings, O Lord, we pray, and in sanctifying them grant that they may profit us for salvation. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Ps 33: 6
Look toward the Lord and be radiant; let your faces not be abashed.
Prayer after Communion
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, receiving the grace by which you bring us to new life, we may always glory in your gift. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
“The Lord is my light and my help.” Isaiah announced that the people of Zebulun and Naphtali had seen a great light that would dispel their darkness. Matthew writes in the Gospel that this prophecy was fulfilled by Jesus, who went to these territories to begin his ministry. Jesus is the light sent by God to dispel the darkness of sin in our lives and in our world. Light enables us to see our way, so that we do not stumble and fall; Jesus enlightens us with his Word, which shows us the right way to live so that we can avoid the dangers and stumbling blocks of life and find true happiness. His Word is first and foremost a message of repentance; we must change our ways by abandoning all that is contrary to his will. His Word is also an invitation to discipleship; we must follow him and allow his precepts guide our actions. And one of these precepts is unity; we must avoid everything that causes rivalry and division in our families, communities and gatherings, and always strive to bring people together to work for the common good.
by Norbert Doulanni | Jan 23, 2026 | Evangelium
SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES, BISHOP AND DOCTOR
Psalter II
WHITE
He was born near Annecy, in Savoy, studied the law, and was ordained to the priesthood despite the opposition of his father. His first mission was to re-evangelize the people of his home district (the Chablais), who had gone over to Calvinism. Always in danger of his life from hostile Calvinists, he preached with such effectiveness that after four years most of the people had returned to the Church. He was then appointed bishop of Geneva, and spent the rest of his life reforming and reorganising the diocese, and in caring for the souls of his people by preaching and spiritual guidance.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Sir 15: 5
In the midst of the Church he opened his mouth, and the Lord filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding and clothed him in a robe of glory.
Collect
O God, who for the salvation of souls willed that the Bishop Saint Francis de Sales become all things to all, graciously grant that, following his example, we may always display the gentleness of your charity in the service of our neighbour. 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: 2 Samuel 1:1-4, 11-12, 19, 23-27
David returned from his defeat of the Amalekites and spent two days in Ziklag. On the third day a man came from Saul’s camp, with his clothes torn and dirt on his head. Going to David, he fell to the ground in homage. David asked him, “Where do you come from?” He replied, “I have escaped from the camp of the children of Israel.” “Tell me what happened,” David bade him. He answered that many of the soldiers had fled the battle and that many of them had fallen and were dead, among them Saul and his son Jonathan. David seized his garments and rent them, and all the men who were with him did likewise. They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the soldiers of the Lord of the clans of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. “Alas! the glory of Israel, Saul, slain upon your heights; how can the warriors have fallen! ” Saul and Jonathan, beloved and cherished, separated neither in life nor in death, swifter than eagles, stronger than lions! Women of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and in finery, who decked your attire with ornaments of gold. “How can the warriors have fallen– in the thick of the battle, slain upon your heights! “I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother! most dear have you been to me; more precious have I held love for you than love for women. “How can the warriors have fallen, the weapons of war have perished!”
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 80:2-3, 5-7
R/ Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.
- O shepherd of Israel, hearken, O guide of the flock of Joseph! From your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh. Rouse your power, and come to save us.
- O Lord of hosts, how long will you burn with anger while your people pray? You have fed them with the bread of tears and given them tears to drink in ample measure. You have left us to be fought over by our neighbors, and our enemies mock us.
Gospel Acclamation: Acts 16:14b
Alleluia, alleluia. Open our hearts, O Lord, to listen to the words of your Son. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Mark 3:20-21
Jesus came with his disciples into the house. Again the crowd gathered, making it impossible for them even to eat. When his relatives heard of this they set out to seize him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.”
Prayer over the Offerings
Through this saving sacrifice which we offer you, O Lord, kindle in our hearts that divine fire of the Holy Spirit with which you wonderfully inflamed the most gentle soul of Saint Francis de Sales. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Lk 12: 42
Behold a faithful and prudent steward to give them their allowance of food at the proper time.
Prayer after Communion
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that through the Sacrament we have received, we may imitate on earth the charity and meekness of Saint Francis de Sales and so attain like him the glory of heaven. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
“He is out of his mind.” Indeed, Christianity can seem like madness. From a human perspective, it usually makes little sense, because it requires us to do things that men would normally not do. Does one mourn when one’s enemy dies? Yet that is what David did; he wept for Saul who had tried to kill him several times. The Christian shows mercy when the world expects him to seek vengeance; he shows love when he is expected to hate; he thinks about others when his natural instinct is to protect his interests; he gives when normally he should take. Yes, the Christian acts in a way which seems like madness in the eyes of the world. To be a Christian is to swim against the current; it means choosing to follow the way of love rather than the way of the world. May the Lord fill us with the madness of Christian love, and the courage to stick to the Christian ideal even when it goes against the expectations of society.
by Norbert Doulanni | Jan 22, 2026 | Evangelium
SAINT MARIANNE COPE
Psalter II
GREEN
She is the first Franciscan woman from North America to be canonized. A woman of great valour, this beloved mother of outcasts spent her early years in central New York, where she served as a leader in the field of health care, education, and of her own congregation. Responding to a call to care for the poor sick on the the Sandwich Islands, she devoted 35 years to caring for those afflicted with Hansen’s disease on Kalaupapa, Molokai, Hawaii.
Entrance Antiphon: Ps 65: 4
All the earth shall bow down before you, O God, and shall sing to you, shall sing to your name, O Most High!
Collect
Almighty ever-living God, who govern all things, both in heaven and on earth, mercifully hear the pleading of your people and bestow your peace on our times. 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: 1 Samuel 24:3-21
Saul took three thousand picked men from all Israel and went in search of David and his men in the direction of the wild goat crags. When he came to the sheepfolds along the way, he found a cave, which he entered to relieve himself. David and his men were occupying the inmost recesses of the cave. David’s servants said to him, “This is the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘I will deliver your enemy into your grasp; do with him as you see fit.'” So David moved up and stealthily cut off an end of Saul’s mantle. Afterward, however, David regretted that he had cut off an end of Saul’s mantle. He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, as to lay a hand on him, for he is the Lord’s anointed.” With these words David restrained his men and would not permit them to attack Saul. Saul then left the cave and went on his way. David also stepped out of the cave, calling to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked back, David bowed to the ground in homage and asked Saul: “Why do you listen to those who say, ‘David is trying to harm you’? You see for yourself today that the Lord just now delivered you into my grasp in the cave. I had some thought of killing you, but I took pity on you instead. I decided, ‘I will not raise a hand against my lord, for he is the Lord’s anointed and a father to me.’ Look here at this end of your mantle which I hold. Since I cut off an end of your mantle and did not kill you, see and be convinced that I plan no harm and no rebellion. I have done you no wrong, though you are hunting me down to take my life. The Lord will judge between me and you, and the Lord will exact justice from you in my case. I shall not touch you. The old proverb says, ‘From the wicked comes forth wickedness.’ So I will take no action against you. Against whom are you on campaign, O king of Israel? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog, or a single flea! The Lord will be the judge; he will decide between me and you. May he see this, and take my part, and grant me justice beyond your reach!” When David finished saying these things to Saul, Saul answered, “Is that your voice, my son David?” And Saul wept aloud. Saul then said to David: “You are in the right rather than I; you have treated me generously, while I have done you harm. Great is the generosity you showed me today, when the Lord delivered me into your grasp and you did not kill me. For if a man meets his enemy, does he send him away unharmed? May the Lord reward you generously for what you have done this day. And now, I know that you shall surely be king and that sovereignty over Israel shall come into your possession. »
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 57:2, 3-4, 6 and 11
R/ Have mercy on me, God, have mercy.
- Have mercy on me, O God; have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. In the shadow of your wings I take refuge, till harm pass by.
- I call to God the Most High, to God, my benefactor. May he send from heaven and save me; may he make those a reproach who trample upon me; may God send his mercy and his faithfulness.
- Be exalted above the heavens, O God; above all the earth be your glory! For your mercy towers to the heavens, and your faithfulness to the skies.
Gospel Acclamation: 2 Corinthians 5:19
Alleluia, alleluia. God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Mark 3:13-19
Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him. He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles, that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons: He appointed the Twelve: Simon, whom he named Peter; James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges, that is, sons of thunder; Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.
Prayer over the Offerings
Grant us, O Lord, we pray, that we may participate worthily in these mysteries, for whenever the memorial of this sacrifice is celebrated the work of our redemption is accomplished. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Ps 22: 5
You have prepared a table before me, and how precious is the chalice that quenches my thirst.
Prayer after Communion
Pour on us, O Lord, the Spirit of your love, and in your kindness make those you have nourished by this one heavenly Bread one in mind and heart. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
“He called them to send them to preach and to have authority over demons.” St. Augustine said that God, who created us without our help, will not save us without our help; he wants us to play our part in gaining our salvation. To this effect, he calls us to follow him and partake in his mission, just like he called the 12 apostles. We have to spread the Good News in the world by our words and actions. We have to help rid the world of sin in all its forms and defend moral values in our society. We have to teach those around us compassion, so that they may forgive rather than seek vengeance. We have to learn to show mercy even to those who offend us, like David did to Saul. Let us ask God for the grace to always remember our missionary calling, so that every day we may strive to save our souls and the souls of others.
by Norbert Doulanni | Jan 21, 2026 | Evangelium
SAINT VINCENT PALLOTTI, DEACON, MARTYR
Psalter II
GREEN
He was born in Huesca and became a deacon ofthe church of Saragossa (Zaragoza). He wastortured to death in Valencia, in the persecution ofDiocletian. After his death, his cult spread rapidlythrough the Roman Empire.
Entrance Antiphon: Ps 65: 4
All the earth shall bow down before you, O God, and shall sing to you, shall sing to your name, O Most High!
Collect
Almighty ever-living God, who govern all things, both in heaven and on earth, mercifully hear the pleading of your people and bestow your peace on our times. 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: 1 Samuel 18:6-9; 19:1-7
When David and Saul approached (on David’s return after slaying the Philistine), women came out from each of the cities of Israel to meet King Saul, singing and dancing, with tambourines, joyful songs, and sistrums. The women played and sang: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” Saul was very angry and resentful of the song, for he thought: “They give David ten thousands, but only thousands to me. All that remains for him is the kingship.” And from that day on, Saul was jealous of David. Saul discussed his intention of killing David with his son Jonathan and with all his servants. But Saul’s son Jonathan, who was very fond of David, told him: “My father Saul is trying to kill you. Therefore, please be on your guard tomorrow morning; get out of sight and remain in hiding. I, however, will go out and stand beside my father in the countryside where you are, and will speak to him about you. If I learn anything, I will let you know.” Jonathan then spoke well of David to his father Saul, saying to him: “Let not your majesty sin against his servant David, for he has committed no offense against you, but has helped you very much by his deeds. When he took his life in his hands and slew the Philistine, and the Lord brought about a great victory for all Israel through him, you were glad to see it. Why, then, should you become guilty of shedding innocent blood by killing David without cause?” Saul heeded Jonathan’s plea and swore, “As the Lord lives, he shall not be killed.” So Jonathan summoned David and repeated the whole conversation to him. Jonathan then brought David to Saul, and David served him as before.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 56:2-3, 9-10a, 10b-11, 12-13
R/ In God I trust; I shall not fear.
- Have mercy on me, O God, for men trample upon me; all the day they press their attack against me. My adversaries trample upon me all the day; yes, many fight against me.
- My wanderings you have counted; my tears are stored in your flask; are they not recorded in your book? Then do my enemies turn back, when I call upon you.
- Now I know that God is with me. In God, in whose promise I glory, in God I trust without fear; what can flesh do against me?
- I am bound, O God, by vows to you; your thank offerings I will fulfill. For you have rescued me from death, my feet, too, from stumbling; that I may walk before God in the light of the living.
Gospel Acclamation: 2 Timothy1:10
Alleluia, alleluia. Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Mark 3:7-12
Jesus withdrew toward the sea with his disciples. A large number of people followed from Galilee and from Judea. Hearing what he was doing, a large number of people came to him also from Jerusalem, from Idumea, from beyond the Jordan, and from the neighborhood of Tyre and Sidon. He told his disciples to have a boat ready for him because of the crowd, so that they would not crush him. He had cured many and, as a result, those who had diseases were pressing upon him to touch him. And whenever unclean spirits saw him they would fall down before him and shout, “You are the Son of God.” He warned them sternly not to make him known.
Prayer over the Offerings
Grant us, O Lord, we pray, that we may participate worthily in these mysteries, for whenever the memorial of this sacrifice is celebrated the work of our redemption is accomplished. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Ps 22: 5
You have prepared a table before me, and how precious is the chalice that quenches my thirst.
Prayer after Communion
Pour on us, O Lord, the Spirit of your love, and in your kindness make those you have nourished by this one heavenly Bread one in mind and heart. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
“You are the Son of God.” The demons that Jesus cast out recognise him as the Son of God. He came to liberate us from all the evil spirits that torment us. There are spiritual forces that assail us, and Jesus is more powerful than them; he will drive them away if we invite him into our lives. There are also vices that plague our relations with others and destroy our society. Jesus came to overcome them as well, and he wants us to cooperate with him in this task. He wants that we, like Jonathan, should stand up against jealousy, injustice and all forms of wickedness. Just as Jonathan defended David against the jealousy of Saul and convinced Saul not to commit the injustice of killing David, we should stand for justice and defend those who suffer various forms of oppression and discrimination. Like Christ, we too should drive out vice from our lives and our society, and promote the practice of virtue.
by Norbert Doulanni | Jan 20, 2026 | Evangelium
SAINTE AGNES DE ROME, VIERGE ET MARTYRE
(Psautier II –Rouge )
Il y eut à Rome une fillette âgée entre douze et quinze ans qui mourut volontairement pour sa foi en Jésus-Christ, lors de la persécution de Dioclétien. Comme on ne savait pas exactement son nom, celui d’Agnès qui signifie « Agneau » lui fut attribué.
Antienne d’ouverture :
Sainte Agnès a combattu jusqu’à la mort pour être fidèle à son Dieu ; elle n’a pas craint les menaces des impies : elle était fondée sur le roc.
Prière d’ouverture :
Dieu éternel et tout-puissant, tu choisis les créatures les plus faibles pour confondre les puissances du monde ; tandis que nous célébrons l’anniversaire du martyre de sainte Agnès, accorde-nous d’imiter sa fermeté dans la foi. Par Jésus.
1ère lecture : 1 S 17, 32-33.37.40-51
En ces jours-là, le Philistin Goliath venait tous les jours défier l’armée d’Israël. David dit à Saül: «Que personne ne perde courage à cause de ce Philistin. Moi, ton serviteur, j’irai me battre avec lui.» Saül répondit à David: «Tu ne peux pas marcher contre ce Philistin pour lutter avec lui, car tu n’es qu’un enfant, et lui, c’est un homme de guerre depuis sa jeunesse.» David insista: «Le Seigneur, qui m’a délivré des griffes du lion et de l’ours, me délivrera des mains de ce Philistin.» Alors Saül lui dit: «Va, et que le Seigneur soit avec toi!» David prit en main son bâton, il se choisit dans le torrent cinq cailloux bien lisses et les mit dans son sac de berger, dans une poche; puis, la fronde à la main, il s’avança vers le Philistin. Le Philistin se mit en marche et, précédé de son porte-bouclier, approcha de David. Lorsqu’il le vit, il le regarda avec mépris car c’était un jeune garçon; il était roux et de belle apparence. Le Philistin lui dit: «Suis-je donc un chien, pour que tu viennes contre moi avec un bâton?» Puis il le maudit en invoquant ses dieux. Il dit à David: «Viens vers moi, que je te donne en pâture aux oiseaux du ciel et aux bêtes sauvages!» David lui répondit: «Tu viens contre moi avec épée, lance et javelot, mais moi, je viens contre toi avec le nom du Seigneur des armées, le Dieu des troupes d’Israël que tu as défié. Aujourd’hui le Seigneur va te livrer entre mes mains, je vais t’abattre, te trancher la tête, donner aujourd’hui même les cadavres de l’armée philistine aux oiseaux du ciel et aux bêtes de la terre. Toute la terre saura qu’il y a un Dieu pour Israël, et tous ces gens rassemblés sauront que le Seigneur ne donne la victoire ni par l’épée ni par la lance, mais que le Seigneur est maître du combat, et qu’il vous livre entre nos mains.» Goliath s’était dressé, s’était mis en marche et s’approchait à la rencontre de David. Celui-ci s’élança et courut vers les lignes des ennemis à la rencontre du Philistin. Il plongea la main dans son sac, et en retira un caillou qu’il lança avec sa fronde. Il atteignit le Philistin au front, le caillou s’y enfonça, et Goliath tomba face contre terre. Ainsi David triompha du Philistin avec une fronde et un caillou : quand il frappa le Philistin et le mit à mort, il n’avait pas d’épée à la main. Mais David courut ; arrivé près du Philistin, il lui prit son épée, qu’il tira du fourreau, et le tua en lui coupant la tête. Quand les Philistins virent que leur héros était mort, ils prirent la fuite.
Psaume : 143 (144), 1, 2, 9-10
R/ Béni soit le Seigneur, mon rocher !
- Béni soit le Seigneur, mon rocher ! Il exerce mes mains pour le combat, il m’entraîne à la bataille.
- Il est mon allié, ma forteresse, ma citadelle, celui qui me libère ; il est le bouclier qui m’abrite, il me donne pouvoir sur mon peuple.
- Pour toi, je chanterai un chant nouveau, pour toi, je jouerai sur la harpe à dix cordes, pour toi qui donnes aux rois la victoire et sauves de l’épée meurtrière David, ton serviteur.
Acclamation :
Alléluia. Alléluia. Jésus proclamait l’Évangile du Royaume et guérissait toute infirmité dans le peuple. Alléluia. (cf. Mt 4, 23)
Évangile : Mc 3, 1-6
En ce temps-là, Jésus entra dans une synagogue; il y avait là un homme dont la main était atrophiée. On observait Jésus pour voir s’il le guérirait le jour du sabbat. C’était afin de pouvoir l’accuser. Il dit à l’homme qui avait la main atrophiée: «Lève-toi, viens au milieu.» Et s’adressant aux autres : « Est-il permis, le jour du sabbat, de faire le bien ou de faire le mal? de sauver une vie ou de tuer?» Mais eux se taisaient. Alors, promenant sur eux un regard de colère, navré de l’endurcissement de leurs cœurs, il dit à l’homme: «Étends la main.» Il l’étendit, et sa main redevint normale. Une fois sortis, les pharisiens se réunirent en conseil avec les partisans d’Hérode contre Jésus, pour voir comment le faire périr.
Prière sur les offrandes :
Seigneur, nous te présentons ces offrandes en la fête de sainte Agnès : accueille-les avec autant de bienveillance que tu as accueilli son martyre. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion :
« Je suis la vigne et vous êtes les sarments, dit le Seigneur. Celui qui demeure en moi et en qui je demeure, celui-là donne beaucoup de fruit. »
Prière après la communion :
Seigneur, tu as donné à la bienheureuse Agnès d’être comptée parmi les saintes du ciel, au double titre de vierge et de martyre ; par la force de cette communion, fais-nous sortir vainqueurs de toute épreuve pour obtenir un jour la gloire du Royaume. Par Jésus.
Méditation :
Aux « observateurs » qui veulent l’accuser, Jésus impose un choix qui le révélera. Il sait, comme tout le monde, quels actes sont permis. Mais il interroge sur leur sens pour essayer de faire réfléchir l’assistance sur le but de l’institution. En effet, l’institution du sabbat, avec ses interdits, est faite pour servir. Jésus tente de faire passer les gens d’une morale du péché à une morale des fins, du projet de Dieu. Ce projet, il le suggère par deux mots : le bien, et le salut, qui signifient clairement : la vie. Devant leur silence obstiné, Jésus s’agace et enfreint alors brutalement la loi qui n’accepte pas de s’incliner devant la vie. Tout ce qui ne va pas vers la vie va vers la mort. Il suffit donc de ne pas laisser nos sabbats à nous dégénérer en anti-vie.
by Norbert Doulanni | Jan 20, 2026 | Evangelium
SAINT AGNES OF ROME, VIRGIN AND MARTYR
Psalter II
RED
As with so many of the early Roman martyrs, very little is nowknown about Agnes’ life. Partly this is because the detailshave been obscured by the light that shines from hermartyrdom and the cult that it inspired, and partly becauseif you are martyred at the age of 12, your life has not reallyacquired that many details in any case. Agnes was filledwith the love of God from an early age, vowed herself tocelibacy, and when the opportunity of martyrdom arose,she did not hide away but stepped forward and took it.
Entrance Antiphon
Behold, now she follows the Lamb who was crucified for us, powerful in virginity, modesty her offering, a sacrifice on the altar of chastity.
Collect
Almighty ever-living God, who choose what is weak in the world to confound the strong, mercifully grant, that we, who celebrate the heavenly birthday of your Martyr Saint Agnes, may follow her constancy in the faith. 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: 1 Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51
David spoke to Saul: “Let your majesty not lose courage. I am at your service to go and fight this Philistine.” But Saul answered David, “You cannot go up against this Philistine and fight with him, for you are only a youth, while he has been a warrior from his youth.” David continued: “The Lord, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear, will also keep me safe from the clutches of this Philistine.” Saul answered David, “Go! the Lord will be with you.” Then, staff in hand, David selected five smooth stones from the wadi and put them in the pocket of his shepherd’s bag. With his sling also ready to hand, he approached the Philistine. With his shield bearer marching before him, the Philistine also advanced closer and closer to David. When he had sized David up, and seen that he was youthful, and ruddy, and handsome in appearance, the Philistine held David in contempt. The Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog that you come against me with a staff?” Then the Philistine cursed David by his gods and said to him, “Come here to me, and I will leave your flesh for the birds of the air and the beasts of the field.” David answered him: “You come against me with sword and spear and scimitar, but I come against you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel that you have insulted. Today the Lord shall deliver you into my hand; I will strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will leave your corpse and the corpses of the Philistine army for the birds of the air and the beasts of the field; thus the whole land shall learn that Israel has a God. All this multitude, too, shall learn that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves. For the battle is the Lord’s and he shall deliver you into our hands.” The Philistine then moved to meet David at close quarters, while David ran quickly toward the battle line in the direction of the Philistine. David put his hand into the bag and took out a stone, hurled it with the sling, and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone embedded itself in his brow, and he fell prostrate on the ground. Thus David overcame the Philistine with sling and stone; he struck the Philistine mortally, and did it without a sword. Then David ran and stood over him; with the Philistine’s own sword which he drew from its sheath he dispatched him and cut off his head.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 144:1b, 2, 9-10
R/ Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
- Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for battle, my fingers for war.
- My refuge and my fortress, my stronghold, my deliverer, My shield, in whom I trust, who subdues my people under me.
- O God, I will sing a new song to you; with a ten-stringed lyre I will chant your praise, You who give victory to kings, and deliver David, your servant from the evil sword.
Gospel Acclamation: Matthew 4:23
Alleluia, alleluia. Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom and cured every disease among the people. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Mark 3:1-6
Jesus entered the synagogue. There was a man there who had a withered hand. They watched Jesus closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him. He said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up here before us.” Then he said to the Pharisees, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil, to save life rather than to destroy it?” But they remained silent. Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart, Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.
Prayer over the Offerings
May the offerings we bring in celebration of blessed N. win your gracious acceptance, O Lord, we pray, just as the struggle of her suffering and passion was pleasing to you. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Rv 7: 17
The Lamb who is at the centre of the throne will lead them to the springs of the waters of life.
Prayer after Communion
O God, who bestowed on blessed N. a crown among the Saints for her twofold triumph of virginity and martyrdom, grant, we pray, through the power of this Sacrament, that, bravely overcoming every evil, we may attain the glory of heaven. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
“Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!” Our God is a dependable God, one on whom we can rely in all circumstances. Goliath was bigger, stronger and more experienced than David, and from a human perspective, David stood no chance against him. But David knew he could count on God, and he emerged victorious. If we invite God into our lives and always count on him, then the situations we face that look impossible will become possible. What we are unable to deal with on our own becomes reachable, because we handle it not with our own strength but with the strength of God. He gives us the strength, the wisdom, the perseverance and the openings that we need to succeed. He is always ready to assist us because he loves us, and he expects us to show the same love to others. Jesus expresses this divine expectation in the question he addressed to the Pharisees: “Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath rather than to do evil?” This question is an invitation to question the laws and rules we impose on others; a law is only valid if it is founded on love and is meant to improve the lot of people.
