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.
by Norbert Doulanni | Oct 14, 2025 | Evangelium
Saint Teresa of Ávila (1515 – 1582)
Psalter: Week IV
White
She was born in Ávila in Spain and entered the Carmelite convent there at the age of 20. St Teresa is an outstanding example of how the contemplative life can well up and overflow into action. She wrote much on the subject of contemplative prayer and her writings are still standard works today. She was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Paul VI in 1970.
Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Ps 41: 2-3
Like the deer that yearns for running streams, so my soul is yearning for you, my God; my soul is thirsting for God, the living God.
Collect
O God, who through your Spirit raised up Saint Teresa of Jesus to show the Church the way to seek perfection, grant that we may always be nourished by the food of her heavenly teaching and fired with longing for true holiness. 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 2:1-11
No matter who you are, if you pass judgement you have no excuse. In judging others you condemn yourself, since you behave no differently from those you judge. We know that God condemns that sort of behaviour impartially: and when you judge those who behave like this while you are doing exactly the same, do you think you will escape God’s judgement? Or are you abusing his abundant goodness, patience and toleration, not realising that this goodness of God is meant to lead you to repentance? Your stubborn refusal to repent is only adding to the anger God will have towards you on that day of anger when his just judgements will be made known. He will repay each one as his works deserve. For those who sought renown and honour and immortality by always doing good there will be eternal life; for the unsubmissive who refused to take truth for their guide and took depravity instead, there will be anger and fury. Pain and suffering will come to every human being who employs himself in evil – Jews first, but Greeks as well; renown, honour and peace will come to everyone who does good – Jews first, but Greeks as well. God has no favourites.
Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 61(62):2-3,6-7,9
R/ Lord, you repay each man according to his deeds.
In God alone is my soul at rest; my help comes from him. He alone is my rock, my stronghold, my fortress: I stand firm.
In God alone be at rest, my soul; for my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock, my stronghold, my fortress: I stand firm.
Take refuge in God, all you people. Trust him at all times. Pour out your hearts before him for God is our refuge.
Gospel Acclamation : Ps26:11
Alleluia, alleluia! Instruct me, Lord, in your way; on an even path lead me. Alleluia!
Gospel : Luke 11:42-46
The Lord said to the Pharisees: ‘Alas for you Pharisees! You who pay your tithe of mint and rue and all sorts of garden herbs and overlook justice and the love of God! These you should have practised, without leaving the others undone. Alas for you Pharisees who like taking the seats of honour in the synagogues and being greeted obsequiously in the market squares! Alas for you, because you are like the unmarked tombs that men walk on without knowing it! A lawyer then spoke up. ‘Master,’ he said ‘when you speak like this you insult us too.’ ‘Alas for you lawyers also,’ he replied ‘because you load on men burdens that are unendurable, burdens that you yourselves do not move a finger to lift.’
Prayer over the Offerings
May our offerings, O Lord, be acceptable to your majesty, to whom the devoted service of Saint Teresa was pleasing in such great measure. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Ps 88: 2
I will sing for ever of your mercies, O Lord through all ages my mouth will proclaim your fidelity.
Prayer after Communion
Grant, O Lord our God, that your obedient family, whom you have fed with the Bread of heaven, may follow the example of Saint Teresa and rejoice to sing of your mercies for all eternity. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
In today’s gospel, Jesus underscores the importance of love. While acknowledging the importance of paying tithes, He cautions against neglecting social justice and the love of God, which hold utmost importance. He, as an adherent of the Law, advocate for a more compassionate approach. As we multiply rules and regulations, attempting to exert control over other people’s lives and passing judgement on them, we risk losing sight of the central values of love. It is important to question our motives for keeping rules, ensuring that our desire to appear proper and correct in external details does not lead us to harshly judge others. While external details may make us appear commendable, passing judgement on family, community, and people at large, distances us from the core values of love. Recognising that every individual has the capacity for a virtuous life, we are called to seek out this goodness in others before rushing to pass judgement on them. Rather than being quick to criticise, we should first “lift a finger to lighten” their burden. This approach may lead us to a greater appreciation for their inherent goodness and patience.
by Norbert Doulanni | Sep 29, 2025 | Evangelium
Saint Jerome (340 – 420)
Psalter: Week II
Psalter: Week II
White
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 : 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 : Zechariah 8:20-23
The Lord of Hosts says this: ‘There will be other peoples yet, and citizens of great cities. And the inhabitants of one city will go to the next and say, “Come, let us go and entreat the favour of the Lord, and seek the Lord of Hosts; I am going myself.” And many peoples and great nations will come to seek the Lord of Hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favour of the Lord.’ The Lord of Hosts says this: ‘In those days, ten men of nations of every language will take a Jew by the sleeve and say, “We want to go with you, since we have learnt that God is with you.”’
Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 86(87)
K/ God is with us.
On the holy mountain is his city cherished by the Lord. The Lord prefers the gates of Zion to all Jacob’s dwellings. Of you are told glorious things, O city of God!
‘Babylon and Egypt I will count among those who know me; Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia, these will be her children and Zion shall be called “Mother” for all shall be her children.’
It is he, the Lord Most High, who gives each his place. In his register of peoples he writes: ‘These are her children,’ and while they dance they will sing: ‘In you all find their home.’
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
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 : 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
How swiftly I often react when things do not go the way I deem best! When someone else faces a public scandal, I cry out “Justice! Justice! And Justice quickly!” However, when it is me in the spotlight, I plead: “Mercy! Mercy on me, Lord!!” I am quick to complain and curse when someone utters a word that pulls me out of my comfort zone! I have often forgotten that ‘revenge belongs to Yahweh’. And cursing? I recall that in the Letter of Jude, even Archangel Michael refrained from cursing Lucifer during their dispute over the body of Moses. May God grant me a spirit of gratitude for every situation.
by Norbert Doulanni | Sep 28, 2025 | Evangelium
Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael,
Archangels –
Feast
Psalter: Week II
White
Saint Michael is mentioned in the Apocalypse as the leader of the heavenly host; St Gabriel appears in Daniel and was also the bearer of the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary. St Raphael in the Book of Tobit heals Tobit of his blindness. His name means God heals.
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.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 137(138):1-5
R/ In the presence of the angels I will bless you, O Lord.
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.
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.
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
Indeed, the realisation that Jesus knows Nathanael is a profound opportunity for gratitude. Acknowledging that Jesus knows me and calls me by my name since the day I was baptised, and that I have a Guardian Angel, is a reason to thank God. My gratitude extends to God for my life, my Patron Saint, and my sisters and brothers. In this light, the Hymn: “Thank you for every new good morning” takes on a deeper and more meaningful significance for me.
