by Norbert Doulanni | Jan 19, 2026 | Evangelium
BLESSED CYPRIAN TANSI, PRIEST
Psalter II
GREEN
He was an Igbo Nigerian priest and later aCistercian monk. He was ordained a priest for theArchdiocese of Onitsha in 1937 and later joinedMount Saint Bernard Abbey in 1950, taking thename Cyprian. He served as a parish priest,working tirelessly to spread the Catholic faith.
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 16:1-13
The Lord said to Samuel: “How long will you grieve for Saul, whom I have rejected as king of Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and be on your way. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have chosen my king from among his sons.” But Samuel replied: “How can I go? Saul will hear of it and kill me.” To this the Lord answered: “Take a heifer along and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I myself will tell you what to do; you are to anoint for me the one I point out to you.” Samuel did as the Lord had commanded him. When he entered Bethlehem, the elders of the city came trembling to meet him and inquired, “Is your visit peaceful, O seer?” He replied: “Yes! I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. So cleanse yourselves and join me today for the banquet.” He also had Jesse and his sons cleanse themselves and invited them to the sacrifice. As they came, he looked at Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is here before him.” But the Lord said to Samuel: “Do not judge from his appearance or from his lofty stature, because I have rejected him. Not as man sees does God see, because he sees the appearance but the Lord looks into the heart.” Then Jesse called Abinadab and presented him before Samuel, who said, “The Lord has not chosen him.” Next Jesse presented Shammah, but Samuel said, “The Lord has not chosen this one either.” In the same way Jesse presented seven sons before Samuel, but Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any one of these.” Then Samuel asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?” Jesse replied, “There is still the youngest, who is tending the sheep.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Send for him; we will not begin the sacrificial banquet until he arrives here.” Jesse sent and had the young man brought to them. He was ruddy, a youth handsome to behold and making a splendid appearance. The Lord said, “There–anoint him, for this is he!” Then Samuel, with the horn of oil in hand, anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and from that day on, the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David. When Samuel took his leave, he went to Ramah.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 89:20, 21-22, 27-28
R/ I have found David, my servant.
- Once you spoke in a vision, and to your faithful ones you said: “On a champion I have placed a crown; over the people I have set a youth.”
- I have found David, my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him, That my hand may be always with him, and that my arm may make him strong.”
- He shall say of me, ‘You are my father, my God, the Rock, my savior.’ And I will make him the firstborn, highest of the kings of the earth. »
Gospel Acclamation: Ephesians 1:17 18
Alleluia, alleluia. May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts, that we may know what is the hope that belongs to our call. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Mark 2:23-28
As Jesus was passing through a field of grain on the sabbath, his disciples began to make a path while picking the heads of grain. At this the Pharisees said to him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” He said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he was in need and he and his companions were hungry? How he went into the house of God when Abiathar was high priest and ate the bread of offering that only the priests could lawfully eat, and shared it with his companions?” Then he said to them, “The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath. That is why the Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath.”
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
“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” The Pharisees felt that Jesus’ disciples should respect the law of the Sabbath rest, even if it meant they should go hungry. Jesus responded by reminding them of the instance in which David broke the Law in order to save himself and his men from starvation. Jesus thus taught them, and teaches us today, an important lesson: religious laws and observances are meaningless if they do not make us work for the welfare of people. Jesus came to save man; thus, whatever we say or do in his name should be aimed at helping ourselves and others to grow as persons. Quite often, we go to Church and at the same time we cheat, lie and oppress people around us. We attend prayer crusades and novenas, and at the same time we make life difficult for people, or we are indifferent to their plight. May the Lord give us the grace to practice true religion, and true religion brings us closer to God by bringing us closer to our neighbours.
by Norbert Doulanni | Jan 17, 2026 | Evangelium
2nd SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
SAINT PRISCA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR
Psalter II
GREEN
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: Isaiah 49:3, 5–6
The Lord said to me: You are my servant, Israel, through whom I show my glory. Now the Lord has spoken who formed me as his servant from the womb, that Jacob may be brought back to him and Israel gathered to him; and I am made glorious in the sight of the Lord, and my God is now my strength! It is too little, the Lord says, for you to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and restore the survivors of Israel; I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 40:2, 4, 7–8, 8–9, 10
R/ Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
- I have waited, waited for the Lord, and he stooped toward me and heard my cry. And he put a new song into my mouth, a hymn to our God.
- Sacrifice or offering you wished not, but ears open to obedience you gave me. Holocausts or sin-offerings you sought not; then said I, “Behold I come.”
- In the written scroll it is prescribed for me, to do your will, O my God, is my delight, and your law is within my heart! »
- I announced your justice in the vast assembly; I did not restrain my lips, as you, O Lord, know.
Second reading: 1 Corinthians 1:1–3
Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, to the church of God that is in Corinth, to you who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy, with all those everywhere who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Gospel Acclamation: John 1:14a, 12a
Alleluia, alleluia. The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. To those who accepted him, he gave power to become children of God. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: John 1:29–34
John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.” John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”
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
“Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” Do you truly understand what it means to be a Christian? It is not just about going to Church on Sundays, reciting prayers or obeying certain rules; it about establishing and maintaining a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. A Christian is a follower of Christ, and you cannot be a follower of Christ if you do not have a bond with him. In order to establish this bond, you have to believe that Jesus is the Lamb of God, that is, the one who gave himself as sacrifice to take your sins away and make you a child of God. This belief should be present in your mind in whatever you do. Whenever you pray or attend mass, you should know that you are going to encounter your Saviour who is your Lord and your God. Whenever you receive Holy Communion, you should know that you are receiving the Body and Blood of Christ, which is food for your soul. In your daily activities, you should know that you are accompanied by your Lord and King, and through your words and actions you have to make him present in the world.
by Norbert Doulanni | Jan 15, 2026 | Evangelium
SAINT MARCELLUS 1st, POPE AND MARTYR
Psalter I
GREEN//WHITE
He followed Pope Marcellinus and faced challengesduring the reign of Emperor Maxentius. Marcellus wasexiled from Rome and died shortly thereafter, his bodylater returned for burial. He enforced strict penances forChristians who had lapsed during the persecution, whichled to unrest and resistance. This caused publicdisruption, and Emperor Maxentius banished him fromRome. He died shortly after being exiled, likely due toprivations.
Entrance Antiphon
Upon a lofty throne, I saw a man seated, whom a host of angels adore, singing in unison: Behold him, the name of whose empire is eternal.
Collect
Attend to the pleas of your people with heavenly care, O Lord, we pray, that they may see what must be done and gain strength to do what they have seen. 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 8:4-7, 10-22a
All the elders of Israel came in a body to Samuel at Ramah and said to him, “Now that you are old, and your sons do not follow your example, appoint a king over us, as other nations have, to judge us.” Samuel was displeased when they asked for a king to judge them. He prayed to the Lord, however, who said in answer: “Grant the people’s every request. It is not you they reject, they are rejecting me as their king.” Samuel delivered the message of the Lord in full to those who were asking him for a king. He told them: “The rights of the king who will rule you will be as follows: He will take your sons and assign them to his chariots and horses, and they will run before his chariot. He will also appoint from among them his commanders of groups of a thousand and of a hundred soldiers. He will set them to do his plowing and his harvesting, and to make his implements of war and the equipment of his chariots. He will use your daughters as ointment makers, as cooks, and as bakers. He will take the best of your fields, vineyards, and olive groves, and give them to his officials. He will tithe your crops and your vineyards, and give the revenue to his eunuchs and his slaves. He will take your male and female servants, as well as your best oxen and your asses, and use them to do his work. He will tithe your flocks and you yourselves will become his slaves. When this takes place, you will complain against the king whom you have chosen, but on that day the Lord will not answer you.” The people, however, refused to listen to Samuel’s warning and said, “Not so! There must be a king over us. We too must be like other nations, with a king to rule us and to lead us in warfare and fight our battles.” When Samuel had listened to all the people had to say, he repeated it to the Lord, who then said to him, “Grant their request and appoint a king to rule them.”
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 89:16-17, 18-19
R/ For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
- Blessed the people who know the joyful shout; in the light of your countenance, O Lord, they walk. At your name they rejoice all the day, and through your justice they are exalted.
- For you are the splendor of their strength, and by your favor our horn is exalted. For to the Lord belongs our shield, and to the Holy One of Israel, our King.
Gospel Acclamation: Luke 7:16
Alleluia, alleluia. A great prophet has arisen in our midst and God has visited his people. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Mark 2:1-12
When Jesus returned to Capernaum after some days, it became known that he was at home. Many gathered together so that there was no longer room for them, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them. They came bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him. After they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to him, “Child, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there asking themselves, “Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming. Who but God alone can forgive sins?” Jesus immediately knew in his mind what they were thinking to themselves, so he said, “Why are you thinking such things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, pick up your mat and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority to forgive sins on earth” –he said to the paralytic, “I say to you, rise, pick up your mat, and go home.” He rose, picked up his mat at once, and went away in the sight of everyone. They were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.”
Prayer over the Offerings
May your people’s oblation, O Lord, find favour with you, we pray, that it may restore them to holiness and obtain what they devoutly entreat. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Ps 35: 10
With you, O Lord, is the fountain of life, and in your light we see light.
Prayer after Communion
Humbly we ask you, almighty God, be graciously pleased to grant that those you renew with your Sacraments may also serve with lives pleasing to you. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
“They have rejected me from ruling over them.” We all want to be in control of our lives, to take decisions for ourselves, to do what we want. This natural desire to control our destiny gives rise to a conflict in our relationship with God, because God wants us to allow him to rule over us. The demand of the Israelites for a king is a reflection of this conflict, and just like them, we usually prefer to be the ones in charge of our lives rather than God. Like them, we usually refuse to allow God to rule over us. Whenever we choose to follow our desires rather than God’s Word, whenever we do what we want rather than what God commands us to do, we reject God’s kingship in our lives. Jesus reveals himself today as the Lord of heaven and earth, with the power to provide for our physical and spiritual needs; he can heal us of our physical ailments, and at the same time he can cleanse us of our sins. But he can only do that if we submit ourselves to him and accept him as our Lord and King.
by Norbert Doulanni | Jan 14, 2026 | Evangelium
SAINT REMI
Psalter I
GREEN
He was a prominent figure in early Christian asceticism, considered the first Christian hermit. Born around 227 AD in Thebaid, Egypt, he fled to the desert to escape persecution and lived a life of prayer, penance, and solitude. He lived in a cave in the desert for almost 90 years, spending his time in prayer, contemplation, and fasting. He sustained himself with the fruit of a palm tree and later, a raven brought him a daily loaf of bread. He was known for his humility and devotion to God.
Entrance Antiphon
Upon a lofty throne, I saw a man seated, whom a host of angels adore, singing in unison: Behold him, the name of whose empire is eternal.
Collect
Attend to the pleas of your people with heavenly care, O Lord, we pray, that they may see what must be done and gain strength to do what they have seen. 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 4:1-11
The Philistines gathered for an attack on Israel. Israel went out to engage them in battle and camped at Ebenezer, while the Philistines camped at Aphek. The Philistines then drew up in battle formation against Israel. After a fierce struggle Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who slew about four thousand men on the battlefield. When the troops retired to the camp, the elders of Israel said, “Why has the Lord permitted us to be defeated today by the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the Lord from Shiloh that it may go into battle among us and save us from the grasp of our enemies.” So the people sent to Shiloh and brought from there the ark of the Lord of hosts, who is enthroned upon the cherubim. The two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were with the ark of God. When the ark of the Lord arrived in the camp, all Israel shouted so loudly that the earth resounded. The Philistines, hearing the noise of shouting, asked, “What can this loud shouting in the camp of the Hebrews mean?” On learning that the ark of the Lord had come into the camp, the Philistines were frightened. They said, “Gods have come to their camp.” They said also, “Woe to us! This has never happened before. Woe to us! Who can deliver us from the power of these mighty gods? These are the gods that struck the Egyptians with various plagues and with pestilence. Take courage and be manly, Philistines; otherwise you will become slaves to the Hebrews, as they were your slaves. So fight manfully!” The Philistines fought and Israel was defeated; every man fled to his own tent. It was a disastrous defeat, in which Israel lost thirty thousand foot soldiers. The ark of God was captured, and Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were among the dead.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 44:10-11, 14-15, 24-25
R/ Redeem us, Lord, because of your mercy.
- Yet now you have cast us off and put us in disgrace, and you go not forth with our armies. You have let us be driven back by our foes; those who hated us plundered us at will.
- You made us the reproach of our neighbors, the mockery and the scorn of those around us. You made us a byword among the nations, a laughingstock among the peoples.
- Why do you hide your face, forgetting our woe and our oppression? For our souls are bowed down to the dust, our bodies are pressed to the earth.
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 1:40-45
A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched the leper, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.” The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once. Then he said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.
Prayer over the Offerings
May your people’s oblation, O Lord, find favour with you, we pray, that it may restore them to holiness and obtain what they devoutly entreat. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Ps 35: 10
With you, O Lord, is the fountain of life, and in your light we see light.
Prayer after Communion
Humbly we ask you, almighty God, be graciously pleased to grant that those you renew with your Sacraments may also serve with lives pleasing to you. Through Christ our Lord.Meditation
“If you want to, you can cure me.” In the First Reading, the Israelites turned to God for help in their war against the Philistines, but they were defeated. In the Gospel, the leper came to Jesus for healing and he was healed. Why did God give different responses to these two requests? The answer lies in the disposition of those who came to him. The Israelites asked for the Ark of the Covenant to be brought to the battlefield, but their hearts were far away from God. Hosni and Phinehas, the priests who carried the Ark to the battlefield, led sinful lives in the eyes of God. For this reason, the Israelites went to war with the Ark but without God. On the other hand, the leper came to Jesus with faith. He said, “If you want to, you can cure me.” This statement was an acknowledgement of his complete confidence in the healing power of Jesus. The question then is: how do we pray? How do we approach God? We should learn to pray in faith, with absolute trust in Jesus, and our prayer should be accompanied by a real effort to live lives that are acceptable in God’s sight.
by Norbert Doulanni | Jan 13, 2026 | Evangelium
SAINT FELIX OF NOLA
PRIEST
Psalter I
GREEN
He lived a life of Christian devotion, distributing his inheritance to the poor after his father’s death. He became an assistant to Bishop Maximus of Nola, and was imprisoned and tortured during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Decius. Although initially believed to have died a martyr’s death, he is now listed in the General Roman Calendar as a Confessor of the Faith who survived his persecutions.
Entrance Antiphon
Upon a lofty throne, I saw a man seated, whom a host of angels adore, singing in unison: Behold him, the name of whose empire is eternal.
Collect
Attend to the pleas of your people with heavenly care, O Lord, we pray, that they may see what must be done and gain strength to do what they have seen. 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 3:1-10, 19-20
During the time young Samuel was minister to the Lord under Eli, a revelation of the Lord was uncommon and vision infrequent. One day Eli was asleep in his usual place. His eyes had lately grown so weak that he could not see. The lamp of God was not yet extinguished, and Samuel was sleeping in the temple of the Lord where the ark of God was. The Lord called to Samuel, who answered, “Here I am.” Samuel ran to Eli and said, “Here I am. You called me.” “I did not call you,” Eli said. “Go back to sleep.” So he went back to sleep. Again the Lord called Samuel, who rose and went to Eli. “Here I am,” he said. “You called me.” But Eli answered, “I did not call you, my son. Go back to sleep.” At that time Samuel was not familiar with the Lord, because the Lord had not revealed anything to him as yet. The Lord called Samuel again, for the third time. Getting up and going to Eli, he said, “Here I am. You called me.” Then Eli understood that the Lord was calling the youth. So Eli said to Samuel, “Go to sleep, and if you are called, reply, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.'” When Samuel went to sleep in his place, the Lord came and revealed his presence, calling out as before, “Samuel, Samuel!” Samuel answered, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” Samuel grew up, and the Lord was with him, not permitting any word of his to be without effect. Thus all Israel from Dan to Beersheba came to know that Samuel was an accredited prophet of the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 40:2 and 5, 7-8a, 8b-9, 10
R/ Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.
- I have waited, waited for the Lord, and he stooped toward me and heard my cry. Blessed the man who makes the Lord his trust; who turns not to idolatry or to those who stray after falsehood.
- Sacrifice or oblation you wished not, but ears open to obedience you gave me. Burnt offerings or sin-offerings you sought not; then said I, “Behold I come.”
- In the written scroll it is prescribed for me. To do your will, O my God, is my delight, and your law is within my heart!”
- I announced your justice in the vast assembly; I did not restrain my lips, as you, O Lord, know.
Gospel Acclamation: John 10:27
Alleluia, alleluia. My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord. I know them, and they follow me. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Mark 1:29-39
On leaving the synagogue Jesus entered the house of Simon and Andrew with James and John. Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. They immediately told him about her. He approached, grasped her hand, and helped her up. Then the fever left her and she waited on them. When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed. Simon and those who were with him pursued him and on finding him said, “Everyone is looking for you.” He told them, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come.” So he went into their synagogues, preaching and driving out demons throughout the whole of Galilee.
Prayer over the Offerings
May your people’s oblation, O Lord, find favour with you, we pray, that it may restore them to holiness and obtain what they devoutly entreat. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Ps 35: 10
With you, O Lord, is the fountain of life, and in your light we see light.
Prayer after Communion
Humbly we ask you, almighty God, be graciously pleased to grant that those you renew with your Sacraments may also serve with lives pleasing to you. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
“Here I am, Lord, I come to do your will.” The goal of the Christian here on earth is to do the will of God. Jesus knew why God sent him into the world; to bring salvation to men by announcing the Good News to them and liberating them from the power of the evil one. You too have a purpose in this life. You were not born by accident; God sent you into this world for a reason. You have to discover God’s will for you in this life and set about accomplishing it. In order to discover God’s will, you have to go to him in prayer like Jesus, who went to a lonely place to pray. Listen to him like the young Samuel. Seek his voice in the silence of your heart. Seek his voice in his Word. Seek guidance from your spiritual leaders, who like Eli can help you to discover him. Discern his will, and like Samuel and Jesus, devote your life to accomplishing it.
by Norbert Doulanni | Jan 12, 2026 | Evangelium
SAINT HILARY
BISHOP AND DOCTOR
Psalter I
GREEN//WHITE
Hilary was born at the beginning of the fourth century. He was elected Bishop of Poitiers in 350. He fought strongly against Arianism and was exiled by the Emperor Constantius. His works are full of wisdom and learning, directed to the strengthening of the Catholic faith and the right interpretation of Scripture. He died in 367. He was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius IX in 1851.
Entrance Antiphon
Upon a lofty throne, I saw a man seated, whom a host of angels adore, singing in unison: Behold him, the name of whose empire is eternal.
Collect
Attend to the pleas of your people with heavenly care, O Lord, we pray, that they may see what must be done and gain strength to do what they have seen. 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 1:9-20
Hannah rose after a meal at Shiloh, and presented herself before the Lord; at the time, Eli the priest was sitting on a chair near the doorpost of the Lord’s temple. In her bitterness she prayed to the Lord, weeping copiously, and she made a vow, promising: “O Lord of hosts, if you look with pity on the misery of your handmaid, if you remember me and do not forget me, if you give your handmaid a male child, I will give him to the Lord for as long as he lives; neither wine nor liquor shall he drink, and no razor shall ever touch his head.” As she remained long at prayer before the Lord, Eli watched her mouth, for Hannah was praying silently; though her lips were moving, her voice could not be heard. Eli, thinking her drunk, said to her, “How long will you make a drunken show of yourself? Sober up from your wine!” “It isn’t that, my lord,” Hannah answered. “I am an unhappy woman. I have had neither wine nor liquor; I was only pouring out my troubles to the Lord. Do not think your handmaid a ne’er-do-well; my prayer has been prompted by my deep sorrow and misery.” Eli said, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” She replied, “Think kindly of your maidservant,” and left. She went to her quarters, ate and drank with her husband, and no longer appeared downcast. Early the next morning they worshiped before the Lord, and then returned to their home in Ramah. When Elkanah had relations with his wife Hannah, the Lord remembered her. She conceived, and at the end of her term bore a son whom she called Samuel, since she had asked the Lord for him.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8abcd
R/ My heart exults in the Lord, my Savior.
- My heart exults in the Lord, my horn is exalted in my God. I have swallowed up my enemies; I rejoice in my victory.”
- The bows of the mighty are broken, while the tottering gird on strength. The well-fed hire themselves out for bread, while the hungry batten on spoil. The barren wife bears seven sons, while the mother of many languishes.”
- The Lord puts to death and gives life; he casts down to the nether world; he raises up again. The Lord makes poor and makes rich; he humbles, he also exalts.”
- He raises the needy from the dust; from the dung heap he lifts up the poor, To seat them with nobles and make a glorious throne their heritage.”
Gospel Acclamation: 1 Thessalonians 2:13
Alleluia, alleluia. Receive the word of God, not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Mark 1:21-28
Jesus came to Capernaum with his followers, and on the sabbath he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes. In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit; he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are–the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him and said, “Quiet! Come out of him!” The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him. All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.” His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.
Prayer over the Offerings
May your people’s oblation, O Lord, find favour with you, we pray, that it may restore them to holiness and obtain what they devoutly entreat. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Ps 35: 10
With you, O Lord, is the fountain of life, and in your light we see light.
Prayer after Communion
Humbly we ask you, almighty God, be graciously pleased to grant that those you renew with your Sacraments may also serve with lives pleasing to you. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
“I was pouring out my soul before the Lord.” For many of us, prayer is a mechanical and routine act. We recite an Our Father and a Hail Mary, or we sit through mass on Sunday, and it means little to us. We pray with our lips and not with our hearts. In the First Reading, we see an example of true prayer; Hannah poured out her soul before God. When we pray, we should speak to God from our hearts; we should tell him how we feel and what we desire; we should express our hopes, worries, and fears, as well as our joys and sorrows. We should say what we mean and mean what we say. This also applies to prayers with fixed words and patterns, like the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Rosary or the Mass. We should not simply recite them; rather, we should make the words our own and pronounce them as if they came from us. It is this type of prayer that touches the heart of God. It is in response to such a prayer that Jesus will visit us and expel from our hearts, families and lives every demon that may be tormenting us.
