by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 28, 2023 | Agenda Biblique
Lundi 29 Mai
8ème Semaine du Temps Ordinaire, Psautier IV
Saint Paul VI, Pape
Saint Maximin
BVM, mère de l’Eglise
Devenu évêque de Trèves en 325, il lutta contre l’hérésie arienne qui atteint une grande partie de l’Église. Il est salué par saint Jérôme comme « l’un des évêques les plus courageux de son temps ».
BLANC/VERT
Antienne d’ouverture
D’un seul cœur, les Apôtres participaient fidèlement à la prière Avec Marie, la mère de Jésus.
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu de miséricorde, notre Père, ton Fils unique, en mourant sur la Croix, a voulu que la Vierge Marie, sa mère, soit aussi notre mère. Accorde à ton Eglise, soutenue par son amour, la joie de donner naissance à des enfants toujours plus nombreux, de les voir grandir en sainteté et d’attirer à elle toutes les familles des peuples. Par Jésus Christ.
Première lecture : Si 17, 24-29
À ceux qui se repentent, Dieu ouvre le chemin du retour ; il réconforte ceux qui manquent de persévérance. Convertis-toi au Seigneur, et renonce à tes péchés ; mets-toi devant lui pour prier, et diminue tes occasions de chute. Reviens vers le Très-Haut et détourne-toi de l’injustice ; les actions abominables, déteste-les. Qui pourra célébrer le Très-Haut dans le séjour des morts, remplacer les vivants qui lui rendent gloire ? La louange est enlevée au mort puisqu’il n’est plus ; c’est le vivant, le bien-portant, qui célébrera le Seigneur. Qu’elle est grande, la miséricorde du Seigneur, qu’il est grand, son pardon pour ceux qui se convertissent à lui !
Psaume : 31 (32), 1-2, 5, 6, 7
R/ Que le Seigneur soit votre joie ! Exultez, hommes justes ! (Ps 31, 11ab)
1. Heureux l’homme dont la faute est enlevée, et le péché remis ! Heureux l’homme dont le Seigneur ne retient pas l’offense, dont l’esprit est sans fraude !
2. Je t’ai fait connaître ma faute, je n’ai pas caché mes torts. J’ai dit : « Je rendrai grâce au Seigneur en confessant mes péchés. »
3. Et toi, tu as enlevé l’offense de ma faute. Ainsi chacun des tiens te priera aux heures décisives ; même les eaux qui débordent ne peuvent l’atteindre.
4. Tu es un refuge pour moi, mon abri dans la détresse ; de chants de délivrance, tu m’as entouré.
Acclamation :
Alléluia. Alléluia. Jésus Christ s’est fait pauvre, lui qui était riche, pour que vous deveniez riches par sa pauvreté. Alléluia. (cf. 2 Co 8, 9)
Evangile : Mc 10, 17-27
En ce temps-là, Jésus se mettait en route quand un homme accourut et, tombant à ses genoux, lui demanda : « Bon Maître, que dois-je faire pour avoir la vie éternelle en héritage ? » Jésus lui dit : « Pourquoi dire que je suis bon ? Personne n’est bon, sinon Dieu seul. Tu connais les commandements : Ne commets pas de meurtre, ne commets pas d’adultère, ne commets pas de vol, ne porte pas de faux témoignage, ne fais de tort à personne, honore ton père et ta mère. » L’homme répondit : « Maître, tout cela, je l’ai observé depuis ma jeunesse. » Jésus posa son regard sur lui, et il l’aima. Il lui dit : « Une seule chose te manque : va, vends ce que tu as et donne-le aux pauvres ; alors tu auras un trésor au ciel. Puis viens, suis-moi. » Mais lui, à ces mots, devint sombre et s’en alla tout triste, car il avait de grands biens. Alors Jésus regarda autour de lui et dit à ses disciples : « Comme il sera difficile à ceux qui possèdent des richesses d’entrer dans le royaume de Dieu ! » Les disciples étaient stupéfaits de ces paroles. Jésus reprenant la parole leur dit: « Mes enfants, comme il est difficile d’entrer dans le royaume de Dieu ! Il est plus facile à un chameau de passer par le trou d’une aiguille qu’à un riche d’entrer dans le royaume de Dieu. » De plus en plus déconcertés, les disciples se demandaient entre eux : « Mais alors, qui peut être sauvé ? » Jésus les regarde et dit: « Pour les hommes, c’est impossible, mais pas pour Dieu ; car tout est possible à Dieu. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Accueille, Seigneur, nos offrandes pour en faire le mystère de notre salut : Que sa puissance brûle nos cœurs du même amour que la Vierge Marie, Mère de l’Église, afin que nous puissions plus intimement participer avec elle à l’œuvre de la rédemption. Par Jésus, le Christ, notre Seigneur.
Antienne de communion : cf. Jn 19, 26-27
Suspendu à la croix, Jésus dit au disciple qu’il aimait : « Voici ta mère».
Prière après la communion
Nous avons reçu le gage de la rédemption et de la vie, et nous te supplions encore, Seigneur : Qu’avec l’aide maternelle de la Vierge Marie, ton Église proclame à tous les peuples le message de l’Évangile et qu’elle remplisse le monde entier de l’effusion de ton Esprit. Par Jésus, le Christ, notre Seigneur.
MEDITATION
Jésus ne nous invite pas à la médiocrité. Il demande tout, mais il le demande avec beaucoup d’amour. Le jeune homme mène clairement une vie respectable, mais cela ne suffit pas. Si nous étions à la place de cet homme comment réagirions-nous à ce que Jésus demande ? Que nous dit sa réaction pour notre vie spirituelle ?
Vers la fin de l’évangile, Jésus précise que nos propres efforts ne peuvent jamais nous mettre en possession de la vie éternelle. Ce que nous ne pouvons pas faire, Christ l’a fait pour nous et le fait en nous. Prions pour la grâce de rejeter tout ce qui se dresse entre nous et Lui, de nous abandonner à lui, afin que nous puissions déjà jouir de la vie éternelle ici-bas.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 28, 2023 | Evangelium
MONDAY 29 MAY
Mary, Mother of the Church
Blessed Joseph Gerard
Mary had been present at the very beginnings of the Church. She was there at the Annunciation when her humble consent in purity of heart allowed the Son of God to take flesh in her virginal womb. The title, Mother of the Church (Mater Ecclesiae) was first used by Berengaud, bishop of Treves (d. 1125) in his writings.
Entrance Antiphon
The disciples devoted themselves with one accord to prayer with Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Collect
O God, Father of mercies, whose Only Begotten Son, as he hung upon the Cross, chose the Blessed Virgin Mary, his Mother, to be our Mother also; grant, we pray, that with her loving help, your Church may be more fruitful day by day, and exulting in the holiness of her children, may draw to her embrace all the families of the peoples. 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 : Acts 1:12-14
After Jesus was taken up into heaven the apostles went back from the Mount of Olives, as it is called, to Jerusalem, a short distance away, no more than a Sabbath walk; and when they reached the city they went to the upper room where they were staying; there were Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Jude son of James. All these joined in continuous prayer, together with several women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
Psalm 86(87)
Of you are told glorious things, O city of God!
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! “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
Alleluia, alleluia! Happy are you, holy Virgin Mary, and most worthy of all praise, for from you arose the sun of justice, Christ our God. Alleluia!
Gospel: John 19: 25-34
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. Seeing his mother and the disciple he loved standing near her, Jesus said to his mother, ‘Woman, this is your son.’ Then to the disciple he said, “This is your mother.” And from that moment the disciple made a place for her in his home. After this, Jesus knew that everything had now been completed, and to fulfil the scripture perfectly he said, “I am thirsty.” A jar full of vinegar stood there, so putting a sponge soaked in the vinegar on a hyssop stick they held it up to his mouth. After Jesus had taken the vinegar he said, “It is accomplished”; and bowing his head he gave up his spirit. It was Preparation Day, and to prevent the bodies remaining on the cross during the Sabbath – since that Sabbath was a day of special solemnity – the Jews asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken away. Consequently the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with him and then of the other. When they came to Jesus, they found he was already dead, and so instead of breaking his legs one of the soldiers pierced his side with a lance; and immediately there came out blood and water.
Prayer over the Offerings
Receive our offerings, O Lord, and transform them into the mystery of salvation, so that by its power we may be set aflame with the charity of the Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, and with her may be united more closely to the work of redemption. Through Christ our Lord
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Jn2:1, 11
A wedding was held in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; then Jesus performed the first of his signs and manifested his glory and his disciples believed in him.
Prayer after Communion
Having received the pledge of redemption and of life we humbly pray, O Lord, that with the Blessed Virgin’s motherly help your Church may teach all nations by proclaiming the Gospel and, thanks to the outpouring of the Spirit, may fill the whole earth. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
The figure of Mary, our Mother, is at the centre of our scriptural meditation today. In the first reading, she is present among the apostles gathered for prayer. In the Gospel, she is at the foot of the cross and as such, Saint John presents her as a very important disciple of Jesus Christ. Jesus offers Mary to John as the latter’s mother, and John to Mary as her son. This teaches us that Mary is the mother of the Church, founded by Jesus himself upon the twelve apostles. Mary is given to us as the mother of the Church and as our mother. We can entrust our cries and worries to her.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 27, 2023 | Agenda Biblique
Dimanche 28 Mai
Dimanche de la Pentecôte
Saint Germain
D’abord abbé de Saint-Symphorien d’Autun, puis appelé au siège épiscopal de Paris, il conserva son mode de vie monastique en exerçant avec fruit sa tâche de pasteur, charitable envers les pauvres et veillant à la fondation du monastère de la Sainte-Croix, où il fut enterré et qui prit son nom.
ROUGE
Antienne d’ouverture : Sg 1, 7
L´Esprit du Seigneur remplit l´univers, et lui qui englobe toutes choses, sait se faire comprendre des hommes de toutes langues, alléluia.
Prière d’ouverture
Aujourd´hui, Seigneur, par le mystère de la Pentecôte, tu sanctifies ton Église chez tous les peuples et dans toutes les nations; Répands les dons du Saint-Esprit sur l´immensité du monde, et continue dans les cœurs des croyants l´œuvre d´amour que tu as entreprise au début de la prédication évangélique. Par Jésus Christ.
Première lecture : Ac 2, 1-11
Quand arriva le jour de la Pentecôte, au terme des cinquante jours après Pâques, ils se trouvaient réunis tous ensemble. Soudain un bruit survint du ciel comme un violent coup de vent : la maison où ils étaient assis en fut remplie tout entière. Alors leur apparurent des langues qu’on aurait dites de feu, qui se partageaient, et il s’en posa une sur chacun d’eux. Tous furent remplis d’Esprit Saint : ils se mirent à parler en d’autres langues, et chacun s’exprimait selon le don de l’Esprit. Or, il y avait, résidant à Jérusalem, des Juifs religieux, venant de toutes les nations sous le ciel. Lorsque ceux-ci entendirent la voix qui retentissait, ils se rassemblèrent en foule. Ils étaient en pleine confusion parce que chacun d’eux entendait dans son propre dialecte ceux qui parlaient. Dans la stupéfaction et l’émerveillement, ils disaient : « Ces gens qui parlent ne sont-ils pas tous galiléens ? Comment se fait-il que chacun de nous les entende dans son propre dialecte, sa langue maternelle ? Parthes, Mèdes et Élamites, habitants de la Mésopotamie, de la Judée et de la Cappadoce, de la province du Pont et de celle d’Asie, de la Phrygie et de la Pamphylie, de l’Égypte et des contrées de Libye proches de Cyrène, Romains de passage, Juifs de naissance et convertis, Crétois et Arabes, tous nous les entendons parler dans nos langues des merveilles de Dieu. »
Psaume : 103 (104), 1ab.24ac, 29bc-30, 31.34
R/ Ô Seigneur, envoie ton Esprit qui renouvelle la face de la terre !
1. Bénis le Seigneur, ô mon âme ; Seigneur mon Dieu, tu es si grand ! Quelle profusion dans tes oeuvres, Seigneur ! La terre s’emplit de tes biens.
2. Tu reprends leur souffle, ils expirent et retournent à leur poussière. Tu envoies ton souffle : ils sont créés ; tu renouvelles la face de la terre.
3. Gloire au Seigneur à tout jamais ! Que Dieu se réjouisse en ses œuvres ! Que mon poème lui soit agréable ; moi, je me réjouis dans le Seigneur.
Deuxième lecture : 1 Co 12, 3b-7.12-13
Frères, personne n’est capable de dire : « Jésus est Seigneur » sinon dans l’Esprit Saint. Les dons de la grâce sont variés, mais c’est le même Esprit. Les services sont variés, mais c’est le même Seigneur. Les activités sont variées, mais c’est le même Dieu qui agit en tout et en tous. À chacun est donnée la manifestation de l’Esprit en vue du bien. Prenons une comparaison : le corps ne fait qu’un, il a pourtant plusieurs membres ; et tous les membres, malgré leur nombre, ne forment qu’un seul corps. Il en est ainsi pour le Christ. C’est dans un unique Esprit, en effet, que nous tous, Juifs ou païens, esclaves ou hommes libres, nous avons été baptisés pour former un seul corps. Tous, nous avons été désaltérés par un unique Esprit.
Acclamation :
Alléluia. Alléluia. Viens, Esprit Saint ! Emplis le cœur de tes fidèles ! Allume en eux le feu de ton amour ! Alléluia.
Évangile : Jn 20, 19-23
C’était après la mort de Jésus ; le soir venu, en ce premier jour de la semaine, alors que les portes du lieu où se trouvaient les disciples étaient verrouillées par crainte des Juifs, Jésus vint, et il était là au milieu d’eux. Il leur dit : « La paix soit avec vous ! » Après cette parole, il leur montra ses mains et son côté. Les disciples furent remplis de joie en voyant le Seigneur. Jésus leur dit de nouveau : « La paix soit avec vous ! De même que le Père m’a envoyé, moi aussi, je vous envoie. » Ayant ainsi parlé, il souffla sur eux et il leur dit : « Recevez l’Esprit Saint. À qui vous remettrez ses péchés, ils seront remis ; à qui vous maintiendrez ses péchés, ils seront maintenus. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Dieu notre Père, réponds à notre attente, souviens-toi de la promesse de ton Fils: Que l´Esprit Saint nous fasse pénétrer plus avant dans l´intelligence du mystère eucharistique et nous ouvre à la vérité tout entière. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion: Ac 2, 4. 11
Les disciples furent remplis de l´Esprit Saint, pour aller proclamer les merveilles de Dieu, alléluia
Prière après la communion
Dieu qui accordes les biens du ciel à ton Église, protège la grâce que tu viens de lui donner: Que le souffle de la Pentecôte agisse avec toujours plus de force; que ce repas sanctifié par l´Esprit fasse progresser le monde vers son salut. Par Jésus.
MEDITATION
Jésus est venu vers les disciples au moment de leur grande peur. Il s’approcha d’eux, bien que les portes fussent fermées. Il vient aussi à moi, partout où je suis enfermé par la peur, et il me donne sa paix. Pensons à tous ces lieux de nos vies où règne la peur. Imaginons Jésus se tenant devant nous et disant « La paix soit avec vous ». Je reste là un petit moment, regardant Jésus, écoutant ses paroles de paix, sentant le calme revenir dans mon cœur. Et Jésus souffle sur moi et me donne le Saint-Esprit, l’Esprit de paix, de vérité et de joie. Tournons-nous vers cet Esprit pour obtenir de l’aide chaque fois que la peur menace de nous submerger dans nos vies.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 27, 2023 | Evangelium
SUNDAY 28 MAY
Pentecost – Mass of the Day
Entrance Antiphon: Wis 1: 7
The Spirit of the Lord has filled the whole world and that which contains all things understands what is said, alleluia.
Collect
O God, who by the mystery of today’s great feast, sanctify your whole Church in every people and nation, pour out, we pray, the gifts of the Holy Spirit across the face of the earth, and, with the divine grace that was at work when the Gospel was first proclaimed, fill now, once more the hearts of believers. 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: Acts 2:1-11
When Pentecost day came round, they had all met in one room, when suddenly they heard what sounded like a powerful wind from heaven, the noise of which filled the entire house in which they were sitting; and something appeared to them that seemed like tongues of fire; these separated and came to rest on the head of each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak foreign languages as the Spirit gave them the gift of speech. Now there were devout men living in Jerusalem from every nation under heaven, and at this sound they all assembled, each one bewildered to hear these men speaking his own language. They were amazed and astonished. “Surely”, they said, “all these men speaking are Galileans? How does it happen that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; people from Mesopotamia, Judaea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya round Cyrene; as well as visitors from Rome – Jews and proselytes alike – Cretans and Arabs; we hear them preaching in our own language about the marvels of God.”
Psalm 103:1, 24, 29-31, 34
R/ Send forth your spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth.
Bless the Lord, my soul! Lord God, how great you are! How many are your works, O Lord! The earth is full of your riches.
You take back your spirit, they die, returning to the dust from which they came. You send forth your spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the earth.
May the glory of the Lord last for ever! May the Lord rejoice in his works! May my thoughts be pleasing to him. I find my joy in the Lord.
Second reading: 1 Cor. 12:3-7,12-13
No one can say, “Jesus is Lord” unless he is under the influence of the Holy Spirit. There is a variety of gifts but always the same Spirit; there are all sorts of service to be done, but always to the same Lord; working in all sorts of different ways in different people, it is the same God who is working in all of them. The particular way in which the Spirit is given to each person is for a good purpose. Just as a human body, though it is made up of many parts, is a single unit because all these parts, though many, make one body, so it is with Christ. In the one Spirit we were all baptised, Jews as well as Greeks, slaves as well as citizens, and one Spirit was given to us all to drink.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Alleluia!
Gospel: John 20:19-23
In the evening of the first day of the week, the doors were closed in the room where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them. He said to them, “Peace be with you”, and showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord, and he said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so am I sending you. After saying this he breathed on them and said: “Receive the Holy Spirit. For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain, they are retained.”
Prayer over the Offerings
Grant, we pray, O Lord, that, as promised by your Son, the Holy Spirit may reveal to us more abundantly the hidden mystery of this sacrifice and graciously lead us into all truth. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Acts 2: 4, 11
They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke of the marvels of God, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
O God, who bestow heavenly gifts upon your Church, safeguard, we pray, the grace you have given, that the gift of the Holy Spirit poured out upon her may retain all its force and that this spiritual food may gain her abundance of eternal redemption. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Jesus came to the disciples at the time of their greatest fear. He came to them even though the doors were closed. He comes to me too, wherever I am shut in by fear, and he gives me his peace. Today I can think of those areas of my life that scare me. I imagine Jesus coming to me, standing in front of me and saying “Peace be with you”. I stand there for a little while, looking at Jesus, listening to his words of peace, feeling the calm return to my heart. And Jesus breathes on me and gives me the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of peace, truth and joy. I can turn to this Spirit for help whenever fear threatens or overwhelm my life.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 26, 2023 | Evangelium
SATURDAY 27 MAY
SAINT Augustin
of Canterbury
Augustine was consecrated archbishop of the English, and then returned to Canterbury to set up his see. The mission prospered, and he founded two more sees, at London and at Rochester in Kent. Augustine died at Canterbury on 26 May 605.
Entrance Antiphon: Acts 1: 14
The disciples devoted themselves with one accord to prayer with the women, and Mary the Mother of Jesus, and his brethren, alleluia!
Collect
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that we, who have celebrated the paschal festivities, may by your gift hold fast to them in the way that we live our lives. 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: Acts 28:16-20,30-31
On our arrival in Rome Paul was allowed to stay in lodgings of his own with the soldier who guarded him. After three days he called together the leading Jews. When they had assembled, he said to them, “Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. They examined me and would have set me free, since they found me guilty of nothing involving the death penalty; but the Jews lodged an objection, and I was forced to appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation to make against my own nation. That is why I have asked to see you and talk to you, for it is on account of the hope of Israel that I wear this chain.” Paul spent the whole of the two years in his own rented lodging. He welcomed all who came to visit him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching the truth about the Lord Jesus Christ with complete freedom and without hindrance from anyone.
Psalm: 10(11): 4-5, 7
R/ The upright shall see your face, O Lord.
The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord, whose throne is in heaven. His eyes look down on the world; his gaze tests mortal men.
The Lord tests the just and the wicked; the lover of violence he hates. The Lord is just and loves justice; the upright shall see his face.
Gospel Acclamation: Col 3:1
Alleluia, alleluia! Since you have been brought back to true life with Christ, you must look for the things that are in heaven, where Christ is, sitting at God’s right hand. Alleluia!
Gospel: John 21:20-25
Peter turned and saw the disciple Jesus loved following them – the one who had leaned on his breast at the supper and had said to him, “Lord, who is it that will betray you?” Seeing him, Peter said to Jesus, “What about him, Lord?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to stay behind till I come, what does it matter to you? You are to follow me.” The rumour then went out among the brothers that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus had not said to Peter, “He will not die”, but, “If I want him to stay behind till I come.” This disciple is the one who vouches for these things and has written them down, and we know that his testimony is true. There were many other things that Jesus did; if all were written down, the world itself, I suppose, would not hold all the books that would have to be written.
Prayer over the Offerings
May the Holy Spirit coming near, we pray, O Lord, prepare our minds for the divine Sacrament, since the Spirit himself is the remission of all sins. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Jn 16: 14
The Holy Spirit will glorify me, for he will take from what is mine and declare it to you, says the Lord, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
Hear in your compassion our prayers, O Lord, that, as we have been brought from things of the past to new mysteries, so, with former ways left behind, we may be made new in holiness of mind. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
The disciple whom Jesus loved. What a description of anyone! Have I ever thought of myself as “the one whom Jesus loved” or have I had an experience that I can remember where I considered myself especially loved by Jesus? To love Jesus and to be loved by Jesus imply following him. Yes, you have to “follow” him in order to fully experience his love. The beloved disciple is charged with “bearing witness” to what has happened in his or her life. I, too, am called to “bear witness” to the “great things the Lord has done” in my life. “For the Mighty One has done great things for me” as I am reminded by Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1:49).
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 25, 2023 | Evangelium
FRIDAY 26 MAY
SAINT Philippe Néri
He was born in Florence in 1515. At the age of eighteen he went to Rome, and earned his living as a tutor. He undertook much-needed charitable work among the young men of the city, and started a brotherhood to help the sick poor and pilgrims.
Entrance Antiphon: Rom 5: 5; cf. 8,
The love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Spirit of God dwelling within us, alleluia.
Collect
O God, who never cease to bestow the glory of holiness on the faithful servants you raise up for yourself, graciously grant that the Holy Spirit may kindle in us that fire with which he wonderfully filled the heart of Saint Philip Neri. 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: Acts 25:13-21
King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesarea and paid their respects to Festus. Their visit lasted several days, and Festus put Paul’s case before the king. “There is a man here”, he said “whom Felix left behind in custody, and while I was in Jerusalem the chief priests and elders of the Jews laid information against him, demanding his condemnation. But I told them that Romans are not in the habit of surrendering any man, until the accused confronts his accusers and is given an opportunity to defend himself against the charge. So they came here with me, and I wasted no time but took my seat on the tribunal the very next day and had the man brought in. When confronted with him, his accusers did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected; but they had some argument or other with him about their own religion and about a dead man called Jesus whom Paul alleged to be alive. Not feeling qualified to deal with questions of this sort, I asked him if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem to be tried there on this issue. But Paul put in an appeal for his case to be reserved for the judgement of the august emperor, so I ordered him to be remanded until I could send him to Caesar.”
Psalm 102:1-2, 11-12, 19-20
R/ The Lord has set his sway in heaven.
My soul, give thanks to the Lord all my being, bless his holy name. My soul, give thanks to the Lord and never forget all his blessings.
For as the heavens are high above the earth so strong is his love for those who fear him. As far as the East is from the West, so far does he remove our sins.
The Lord has set his sway in heaven and his kingdom is ruling over all. Give thanks to the Lord, all his angels, mighty in power, fulfilling his word.
Gospel Acclamation: Jn 14: 26
Alleluia, alleluia! The Holy Spirit will teach you everything and remind you of all I have said to you. Alleluia!
Gospel: John 21:15-19
After Jesus had shown himself to his disciples and eaten with them, he said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these others do?” He answered, “Yes Lord, you know I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He replied, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Look after my sheep.” Then he said to him a third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was upset that he asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” and said, “Lord, you know everything; you know I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. I tell you most solemnly, when you were young you put on your own belt and walked where you liked; but when you grow old you will stretch out your hands, and somebody else will put a belt round you and take you where you would rather not go.” In these words he indicated the kind of death by which Peter would give glory to God. After this he said, “Follow me.”
Prayer over the Offerings
As we offer you the sacrifice of praise, O Lord, we ask that by the example of Saint Philip we may always give ourselves cheerfully for the glory of your name and the service of our neighbour. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Jn 15: 9
As the Father loves me, so I also love you; remain in my love, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
Having fed upon these heavenly delights, we pray, O Lord, that in imitation of Saint Philip we may always long for that food by which we truly live. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Do you love me? Peter was asked this question, and we, like him, are being asked the same. Do I see the goodness that Jesus sees in me? As Peter stands before Jesus, it is reasonable to assume that he is all too aware of his failure to stand with and for his beloved master during the Passion. And Jesus focuses on his ability to love, not his failure. He does not rebuke him for his betrayals. Because he loves, Peter is reinstated and given a great responsibility to care for the early Christian community. Is this a problem for me, focusing on my failures and being unable to accept that the Lord loves me as I am? Pray and ask God to show you how much he loves you, and that you may be able to understand the signs he gives you.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 24, 2023 | Agenda Biblique
Jeudi 25 Mai
Saint Bède le Vénérable, Prêtre et Docteur de l’Église
Le Vénérable, prêtre et docteur de l’Église qui passa toute sa vie au service du Christ. Orphelin à l’âge de sept ans, il fut confié, au monastère de Wearmouth, à saint Benoît Biscop, puis par celui-ci à saint Céolfrid, au monastère de Jarrow en Northumbrie où il vécut comme moine tout le reste de sa vie, tout occupé à méditer et à commenter les saintes Écritures, à pratiquer avec soin l’observance régulière, à chanter chaque jour les louanges divines, trouvant son plaisir à apprendre, à enseigner et à écrire, jusqu’à sa mort en 735.
Blanc
Antienne d’ouverture He 4, 16
Avançons-nous avec pleine assurance vers le Dieu tout puissant qui fait grâce pour obtenir miséricorde et recevoir, en ce temps voulu la grâce de son secours, alléluia.
Prière d’ouverture
Que ton Esprit Saint, Dieu créateur, nous transforme par ses dons : qu’il change notre cœur en un cœur que tu aimes, parfaitement accordé à ta volonté. Par Jésus Christ.
Première lecture : Ac 22, 30; 23, 6-11
En ces jours-là, Paul avait été arrêté à Jérusalem. Le lendemain, le commandant voulut savoir avec certitude de quoi les Juifs l’accusaient. Il lui fit enlever ses liens ; puis il convoqua les grands prêtres et tout le Conseil suprême, et il fit descendre Paul pour l’amener devant eux. Sachant que le Conseil suprême se répartissait entre sadducéens et pharisiens, Paul s’écria devant eux : « Frères, moi, je suis pharisien, fils de pharisiens. C’est à cause de notre espérance, la résurrection des morts, que je passe en jugement. » À peine avait-il dit cela, qu’il y eut un affrontement entre pharisiens et sadducéens, et l’assemblée se divisa. En effet, les sadducéens disent qu’il n’y a pas de résurrection, pas plus que d’ange ni d’esprit, tandis que les pharisiens professent tout cela. Il se fit alors un grand vacarme. Quelques scribes du côté des pharisiens se levèrent et protestèrent vigoureusement : « Nous ne trouvons rien de mal chez cet homme. Et si c’était un esprit qui lui avait parlé, ou un ange ? » L’affrontement devint très violent, et le commandant craignit que Paul ne se fasse écharper. Il ordonna à la troupe de descendre pour l’arracher à la mêlée et le ramener dans la forteresse. La nuit suivante, le Seigneur vint auprès de Paul et lui dit : « Courage ! Le témoignage que tu m’as rendu à Jérusalem, il faut que tu le rendes aussi à Rome. »
Psaume : 15 (16), 1-2a.5, 7-8, 9-10, 11
R/ Garde- moi, mon Dieu : j’ai fait de toi mon refuge.
1. Garde- moi, mon Dieu : j’ai fait de toi mon refuge. J’ai dit au Seigneur : « Tu es mon Dieu ! Seigneur, mon partage et ma coupe : de toi dépend mon sort. »
2. Je bénis le Seigneur qui me conseille : même la nuit mon cœur m’avertit. Je garde le Seigneur devant moi sans relâche ; il est à ma droite : je suis inébranlable.
3. Mon cœur exulte, mon âme est en fête, ma chair elle-même repose en confiance : tu ne peux m’abandonner à la mort ni laisser ton ami voir la corruption.
4. Tu m’apprends le chemin de la vie : devant ta face, débordement de joie ! À ta droite, éternité de délices !
Acclamation :
Alléluia. Alléluia. Que tous soient un, comme toi, Père, tu es en moi, et moi en toi, pour que le monde croie que tu m’as envoyé. Alléluia. (Jn 17, 21)
Evangile : Jn 17, 20-26
En ce temps-là, les yeux levés au ciel, Jésus priait ainsi : « Père saint, je ne prie pas seulement pour ceux qui sont là, mais encore pour ceux qui, grâce à leur parole, croiront en moi. Que tous soient un, comme toi, Père, tu es en moi, et moi en toi. Qu’ils soient un en nous, eux aussi, pour que le monde croie que tu m’as envoyé. Et moi, je leur ai donné la gloire que tu m’as donnée, pour qu’ils soient un comme nous sommes UN : moi en eux, et toi en moi. Qu’ils deviennent ainsi parfaitement un, afin que le monde sache que tu m’as envoyé, et que tu les as aimés comme tu m’as aimé. Père, ceux que tu m’as donnés, je veux que là où je suis, ils soient eux aussi avec moi, et qu’ils contemplent ma gloire, celle que tu m’as donnée parce que tu m’as aimé avant la fondation du monde. Père juste, le monde ne t’a pas connu, mais moi je t’ai connu, et ceux-ci ont reconnu que tu m’as envoyé. Je leur ai fait connaître ton nom, et je le ferai connaître, pour que l’amour dont tu m’as aimé soit en eux, et que moi aussi, je sois en eux. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Dans ta bonté, Seigneur, sanctifie ces dons ; accepte le sacrifice spirituel de cette Eucharistie, et fais de nous-mêmes une éternelle offrande à ta gloire. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion
Jésus déclarait à ses disciples « Je vous dis la vérité : c’est votre intérêt que je m’en aille ; car, si je ne m’en vais pas, l’Esprit Saint, le Défenseur ne viendra pas à vous», alléluia.
Prière après la communion :
Aide-nous à trouver, Seigneur, dans l’eucharistie que nous venons de célébrer un enseignement qui nous éclaire et des vivres qui soient notre force, afin que nous puissions ouvrir nos cœurs a toutes les richesses de ton Esprit. Par Jésus.
MEDITATION
Jésus fait connaître Dieu par l’amour parfait qu’il manifeste pour ses disciples fragiles. Les disciples doivent être reconnus comme envoyés par Jésus par l’amour qu’ils ont les uns pour les autres. Il y a plus de 300 références à l’amour dans le Nouveau Testament. L’amour est le plus grand cadeau de Dieu pour nous. Par notre amour mutuel, nous révélons l’amour de Dieu au monde. Les païens se disaient au temps de l’Église primitive : « Voyez comme ces chrétiens s’aiment ! »
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 24, 2023 | Evangelium
THURSDAY 25 MAY
Pope SAINT Gregory VII
He was born in Tuscany. He became a monk, and assisted several Popes in reforming and purifying the Church. He was elected pope in 1073 and took the name of Gregory VII. He fought single-mindedly to free the Church from harmful influences and dependence on the state.
Entrance Antiphon: Heb 4: 16
With boldness let us approach the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace as a timely help, alleluia.
Collect
May your Spirit, O Lord, we pray, imbue us powerfully with spiritual gifts, that he may give us a mind pleasing to you and graciously conform us 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: Acts 22:30,23:6-11
Since the tribune wanted to know what precise charge the Jews were bringing, he freed Paul and gave orders for a meeting of the chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin; then he brought Paul down and stood him in front of them. Now Paul was well aware that one section was made up of Sadducees and the other of Pharisees, so he called out in the Sanhedrin, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee and the son of Pharisees. It is for our hope in the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.” As soon as he said this a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was split between the two parties. For the Sadducees say there is neither resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, while the Pharisees accept all three. The shouting grew louder, and some of the Scribes from the Pharisees’ party stood up and protested strongly, “We find nothing wrong with this man. Suppose a spirit has spoken to him, or an angel?” Feeling was running high, and the tribune, afraid that they would tear Paul to pieces, ordered his troops to go down and haul him out and bring him into the fortress. Next night, the Lord appeared to him and said, “Courage! You have borne witness for me in Jerusalem, now you must do the same in Rome.”
Psalm 15:1-2,5,7-11
R/ Preserve me, Lord, I take refuge in you.
Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you. I say to the Lord: ‘You are my God. O Lord, it is you who are my portion and cup; it is you yourself who are my prize.’
I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel, who even at night directs my heart. I keep the Lord ever in my sight: since he is at my right hand, I shall stand firm.
And so my heart rejoices, my soul is glad; even my body shall rest in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead, nor let your beloved know decay.
You will show me the path of life, the fullness of joy in your presence, at your right hand happiness for ever.
Gospel Acclamation: cf.Jn16:7,13
Alleluia, alleluia! I will send you the Spirit of truth, says the Lord; he will lead you to the complete truth. Alleluia!
Gospel: John 17:20-26
Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said: “Holy Father, I pray not only for these, but for those also who through their words will believe in me. May they all be one. Father, may they be one in us, as you are in me and I am in you, so that the world may believe it was you who sent me. I have given them the glory you gave to me, that they may be one as we are one. With me in them and you in me, may they be so completely one that the world will realise that it was you who sent me and that I have loved them as much as you loved me. Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, so that they may always see the glory you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Father, Righteous One, the world has not known you, but I have known you, and these have known that you have sent me. I have made your name known to them and will continue to make it known, so that the love with which you loved me may be in them, and so that I may be in them.”
Prayer over the Offerings
Graciously sanctify these gifts, O Lord, we pray, and, accepting the oblation of this spiritual sacrifice, make of us an eternal offering to you. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Jn 16: 7
I tell you the truth, it is for your good that I go; for if I do not go away, the Paraclete will not come to you, says the Lord, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
May the mysteries we have received, O Lord, we pray, enlighten us by the instruction they bring and restore us through our participation in them, that we may merit the gifts of the Spirit. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Jesus makes God known through the perfect love he shows to his fragile disciples. The disciples are to be recognized as sent by Jesus by the love they have for one another. There are over 300 references of love in the New Testament. Love is God’s greatest gift to us. Through our love for one another, we reveal God’s love to the world. The pagans said to each other in the early church, “See how these Christians love each other!” May this love impel us to bear witness to Christ even more in our world today.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 23, 2023 | Agenda Biblique
Mercredi 24 mai
Saint Donatien
Converti à la foi chrétienne par Similien, son histoire est liée à celle de Rogatien. Arrêtés comme chrétiens, ils furent soumis aux tortures du chevalet, passèrent leur dernière nuit à prier ensemble et eurent la tête tranchée le lendemain matin.
Blanc
Antienne d’ouverture :
Tous les peuples, battez des mains, acclamez Dieu par vos cris de joie. Alléluia
Prière d’ouverture :
Dieu d’infinie bonté, nous t’en prions : accorde à ton Église rassemblée par l’Esprit Saint de se dévouer de tout cœur à ton service, et d’être unie dans l’accomplissement de ta volonté. Par Jésus Christ.
Première lecture : Ac 20, 28-38
En ces jours-là, Paul faisait ses adieux aux Anciens de l’Église d’Éphèse. Il leur disait : « Veillez sur vous-mêmes, et sur tout le troupeau dont l’Esprit Saint vous a établis responsables, pour être les pasteurs de l’Église de Dieu, qu’il s’est acquise par son propre sang. Moi, je sais qu’après mon départ, des loups redoutables s’introduiront chez vous et n’épargneront pas le troupeau. Même du milieu de vous surgiront des hommes qui tiendront des discours pervers pour entraîner les disciples à leur suite. Soyez donc vigilants, et souvenez-vous que, durant trois ans, nuit et jour, je n’ai cessé, dans les larmes, de reprendre chacun d’entre vous. Et maintenant, je vous confie à Dieu et à la parole de sa grâce, lui qui a le pouvoir de construire l’édifice et de donner à chacun l’héritage en compagnie de tous ceux qui ont été sanctifiés. Je n’ai convoité ni l’argent ni l’or ni le vêtement de personne. Vous le savez bien vous-mêmes : les mains que voici ont pourvu à mes besoins et à ceux de mes compagnons. En toutes choses, je vous ai montré qu’en se donnant ainsi de la peine, il faut secourir les faibles et se souvenir des paroles du Seigneur Jésus, car lui-même a dit : Il y a plus de bonheur à donner qu’à recevoir. » Quand Paul eut ainsi parlé, il s’agenouilla t pria avec eux tous. Tous se mirent à pleurer abondamment ; ils se jetaient au cou de Paul et l’embrassaient ; ce qui les affligeait le plus, c’est la parole qu’il avait dite : « Vous ne verrez plus mon visage. » Puis on l’accompagna jusqu’au bateau.
Psaume : 67 (68), 29-30, 33.34c.35a, 36
R/ Royaumes de la terre, chantez pour le Seigneur.
1. Ton Dieu l’a commandé : « Sois fort ! » Montre ta force, Dieu, quand tu agis pour nous ! De ton palais, qui domine Jérusalem, on voit des rois t’apporter leurs présents.
2. Royaumes de la terre, chantez pour Dieu, jouez pour le Seigneur. Voici qu’il élève la voix, une voix puissante ; rendez la puissance à Dieu.
3. Redoutable est Dieu dans son temple saint, le Dieu d’Israël ; c’est lui qui donne à son peuple force et puissance. Béni soit Dieu !
Acclamation :
Alléluia. Alléluia. Ta parole, Seigneur, est vérité ; dans cette vérité, sanctifie-nous. Alléluia. (cf. Jn 17, 17a)
Evangile : Jn 17, 11b-19
En ce temps-là, les yeux levés au ciel, Jésus priait ainsi : « Père saint, garde mes disciples unis dans ton nom, le nom que tu m’as donné, pour qu’ils soient un, comme nous-mêmes. Quand j’étais avec eux, je les gardais unis dans ton nom, le nom que tu m’as donné. J’ai veillé sur eux, et aucun ne s’est perdu, sauf celui qui s’en va à sa perte de sorte que l’Écriture soit accomplie. Et maintenant que je viens à toi, je parle ainsi, dans le monde, pour qu’ils aient en eux ma joie, et qu’ils en soient comblés. Moi, je leur ai donné ta parole, et le monde les a pris en haine parce qu’ils n’appartiennent pas au monde, de même que moi je n’appartiens pas au monde. Je ne prie pas pour que tu les retires du monde, mais pour que tu les gardes du Mauvais. Ils n’appartiennent pas au monde, de même que moi, je n’appartiens pas au monde. Sanctifie-les dans la vérité : ta parole est vérité. De même que tu m’as envoyé dans le monde, moi aussi, je les ai envoyés dans le monde. Et pour eux je me sanctifie moi-même, afin qu’ils soient, eux aussi, sanctifiés dans la vérité. »
Prière sur les offrandes :
Accepte, Seigneur notre Dieu, le sacrifice que tu nous as dit de t’offrir ; et par ces mystères célèbres pour ta gloire, daigne poursuivre en tes serviteurs ton œuvre de sanctification et de salut. Par Jésus.
Antienne de la communion :
«Quand il viendra le Défenseur que je vous enverrai, dit le Seigneur, lui, l’Esprit de vérité qui procède du Père, il témoignera en ma faveur ; et vous aussi, vous rendrez témoignage », alléluia.
Prière après la communion :
Que notre communion à ce mystère, Seigneur, ne cesse d’ajouter à ta grâce : qu’elle nous purifie de plus en plus et nous dispose à mieux recevoir un si grand bienfait. Par Jésus.
MEDITATION
Jésus prie pour moi, Il prie pour nous ! Nous demandons souvent aux autres de prier pour nous car nous croyons que leur prière nous sera bénéfique. Nous faisons confiance en la prière de ceux qui, selon nous, sont plus proches de Dieu que nous le sommes. Maintenant que nous savons que Jésus lui-même prie pour nous, je peux compter sur sa prière pour moi. Je le remercie de l’attention qu’il prend pour moi, alors que je lie ma prière à la sienne. La prière de Jésus au Père n’est pas de nous retirer du monde, de nous créer un lieu sûr où nous ne serons pas dérangés, mais de nous protéger du malin. Je prie pour la capacité de faire face aux difficultés comme Jésus l’a fait, dans la confiance.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 23, 2023 | Evangelium
WEDNESDAY 24 MAY
Blessed Louis-Zépherin Moreau
He was bishop of the St Hyacinthe diocese in Quebec for 25 years, from 1876 until his death.
Entrance Antiphon: Ps 46: 2
All peoples, clap your hands. Cry to God with shouts of joy, alleluia.
Collect
Graciously grant to your Church, O merciful God, that, gathered by the Holy Spirit, she may be devoted to you with all her heart and united in purity of intent. 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: Acts 20:28-38
Paul addressed these words to the elders of the Church of Ephesus: “Be on your guard for yourselves and for all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you the overseers, to feed the Church of God which he bought with his own blood. I know quite well that when I have gone, fierce wolves will invade you and will have no mercy on the flock. Even from your own ranks there will be men coming forward with a travesty of the truth on their lips to induce the disciples to follow them. So be on your guard, remembering how night and day for three years I never failed to keep you right, shedding tears over each one of you. And now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace that has power to build you up and to give you your inheritance among all the sanctified. I have never asked anyone for money or clothes; you know for yourselves that the work I did earned enough to meet my needs and those of my companions. I did this to show you that this is how we must exert ourselves to support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who himself said, ‘There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.’ When he had finished speaking he knelt down with them all and prayed. By now they were all in tears; they put their arms round Paul’s neck and kissed him; what saddened them most was his saying they would never see his face again. Then they escorted him to the ship.
Psalm 67:29-30, 33-36
R/ Kingdoms of the earth, sing to God.
Show forth, O God, show forth your might, your might, O God, which you have shown for us. For the sake of your temple high in Jerusalem may kings come to you bringing their tribute.
Kingdoms of the earth, sing to God, praise the Lord who rides on the heavens, the ancient heavens. He thunders his voice, his mighty voice. Come, acknowledge the power of God.
His glory is on Israel; his might is in the skies. God is to be feared in his holy place. He is the Lord, Israel’s God. He gives strength and power to his people. Blessed be God!
Gospel Acclamation: Mt 28:19, 20
Alleluia, alleluia! Go, make disciples of all the nations. I am with you always; yes, to the end of time. Alleluia!
Gospel: John 17:11-19
Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said: “Holy Father, keep those you have given me true to your name, so that they may be one like us. While I was with them, I kept those you had given me true to your name. I have watched over them and not one is lost except the one who chose to be lost, and this was to fulfil the Scriptures. But now I am coming to you and while still in the world I say these things to share my joy with them to the full. I passed your word on to them, and the world hated them, because they belong to the world no more than I belong to the world. I am not asking you to remove them from the world, but to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. Consecrate them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world, and for their sake I consecrate myself so that they too may be consecrated in truth.”
Prayer over the Offerings
Accept, O Lord, we pray, the sacrifices instituted by your commands, and through the sacred mysteries, which we celebrate as our dutiful service, graciously complete the sanctifying work by which you are pleased to redeem us. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Jn 15: 26-27
When the Paraclete comes, whom I will send you, the Spirit of Truth who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness to me, and you also will bear witness, says the Lord, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
May our partaking of this divine Sacrament, O Lord, constantly increase your grace within us, and, by cleansing us with its power, make us always ready to receive so great a gift. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Jesus prays for me, for us! Very often, we ask others to pray for us and we believe their prayer will benefit us. We trust in the prayers of those whom we consider to be closer to God than we are. Now that we know that Jesus himself prays for us, we can count on his prayers. Thank him for the care and concern he manifests over each of us, and connect your prayer to his. Jesus’ prayer to the Father is not to remove us from the world, to create a safe place where we will not be disturbed, but to protect us from the evil one. Let us pray for the ability to face difficulties as Jesus did, in confidence.
