by L'équipe de publication | Dec 21, 2025 | Evangelium
Saint Chaeromon
O Rex Gentium ( O King of the Nation)
Psalter: Week IV
Purple
Bishop of Nilopolis, in Egypt. When the persecution was instituted by Emperor Trajanus Decius, St. Chaeromon was quite elderly. He and several companions fled into the Arabian desert and were never seen again. The bishop and his companions are listed as martyrs.
Entrance Antiphon : Ps 23: 7
O gates, lift high your heads; grow higher, ancient doors. Let him enter, the king of glory!
Collect
O God, who, seeing the human race fallen into death, willed to redeem it by the coming of your Only Begotten Son, grant, we pray, that those who confess his Incarnation with humble fervour may merit his company as their Redeemer. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading : 1 Samuel 1:24-28
When Hannah had weaned the infant Samuel, she took him up with her together with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour and a skin of wine, and she brought him to the temple of the Lord at Shiloh; and the child was with them. They slaughtered the bull and the child’s mother came to Eli. She said, ‘If you please, my lord. As you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you, praying to the Lord. This is the child I prayed for, and the Lord granted me what I asked him. Now I make him over to the Lord for the whole of his life. He is made over to the Lord.’ There she left him, for the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm : 1 Samuel 2:1,4-8
R/ My heart exults in the Lord my Saviour.
My heart exults in the Lord. I find my strength in my God; my mouth laughs at my enemies as I rejoice in your saving help.
The bows of the mighty are broken, but the weak are clothed with strength. Those with plenty must labour for bread, but the hungry need work no more. The childless wife has children nowbut the fruitful wife bears no more.
It is the Lord who gives life and death, he brings men to the grave and back; it is the Lord who gives poverty and riches. He brings men low and raises them on high.
He lifts up the lowly from the dust, from the dungheap he raises the poor to set him in the company of princes to give him a glorious throne. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, on them he has set the world.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! Root of Jesse, set up as a sign to the peoples, come to save us and delay no more. Alleluia!
Gospel : Luke 1:46-56
Mary said: ‘My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit exults in God my saviour; because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid. Yes, from this day forward all generations will call me blessed, for the Almighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name, and his mercy reaches from age to age for those who fear him. He has shown the power of his arm, he has routed the proud of heart. He has pulled down princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things, the rich sent empty away. He has come to the help of Israel his servant, mindful of his mercy – according to the promise he made to our ancestors – of his mercy to Abraham and to his descendants forever.’ Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back home.
Prayer over the Offerings
Trusting in your compassion, O Lord, we come eagerly with our offerings to your sacred altar, that, through the purifying action of your grace, we may be cleansed by the very mysteries we serve. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Lk 1: 46, 49
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, for the Almighty has done great things for me.
Prayer after Communion
May reception of your Sacrament strengthen us, O Lord, so that we may go out to meet our Saviour with worthy deeds when he comes and merit the rewards of the blessed. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation Mary sings her song of praise to God for His providence in her life through the “Magnificat.” This hymn holds profound messages for us, particularly during this season of advent. Firstly, Mary emphasises the importance of humility, as it attracts God’s blessings. She encourages us to recognise our role as instruments in God’s hands and cautions against the pitfalls of pride. Secondly, she calls us to be mindful of the poor and the needy, as doing so aligns us with the kingdom of God. Thirdly, she urges us to share our resources with the hungry and the starving. Through acts of care and love, we authentically demonstrate our love for God in our hearts, thereby making a positive impact in the lives of others. Mary’s “Magnificat” serves as a timeless guide for fostering humility, compassion, and generosity in our lives.
by L'équipe de publication | Dec 20, 2025 | Evangelium
4th Sunday of Advent
Saint Peter Canisius, priest, Doctor
O Oriens ( O Rising sun)
Psalter: Week IV
Purple
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Is 45: 8
Drop down dew from above, you heavens,and let the clouds rain down the Just One;let the earth be opened and bring forth a Saviour.
Collect
Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord,your grace into our hearts,that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ your Sonwas made known by the message of an Angel,may by his Passion and Crossbe brought to the glory of his Resurrection.Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, for ever and ever.
First reading: Isaiah 7:10-14
The Lord spoke to Ahaz and said, ‘Ask the Lord your God for a sign for yourself coming either from the depths of Sheol or from the heights above.’ ‘No,’ Ahaz answered ‘I will not put the Lord to the test.’ Then Isaiah said:‘Listen now, House of David:are you not satisfied with trying the patience of menwithout trying the patience of my God, too? The Lord himself, therefore,will give you a sign.It is this: the maiden is with child and will soon give birth to a sonwhom she will call Immanuel,a name which means “God-is-with-us.”’
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23(24):1-6
R/ Let the Lord enter! He is the king of glory.
The Lord’s is the earth and its fullness, the world and all its peoples.It is he who set it on the seas;on the waters he made it firm.
Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord? Who shall stand in his holy place?The man with clean hands and pure heart,who desires not worthless things.
He shall receive blessings from the Lord and reward from the God who saves him.Such are the men who seek him, seek the face of the God of Jacob.
Second reading: Romans 1:1-7
From Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus who has been called to be an apostle, and specially chosen to preach the Good News that God promised long ago through his prophets in the scriptures.This news is about the Son of God who, according to the human nature he took was a descendant of David: it is about Jesus Christ our Lord who, in the order of the spirit, the spirit of holiness that was in him, was proclaimed Son of God in all his power through his resurrection from the dead. Through him we received grace and our apostolic mission to preach the obedience of faith to all pagan nations in honour of his name. You are one of these nations, and by his call belong to Jesus Christ. To you all, then, who are God’s beloved in Rome, called to be saints, may God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ send grace and peace.
Gospel Acclamation: Mt1:23
Alleluia, alleluia! The virgin will conceive and give birth to a sonand they will call him Emmanuel,a name which means ‘God-is-with-us’. Alleluia!
Gospel: Matthew 1:18-24
This is how Jesus Christ came to be born. His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph; but before they came to live together she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph; being a man of honour and wanting to spare her publicity, decided to divorce her informally. He had made up his mind to do this when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.’ Now all this took place to fulfil the words spoken by the Lord through the prophet:The virgin will conceive and give birth to a sonand they will call him Emmanuel,a name which means ‘God-is-with-us.’ When Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do: he took his wife to his home.
Prayer over the Offerings
May the Holy Spirit, O Lord,sanctify these gifts laid upon your altar,just as he filled with his power the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary.Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Is 7: 14
Behold, a Virgin shall conceive and bear a son;and his name will be called Emmanuel.
Prayer after Communion
Having received this pledge of eternal redemption,we pray, almighty God,that, as the feast day of our salvation draws ever nearer,so we may press forward all the more eagerlyto the worthy celebration of the mystery of your Son’s Nativity.Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Meditation
Today’s gospel revolves around Saint Joseph, who initially plans to discreetly divorce Mary upon learning of her pregnancy. However, an angel reassures him not to be afraid to take Mary as his wife. Joseph’s fear does not stem from taking Mary as his wife but rather from the apprehension of the responsibilities and challenges associated with being the foster father of Jesus – the Messiah. This attitude mirrors that of contemporary Christians who seek God’s blessings yet shy away from making the necessary sacrifices and paying the price. In a similar vein, many are eager to hear inspiring sermons but are not ready to live out the profound words spoken to them. Overcoming these fears and redirecting our focus on Christ is essential for success in our spiritual journey.
by L'équipe de publication | Dec 19, 2025 | Evangelium
Blessed Scubilion (1797 – 1867)
O Clavis David ( O Key of David)
Psalter: Week III
Purple
Born in France in 1797, He joined the Brothers of Christian Instruction and was given the name Scubilion. In 1833 he was sent to the Isle of Réunion, where he remained until his death in 1867. In Réunion he was named “the catechist of the slaves” on account of his ministry among them.
Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Is 11: 1; 40: 5; Lk 3: 6
A branch shall sprout from the root of Jesse, and the glory of the Lord will fill the whole earth, and all flesh will see the salvation of God.
Collect
O God, eternal majesty, whose ineffable Word the immaculate Virgin received through the message of an Angel and so became the dwelling-place of divinity, filled with the light of the Holy Spirit, grant, we pray, that by her example we may in humility hold fast to your will. 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 : Isaiah 7:10-14
The Lord spoke to Ahaz and said, ‘Ask the Lord your God for a sign for yourself coming either from the depths of Sheol or from the heights above.’ ‘No,’ Ahaz answered ‘I will not put the Lord to the test.’ Then Isaiah said: ‘Listen now, House of David: are you not satisfied with trying the patience of men without trying the patience of my God, too? The Lord himself, therefore, will give you a sign. It is this: the maiden is with child and will soon give birth to a son whom she will call Immanuel, a name which means “God-is-with-us.”’
Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 23(24):1-6
R/ Let the Lord enter! He is the king of glory.
The Lord’s is the earth and its fullness, the world and all its peoples. It is he who set it on the seas; on the waters he made it firm.
Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord? Who shall stand in his holy place? The man with clean hands and pure heart, who desires not worthless things.
He shall receive blessings from the Lord and reward from the God who saves him. Such are the men who seek him, seek the face of the God of Jacob.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! Emmanuel, our king and lawgiver, come and save us, Lord our God. Alleluia!
Gospel : Luke 1:26-38
The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. He went in and said to her, ‘Rejoice, so highly favoured! The Lord is with you.’ She was deeply disturbed by these words and asked herself what this greeting could mean, but the angel said to her, ‘Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God’s favour. Listen! You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David; he will rule over the House of Jacob forever and his reign will have no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘But how can this come about, since I am a virgin?’ ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you’ the angel answered ‘and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God. Know this too: your kinswoman Elizabeth has, in her old age, herself conceived a son, and she whom people called barren is now in her sixth month, for nothing is impossible to God.’ ‘I am the handmaid of the Lord,’ said Mary ‘let what you have said be done to me.’ And the angel left her.
Prayer over the Offerings
Look, O Lord, we pray, upon the one sacrifice of your Son, that, by participating in this mystery, we may possess at last the gifts we have awaited and for which our faith bids us hope. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Lk 1: 31
The Angel said to Mary: Behold, you will conceive and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.
Prayer after Communion
Grant divine protection, O Lord, to those you renew with this heavenly gift, that to those who delight in your mysteries you may give the joy of true peace. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Today’s gospel announces the conception of Jesus Christ in the womb of the ever-blessed Virgin Mary. Jesus takes on both body and soul, mirroring our own humanity. It is therefore fitting that the mother of our Savior of the world be holy, pure, and brimming with faith to bear Christ, the Son of God, who Himself is holy. In our text today, among the many virtues of Mary, her virginity stands out prominently. Mary, a human like us, grapples with various emotions, yet she maintains her chaste purity. However, in our contemporary society, we live in a world were immorality, lust, and sex are often celebrated by the married, singles, and even those professing celibacy. This calls for caution and reflections on the values we uphold.
by L'équipe de publication | Dec 18, 2025 | Evangelium
Saint Nemesius
O Radix Jesse ( O Root of Jesse)
Psalter: Week III
Purple
Martyr of Egypt. He was burned alive in Alexandria, Egypt, during the persecutions under Emperor Trajanus Decius. Nemesius was arrested and scourged and then burned to death. Like Christ, he was executed between two criminals.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Heb 10: 37
He who is to come will come and will not delay, and now there will be no fear within our land,for he is our Saviour.
Collect
O God, who through the child-bearing of the holy Virgin graciously revealed the radiance of your glory to the world,grant, we pray,that we may venerate with integrity of faiththe mystery of so wondrous an Incarnationand always celebrate it with due reverence.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: Judges 13:2-7,24-25
There was a man of Zorah of the tribe of Dan, called Manoah. His wife was barren, she had borne no children. The angel of the Lord appeared to this woman and said to her, ‘You are barren and have had no child. But from now on take great care. Take no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean. For you will conceive and bear a son. No razor is to touch his head, for the boy shall be God’s nazirite from his mother’s womb. It is he who will begin to rescue Israel from the power of the Philistines.’ Then the woman went and told her husband, ‘A man of God has just come to me; his presence was like the presence of the angel of God, he was so majestic. I did not ask him where he came from, and he did not reveal his name to me. But he said to me, “You will conceive and bear a son. From now on, take no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean. For the boy shall be God’s nazirite from his mother’s womb to his dying day.”’The woman gave birth to a son and called him Samson. The child grew, and the Lord blessed him; and the spirit of the Lord began to move him.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 70(71):3-6,16-17
R/ My lips are filled with your praise, with your glory all the day long.
Be a rock where I can take refuge, a mighty stronghold to save me;for you are my rock, my stronghold.Free me from the hand of the wicked.
It is you, O Lord, who are my hope,my trust, O Lord, since my youth.On you I have leaned from my birth, from my mother’s womb you have been my help.
I will declare the Lord’s mighty deeds proclaiming your justice, yours alone.O God, you have taught me from my youthand I proclaim your wonders still.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! Root of Jesse, set up as a sign to the peoples,come to save us,and delay no more.Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 1:5-25
In the days of King Herod of Judaea there lived a priest called Zechariah who belonged to the Abijah section of the priesthood, and he had a wife, Elizabeth by name, who was a descendant of Aaron. Both were worthy in the sight of God, and scrupulously observed all the commandments and observances of the Lord. But they were childless: Elizabeth was barren and they were both getting on in years. Now it was the turn of Zechariah’s section to serve, and he was exercising his priestly office before God when it fell to him by lot, as the ritual custom was, to enter the Lord’s sanctuary and burn incense there. And at the hour of incense the whole congregation was outside, praying. Then there appeared to him the angel of the Lord, standing on the right of the altar of incense. The sight disturbed Zechariah and he was overcome with fear. But the angel said to him, ‘Zechariah, do not be afraid, your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth is to bear you a son and you must name him John. He will be your joy and delight and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord; he must drink no wine, no strong drink. Even from his mother’s womb he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, and he will bring back many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God. With the spirit and power of Elijah, he will go before him to turn the hearts of fathers towards their children and the disobedient back to the wisdom that the virtuous have, preparing for the Lord a people fit for him.’ Zechariah said to the angel, ‘How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is getting on in years.’ The angel replied, ‘I am Gabriel who stand in God’s presence, and I have been sent to speak to you and bring you this good news. Listen! Since you have not believed my words, which will come true at their appointed time, you will be silenced and have no power of speech until this has happened.’ Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were surprised that he stayed in the sanctuary so long. When he came out he could not speak to them, and they realized that he had received a vision in the sanctuary. But he could only make signs to them, and remained dumb. When his time of service came to an end he returned home. Sometime later his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept to herself. ‘The Lord has done this for me’ she said ‘now that it has pleased him to take away the humiliation I suffered among men.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Look with favour, we pray, O Lord, on the offerings we lay upon your altars,that what we bring despite our weaknessmay be sanctified by your power.Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Lk 1: 78-79
The Dawn from on high will visit us, guiding our feet in the way of peace.
Prayer after Communion
As we give thanks, almighty God, for these gifts you have bestowed, graciously arouse in us, we pray, the desire for those yet to come, that we may welcome the Nativity of our Saviour and honour it with minds made pure. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
The Jewish culture considers a woman’s inability to conceive as shameful, often associating it with perceived punishment for the sin the woman or her ancestor had committed. In today’s gospel, the angel Gabriel informs Zechariah that, despite his wife’s old age and apparent barrenness, she will conceive and bear him a son. However, Zechariah’s expression of doubt leads to him being struck dumb. This episode highlights Zechariah’s mistrust in God which is influenced by both internal and external factors. It serves as a reminder that in life, situations may appear challenging and seemingly irredeemable, but it is crucial to remember that nothing is impossible with God. The narrative encourages us to trust in God’s power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
by L'équipe de publication | Dec 17, 2025 | Evangelium
Saint Flannan, Bishop
O Adonai ( O Lord)
Psalter: Week III
Purple
He is the patron saint of the diocese of Killaloe and its first bishop. He lived in the seventh century.
Entrance Antiphon
Christ our King is coming, he is the Lamb foretold by John.
Collect
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that we, who are weighed down from of old by slavery beneath the yoke of sin, may be set free by the newness of the long-awaited Nativity of your Only Begotten Son. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading : Jeremiah 23:5-8
See, the days are coming – it is the Lord who speaks – when I will raise a virtuous Branch for David, who will reign as true king and be wise, practising honesty and integrity in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel dwell in confidence. And this is the name he will be called: The-Lord-our-integrity. So, then, the days are coming – it is the Lord who speaks – when people will no longer say, “As the Lord lives who brought the sons of Israel out of the land of Egypt!” but, “As the Lord lives who led back and brought home the descendants of the House of Israel out of the land of the North and from all the countries to which he had dispersed them, to live on their own soil.”
Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 71(72):1-2,12-13,18-19
R/ In his days justice shall flourish, and peace until the moon fails.
O God, give your judgement to the king, to a king’s son your justice, that he may judge your people in justice and your poor in right judgement.
For he shall save the poor when they cry and the needy who are helpless. He will have pity on the weak and save the lives of the poor.
Blessed be the Lord, God of Israel, who alone works wonders, ever blessed his glorious name. Let his glory fill the earth. Amen! Amen!
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! Ruler of the House of Israel, who gave the law to Moses on Sinai, come and save us with outstretched arm. Alleluia!
Gospel : Matthew 1:18-24
This is how Jesus Christ came to be born. His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph; but before they came to live together she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph; being a man of honour and wanting to spare her publicity, decided to divorce her informally. He had made up his mind to do this when the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because she has conceived what is in her by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son and you must name him Jesus, because he is the one who is to save his people from their sins.’ Now all this took place to fulfill the words spoken by the Lord through the prophet: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and they will call him Emmanuel, a name which means ‘God-is-with-us.’ When Joseph woke up he did what the angel of the Lord had told him to do: he took his wife to his home.
Prayer over the Offerings
May the sacrifice to be offered to you, O Lord, make us acceptable to your name, that we may merit for all eternity to be the companions of Christ, by whose Death our own mortality was healed. Who lives and reigns forever and ever.
Communion Antiphon : Mt 1: 23
His name will be called Emmanuel, which means God-with-us.
Prayer after Communion
May we receive your mercy in the midst of your temple, O Lord, and show fitting honour to the coming solemnities of our redemption. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
In today’s gospel, Joseph is referred to as a righteous man. In the Jewish context, a righteous person strictly adheres to the law. Following this interpretation, Joseph should have reported Mary’s pregnancy to the authorities, potentially subjecting her to punishment by stoning. However, Joseph does no such thing. His decision to stand by Mary, shielding her from any harm, imparts a new meaning to the concept of righteousness – one that lays emphasis on us being sensitive to the needs of our neighbour, to the increase of our love for them, and our willingness to bear their burdens. Joseph’s obedience is noteworthy, aligning with the notion expressed by Thomas a Kempis: “Instant obedience is the only kind of obedience there is; delayed obedience is disobedience. Whoever strives to withdraw from obedience, withdraws from Grace.” Joseph’s actions exemplify obedience that is immediate and rooted in love and compassion for neigbour.
by L'équipe de publication | Dec 16, 2025 | Evangelium
Saint Olympias
O SAPIENTIA ( O Wisdom)
Psalter: Week III
Purple
Olympias was born into a wealthy noble Constantinople family between the years 360–365. Being a very pious soul, she devoted her time and energy to serving the Lord. St. John Chrysostom acted as spiritual guide to Olympias. In 409, St. Olympias entered into eternal rest.
Entrance Antiphon : Is 49: 13
Rejoice, O heavens, and exult, O earth, for our Lord will come to show mercy to his poor.
Collect
O God, Creator and Redeemer of human nature, who willed that your Word should take flesh in an ever-virgin womb, look with favour on our prayers, that your Only Begotten Son, having taken to himself our humanity, may be pleased to grant us a share in his divinity. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading : Genesis 49:2,8-10
Jacob called his sons and said: ‘Gather round, sons of Jacob, and listen; listen to Israel your father. Judah, your brothers shall praise you: you grip your enemies by the neck, your father’s sons shall do you homage, Judah is a lion cub, you climb back, my son, from your kill; like a lion he crouches and lies down, or a lioness: who dare rouse him? The sceptre shall not pass from Judah, nor the mace from between his feet, until he come to whom it belongs, to whom the peoples shall render obedience.’
Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 71(72):1-4,7-8,17
R/ In his days justice shall flourish, and peace till the moon fails.
O God, give your judgement to the king, to a king’s son your justice, that he may judge your people in justice and your poor in right judgement.
May the mountains bring forth peace for the people and the hills, justice. May he defend the poor of the people and save the children of the needy.
In his days justice shall flourish and peace till the moon fails. He shall rule from sea to sea,
from the Great River to earth’s bounds.
May his name be blessed for ever and endure like the sun. Every tribe shall be blessed in him,
all nations bless his name.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! Wisdom of the Most High, ordering all things with strength and gentleness, come and teach us the way of truth. Alleluia!
Gospel : Matthew 1:1-17
A genealogy of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham: Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah, Tamar being their mother, Perez was the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram was the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon was the father of Boaz, Rahab being his mother, Boaz was the father of Obed, Ruth being his mother, Obed was the father of Jesse; and Jesse was the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife, Solomon was the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah, Abijah the father of Asa, Asa was the father of Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Azariah, Azariah was the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, Hezekiah was the father of Manasseh,Manasseh the father of Amon, Amon the father of Josiah; and Josiah was the father of Jechoniah and his brothers. Then the deportation to Babylon took place. After the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel was the father of Abiud, Abiud the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor was the father of Zadok, Zadok the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud was the father of Eleazar, Eleazar the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob; and Jacob was the father of Joseph the husband of Mary; of her was born Jesus who is called Christ. The sum of generations is therefore: fourteen from Abraham to David; fourteen from David to the Babylonian deportation; and fourteen from the Babylonian deportation to Christ.
Prayer over the Offerings
Sanctify these gifts of your Church, O Lord, and grant that through these venerable mysteries we may be nourished with the bread of heaven. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Hg 2: 7
Behold, the Desired of all the nations will come, and the house of the Lord will be filled with glory.
Prayer after Communion
Nourished by these divine gifts, almighty God, we ask you to grant our desire: that, aflame with your Spirit, we may shine like bright torches before your Christ when he comes. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Meditation
Today’s gospel unveils the genealogy of Jesus Christ with emphasis on Jesus as the promised Messiah, who had a tangible human history and did not simply descend from heaven. The inclusion of women with questionable standing in the eyes of the Jewish law serves to highlight that God’s salvation is for the whole world, embracing those in need of healing and redemption. This underscores the idea that God can use anyone for His divine purpose. We are reminded not to despice anyone because society and the church are a melting pot of saints and sinners, including individuals with varied backgrounds such as adulterers, prostitutes, betrayers, and foreigners as well as kings, peasants, men and women. The message is clear: God’s love encompasses us all, regardless of societal standards or personal histories!
by L'équipe de publication | Dec 15, 2025 | Evangelium
Saint Ado
Psalter: Week III
Purple
An archbishop and scholar, Ado was born in Sens and educated at the Benedictine abbey of Ferrieres. Ado reformed the clergy in Vienne and wrote the lives of St. Desiderius and St. Theuderis. He was an energetic man of wide sympathies and considerable influence. Ado died in 875.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Zec 14: 5, 7
Behold, the Lord will come, and all his holy ones with him;and on that day there will be a great light.
Collect
O God, who through your Only Begotten Sonhave made us a new creation,look kindly, we pray,on the handiwork of your mercy,and at your Son’s comingcleanse us from every stain of the old way 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 : Zephaniah 3:1-2,9-13
Trouble is coming to the rebellious, the defiled, the tyrannical city! She would never listen to the call, would never learn the lesson; she has never trusted in the Lord, never drawn near to her God. Yes, I will then give the peoples lips that are clean, so that all may invoke the name of the Lord and serve him under the same yoke. From beyond the banks of the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants will bring me offerings. When that day comes you need feel no shame for all the misdeeds you have committed against me, for I will remove your proud boasters from your midst; and you will cease to strut on my holy mountain. In your midst I will leave a humble and lowly people, and those who are left in Israel will seek refuge in the name of the Lord. They will do no wrong, will tell no lies; and the perjured tongue will no longer be found in their mouths. But they will be able to graze and rest with no one to disturb them.
Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 33(34):2-3,6-7,16,18-19,23
R/ This poor man called; the Lord heard him.
I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise always on my lips; in the Lord my soul shall make its boast. The humble shall hear and be glad.
Look towards him and be radiant; let your faces not be abashed. This poor man called, the Lord heard him and rescued him from all his distress.
The Lord turns his face against the wicked to destroy their remembrance from the earth. They call and the Lord hears and rescues them in all their distress.
The Lord is close to the broken-hearted; those whose spirit is crushed he will save. The Lord ransoms the souls of his servants. Those who hide in him shall not be condemned.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! Look, the Lord will come to save his people. Blessed those who are ready to meet him. Alleluia!
Gospel : Matthew 21:28-32
Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people, ‘What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He went and said to the first, “My boy, you go and work in the vineyard today.” He answered, “I will not go,” but afterwards thought better of it and went. The man then went and said the same thing to the second who answered, “Certainly, sir,” but did not go. Which of the two did the father’s will?’ ‘The first’ they said. Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you solemnly, tax collectors and prostitutes are making their way into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you, a pattern of true righteousness, but you did not believe him, and yet the tax collectors and prostitutes did. Even after seeing that, you refused to think better of it and believe in him.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Be pleased, O Lord, with our humble prayers and offerings, and since we have no merits to plead our cause, come, we pray, to our rescue with the protection of your mercy. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. 2 Tm 4: 8
The Just Judge will bestow a crown of righteousness on those who eagerly await his coming.
Prayer after Communion
Replenished by the food of spiritual nourishment, we humbly beseech you, O Lord, that, through our partaking in this mystery, you may teach us to judge wisely the things of earth and hold firm to the things of heaven. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
In today’s gospel, Jesus responds to the chief priests and elders, stressing that they are forfeiting the kingdom of God because they refuse to believe and accept God’s message. Interestingly, those they call sinners are entering the kingdom of God ahead of them. This response serves as a poignant reminder for contemporary Christians who may lack wholehearted commitment to their faith. Speaking is easy, but acting with genuine dedication requires investing time, attention, and energy. Jesus prompts us to reflect on whether our words conform with our actions, encouraging us to evaluate the consistency between our professed beliefs and our lived experiences.
by L'équipe de publication | Dec 14, 2025 | Evangelium
Saint Maria Crocifissa di Rosa
Psalter: Week II
Purple
Foundress of the Handmaids of Charity of Brescia, also called the Servants of Charity. In the cholera epidemic of 1836, she became well-known as she directed a home for girls and began another residence for deaf and mute young ladies. Maria died at Brescia on December 15. She was canonized in 1954.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Jer 31: 10; Is 35: 4
Hear the word of the Lord, O nations; declare it to the distant lands: Behold, our Saviour will come; you need no longer fear.
Collect
Incline a merciful ear to our cry, we pray, O Lord, and, casting light on the darkness of our hearts, visit us with the grace of your Son. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
First reading : Numbers 24:2-7,15-17
Raising his eyes Balaam saw Israel, encamped by tribes; the spirit of God came on him and he declaimed his poem. He said: ‘The oracle of Balaam son of Beor, the oracle of the man with far-seeing eyes, the oracle of one who hears the word of God. He sees what Shaddai makes him see, receives the divine answer, and his eyes are opened. How fair are your tents, O Jacob! How fair your dwellings, Israel! Like valleys that stretch afar, like gardens by the banks of a river, like aloes planted by the Lord, like cedars beside the waters! A hero arises from their stock, he reigns over countless peoples. His king is greater than Agag, his majesty is exalted.’ Then Balaam declaimed his poem again. He said: ‘The oracle of Balaam son of Beor, the oracle of the man with far-seeing eyes, the oracle of one who hears the word of God, of one who knows the knowledge of the Most High. He sees what Shaddai makes him see, receives the divine answer, and his eyes are opened. I see him – but not in the present, I behold him – but not close at hand: a star from Jacob takes the leadership, a sceptre arises from Israel.’
Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 24(25):4-6,7a-9
R/ Lord, make me know your ways.
Lord, make me know your ways. Lord, teach me your paths. Make me walk in your truth, and teach me: for you are God my saviour.
In you I hope all day long because of your goodness, O Lord. Remember your mercy, Lord, and the love you have shown from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth. In your love remember me.
The Lord is good and upright. He shows the path to those who stray, He guides the humble in the right path, He teaches his way to the poor.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! The Lord will come, go out to meet him. Great is his beginning and his reign will have no end. Alleluia!
Gospel : Matthew 21:23-27
Jesus had gone into the Temple and was teaching, when the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him and said, ‘What authority have you for acting like this? And who gave you this authority?’ ‘And I’ replied Jesus ‘will ask you a question, only one; if you tell me the answer to it, I will then tell you my authority for acting like this. John’s baptism: where did it come from: heaven or man?’ And they argued it out this way among themselves, ‘If we say from heaven, he will retort, “Then why did you refuse to believe him?”; but if we say from man, we have the people to fear, for they all hold that John was a prophet.’ So their reply to Jesus was, ‘We do not know.’ And he retorted, ‘Nor will I tell you my authority for acting like this.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Accept, we pray, O Lord, these offerings we make, gathered from among your gifts to us, and may what you grant us to celebrate devoutly here below gain for us the prize of eternal redemption. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Ps 105: 4-5; Is 38: 3
Come, O Lord, visit us in peace, that we may rejoice before you with a blameless heart.
Prayer after Communion
May these mysteries, O Lord,in which we have participated,profit us, we pray,for even now, as we walk amid passing things,you teach us by themto love the things of heavenand hold fast to what endures.Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
The chief priests and the elders question Jesus regarding the authority He uses in His teaching. With His wisdom, He responds by posing a probing hypothesis that undermines the foundations of their jealousy, hatred, and argument. Acting as adversaries, they encircle Jesus, without the inclination to embrace His teachings themselves, or allow others to benefit from them. However, their mischievous question about Jesus ultimately becomes a trap for them. Similarly, today there are many lukewarm Christians who hesitate to wholeheartedly follow Jesus and, in turn, hinder others from following Him. Let us not become stumbling blocks to others or discourage them from encountering Christ!
by L'équipe de publication | Dec 13, 2025 | Evangelium
3rd Sunday of Advent
Saint John of the Cross (1542 – 1591)
Psalter: Week II
Purple
Entrance Antiphon : Phil 4: 4-5
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.
Collect
O God, who see how your people faithfully await the feast of the Lord’s Nativity, enable us, we pray, to attain the joys of so great a salvation and to celebrate them always withsolemn worship and glad rejoicing. 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 : Isaiah 35:1-6,10
Let the wilderness and the dry-lands exult, let the wasteland rejoice and bloom, let it bring forth flowers like the jonquil, let it rejoice and sing for joy. The glory of Lebanon is bestowed on it, the splendour of Carmel and Sharon; they shall see the glory of the Lord, the splendour of our God. Strengthen all weary hands, steady all trembling knees and say to all faint hearts, ‘Courage! Do not be afraid. ‘Look, your God is coming, vengeance is coming, the retribution of God; he is coming to save you.’ Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, the ears of the deaf unsealed, then the lame shall leap like a deer and the tongues of the dumb sing for joy for those the Lord has ransomed shall return. They will come to Zion shouting for joy, everlasting joy on their faces; joy and gladness will go with them and sorrow and lament be ended.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145(146):6-10
R/ Come, Lord, and save us.
It is the Lord who keeps faith for ever, who is just to those who are oppressed. It is he who gives bread to the hungry, the Lord, who sets prisoners free,
It is the Lord who gives sight to the blind, who raises up those who are bowed down, the Lord, who protects the stranger and upholds the widow and orphan.
It is the Lord who loves the just but thwarts the path of the wicked. The Lord will reign for ever, Zion’s God, from age to age.
Second reading : James 5:7-10
Be patient, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. Think of a farmer: how patiently he waits for the precious fruit of the ground until it has had the autumn rains and the spring rains! You too have to be patient; do not lose heart, because the Lord’s coming will be soon. Do not make complaints against one another, brothers, so as not to be brought to judgement yourselves; the Judge is already to be seen waiting at the gates. For your example, brothers, in submitting with patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation : Is61:1(Lk4:18)
Alleluia, alleluia! The spirit of the Lord has been given to me. He has sent me to bring the good news to the poor. Alleluia!
Gospel : Matthew 11:2-11
John in his prison had heard what Christ was doing and he sent his disciples to ask him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or have we got to wait for someone else?’ Jesus answered, ‘Go back and tell John what you hear and see; the blind see again, and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised to life and the Good News is proclaimed to the poor; and happy is the man who does not lose faith in me.’ As the messengers were leaving, Jesus began to talk to the people about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the breeze? No? Then what did you go out to see? A man wearing fine clothes? Oh no, those who wear fine clothes are to be found in palaces. Then what did you go out for? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet: he is the one of whom scripture says: ‘Look, I am going to send my messenger before you; he will prepare your way before you. ‘I tell you solemnly, of all the children born of women, a greater than John the Baptist has never been seen; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is.’
Prayer over the Offerings
May the sacrifice of our worship, Lord, we pray, be offered to you unceasingly, to complete what was begun in sacred mystery and powerfully accomplish for us your saving work. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Cf. Is 35: 4
Say to the faint of heart: Be strong and do not fear. Behold, our God will come, and he will save us.
Prayer after Communion
We implore your mercy, Lord, that this divine sustenance may cleanse us of our faults and prepare us for the coming feasts. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
The Third Sunday of Advent is Gaudate Sunday, which in Latin means “rejoice.” On this day, a departure from the penitential theme is observed, allowing for the use of pink vestments, altar cloths, flowers, and candles in the Church. In today’s gospel, John the Baptist sends envoys to Jesus Christ to verify if He is truly the anticipated Messiah. His question reveals some doubts. However, Jesus’ paramount message centres on healing. Yet, as God’s children, what do we truly gain when we experience God’s physical providence while remaining spiritually blind and lame? Our joy should stem from the realisation that Christ is coming to free and heal us from this spiritual bondage, a transformation achievable only through faith.
by L'équipe de publication | Dec 12, 2025 | Evangelium
Saints Lucy, Virgin, Martyr
Psalter: Week II
Red
She was martyred in Syracuse, probably during the persecution of Diocletian (which started in 303). Devotion to her spread rapidly across practically the whole Church and her name is included in the Roman Canon of the Mass.
Entrance Antiphon
Behold, now she follows the Lamb who was crucified for us, powerful in virginity, modesty her offering,a sacrifice on the altar of chastity.
Collect
May the glorious intercessionof the Virgin and Martyr Saint Lucygive us new heart, we pray, O Lord,so that we may celebrate her heavenly birthdayin this present ageand so behold things eternal.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 : Ecclesiasticus 48:1-4,9-12
The prophet Elijah arose like a fire, his word flaring like a torch. It was he who brought famine on the people, and who decimated them in his zeal. By the word of the Lord, he shut up the heavens, he also, three times, brought down fire. How glorious you were in your miracles, Elijah! Has anyone reason to boast as you have? Taken up in the whirlwind of fire, in a chariot with fiery horses; designated in the prophecies of doom to allay God’s wrath before the fury breaks, to turn the hearts of fathers towards their children, and to restore the tribes of Jacob, Happy shall they be who see you, and those who have fallen asleep in love.
Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 79(80):2-3,15-16,18-19
R/ Lord of hosts, bring us back; let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.
O shepherd of Israel, hear us, shine forth from your cherubim throne. O Lord, rouse up your might,O Lord, come to our help.
God of hosts, turn again, we implore, look down from heaven and see. Visit this vine and protect it, the vine your right hand has planted.
May your hand be on the man you have chosen, the man you have given your strength. And we shall never forsake you again; give us life that we may call upon your name.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! The day of the Lord is near; Look, he comes to save us. Alleluia!
Gospel : Matthew 17:10-13
As they came down from the mountain the disciples put this question to Jesus, ‘Why do the scribes say that Elijah has to come first?’ ‘True;’ he replied ‘Elijah is to come to see that everything is once more as it should be; however, I tell you that Elijah has come already and they did not recognize him but treated him as they pleased; and the Son of Man will suffer similarly at their hands.’ The disciples understood then that he had been speaking of John the Baptist.
Prayer over the Offerings
May the offerings we bring in celebration of blessed N.win your gracious acceptance, O Lord, we pray,just as the struggle of her suffering and passionwas pleasing to you.Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Rv 7: 17
The Lamb who is at the centre of the thronewill lead them to the springs of the waters of life.
Prayer after Communion
O God, who bestowed on blessed N. a crown among the Saintsfor her twofold triumph of virginity and martyrdom,grant, we pray, through the power of this Sacrament,that, bravely overcoming every evil,we may attain the glory of heaven.Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Advent is a season of preparation for the imminent arrival of the Lord, intended to evoke joy and celebration. However, in the gospel, Jesus predicts His impending passion and death. This is the very purpose for which He was born, and the cross is a sign of victory and glory. The names of Jesus, John the Baptist, and Elijah are mentioned, emphasising their roles as bearers of God’ truth despite facing revilement and death. They were, in essence, prophets. As Christians, particularly those who have been baptised and confirmed in the faith, our calling mirrors that of these biblical figures. Many of us, however, are afraid and ashamed of the cross of Christ, failing to fulfill our calling as prophets, messengers, servants, or mouthpieces of God. There is a need for introspection and a reconsideration of our commitment to this calling!
