by Norbert Doulanni | Nov 17, 2025 | Evangelium
Dedication of the Basilicas of Saints
Peter and Paul, Apostles
Psalter: Week I
White
The Basilica of St Peter, today known as the Vatican Basilica is the seat of Catholicity and built over the tomb of St Peter the first Pope. Over Paul’s grave is built another magnificent Catholic Basilica of St Paul’s Outside the Walls.
Entrance Antiphon : Jer 29: 11, 12, 14
The Lord said: I think thoughts of peace and not of affliction. You will call upon me, and I will answer you, and I will lead back your captives from every place.
Collect
Grant us, we pray, O Lord our God, the constant gladness of being devoted to you, for it is full and lasting happiness to serve with constancy the author of all that is good. 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 Maccabees 6:18-31
Eleazar, one of the foremost teachers of the Law, a man already advanced in years and of most noble appearance, was being forced to open his mouth wide to swallow pig’s flesh. But he, resolving to die with honour rather than to live disgraced, went to the block of his own accord, spitting the stuff out, the plain duty of anyone with the courage to reject what it is not lawful to taste, even from a natural tenderness for his own life. Those in charge of the impious banquet, because of their long-standing friendship with him, took him aside and privately urged him to have meat brought of a kind he could properly use, prepared by himself, and only pretend to eat the portions of sacrificial meat as prescribed by the king; this action would enable him to escape death, by availing himself of an act of kindness prompted by their long friendship. But having taken a noble decision worthy of his years and the dignity of his great age and the well earned distinction of his grey hairs, worthy too of his impeccable conduct from boyhood, and above all of the holy legislation established by God himself, he publicly stated his convictions, telling them to send him at once to Hades. ‘Such pretence’ he said ‘does not square with our time of life; many young people would suppose that Eleazar at the age of ninety had conformed to the foreigners’ way of life, and because I had played this part for the sake of a paltry brief spell of life might themselves be led astray on my account; I should only bring defilement and disgrace on my old age. Even though for the moment I avoid execution by man, I can never, living or dead, elude the grasp of the Almighty. Therefore if I am man enough to quit this life here and now I shall prove myself worthy of my old age, and I shall have left the young a noble example of how to make a good death, eagerly and generously, for the venerable and holy laws.’ With these words he went straight to the block. His escorts, so recently well disposed towards him, turned against him after this declaration, which they regarded as sheer madness. Just before he died under the blows, he groaned aloud and said, ‘The Lord whose knowledge is holy sees clearly that, though I might have escaped death, whatever agonies of body I now endure under this bludgeoning, in my soul I am glad to suffer, because of the awe which he inspires in me.’ This was how he died, leaving his death as an example of nobility and a record of virtue not only for the young but for the great majority of the nation.
Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 3:2-7
R/ The Lord upholds me.
How many are my foes, O Lord!How many are rising up against me! How many are saying about me: ‘There is no help for him in God.’
But you, Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, who lift up my head. I cry aloud to the Lord. He answers from his holy mountain.
I lie down to rest and I sleep. I wake, for the Lord upholds me. I will not fear even thousands of people who are ranged on every side against me.
Gospel Acclamation : Ps129:5
Alleluia, alleluia! My soul is waiting for the Lord, I count on his word. Alleluia!
Gospel : Luke 19:1-10
Jesus entered Jericho and was going through the town when a man whose name was Zacchaeus made his appearance: he was one of the senior tax collectors and a wealthy man. He was anxious to see what kind of man Jesus was, but he was too short and could not see him for the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus who was to pass that way. When Jesus reached the spot he looked up and spoke to him: ‘Zacchaeus, come down. Hurry, because I must stay at your house today.’ And he hurried down and welcomed him joyfully. They all complained when they saw what was happening. ‘He has gone to stay at a sinner’s house’ they said. But Zacchaeus stood his ground and said to the Lord, ‘Look, sir, I am going to give half my property to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody I will pay him back four times the amount.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because this man too is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek out and save what was lost.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Grant, O Lord, we pray, that what we offer in the sight of your majesty may obtain for us the grace of being devoted to you and gain us the prize of everlasting happiness. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Ps 72: 28
To be near God is my happiness, to place my hope in God the Lord.
Prayer after Communion
We have partaken of the gifts of this sacred mystery, humbly imploring, O Lord, that what your Son commanded us to do in memory of him may bring us growth in charity. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Zacchaeus serves as a compelling example of someone who experiences God’s merciful love. Even though Zacchaeus is a sinner, Jesus still extends love towards him, prompting the sinful man to repent of his sins and change his life. This passage teaches us about the profound nature of God’s merciful love, which reaches everyone, even sinners and outcasts. God desires that everyone, regardless of their past, should experience His salvation. The passage emphasises the universal call to experience God’s merciful love. Despite our sinful nature, Jesus loves us unconditionally and seeks to forgive our sins and give us a new lease of life. Like Zacchaeus, if we are willing to open our hearts to Jesus, we can undergo remarkable transformation. Jesus stands ever ready to renew us and empower us to lead lives of holiness and righteousness.
by Norbert Doulanni | Nov 16, 2025 | Evangelium
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary (1207 – 1231)
Psalter: Week I
White
She was a daughter of the King of Hungary. She was given in marriage and she had three children. She frequently meditated on heavenly things and when her husband died she embraced poverty and built a hospice in which she cared for the sick herself.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 51:10
I am like a growing olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the mercy of God, for ever and ever.
Collect
O God, by whose gift Saint Elizabeth of Hungary recognized and revered Christ in the poor, grant, through her intercession, that we may serve with unfailing charity the needy and those afflicted. 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 : 1 Maccabees 1:10-15,41-43,54-57,62-64
There grew a sinful offshoot, Antiochus Epiphanes, son of King Antiochus; once a hostage in Rome, he became king in the one hundred and thirty-seventh year of the kingdom of the Greeks. It was then that there emerged from Israel a set of renegades who led many people astray. ‘Come,’ they said ‘let us reach an understanding with the pagans surrounding us, for since we separated ourselves from them many misfortunes have overtaken us.’ This proposal proved acceptable, and a number of the people eagerly approached the king, who authorised them to practise the pagan observances. So they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem, such as the pagans have, disguised their circumcision, and abandoned the holy covenant, submitting to the heathen rule as willing slaves of impiety. Then the king issued a proclamation to his whole kingdom that all were to become a single people, each renouncing his particular customs. All the pagans conformed to the king’s decree, and many Israelites chose to accept his religion, sacrificing to idols and profaning the sabbath. The king erected the abomination of desolation above the altar; and altars were built in the surrounding towns of Judah and incense offered at the doors of houses and in the streets. Any books of the Law that came to light were torn up and burned. Whenever anyone was discovered possessing a copy of the covenant or practising the Law, the king’s decree sentenced him to death. Yet there were many in Israel who stood firm and found the courage to refuse unclean food. They chose death rather than contamination by such fare or profanation of the holy covenant, and they were executed. It was a dreadful wrath that visited Israel.
Responsorial Psal118(119):53,61,134,150,155,158
R/ Give me life, O Lord, and I will do your will.
I am seized with indignation at the wicked who forsake your law. Though the nets of the wicked ensnared me I remembered your law.
Redeem me from man’s oppression and I will keep your precepts. Those who harm me unjustly draw near; they are far from your law.
Salvation is far from the wicked who are heedless of your statutes. I look at the faithless with disgust; they ignore your promise.
Gospel Acclamation : Jn8:12
Alleluia, alleluia! I am the light of the world, says the Lord; anyone who follows me will have the light of life. Alleluia!
Gospel : Luke 18:35-43
As Jesus drew near to Jericho there was a blind man sitting at the side of the road begging. When he heard the crowd going past he asked what it was all about, and they told him that Jesus the Nazarene was passing by. So he called out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.’ The people in front scolded him and told him to keep quiet, but he shouted all the louder, ‘Son of David, have pity on me.’ Jesus stopped and ordered them to bring the man to him, and when he came up, asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ ‘Sir,’ he replied ‘let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight. Your faith has saved you.’ And instantly his sight returned and he followed him praising God, and all the people who saw it gave praise to God for what had happened.
Prayer over the Offerings
We bring the offerings of our devotion to be consecrated by you, O Lord, in commemoration of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, for by the consolation you give us in this life you show that we should not lose hope of what is promised for eternity. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Ps 44:2
My heart overflows with noble words. To the king I address the song I have made.
Prayer after Communion
Renewed, O Lord, at the wellsprings of salvation, we humbly entreat you that through the intercession of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, holding more closely day by day to Christ, we may merit to be co-heirs in his Kingdom of grace. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Meditation
The poignant words of the blind man, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me,” find a responsive chord in Jesus’s compassionate heart, prompting Him to stop and engage with the man. Inquiring about the blind man’s desire, He receives the plea, “Let me see again.” Jesus, always ready to heal those who approach Him in faith, restores the blind man’s sight, who then immediately becomes His follower. This incident reaffirms Jesus’ willingness to heal those who come to Him in faith. He does not discriminate based on wealth, health, righteousness, or sinfulness. When we come to Jesus with our needs, we can be assured that He will hear our cries and extend mercy to us. Additionally, this passage imparts a valuable lesson on the importance of perseverance. Despite the discouragement fom the crowd, the blind man persists in calling out to Jesus, and his tenacity is rewarded with healing. Let us pray for the gift of perseverance in prayers, allowing us to experience Jesus’ healing and merciful love.
by Norbert Doulanni | Nov 15, 2025 | Evangelium
3th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalter: Week I
Green
Entrance Antiphon : Jer 29: 11, 12, 14
The Lord said: I think thoughts of peace and not of affliction. You will call upon me, and I will answer you, and I will lead back your captives from every place.
Collect
Grant us, we pray, O Lord our God, the constant gladness of being devoted to you, for it is full and lasting happiness to serve with constancy the author of all that is good. 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 : Malachi 3:19-20
The day is coming now, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and the evil-doers will be like stubble. The day that is coming is going to burn them up, says the Lord of Hosts, leaving them neither root nor stalk. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will shine out with healing in its rays.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 97(98):5-9
R/ The Lord comes to rule the peoples with fairness.
Sing psalms to the Lord with the harp with the sound of music. With trumpets and the sound of the horn acclaim the King, the Lord.
Let the sea and all within it, thunder; the world, and all its peoples. Let the rivers clap their hands and the hills ring out their joy at the presence of the Lord.
For the Lord comes, he comes to rule the earth. He will rule the world with justice and the peoples with fairness.
Second reading : 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12
You know how you are supposed to imitate us: now we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we ever have our meals at anyone’s table without paying for them; no, we worked night and day, slaving and straining, so as not to be a burden on any of you. This was not because we had no right to be, but in order to make ourselves an example for you to follow. We gave you a rule when we were with you: do not let anyone have any food if he refuses to do any work. Now we hear that there are some of you who are living in idleness, doing no work themselves but interfering with everyone else’s. In the Lord Jesus Christ, we order and call on people of this kind to go on quietly working and earning the food that they eat.
Gospel Acclamation : Lk21:36
Alleluia, alleluia! Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to stand with confidence before the Son of Man. Alleluia!
Gospel : Luke 21:5-19
When some were talking about the Temple, remarking how it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings, Jesus said, ‘All these things you are staring at now – the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed.’ And they put to him this question: ‘Master,’ they said ‘when will this happen, then, and what sign will there be that this is about to take place?’ ‘Take care not to be deceived,’ he said ‘because many will come using my name and saying, “I am he” and, “The time is near at hand.” Refuse to join them. And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened, for this is something that must happen but the end is not so soon.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines here and there; there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. ‘But before all this happens, men will seize you and persecute you; they will hand you over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and bring you before kings and governors because of my name – and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. Keep this carefully in mind: you are not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Grant, O Lord, we pray, that what we offer in the sight of your majesty may obtain for us the grace of being devoted to you and gain us the prize of everlasting happiness. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Ps 72: 28
To be near God is my happiness, to place my hope in God the Lord.
Prayer after Communion
We have partaken of the gifts of this sacred mystery, humbly imploring, O Lord, that what your Son commanded us to do in memory of him may bring us growth in charity. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Some say that persecution serves as the best fertiliser for Christianity. Tertullian, one of the prominent Early Church Fathers of the second century, put it this way: “The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church.” In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus forewarns his disciples about the persecution that they will encounter. He says that this persecution, challenging at it may be, provides an opportunity for them to testify to their faith. This persecution will come from both within and outside the Church. When faced with persecution, the disciples can share their faith with others and show the world Christ’s love. Essentially, Jesus assures them that they will find salvation through perseverance in the face of persecution. Let us pray for the strength to endure persecution, remaining faithful witnesses to Christ, even while suffering.
by Norbert Doulanni | Nov 14, 2025 | Evangelium
Saturday memorial of the Blessed
Virgin Mary
Saint Albert the Great, Bishop, Doctor
Psalter: Week IV
Green
He was born in Germany and joined the Dominican Order. He taught in a number of places including the University of Paris, where St Thomas Aquinas studied under him. He was one of the greatest philosophers of the Middle Ages. He made great efforts to secure peace between people and between cities. He died at Cologne in 1280.
Entrance Antiphon : Ps 87: 3
Let my prayer come into your presence. Incline your ear to my cry for help, O Lord.
Collect
Almighty and merciful God, graciously keep from us all adversity, so that, unhindered in mind and body alike, we may pursue in freedom of heart the things that are yours. 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 : Wisdom 18:14-16,19:6-9
When peaceful silence lay over all, and night had run the half of her swift course, down from the heavens, from the royal throne, leapt your all-powerful Word; into the heart of a doomed land the stern warrior leapt. Carrying your unambiguous command like a sharp sword, he stood, and filled the universe with death; he touched the sky, yet trod the earth. For, to keep your children from all harm, the whole creation, obedient to your commands, was once more, and newly, fashioned in its nature. Overshadowing the camp there was the cloud, where water had been, dry land was seen to rise, the Red Sea became an unimpeded way, the tempestuous flood a green plain; sheltered by your hand, the whole nation passed across, gazing at these amazing miracles. They were like horses at pasture, they skipped like lambs, singing your praises, Lord, their deliverer.
Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 104(105):2-3,36-37,42-43
R/ Remember the wonders the Lord has done.
O sing to him, sing his praise; tell all his wonderful works! Be proud of his holy name, let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice.
He struck all the first-born in their land, the finest flower of their sons. He led out Israel with silver and gold. In his tribes were none who fell behind.
For he remembered his holy word, which he gave to Abraham his servant. So he brought out his people with joy, his chosen ones with shouts of rejoicing.
Gospel Acclamation : Jm1:21
Alleluia, alleluia! Accept and submit to the word which has been planted in you and can save your souls. Alleluia!
Gospel : Luke 18:1-8
Jesus told his disciples a parable about the need to pray continually and never lose heart. ‘There was a judge in a certain town’ he said ‘who had neither fear of God nor respect for man. In the same town there was a widow who kept on coming to him and saying, “I want justice from you against my enemy!” For a long time he refused, but at last he said to himself, “Maybe I have neither fear of God nor respect for man, but since she keeps pestering me I must give this widow her just rights, or she will persist in coming and worry me to death.”’ And the Lord said ‘You notice what the unjust judge has to say? Now will not God see justice done to his chosen who cry to him day and night even when he delays to help them? I promise you, he will see justice done to them, and done speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find any faith on earth?’
Prayer over the Offerings
Look with favour, we pray, O Lord, upon the sacrificial gifts offered here, that, celebrating in mystery the Passion of your Son, we may honour it with loving devotion. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Ps 22: 1-2
The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose, near restful waters he leads me.
Prayer after Communion
Nourished by this sacred gift, O Lord, we give you thanks and beseech your mercy, that, by the pouring forth of your Spirit, the grace of integrity may endure in those your heavenly power has entered. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Through the parable of the widow and the unjust judge in today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us a profound lesson on the significance of persistent prayer. He emphasises the importance of never giving up, even when there is no immediate answer. God, being loving and merciful, wants to answer our prayers. However, there are times when He delays to test our faith and teach us patience. Persistent prayer means praying without ceasing while applying the PUSH Formula (Pray Until Something Happens). God is always ready to answer our prayers. This approach is not about pressuring God but it is about immersing oneself in God. It urges us to avoid treating God like a quick fix. It is not praying for the sake of praying. We are confident in his words: “Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you…” (Psalm 50:15); “Call to me, and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3). The parable illustrates that if a widow can receive justice from a wicked judge through her persistence, how much more can we expect blessings of mercy and grace from our loving Father? Let us not lose heart. Galatians 6:9 encourages us: “…for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Persistent prayer entails keeping our requests before God as we live for Him daily, believing that He will answer.
by Norbert Doulanni | Nov 13, 2025 | Evangelium
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque
(1647 – 1690)
Psalter: Week IV
Green
He was born in what is now Herefordshire, the illegitimate son of the daughter of a local king. He founded monasteries in south-east Wales, was the teacher of Saints Teilo and Samson among others, and exercised the functions of a bishop.
Entrance Antiphon : Ps 87: 3
Let my prayer come into your presence. Incline your ear to my cry for help, O Lord.
Collect
Almighty and merciful God, graciously keep from us all adversity, so that, unhindered in mind and body alike, we may pursue in freedom of heart the things that are yours. 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 : Wisdom 13:1-9
Naturally stupid are all men who have not known God and who, from the good things that are seen, have not been able to discover Him-who-is, or, by studying the works, have failed to recognise the Artificer. Fire however, or wind, or the swift air, the sphere of the stars, impetuous water, heaven’s lamps, are what they have held to be the gods who govern the world. If, charmed by their beauty, they have taken things for gods, let them know how much the Lord of these excels them, since the very Author of beauty has created them. And if they have been impressed by their power and energy, let them deduce from these how much mightier is he that has formed them, since through the grandeur and beauty of the creatures we may, by analogy, contemplate their Author. Small blame, however, attaches to these men, for perhaps they only go astray in their search for God and their eagerness to find him; living among his works, they strive to comprehend them and fall victim to appearances, seeing so much beauty. Even so, they are not to be excused: if they are capable of acquiring enough knowledge to be able to investigate the world, how have they been so slow to find its Master?
Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 18(19):2-5
R/ The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The heavens proclaim the glory of God, and the firmament shows forth the work of his hands. Day unto day takes up the story and night unto night makes known the message.
No speech, no word, no voice is heard yet their span extends through all the earth, their words to the utmost bounds of the world.
Gospel Acclamation : Heb4:12
Alleluia, alleluia! The word of God is something alive and active: it can judge secret emotions and thoughts. Alleluia!
Gospel : Luke 17:26-37
Jesus said to the disciples: ‘As it was in Noah’s day, so will it also be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating and drinking, marrying wives and husbands, right up to the day Noah went into the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. It will be the same as it was in Lot’s day: people were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, but the day Lot left Sodom, God rained fire and brimstone from heaven and it destroyed them all. It will be the same when the day comes for the Son of Man to be revealed. ‘When that day comes, anyone on the housetop, with his possessions in the house, must not come down to collect them, nor must anyone in the fields turn back either. Remember Lot’s wife. Anyone who tries to preserve his life will lose it; and anyone who loses it will keep it safe. I tell you, on that night two will be in one bed: one will be taken, the other left; two women will be grinding corn together: one will be taken, the other left.’ The disciples interrupted. ‘Where, Lord?’ they asked. He said, ‘Where the body is, there too will the vultures gather.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Look with favour, we pray, O Lord, upon the sacrificial gifts offered here, that, celebrating in mystery the Passion of your Son, we may honour it with loving devotion. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Ps 22: 1-2
The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose, near restful waters he leads me.
Prayer after Communion
Nourished by this sacred gift, O Lord, we give you thanks and beseech your mercy, that, by the pouring forth of your Spirit, the grace of integrity may endure in those your heavenly power has entered. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
A Christian must possess the dual qualities of “watchfulness” and “readiness.” In the Gospel, Jesus warns us that we must be ready for his return at any time. We must not be so caught up in our daily busy lives that we forget about God and His Kingdom. We must be watchful and ready for the day Jesus will return. It is essential to clarify that Jesus is not urging us to live in fear of death. Instead, he encourages us to be confident in our salvation and to prepare to meet Him when our time comes. Demonstrating detachment from material possessions is a way of proving that we are watchful and ready. That aligns with Jesus’ statement that “Anyone who tries to preserve his life will lose it, and anyone who loses it will keep it safe.” Detaching ourselves from our temporary possessions frees us from burdens that might hinder our prompt response to God’s call. Let our prayers be centred on being watchful and ready for the day of Jesus’ return. May Christ’s coming help us to detach ourselves from material possessions and refocus on our relationship with God.
by Norbert Doulanni | Nov 12, 2025 | Evangelium
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque
(1647 – 1690)
Psalter: Week IV
Green
She was born in Lombardy. Because of her frail health she was refused admission to two convents. She devoted herself to teaching, and founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She founded 67 institutions across the United States, South America and Europe. She died of malaria at Chicago in 1917.
Entrance Antiphon : Ps 87: 3
Let my prayer come into your presence. Incline your ear to my cry for help, O Lord.
Collect
Almighty and merciful God, graciously keep from us all adversity, so that, unhindered in mind and body alike, we may pursue in freedom of heart the things that are yours. 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 : Wisdom 7:22-8:1
Within Wisdom is a spirit intelligent, holy, unique, manifold, subtle, active, incisive, unsullied, lucid, invulnerable, benevolent, sharp, irresistible, beneficent, loving to man, steadfast, dependable, unperturbed, almighty, all-surveying, penetrating all intelligent, pure and most subtle spirits; for Wisdom is quicker to move than any motion; she is so pure, she pervades and permeates all things. She is a breath of the power of God, pure emanation of the glory of the Almighty; hence nothing impure can find a way into her. She is a reflection of the eternal light, untarnished mirror of God’s active power, image of his goodness. Although alone, she can do all; herself unchanging, she makes all things new. In each generation she passes into holy souls, she makes them friends of God and prophets; for God loves only the man who lives with Wisdom. She is indeed more splendid than the sun, she outshines all the constellations; compared with light, she takes first place, for light must yield to night, but over Wisdom evil can never triumph. She deploys her strength from one end of the earth to the other, ordering all things for good.
Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 118(119):89-91,130,135,175
R/ Your word, O Lord, stands for ever.
Your word, O Lord, for ever stands firm in the heavens: your truth lasts from age to age, like the earth you created.
By your decree it endures to this day; for all things serve you. The unfolding of your word gives light and teaches the simple.
Let your face shine on your servant and teach me your decrees. Give life to my soul that I may praise you. Let your decrees give me help.
Gospel Acclamation : 1P1:25
Alleluia, alleluia! The word of the Lord remains for ever: What is this word? It is the Good News that has been brought to you. Alleluia!
Gospel : Luke 17:20-25
Asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was to come, Jesus gave them this answer, ‘The coming of the kingdom of God does not admit of observation and there will be no one to say, “Look here! Look there!” For, you must know, the kingdom of God is among you.’ He said to the disciples, ‘A time will come when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man and will not see it. They will say to you, “Look there!” or, “Look here!” Make no move; do not set off in pursuit; for as the lightning flashing from one part of heaven lights up the other, so will be the Son of Man when his day comes. But first he must suffer grievously and be rejected by this generation.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Look with favour, we pray, O Lord, upon the sacrificial gifts offered here, that, celebrating in mystery the Passion of your Son, we may honour it with loving devotion. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Ps 22: 1-2
The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose, near restful waters he leads me.
Prayer after Communion
Nourished by this sacred gift, O Lord, we give you thanks and beseech your mercy, that, by the pouring forth of your Spirit, the grace of integrity may endure in those your heavenly power has entered. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
When Jesus declares that the Kingdom of God is among you, he is not referring to a physical location. Instead, the Kingdom of God is a spiritual reality, representing the reign of God in our hearts and in the world around us. The Kingdom of God is present wherever love, justice, and peace prevail, and where individuals actively contribute to the betterment of the world. In the Gospel, Jesus tells us that the Kingdom of God is not a distant event but a present reality here and now. We are all called to be builders of the Kingdom of God, living lives characterised by love, justice, and peace. Our contributions can extend to actively working towards making the world a better place. Let us pray for God’s grace to be faithful builders of His Kingdom, committing ourselves to lives that embody love, justice, and peace. This may involve enduring hardships in solidarity with Christ, so that God’s Kingdom may continue to reign in our midst.
