by L'équipe de publication | Oct 6, 2023 | Evangelium
Our Lady of the Rosary
The feast of the Holy Rosary was instituted by Pope Pius V to celebrate the anniversary of the defeat of the Turkish fleet at the battle of Lepanto which ended the threat of Muslim domination of the Mediterranean and was ascribed in part to the prayers and processions of the Rosary confraternity in Rome.
Entrance Antiphon: 1: 28, 42
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
Collect
Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ your Son was made known by the message of an Angel, may, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, by his Passion and Cross be 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: Baruch 4: 5-12, 27-29
Take courage, my people, constant reminder of Israel. You were sold to the nations, but not for extermination. You provoked God; and so were delivered to your enemies, since you had angered your creator by offering sacrifices to demons, not to God. You had forgotten the eternal God who reared you. You had also grieved Jerusalem who nursed you, for when she saw the anger fall on you from God, she said: Listen, you neighbours of Zion: God has sent me great sorrow. I have seen my sons and daughters taken into captivity, to which they have been sentenced by the Eternal. I had reared them joyfully; in tears, in sorrow, I watched them go away. Do not, any of you, exult over me, a widow, deserted by so many; I suffer loneliness because of the sins of my own children, who turned away from the Law of God. Take courage, my children, call on God: he who brought disaster on you will remember you. As by your will you first strayed away from God, so now turn back and search for him ten times as hard; for as he brought down those disasters on you, so will he rescue you and give you eternal joy.
Psalm 68(69):33-37
R/ The Lord listens to the needy.
The poor when they see it will be glad and God-seeking hearts will revive; for the Lord listens to the needy and does not spurn his servants in their chains. Let the heavens and the earth give him praise, the sea and all its living creatures.
For God will bring help to Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah and men shall dwell there in possession. The sons of his servants shall inherit it; those who love his name shall dwell there.
Gospel Acclamation: Mt 11: 25
Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for revealing the mysteries of the kingdom to mere children. Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 10: 17-24
The seventy-two came back rejoicing. “Lord,” they said, “even the devils submit to us when we use your name.” He said to them, “I watched Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Yes, I have given you power to tread underfoot serpents and scorpions and the whole strength of the enemy; nothing shall ever hurt you. Yet do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you; rejoice rather that your names are written in heaven.” It was then that, filled with joy by the Holy Spirit, he said: “I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children. Yes, Father, for that is what it pleased you to do. Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father; and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Then turning to his disciples he spoke to them in private, “Happy the eyes that see what you see, for I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see, and never saw it; to hear what you hear, and never heard it.”
Prayer over the Offerings
Grant, we pray, O Lord, that we may be rightly conformed to these offerings we bring and so honour the mysteries of your Only Begotten Son, as to be made worthy of his promises. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Communion Antiphon : Lk 1: 31
Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.
Prayer after Communion
We pray, O Lord our God, that, just as we proclaim in this Sacrament the Death and Resurrection of your Son, so, being made partakers in his suffering, we may also merit a share in his consolation and his glory. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Meditation
The seventy-two disciples had good reason to rejoice when they returned from their first successful mission. Jesus, does not contradict them. He reveals to them an even greater reason to rejoice: their names are written in heaven! In other words, it is not our good works, even if they are brilliant apostolic successes, that should make us rejoice, for it is by God’s grace that we do good. But his grace is without measure, his promises without sharing, and the Kingdom of heaven that awaits us brings us full happiness. What joy and gladness to know that Jesus himself has prepared a place for us up there in the Father’s house! We can praise him for having hidden this from the wise and learned and revealed it to the little ones.
by L'équipe de publication | Oct 5, 2023 | Evangelium
SAINT Bruno
He was born at Cologne and educated partly at Reims. Bruno pioneered the “mixed” form of religious life, of hermits who live together in a community. He did not plan to found an Order, but his work grew into the Carthusian Order, which continues to this day, with some 24 houses spread across the world.
Entrance Antiphon: Dn 3: 31, 29, 30, 43, 42
All that you have done to us, O Lord, you have done with true judgement, for we have sinned against you and not obeyed your commandments. But give glory to your name and deal with us according to the bounty of your mercy.
Collect
O God, who manifest your almighty power above all by pardoning and showing mercy, bestow, we pray, your grace abundantly upon us and make those hastening to attain your promises heirs to the treasures of heaven. 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: Baruch 1:15-22
Integrity belongs to the Lord our God; to us the look of shame we wear today, to us, the people of Judah and the citizens of Jerusalem, to our kings and princes, our priests, our prophets, as to our ancestors, because we have sinned in the sight of the Lord, have disobeyed him, and have not listened to the voice of the Lord our God telling us to follow the commandments which the Lord had ordained for us. From the day when the Lord brought our ancestors out of the land of Egypt until today we have been disobedient to the Lord our God, we have been disloyal, refusing to listen to his voice. And so the disasters, and the curse which the Lord pronounced through his servant Moses the day he brought our fathers out of Egypt to give us a land where milk and honey flow, have seized on us, disasters we experience today. Despite all the words of those prophets whom he sent us, we have not listened to the voice of the Lord our God, but, each following the dictates of his evil heart, we have taken to serving alien gods, and doing what is displeasing to the Lord our God.
Psalm 78(79):1-5,8-9
R/ Rescue us, O Lord, for the glory of your name.
O God, the nations have invaded your land, they have profaned your holy temple. They have made Jerusalem a heap of ruins. They have handed over the bodies of your servants as food to feed the birds of heaven and the flesh of your faithful to the beasts of the earth.
They have poured out blood like water in Jerusalem; no one is left to bury the dead. We have become the taunt of our neighbours, the mockery and scorn of those who surround us. How long, O Lord? Will you be angry for ever; how long will your anger burn like fire?
Do not hold the guilt of our fathers against us. Let your compassion hasten to meet us; we are left in the depths of distress.
O God our saviour, come to our help. Come for the sake of the glory of your name. O Lord our God, forgive us our sins; rescue us for the sake of your name.
Gospel Acclamation: Ps144:13
Alleluia, alleluia! The Lord is faithful in all his words and loving in all his deeds. Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 10:13-16
Jesus said to his disciples: “Alas for you, Chorazin! Alas for you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. And still, it will not go as hard with Tyre and Sidon at the Judgement as with you. And as for you, Capernaum, did you want to be exalted high as heaven? You shall be thrown down to hell. Anyone who listens to you listens to me; anyone who rejects you rejects me, and those who reject me reject the one who sent me.”
Prayer over the Offerings
Grant us, O merciful God, that this our offering may find acceptance with you and that through it the wellspring of all blessing may be laid open before us. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Ps 118: 49-50
Remember your word to your servant, O Lord, by which you have given me hope. This is my comfort when I am brought low.
Prayer after Communion
May this heavenly mystery, O Lord, restore us in mind and body, that we may be coheirs in glory with Christ, to whose suffering we are united whenever we proclaim his Death. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Meditation
The remains of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum have been found: three fields of ruins. The first, among the thorny paths of the heights overlooking the lake; the second, amidst the reeds at the mouth of the Jordan; the third, on the crumbling shores of the Sea of Galilee. Christ’s prophecy was no lie! In speaking like this, however, Jesus is not uttering utter a curse. He warns with overwhelming vehemence, with burning charity: “Woe to you!” And the warning applies to us all. What risks do we not run if, through misfortune, yes, through misfortune, we abandon the Source of living water which is Jesus, to go and dig for ourselves wells of polluted water! How can we be fully happy when separated from the One who alone can give us the opportunity to triumph over death and to share a life of eternity?
by L'équipe de publication | Oct 5, 2023 | Agenda Biblique
SAINT Bruno
Chanoine de Cologne, maître en théologie à Reims, Bruno (vers 1035-1101) a cinquante ans quand il se retire dans la solitude de la Chartreuse pour ‘’chercher Dieu assidûment, le trouver promptement, le posséder pleinement’’. Il donne cet idéal de contemplation pure à ses fils, les Chartreux, qui, par leur prière et leur pénitence, doivent féconder le labeur des apôtres dans le monde.
Antienne d’ouverture : Dn 3, 31. 29
Tu nous as traités, Seigneur, en toute justice, car nous avons péché, nous n’avons pas écouté tes commandements.
Mais, pour l’honneur de ton nom, traite-nous selon la richesse de ta miséricorde.
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu qui donnes la preuve suprême de ta puissance, lorsque tu patientes et prends pitié, Sans te lasser, accorde-nous ta grâce, en nous hâtant vers les biens que tu promets, nous parviendrons au bonheur du ciel. Par Jésus.
1ère lecture : Baruch 1, 15-22
Au Seigneur notre Dieu appartient la justice, mais à nous la honte sur le visage comme on le voit aujourd’hui : honte pour l’homme de Juda et les habitants de Jérusalem, pour nos rois et nos chefs, pour nos prêtres, nos prophètes et nos pères ; oui, nous avons péché contre le Seigneur, nous lui avons désobéi, nous n’avons pas écouté la voix du Seigneur notre Dieu, qui nous disait de suivre les préceptes que le Seigneur nous avait mis sous les yeux. Depuis le jour où le Seigneur a fait sortir nos pères du pays d’Égypte jusqu’à ce jour, nous n’avons pas cessé de désobéir au Seigneur notre Dieu ; dans notre légèreté, nous n’avons pas écouté sa voix. Aussi, comme on le voit aujourd’hui, le malheur s’est attaché à nous, avec la malédiction que le Seigneur avait fait prononcer par son serviteur Moïse, au jour où il a fait sortir nos pères du pays d’Égypte pour nous donner une terre ruisselant de lait et de miel. Nous n’avons pas écouté la voix du Seigneur notre Dieu, à travers toutes les paroles des prophètes qu’il nous envoyait. Chacun de nous, selon la pensée de son cœur mauvais, est allé servir d’autres dieux et faire ce qui est mal aux yeux du Seigneur notre Dieu.
Psaume : 78 (79), 1-2, 3-4a.5, 8-9acd
R/ Pour la gloire de ton nom, Seigneur, délivre-nous !
Dieu, les païens ont envahi ton domaine ; ils ont souillé ton temple sacré et mis Jérusalem en ruines. Ils ont livré les cadavres de tes serviteurs en pâture aux rapaces du ciel et la chair de tes fidèles, aux bêtes de la terre.
Ils ont versé le sang comme l’eau aux alentours de Jérusalem : les morts restaient sans sépulture. Nous sommes la risée des voisins, Combien de temps, Seigneur, durera ta colère et brûlera le feu de ta jalousie ?
Ne retiens pas contre nous les péchés de nos ancêtres : que nous vienne bientôt ta tendresse car nous sommes à bout de force! Aide-nous, Dieu notre Sauveur, délivre-nous, efface nos fautes, pour la cause de ton nom !
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia. Aujourd’hui, ne fermez pas votre cœur, mais écoutez la voix du Seigneur. Alléluia. (cf. Ps 94, 8a.7d)
Évangile : Luc 10, 13-16
En ce temps-là, Jésus disait : « Malheureuse es-tu, Corazine ! Malheureuse es-tu, Bethsaïde ! Car, si les miracles qui ont eu lieu chez vous avaient eu lieu à Tyr et à Sidon, il y a longtemps que leurs habitants auraient fait pénitence, avec le sac et la cendre. D’ailleurs, Tyr et Sidon seront mieux traitées que vous lors du Jugement. Et toi, Capharnaüm, seras-tu élevée jusqu’au ciel ? Non, jusqu’au séjour des morts tu descendras ! Celui qui vous écoute m’écoute; celui qui vous rejette me rejette; et celui qui me rejette, rejette celui qui m’a envoyé. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Dieu de miséricorde, accepte notre offrande. Qu’elle ouvre largement pour nous la source de toute bénédiction. Par
Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Ps 118,
Souviens-toi, Seigneur, de la parole que tu m’as donnée ; en elle j’ai mis mon espoir, et, dans ma misère, elle est pour moi un réconfort.
Prière après la communion
Que cette eucharistie, Seigneur, renouvelle nos esprits et nos corps, et nous donne part à l’héritage glorieux de celui qui nous unit à son sacrifice lorsque nous proclamons sa mort. Lui qui.
Méditation
En prophétisant sur ces cités de l’évangile, Jésus ne profère pas de malédictions. Il appelle avec véhémence à une brûlante charité : « Malheureuses ! » Et l’appel vaut pour nous tous. Quels risques en effet ne courons-nous pas si, par malheur nous abandonnons la Source d’eau vive qui est Jésus, pour aller forer des puits d’eau polluée ! Si nous fermons nos cœurs et nos yeux à la Parole de Dieu qui est vie éternelle et aux signes qu’il nous donne. Comment être pleinement heureux en dehors de Celui qui seul peut nous donner de triompher de la mort, de partager une vie d’éternité ? Inversement, quelle joie, quelle force et quelle paix pour le cœur qui l’écoute et pour l’âme qui l’accueille !
by L'équipe de publication | Oct 4, 2023 | Agenda Biblique
SAINTE Faustine
Canonisée par Jean Paul II le 30 avril 2000, sœur Marie Faustine Kowalska était un apôtre irréductible de la Miséricorde Divine.
.
Antienne d’ouverture : Dn 3, 31
Tu nous as traités, Seigneur, en toute justice, car nous avons péché, nous n’avons pas écouté tes commandements. Mais, pour l’honneur de ton nom, traite-nous selon la richesse de ta miséricorde.
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu qui donnes la preuve suprême de ta puissance, lorsque tu patientes et prends pitié, Sans te lasser, accorde-nous ta grâce, en nous hâtant vers les biens que tu promets, nous parviendrons au bonheur du ciel. Par Jésus.
1ère lecture : Ne 8, 1-4a.5-6.7b-12
En ces jours-là, tout le peuple se rassembla comme un seul homme sur la place située devant la porte des Eaux. On demanda au scribe Esdras d’apporter le livre de la loi de Moïse, que le Seigneur avait prescrite à Israël. Alors le prêtre Esdras apporta la Loi en présence de l’assemblée, composée des hommes, des femmes, et de tous les enfants en âge de comprendre. C’était le premier jour du septième mois. Esdras, tourné vers la place de la porte des Eaux, fit la lecture dans le livre, depuis le lever du jour jusqu’à midi, en présence des hommes, des femmes, et de tous les enfants en âge de comprendre : tout le peuple écoutait la lecture de la Loi. Le scribe Esdras se tenait sur une tribune de bois, construite tout exprès. Esdras ouvrit le livre ; tout le peuple le voyait, car il dominait l’assemblée. Quand il ouvrit le livre, tout le monde se mit debout. Alors Esdras bénit le Seigneur, le Dieu très grand, et tout le peuple, levant les mains, répondit: « Amen ! Amen ! » Puis ils s’inclinèrent et se prosternèrent devant le Seigneur, le visage contre terre. Les lévites expliquaient la Loi au peuple, pendant que le peuple demeurait debout sur place. Esdras lisait un passage dans le livre de la loi de Dieu, puis les lévites traduisaient, donnaient le sens, et l’on pouvait comprendre. Néhémie le gouverneur, Esdras qui était prêtre et scribe, et les lévites qui donnaient les explications, dirent à tout le peuple : « Ce jour est consacré au Seigneur votre Dieu ! Ne prenez pas le deuil, ne pleurez pas ! » Car ils pleuraient tous en entendant les paroles de la Loi. Esdras leur dit encore: « Allez, mangez des viandes savoureuses, buvez des boissons aromatisées, et envoyez une part à celui qui n’a rien de prêt. Car ce jour est consacré à notre Dieu ! Ne vous affligez pas : la joie du Seigneur est votre rempart ! » Les lévites calmaient tout le peuple en disant : « Cessez de pleurer, car ce jour est saint. Ne vous affligez pas ! » Puis tout le peuple se dispersa pour aller manger, boire, envoyer des parts à ceux qui n’avaient rien de prêt, et se livrer à de grandes réjouissances ; en effet, ils avaient compris les paroles qu’on leur avait fait entendre.
Psaume : 18b (19), 8, 9, 10, 11
R/ Les préceptes du Seigneur sont droits, ils réjouissent le cœur.
La loi du Seigneur est parfaite, qui redonne vie ; la charte du Seigneur est sûre, qui rend sages les simples.
Les préceptes du Seigneur sont droits, ils réjouissent le cœur ; le commandement du Seigneur est limpide, il clarifie le regard.
La crainte qu’il inspire est pure, elle est là pour toujours ; les décisions du Seigneur sont justes et vraiment équitables :
Plus désirables que l’or, qu’une masse d’or fin, plus savoureuses que le miel qui coule des rayons.
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia. Le règne de Dieu est tout proche. Convertissez-vous et croyez à l’Évangile. Alléluia.
Évangile : Lc 10, 1-12
En ce temps-là, parmi les disciples le Seigneur en désigna encore 72, et il les envoya deux par deux, en avant de lui, en toute ville et localité où lui-même allait se rendre. Il leur dit : « La moisson est abondante, mais les ouvriers sont peu nombreux. Priez donc le maître de la moisson d’envoyer des ouvriers pour sa moisson. Allez ! Voici que je vous envoie comme des agneaux au milieu des loups. Ne portez ni bourse, ni sac, ni sandales, et ne saluez personne en chemin. Mais dans toute maison où vous entrerez, dites d’abord : “Paix à cette maison.” S’il y a là un ami de la paix, votre paix ira reposer sur lui ; sinon, elle reviendra sur vous. Restez dans cette maison, mangeant et buvant ce que l’on vous sert ; car l’ouvrier mérite son salaire. Ne passez pas de maison en maison. Dans toute ville où vous entrerez et où vous serez accueillis, mangez ce qui vous est présenté. Guérissez les malades qui s’y trouvent et dites-leur: “Le règne de Dieu s’est approché de vous.” Mais dans toute ville où vous entrerez et où vous ne serez pas accueillis, allez sur les places et dites : “Même la poussière de votre ville, collée à nos pieds, nous l’enlevons pour vous la laisser. Toutefois, sachez-le : le règne de Dieu s’est approché.” Je vous le déclare : au dernier jour, Sodome sera mieux traitée que cette ville. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Dieu de miséricorde, accepte notre offrande : Qu’elle ouvre largement pour nous la source de toute bénédiction. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Ps 118
Souviens-toi, Seigneur, de la parole que tu m’as donnée; en elle j’ai mis mon espoir, et, dans ma misère, elle est pour moi un réconfort.
Prière après la communion
Que cette eucharistie, Seigneur, renouvelle nos esprits et nos corps, et nous donne part à l’héritage glorieux de celui qui nous unit à son sacrifice lorsque nous proclamons sa mort. Lui qui.
Méditation
« Les travailleurs sont peu nombreux… » On s’attendrait à ce que Jésus dise : « Retroussez donc vos manches, et allez un peu donner un coup de main ». Pas du tout ! Il dit : « Priez ! » Pourtant il s’agit bien de l’urgence d’une « moisson » mûre qui ne peut attendre que quelques jours, au risque de la perdre en cas d’orage qu’il s’agit. Jésus veut-il relativiser cette urgence ? Il veut surtout que le regard de ses envoyés ne se fige pas exclusivement sur la tâche et oublie le « maître » de la moisson. Car il est bien question de « sa moisson » à Lui, et nous ne devons jamais perdre de vue que c’est Lui qui envoie des travailleurs, ceux-ci n’y vont pas de leur propre initiative. Aussi, le dialogue doit-être constant entre l’envoyeur et les envoyés. C’est en s’enracinant dans la prière que toute mission devient efficace et féconde. La prière reste donc l’un des grands préalables de toute évangélisation.
by L'équipe de publication | Oct 4, 2023 | Evangelium
Sister Faustina
Sister Faustina was a young, uneducated, nun in a convent of the Congregation of Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Poland during the 1930’s. She received extraordinary revelations on God’s loving message of Divine Mercy. Saint Faustina’s revelations are a constant reminder of the message to trust in Jesus’ endless mercy, and to live life mercifully toward others.
Entrance Antiphon: Dn 3: 31, 29, 30, 43,
All that you have done to us, O Lord, you have done with true judgement, for we have sinned against you and not obeyed your commandments. But give glory to your name and deal with us according to the bounty of your mercy.
Collect
O God, who manifest your almighty power above all by pardoning and showing mercy, bestow, we pray, your grace abundantly upon us and make those hastening to attain your promises heirs to the treasures of heaven. 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: Nehemiah 8:1-12
When the seventh month came, all the people gathered as one man on the square before the Water Gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses which the Lord had prescribed for Israel. Accordingly Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, consisting of men, women, and children old enough to understand. This was the first day of the seventh month. On the square before the Water Gate, in the presence of the men and women, and children old enough to understand, he read from the book from early morning till noon; all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law. Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden dais erected for the purpose. In full view of all the people – since he stood higher than all the people – Ezra opened the book; and when he opened it all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people raised their hands and answered, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and, face to the ground, prostrated themselves before the Lord. And Ezra read from the Law of God, translating and giving the sense, so that the people understood what was read. Then Nehemiah – His Excellency – and Ezra, priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people, said to all the people, “This day is sacred to the Lord your God. Do not be mournful, do not weep.” For the people were all in tears as they listened to the words of the Law. He then said, “Go, eat the fat, drink the sweet wine, and send a portion to the man who has nothing prepared ready. For this day is sacred to our Lord. Do not be sad: the joy of the Lord is your stronghold.” And the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be at ease; this is a sacred day. Do not be sad.” And all the people went off to eat and drink and give shares away and begin to enjoy themselves since they had understood the meaning of what had been proclaimed to them.
Psalm 18(19):8-11
R/ The precepts of the Lord gladden the heart.
The law of the Lord is perfect, it revives the soul. The rule of the Lord is to be trusted, it gives wisdom to the simple.
The precepts of the Lord are right, they gladden the heart. The command of the Lord is clear, it gives light to the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is holy, abiding for ever. The decrees of the Lord are truth and all of them just.
They are more to be desired than gold, than the purest of gold and sweeter are they than honey, than honey from the comb.
Gospel Acclamation : Mt 4: 4
Alleluia, alleluia! Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 10:1-12
The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out ahead of him, in pairs, to all the towns and places he himself was to visit. He said to them, “The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest. Start off now, but remember, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Carry no purse, no haversack, no sandals. Salute no one on the road. Whatever house you go into, let your first words be, ‘Peace to this house!’ And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you. Stay in the same house, taking what food and drink they have to offer, for the labourer deserves his wages; do not move from house to house. Whenever you go into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is set before you. Cure those in it who are sick, and say, ‘The kingdom of God is very near to you.’ But whenever you enter a town and they do not make you welcome, go out into its streets and say, ‘We wipe off the very dust of your town that clings to our feet, and leave it with you. Yet be sure of this: the kingdom of God is very near.’ I tell you, on that day it will not go as hard with Sodom as with that town.”
Prayer over the Offerings
Grant us, O merciful God, that this our offering may find acceptance with you and that through it the wellspring of all blessing may be laid open before us. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Ps 118: 49-50
Remember your word to your servant, O Lord, by which you have given me hope. This is my comfort when I am brought low.
Prayer after Communion
May this heavenly mystery, O Lord, restore us in mind and body, that we may be coheirs in glory with Christ, to whose suffering we are united whenever we proclaim his Death. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Meditation
“The labourers are few…” One would expect this to lead to: “Roll up your sleeves and go and help out a bit”. Not at all! It leads to: “Pray!” Yet it is really a matter of urgency: a ripe harvest cannot wait more than a few days. It would appear Jesus want to put this urgency into perspective. But above all, he wants the eyes of his envoys not to be hypnotized exclusively by the task and not to forget the master of the harvest. For it is indeed the master’s harvest, and we must never lose sight of the fact that it is up to him to send workers to it. They cannot integrate themselves to the work on their own initiative. Dialogue, even if it is only implied, must be constant between the sender and the sent. It is by being rooted in prayer that every mission becomes effective and fruitful. Prayer therefore remains one of the great prerequisites of all evangelization.
by L'équipe de publication | Oct 3, 2023 | Evangelium
SAINT Francis of Assisi
He was the son of a wealthy 12th-century Italian merchant, and early in his life was devoted to partying and his enjoying his social status. After an illness his life changed: He began a life of evangelical poverty, living by begging. His followers are called the Franciscans. Francis died in 1226, having started a revolution. The Franciscans endure to this day.
Entrance Antiphon
Francis, the man of God, left his home behind, abandoned his inheritance and became poor and penniless, but the Lord raised him up.
Collect
O God, by whose gift Saint Francis was conformed to Christ in poverty and humility, grant that, by walking in Francis’ footsteps, we may follow your Son, and, through joyful charity, come to be united with you. 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: Nehemiah 2:1-8
In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, the wine being my concern, I took up the wine and offered it to the king. Now I had never been downcast before. So the king said, “Why is your face so sad? You are not sick, surely? This must be a sadness of the heart.” A great fear came over me and I said to the king, “May the king live for ever! How could my face be other than sad when the city where the tombs of my ancestors are lies in ruins, and its gates have been burnt down?” “What,” the king asked. “is your request?” I called on the God of heaven and made this reply to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if you are satisfied with your servant, give me leave to go to Judah, to the city of my ancestors” tombs, and rebuild it.” The king, with the queen sitting there beside him, said, “How long will your journey take, and when will you return?” So I named a date that seemed acceptable to the king and he gave me leave to go. I spoke to the king once more, “If it please the king, could letters be given me for the governors of Transeuphrates to allow me to pass through to Judah? And also a letter for Asaph, keeper of the king’s park, to supply me with timber for the gates of the citadel of the Temple, for the city walls and for the house I am to occupy?” This the king granted me, for the kindly favour of my God was with me.
Psalm 136 (137):1-6
R/ O let my tongue cleave to my mouth if I remember you not!
By the rivers of Babylon there we sat and wept, remembering Zion; on the poplars that grew there we hung up our harps.
For it was there that they asked us, our captors, for songs, our oppressors, for joy. ‘Sing to us,’ they said, ‘one of Zion’s songs.’
O how could we sing the song of the Lord on alien soil? If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand wither!
O let my tongue cleave to my mouth if I remember you not, if I prize not Jerusalem above all my joys!
Gospel Acclamation: Ps118:105
Alleluia, alleluia! Your word is a lamp for my steps and a light for my path. Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 9:57-62
As Jesus and his disciples travelled along they met a man on the road who said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus answered, “Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Another to whom he said, “Follow me”, replied, “Let me go and bury my father first.” But he answered, “Leave the dead to bury their dead; your duty is to go and spread the news of the kingdom of God.” Another said, “I will follow you, sir, but first let me go and say goodbye to my people at home.” Jesus said to him, “Once the hand is laid on the plough, no one who looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Prayer over the Offerings
As we bring you these offerings, O Lord, we pray that we may be rightly disposed for the celebration of the mystery of the Cross, which Saint Francis so ardently embraced. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Mt 5: 3
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Prayer after Communion
Grant us, we pray, O Lord, through these holy gifts which we have received, that, imitating the charity and apostolic zeal of Saint Francis, we may experience the effects of your love and spread them everywhere for the salvation of all. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Less than the foxes, less than the birds of the air. That is, no shelter, no support, nothing! Should we understand these words of Jesus as an expression of distress similar to that of a homeless person, a wanderer? Jesus was not a homeless person; the Gospel notes several points where he could get some rest. Rather, it would seem that he wanted to dot the “I”s for the enthusiastic person who declares, somewhat emphatically, that he wants to follow him anywhere. Following Christ is not fulfilment of the dream of an ideal or comfortable life. No, we must expect a radical stripping, with no turning back, as the end of this passage becomes clear. It is a vigorous warning, but can it discourage a generous heart truly captivated by Christ?
by L'équipe de publication | Oct 3, 2023 | Agenda Biblique
SAINT François d’Assise
Fils d’un riche marchand dans un monde déchiré par les guerres, le chevalier de Dame Pauvreté apparait comme le pur reflet de l’Évangile. En se détachant systématiquement des biens terrestres et de lui-même, François Bernardone devient chantre de la création avec la fraicheur d’une enfance retrouvée. Il fonde une triple famille religieuse : Frères Mineurs, Clarisses et Tiers-Ordre.
Antienne d’ouverture : Dn 3, 31
Saint François d’Assise fut un home de Dieu ; il a quitté sa maison, abandonné son heritage, pour épouser Dame Pauvreté ; et le Seigneur l’a pris à son service.
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu qui as donné à saint François d’Assise de mener une vie humble et pauvre, toute à l’image du Christ, fais-nous emprunter les mêmes chemins pour suivre ton Fils et vivre unis à toi, pleins de joie et de charité. Par Jésus.
1ère lecture : Ne 2, 1-8
Moi, Néhémie, j’étais alors échanson du roi. La vingtième année du règne d’Artaxerxès, au mois de Nissane, je présentai le vin et l’offris au roi. Je n’avais jamais montré de tristesse devant lui, mais ce jour-là, le roi me dit : « Pourquoi ce visage triste ? Tu n’es pourtant pas malade ! Tu as donc du chagrin ? » Rempli de crainte, je répondis : « Que le roi vive toujours ! Comment n’aurais-je pas l’air triste, quand la ville où sont enterrés mes pères a été dévastée, et ses portes, dévorées par le feu ? » Le roi me dit alors : « Que veux-tu donc me demander ? » Je fis une prière au Dieu du ciel, et je répondis au roi : « Si tel est le bon plaisir du roi, et si tu es satisfait de ton serviteur, laisse-moi aller en Juda, dans la ville où sont enterrés mes pères, et je la rebâtirai. » Le roi, qui avait la reine à côté de lui, me demanda : « Combien de temps durera ton voyage ? Quand reviendras-tu ? » Je lui indiquai une date qu’il approuva, et il m’autorisa à partir. Je dis encore : « Si tel est le bon plaisir du roi, qu’on me donne des lettres pour les gouverneurs de la province qui est à l’ouest de l’Euphrate, afin qu’ils facilitent mon passage jusqu’en Juda ; et aussi une lettre pour Asaph, l’inspecteur des forêts royales, afin qu’il me fournisse du bois de charpente pour les portes de la citadelle qui protégera la maison de Dieu, le rempart de la ville, et la maison où je vais m’installer. » Le roi me l’accorda, car la main bienfaisante de mon Dieu était sur moi.
Psaume : 137 (138), 1-2a, 2bc-3, 4-5
R/ Je chanterai le Seigneur, en présence des anges.
De tout mon cœur, Seigneur, je te rends grâce : tu as entendu les paroles de ma bouche. Je te chante en présence des anges, vers ton temple sacré, je me prosterne.
Je rends grâce à ton nom pour ton amour et ta vérité, car tu élèves, au-dessus de tout, ton nom et ta parole. Le jour où tu répondis à mon appel, tu fis grandir en mon âme la force.
Tous les rois de la terre te rendent grâce quand ils entendent les paroles de ta bouche. Ils chantent les chemins du Seigneur : « Qu’elle est grande, la gloire du Seigneur ! »
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia. J’ai tout perdu; je considère tout comme des ordures, afin de gagner un seul avantage, le Christ et, en lui, d’être reconnu juste. Alléluia.
Évangile : Lc 9, 57-62
En ce temps-là, en cours de route, un homme dit à Jésus : « Je te suivrai partout où tu iras. » Jésus lui déclara : « Les renards ont des terriers, les oiseaux du ciel ont des nids ; mais le Fils de l’homme n’a pas d’endroit où reposer la tête. » Il dit à un autre : « Suis-moi. » L’homme répondit : « Seigneur, permets-moi d’aller d’abord enterrer mon père. » Mais Jésus répliqua : « Laisse les morts enterrer leurs morts. Toi, pars, et annonce le règne de Dieu. » Un autre encore lui dit :« Je te suivrai, Seigneur ; mais laisse-moi d’abord faire mes adieux aux gens de ma maison. » Jésus lui répondit : « Quiconque met la main à la charrue, puis regarde en arrière, n’est pas fait pour le royaume de Dieu. »
Prière sur les offrandes
En te présentant nos offrandes, Seigneur, nous t’adressons cette prière : dispose nos cœurs à célébrer le mystère de la croix auquel François d’Assise livra toute sa vie. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Ps 118
Heureux les pauvres de cœurs : le Royaume des cieux est à eux !
Prière après la communion
Par l’eucharistie que nous avons reçue, accorde-nous, Seigneur, qu’en imitant la charité de saint François et la générosité de son cœur d’apôtre, nous fassions servir au salut de tous, les grâces que ton amour nous a données. Par Jésus.
Méditation
Le Fils de l’Homme n’a pas d’abri, pas d’appui, rien ! Faut-il comprendre cette parole de Jésus comme l’expression d’une détresse semblable à celle d’une personne sans domicile fixe, d’un ambulant ? Jésus n’en était pas un, l’évangile Lui note plusieurs points d’attache. Il semble plutôt qu’il veuille recadrer l’enthousiasme de ceux qui veulent le suivre partout, n’importe où. Suivre le Christ n’est pas l’accomplissement d’un rêve de vie idéale de confort. Non, il faut s’attendre à un dépouillement radical, sans retour en arrière, comme le précise la fin de l’évangile. La mise en garde est rigoureuse, mais peut-elle décourager un cœur généreux et vraiment captivé par le Christ ?
by L'équipe de publication | Oct 2, 2023 | Evangelium
Saint Thomas Cantilupe
Originally from a rich Anglo-Norman family, he was ordained priest in 1245 while taking part in the First Council of Lyons. In 1275 he became Bishop of Hereford, where his austerity and his zeal as a reforming bishop became well known. He died while on a journey to the papal court, and was canonised in 1320.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Deut 32
The Lord led her and taught her, and kept her as the apple of his eye. Like an eagle spreading its wings he took her up and bore her on his shoulders. The Lord alone was her guide.
Collect
O God, who open your Kingdom to those who are humble and to little ones, lead us to follow trustingly in the little way of Saint Therese, so that through her intercession we may see your eternal glory revealed. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading: Zechariah 8:20-23
The Lord of Hosts says this: “There will be other peoples yet, and citizens of great cities. And the inhabitants of one city will go to the next and say, ‘Come, let us go and entreat the favour of the Lord, and seek the Lord of Hosts; I am going myself.’ And many peoples and great nations will come to seek the Lord of Hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favour of the Lord.” The Lord of Hosts says this: “In those days, ten men of nations of every language will take a Jew by the sleeve and say, “We want to go with you, since we have learnt that God is with you.’”
Psalm 86(87)
R/ God is with us.
On the holy mountain is his city cherished by the Lord. The Lord prefers the gates of Zion to all Jacob’s dwellings. Of you are told glorious things, O city of God!
‘Babylon and Egypt I will count among those who know me; Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia, these will be her children and Zion shall be called “Mother” for all shall be her children.’
It is he, the Lord Most High, who gives each his place. In his register of peoples he writes: ‘These are her children,’ and while they dance they will sing: ‘In you all find their home.’
Gospel Acclamation: Ps118:36, 29
Alleluia, alleluia! Bend my heart to your will, O Lord, and teach me your law. Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 9:51-56
As the time drew near for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely took the road for Jerusalem and sent messengers ahead of him. These set out, and they went into a Samaritan village to make preparations for him, but the people would not receive him because he was making for Jerusalem. Seeing this, the disciples James and John said, ‘Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to burn them up?’ But he turned and rebuked them, and they went off to another village.
Prayer over the Offerings
As we proclaim your wonders in Saint Therese, O Lord, we humbly implore your majesty, that, as her merits were pleasing to you, so, too, our dutiful service may find favour in your sight. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Mt 18: 3
Thus says the Lord: Unless you turn and become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
Prayer after Communion
May the Sacrament we have received, O Lord, kindle in us the force of that love with which Saint Therese dedicated herself to you and longed to obtain your mercy for all. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
It is through their attitude towards the Saviour of the world that people judge themselves worthy or unworthy of the salvation offered to them. They save themselves by reaching out for truth and life and by taking the only path that leads there. They condemn themselves by refusing to go down this path of salvation. This is why Jesus, who is the total revelation of God in our world, renounces the exercise of his omnipotence in the face of the refusal of men to accept his person, his message, his salvation. With Jesus, from now on, no more pressure, no more violence, but only the gentle persuasion of patience and love. May the Lord grant us the grace to peacefully propose the Good News to our rather violent world.
by L'équipe de publication | Oct 2, 2023 | Agenda Biblique
SAINT Gérard de Brogne
Ce moine doux et conciliant a été canonisé en 1131, lors du concile de Reims. Ayant renoncé à une vie d’officier, il se fit bénédictin à la mort de son père. Il s’initia à la vie monastique à saint Denis près de Paris et fonda une abbaye sur le domaine familial.
Antienne d’ouverture : Dn 3, 31
Tu nous as traités, Seigneur, en toute justice, car nous avons péché, nous n’avons pas écouté tes commandements. Mais, pour l’honneur de ton nom, traite-nous selon la richesse de ta miséricorde.
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu qui donnes la preuve suprême de ta puissance, lorsque tu patientes et prends pitié, Sans te lasser, accorde-nous ta grâce, en nous hâtant vers les biens que tu promets, nous parviendrons au bonheur du ciel. Par Jésus.
1ère lecture : Za 8, 20-23
Ainsi parle le Seigneur de l’univers:Voici que, de nouveau, des peuples afflueront, des habitants de nombreuses villes. Les habitants d’une ville iront dans une autre ville et diront: « Allons apaiser la face du Seigneur, allons chercher le Seigneur de l’univers! Quant à moi, j’y vais. » Des peuples nombreux et des nations puissantes viendront à Jérusalem chercher le Seigneur de l’univers et apaiser sa face. Ainsi parle le Seigneur de l’univers : En ces jours-là, dix hommes de toute langue et de toute nation saisiront un Juif par son vêtement et lui diront : « Nous voulons aller avec vous, car nous avons appris que Dieu est avec vous. »
Psaume : 86 (87), 1-3, 4, 5, 6-7
R/ Dieu est avec nous.
Elle est fondée sur les montagnes saintes. Le Seigneur aime les portes de Sion plus que toutes les demeures de Jacob. Pour ta gloire on parle de toi, ville de Dieu !
« Je cite l’Égypte et Babylone entre celles qui me connaissent.» Voyez Tyr, la Philistie, l’Éthiopie : chacune est née là-bas.
Mais on appelle Sion : « Ma mère ! » car en elle, tout homme est né. C’est lui, le Très-Haut, qui la maintient.
Au registre des peuples, le Seigneur écrit : « Chacun est né là-bas.» Tous ensemble ils dansent, et ils chantent : « En toi, toutes nos sources ! »
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia. Le Fils de l’homme est venu pour servir, et donner sa vie en rançon pour la multitude. Alléluia.
Évangile : Lc 9, 51-56
Comme s’accomplissait le temps où il allait être enlevé au ciel, Jésus, le visage déterminé, prit la route de Jérusalem. Il envoya, en avant de lui, des messagers; ceux-ci se mirent en route et entrèrent dans un village de Samaritains pour préparer sa venue. Mais on refusa de le recevoir, parce qu’il se dirigeait vers Jérusalem. Voyant cela, les disciples Jacques et Jean dirent: « Seigneur, veux-tu que nous ordonnions qu’un feu tombe du ciel et les détruise ? » Mais Jésus, se retournant, les réprimanda. Puis ils partirent pour un autre village.
Prière sur les offrandes
Dieu de miséricorde, accepte notre offrande : Qu’elle ouvre largement pour nous la source de toute bénédiction. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Ps 118
Souviens-toi, Seigneur, de la parole que tu m’as donnée; en elle j’ai mis mon espoir, et, dans ma misère, elle est pour moi un réconfort.
Prière après la communion
Que cette eucharistie, Seigneur, renouvelle nos esprits et nos corps, et nous donne part à l’héritage glorieux de celui qui nous unit à son sacrifice lorsque nous proclamons sa mort. Lui qui.
Méditation
C’est par leur attitude vis-à-vis du Sauveur du monde que les hommes se jugent eux-mêmes dignes ou indignes du salut à eux offert. Ils se sauvent en optant pour la vérité et la vie et en empruntant l’unique voie qui y mène. Ils se condamnent en refusant de prendre le chemin du salut. C’est pourquoi Jésus, qui est la totale révélation de Dieu en notre monde, renonce à exercer sa toute-puissance pour des hommes qui refuse d’accueillir sa personne, son message, son salut. Avec Jésus désormais, plus de contrainte, plus de violence, mais seulement la douce persuasion de la patience et de l’amour. Les deux frères Jacques et Jean retiendront la leçon et deviendront, chacun à sa manière, les deux plus grands témoins de cette vérité. Jésus est l’Amour incarné qui se propose et se donne sans réserve, respectant la liberté des hommes à l’accueillir ou à le rejeter, à l’aimer ou à le mépriser. Le disciple de Jésus doit participer à la même dynamique d’amour.
by L'équipe de publication | Oct 1, 2023 | Evangelium
The Holy Guardian Angels
The doctrine that every individual soul has a guardian angel is not an article of faith, but it is present in both the Old and New Testaments. As Jesus says, “see that you never despise any of these little ones, for I tell you that their angels in heaven always gaze on the face of my Father in heaven” Matthew 18:10-14. This feast reminds us that God cares for each of us, individuall
Entrance Antiphon: Dn 3: 58
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all for ever.
Collect
O God, who in your unfathomable providence are pleased to send your holy Angels to guard us, hear our supplication as we cry to you, that we may always be defended by their protection and rejoice eternally in their company. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading: Zechariah 8:1-8
The word of the Lord of Hosts was addressed to me as follows: “The Lord of Hosts says this. I am burning with jealousy for Zion, with great anger for her sake. The Lord of Hosts says this. I am coming back to Zion and shall dwell in the middle of Jerusalem. Jerusalem will be called Faithful City and the mountain of the Lord of Hosts, the Holy Mountain. The Lord of Hosts says this. Old men and old women will again sit down in the squares of Jerusalem; every one of them staff in hand because of their great age. And the squares of the city will be full of boys and girls playing in the squares. The Lord of Hosts says this. If this seems a miracle to the remnant of this people (in those days), will it seem one to me? It is the Lord of Hosts who speaks. The Lord of Hosts says this. Now I am going to save my people from the countries of the East and from the countries of the West. I will bring them back to live inside Jerusalem. They shall be my people and I will be their God in faithfulness and integrity.”
Psalm 101(102):16-21, 29, 22-23
R/ The Lord shall build up Zion again and appear in all his glory.
The nations shall fear the name of the Lord and all the earth’s kings your glory, when the Lord shall build up Zion again and appear in all his glory. Then he will turn to the prayers of the helpless; he will not despise their prayers.
Let this be written for ages to come that a people yet unborn may praise the Lord; for the Lord leaned down from his sanctuary on high. He looked down from heaven to the earth that he might hear the groans of the prisoners and free those condemned to die.
The sons of your servants shall dwell untroubled and their race shall endure before you that the name of the Lord may be proclaimed in Zion and his praise in the heart of Jerusalem, when peoples and kingdoms are gathered together to pay their homage to the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation: Ps102:21
Alleluia, alleluia! Give thanks to the Lord, all his hosts, his servants who do his will. Alleluia!
Gospel: Matthew 18:1-5, 10
The disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” So he called a little child to him and set the child in front of them. Then he said, “I tell you solemnly, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. And so, the one who makes himself as little as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Anyone who welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. See that you never despise any of these little ones, for I tell you that their angels in heaven are continually in the presence of my Father in heaven.”
Prayer over the Offerings
Receive, O Lord, the offerings we bring before you as we venerate your holy Angels, and graciously grant that under their constant protection we may be delivered from present dangers and brought happily to life eternal. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Ps 137: 1
In the presence of the Angels I will praise you, my God.
Prayer after Communion
As you are pleased to nourish us for eternal life with so great a Sacrament, O Lord, direct us by the ministry of Angels into the way of salvation and peace. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
It should not be too difficult for us to imagine that angels could exist. Why shouldn’t the power of God, who creates the galaxies, have given life to creatures that are invisible to our eyes, yet very real? We find it much harder to imagine that these creatures could be interested in us. And yet the Bible is recounts stories of these divine beings who come to guide and advise the likes of Abraham, Jacob, Moses or Tobias. Jesus goes further and tells us that even the least of children has an angel who sees the face of the Father continually. The angel, contemplating God, teaches us what our true vocation is: adoration.
