by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Feb 22, 2023 | Evangelium
THURSDAY 23 febRuary
SAINT Polycarp
He was a disciple of the Apostles. He bears witness to the beliefs of the early Christians and the early stages of the development of doctrine. He was martyred in about 155.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 54: 17-20, 23
When I cried to the Lord, he heard my voice; he rescued me from those who attack me. Entrust your cares to the Lord, and he will support you.
Collect
Prompt our actions with your inspiration, we pray, O Lord, and further them with your constant help, that all we do may always begin from you and by you be brought to completion. 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: Deuteronomy 30: 15-20
Moses said to the people: “See, today I set before you life and prosperity, death and disaster. If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I enjoin on you today, if you love the Lord your God and follow his ways, if you keep his commandments, his laws, his customs, you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you are entering to make your own. But if your heart strays, if you refuse to listen, if you let yourself be drawn into worshipping other gods and serving them, I tell you today, you will most certainly perish; you will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. I call heaven and earth to witness against you today: I set before you life or death, blessing or curse. Choose life, then, so that you and your descendants may live, in the love of the Lord your God, obeying his voice, clinging to him; for in this your life consists, and on this depends your long stay in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob he would give them.”
Psalm 1: 1-4, 6
R/Happy the man who has placed his trust in the Lord.
Happy indeed is the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked; nor lingers in the way of sinners nor sits in the company of scorners, but whose delight is the law of the Lord and who ponders his law, day and night.
He is like a tree that is planted beside the flowing waters, that yields its fruit in due season and whose leaves shall never fade; and all that he does shall prosper.
Not so are the wicked, not so! For they like winnowed chaff shall be driven away by the wind. For the Lord guards the way of the just but the way of the wicked leads to doom.
Gospel Acclamation: Ps 50: 12, 14
Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus! A pure heart create for me, O God, and give me again the joy of your help. Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus!
Gospel: Luke 9: 22-25
Jesus said to his disciples: “The Son of Man is destined to suffer grievously, to be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes and to be put to death, and to be raised up on the third day.” Then to all he said, “If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross every day and follow me. For anyone who wants to save his life will lose it; but anyone who loses his life for my sake, that man will save it. What gain, then, is it for a man to have won the whole world and to have lost or ruined his very self?”
Prayer over the Offerings
Regard with favour, O Lord, we pray, the offerings we set upon this sacred altar, that, bestowing on us your pardon, our oblations may give honour to your name. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Ps 50: 12
Create a pure heart for me, O God; renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Prayer after Communion
Having received the blessing of your heavenly gifts, we humbly beseech you, almighty God, that they may always be for us a source, both of pardon and of salvation. Through Christ our Lord.
Prayer over the People
Almighty God, who have made known to your people the ways of eternal life, lead them by that path, we pray to you, the unfading light. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Meditation
Deuteronomy sees fidelity as the key to the future of God’s people. “By walking in his ways, you shall live” Moses says, “but if your heart turns away and you do not hear, you shall perish!” In his final address to the people whom he has led out of slavery into the Promised Land, Moses makes the heartfelt appeal: “Choose life!” As we enter Lent, we are called upon to choose life. Jesus tells his disciples that he will be rejected, suffer greatly and ultimately, be killed by the chief priests and scribes. The reaction of his friends to these words is shock, fear, sadness, confusion. One who had told them that his purpose was “that they may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10) was now saying that his friends must share in his death and carry their cross with him. We ought to see that there is paradox between these two statements, but not contradiction. If we want to be followers of Jesus, we must be ready for some measure of self-sacrifice. Lent is traditionally a time for self-denial. If there is some misguided attachment holding us back, or some habit that is not for our good, this is the favourable time for us to meditate on it and make a change.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Feb 21, 2023 | Agenda Biblique
mercredi 22 FEVRIER
Mercredi des cendres
Chaire de St. Pierre
Pierre et ses successeurs ont à veiller à l’unité de l’Eglise. Le moyen fondamental, pour y parvenir, est de prêcher l’Evangile et de nourrir la foi dans le mystère du Christ. Chaire de Saint Pierre est le symbole de cette mission doctrinale. Elle n’est pas le trône d’un prince de ce monde, mais la place de celui qui, au nom de l’unique Pasteur, veille à ce que tous les croyants soient nourris de la Parole de vérité par leurs pasteurs. Cette Chaire évoque la solidité d’une foi qui est source de témoignage.
Antienne d’ouverture : Sg 11, 24-25.27
Seigneur, tu aimes tout ce qui existe, et tu n´as de répulsion pour aucune de tes ouvres; tu fermes les yeux sur les péchés des hommes: tu les invites à la pénitence, et tu leur pardonnes, car tu es le Seigneur notre Dieu
Prière d’ouverture
Accorde-nous, Seigneur, de savoir commencer saintement, par une journée de jeûne, notre entraînement au combat spirituel: Que nos privations nous rendent plus forts pour lutter contre l´esprit du mal. Par Jésus.
1ère lecture : Jl 2, 12-18
Maintenant – oracle du Seigneur – revenez à moi de tout votre cœur, dans le jeûne, les larmes et le deuil! Déchirez vos cœurs et non pas vos vêtements, et revenez au Seigneur votre Dieu, car il est tendre et miséricordieux, lent à la colère et plein d’amour, renonçant au châtiment. Qui sait ? Il pourrait revenir, il pourrait renoncer au châtiment, et laisser derrière lui sa bénédiction: alors, vous pourrez présenter offrandes et libations au Seigneur votre Dieu. Sonnez du cor dans Sion: prescrivez un jeûne sacré, annoncez une fête solennelle, réunissez le peuple, tenez une assemblée sainte, rassemblez les anciens, réunissez petits enfants et nourrissons! Que le jeune époux sorte de sa maison, que la jeune mariée quitte sa chambre! Entre le portail et l’autel, les prêtres, serviteurs du Seigneur, iront pleurer et diront: « Pitié, Seigneur, pour ton peuple, n’expose pas ceux qui t’appartiennent à l’insulte et aux moqueries des païens! Faudra- t-il qu’on dise: “Où donc est leur Dieu ?” » Et le Seigneur s’est ému en faveur de son pays, il a eu pitié de son peuple.
Psaume : 51, 3-4, 5-6ab, 12-13, 14.17
R/ Pitié, Seigneur, car nous avons péché
Pitié pour moi, mon Dieu, dans ton amour, selon ta grande miséricorde, efface mon péché. Lave- moi tout entier de ma faute, purifie-moi de mon offense.
Oui, je connais mon péché, ma faute est toujours devant moi. Contre toi, et toi seul, j’ai péché, ce qui est mal à tes yeux, je l’ai fait.
Crée en moi un cœur pur, ô mon Dieu, renouvelle et raffermis au fond de moi mon esprit. Ne me chasse pas loin de ta face, ne me reprends pas ton esprit saint.
Rends- moi la joie d’être sauvé ; que l’esprit généreux me soutienne. Seigneur, ouvre mes lèvres, et ma bouche annoncera ta louange.
2ème lecture : 2 Co 5, 20 – 6, 2
Frères, nous sommes les ambassadeurs du Christ, et par nous c’est Dieu lui- même
quilance un appel : nous le demandons au nom du Christ, laissez- vous réconcilier avec Dieu. Celui qui n’a pas connu le péché, Dieu l’a pour nous identifié au péché, afin qu’en lui nous devenions justes de la justice même de Dieu. En tant quecoopérateurs de Dieu, nous vous exhortons encore à ne pas laisser sans effet la grâce reçue de lui. Car il dit dans l’Écriture: Au moment favorable je t’ai exaucé, au jour du salut je t’ai secouru. Le voici maintenant le moment favorable, le voici maintenant le jour du salut.
Acclamation
Ta Parole, Seigneur, est vérité, et ta loi, délivrance. Aujourd’hui, ne fermez pas votre cœur, mais écoutez la voix du Seigneur. Ta Parole, Seigneur, est vérité, et ta loi, délivrance.
Évangile : Mt 6, 1-6.16-18
En ce temps- là, Jésus disait à ses disciples: « Ce que vous faites pour devenir des justes, évitez de l’accomplir devant les hommes pour vous faire remarquer. Sinon, il n’y a pas de récompense pour vous auprès de votre Père qui est aux cieux. Ainsi, quand tu fais l’aumône, ne fais pas sonner la trompette devant toi, comme les hypocrites qui se donnent en spectacle dans les synagogues et dans les rues, pour obtenir la gloire qui vient des hommes. Amen, je vous le déclare: ceux-là ont reçu leur récompense.Mais toi, quand tu fais l’aumône, que ta main gauche ignore ce que fait ta main droite, afin que ton aumône reste dans le secret ; ton Père qui voit dans le secret te le rendra. Et quand vous priez, ne soyez pas comme les hypocrites: ils aiment à se tenir debout dans les synagogues et aux carrefours pour bien se montrer aux hommes quand ils prient. Amen, je vous le déclare: ceux-là ont reçu leur récompense. Mais toi, quand tu pries, retire-toi dans ta pièce la plus retirée, ferme la porte, et prie ton Père qui est présent dans le secret; ton Père qui voit dans le secret te le rendra. Et quand vous jeûnez, ne prenez pas un air abattu, comme les hypocrites: ils prennent une mine défaite pour bien montrer aux hommes qu’ils jeûnent. Amen, je vous le déclare : ceux-là ont reçu leur récompense. Mais toi, quand tu jeûnes, parfume-toi la tête et lave-toi le visage; ainsi, ton jeûne ne sera pas connu des hommes, mais seulement de ton Père qui est présent au plus secret; ton Père qui voit au plus secret te le rendra. »
Prière sur les offrandes
En t´offrant, au début du carême, cette eucharistie, nous te supplions, Seigneur: Inspire-nous des actes de pénitence et de charité qui nous détournent de nous-mêmes, afin que, purifiés de nos fautes, nous puissions mieux nous unir à la passion de ton Fils. Lui qui.
Antienne de la communion : Ps 1. 2-3
Celui qui jour et nuit médite la loi du Seigneur donnera du fruit en son temps.
Prière après la communion
Tu nous as fortifiés, Seigneur notre Dieu, en cette fête du bienheureux Apôtre Pierre par la communion au corps et au sang du Christ ; que cet échange où s’accomplit notre salut soit pour nous le sacrement d’unité et de paix. Par Jésus.
Méditation
Le Seigneur nous appelle à retourner vers lui, dans une sincère démarche de conversion et de pénitence, en vue d’une salutaire réconciliation avec lui. L’aumône, la prière et le partage que Jésus nous recommande de faire dans la discrétion sont autant de moyens qui nous sont donnés pour guérir de la blessure du péché qui affecte nos vies d’effets néfastes. En abaissant notre orgueil, par les privations imposées à nos corps avec le jeûne et l’aumône, nous élèverons nos âmes vers Dieu, avec la prière. Ainsi trouverons-nous en lui la force de nous convertir vraiment, c’est-à-dire de changer positivement d’identité, d’itinéraire et de perspectives de vie. Que le Seigneur nous y aide et nous soutienne, par le secours de sa grâce.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Feb 21, 2023 | Evangelium
WEDNESDAY 22 febRuary
Ash Wednesday
SAINT PETER’S CHAIR
This feast has been celebrated in Rome since at least the fourth century. It signifies the unity of the Church founded upon the Apostles.
Entrance Antiphon: Wis 11: 24, 25, 27
You are merciful to all, O Lord, and despise nothing that you have made. You overlook people’s sins, to bring them to repentance, and you spare them, for you are the Lord our God.
Collect
Grant, O Lord, that we may begin with holy fasting, this campaign of Christian service, so that as we take up battle against spiritual evils, we may be armed with weapons of self-restraint. 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: Joel 2: 12-18
“Now, now – it is the Lord who speaks – come back to me with all your heart, fasting, weeping, mourning. Let your hearts be broken, not your garments torn, turn to the Lord your God again, for he is all tenderness and compassion, slow to anger, rich in graciousness, and ready to relent. Who knows if he will not turn again, will not relent, will not leave a blessing as he passes, oblation and libation for the Lord your God? Sound the trumpet in Zion! Order a fast, proclaim a solemn assembly, call the people together, summon the community, assemble the elders, gather the children, even the infants at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his bedroom and the bride her alcove. Between vestibule and altar, let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, lament. Let them say, ‘Spare your people, Lord! Do not make your heritage a thing of shame, a byword for the nations.’ Why should it be said among the nations, Where is their God?’’ Then the Lord, jealous on behalf of his land, took pity on his people.
Psalm 50: 3-6, 12-14, 17
R/Have mercy on us, O Lord, for we have sinned.
Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness. In your compassion blot out my offence. O wash me more and more from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin.
My offences truly I know them; my sin is always before me Against you, you alone, have I sinned; what is evil in your sight I have done.
A pure heart create for me, O God, put a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, nor deprive me of your holy spirit.
Give me again the joy of your help; with a spirit of fervour sustain me, O Lord, open my lips and my mouth shall declare your praise.
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5: 20- 6: 2
We are ambassadors for Christ; it is as though God were appealing through us, and the appeal that we make in Christ’s name is: be reconciled to God. For our sake God made the sinless one into sin, so that in him we might become the goodness of God. As his fellow workers, we beg you once again not to neglect the grace of God that you have received. For he says: At the favourable time, I have listened to you; on the day of salvation, I came to your help. Well, now is the favourable time; this is the day of salvation.
Gospel Acclamation: Ps 50: 12, 14
Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory! A pure heart create for me, O God, and give me again the joy of your help. Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory!
Gospel Matthew: 6: 1-6, 16-18
Jesus said to his disciples: “Be careful not to parade your good deeds before men to attract their notice; by doing this you will lose all reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give alms, do not have it trumpeted before you; this is what the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets to win men’s admiration. I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you give alms, your left hand must not know what your right is doing; your almsgiving must be secret, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you. And when you pray, do not imitate the hypocrites: they love to say their prayers standing up in the synagogues and at the street corners for people to see them; I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you pray, go to your private room and, when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in that secret place, and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you. When you fast do not put on a gloomy look as the hypocrites do: they pull long faces to let men know they are fasting. I tell you solemnly, they have had their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that no one will know you are fasting except your Father who sees all that is done in secret; and your Father who sees all that is done in secret will reward you.”
Prayer over the Offerings
As we solemnly offer the annual sacrifice for the beginning of Lent, we entreat you, O Lord, that, through works of penance and charity, we may turn away from harmful pleasures and, cleansed from our sins, may become worthy to celebrate devoutly the Passion of your Son. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Ps 1: 2-3
He who ponders the law of the Lord, day and night, will yield fruit in due season.
Prayer after Communion
May the Sacrament we have received sustain us, O Lord, that our Lenten fast may be pleasing to you and be for us a healing remedy. Through Christ our Lord.
Prayer over the People
Pour out a spirit of compunction, O God, on those who bow before your majesty, and by your mercy, may they merit the rewards you promise to those who do penance. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Meditation
Today we begin Lent by accepting to carry ashes on our foreheads as an external sign of our humble acceptance to repent from our sins as we prepare to return to the dust from which we came. Jewish teachers often used language similar to that which Jesus employs in the Gospel today, to condemn those who made public show of their piety. The Gospel therefore reminds us of how indebted Jesus was to Jewish ideas and teachings. Far from being a criticism of Judaism and its practices, the sermon reiterates the thoroughly Jewish identity of Jesus and his message. If your actions are designed to secure the notice of others, your deeds of “righteousness” yield no reward. Jesus warns against perverted piety; that is, piety that serves for public self- aggrandizement. Those who do this are hypocrites. Hypocrite is a Greek term for stage actors. They wore masks, literally hiding their true selves behind a false identity. This is what we are when we practice rather good deeds to gain public approval. But divine reward is evoked in Matthew 6:4, 6 and 18. Begin Lent today by showing your true selves. God’s reward will certainly come at the resurrection.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Feb 20, 2023 | Evangelium
TUESDAY 21 febRuary
SAINT WULFRIC
Entrance Antiphon: Ps 12: 6
O Lord, I trust in your merciful love. My heart will rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord who has been bountiful with me.
Collect
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, always pondering spiritual things, we may carry out in both word and deed that which is pleasing to 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; Ecclesiasticus 2: 1-11
My son, if you aspire to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for an ordeal. Be sincere of heart, be steadfast, and do not be alarmed when disaster comes. Cling to him and do not leave him, so that you may be honoured at the end of your days. Whatever happens to you, accept it, and in the uncertainties of your humble state, be patient, since gold is tested in the fire, and chosen men in the furnace of humiliation. Trust him and he will uphold you, follow a straight path and hope in him. You who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; do not turn aside in case you fall. You who fear the Lord, trust him, and you will not be baulked of your reward. You who fear the Lord hope for good things, for everlasting happiness and mercy. Look at the generations of old and see: whoever trusted in the Lord and was put to shame? Or whoever feared him steadfastly and was left forsaken? Or whoever called out to him, and was ignored? For the Lord is compassionate and merciful, he forgives sins, and saves in days of distress.
Psalm 36(37): 3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40
R/ Commit your life to the Lord, trust him and he will act.
If you trust in the Lord and do good, then you will live in the land and be secure. If you find your delight in the Lord, he will grant your heart’s desire.
He protects the lives of the upright, their heritage will last for ever. They shall not be put to shame in evil days, in time of famine their food shall not fail.
Then turn away from evil and do good and you shall have a home for ever; for the Lord loves justice and will never forsake his friends.
The salvation of the just comes from the Lord, their stronghold in time of distress. The Lord helps them and delivers them and saves them: for their refuge is in him.
Gospel Acclamation: Jn 14: 23
Alleluia, alleluia! If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we shall come to him. Alleluia!
Gospel
Jesus and his disciples made their way through Galilee; and he did not want anyone to know, because he was instructing his disciples; he was telling them, “The Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of men; they will put him to death; and three days after he has been put to death he will rise again.” But they did not understand what he said and were afraid to ask him. They came to Capernaum, and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” They said nothing because they had been arguing which of them was the greatest. So he sat down, called the Twelve to him and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must make himself last of all and servant of all.” He then took a little child, set him in front of them, put his arms round him, and said to them, “Anyone who welcomes one of these little children in my name, welcomes me; and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.”
Prayer over the Offerings
As we celebrate your mysteries, O Lord, with the observance that is your due, we humbly ask you, that what we offer to the honour of your majesty may profit us for salvation.
Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Ps 9: 2-3
I will recount all your wonders, I will rejoice in you and be glad, and sing psalms to your name, O Most High.
Prayer after Communion
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that we may experience the effects of the salvation which is pledged to us by these mysteries. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
It should be noted that those who desire to serve God must be ready to face trials and contradictions of every type. We demonstrate authentic trust when things do not turn out well for us and we still go on. Along with faith and perseverance, trust is a basic quality of the disciple of Christ. It may be about two years that the apostles follow Jesus; yet the Gospel presents how self-centred they still were. They don’t understand the meaning of Jesus suffering and dying, but go ahead to argue about inheritance and fame on succession. Jesus consecrates time to training those who will continue his work; they have done marvellous things in his name, preaching and casting out demons; but still lack humility. The example Jesus makes of a child is thus a necessary symbol of purity, humility, trust, obedience, helplessness, dependence, forgiveness, innocence and these are the qualities of God’s Kingdom. These are the qualities that the disciples of Jesus, as well as every Christian, ought to possess.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Feb 19, 2023 | Agenda Biblique
lundi 20 FEVRIER
Sainte Aimée
Elle semble avoir été très mondaine jusqu’au jour où, visitant sa tante, sainte Claire, au couvent de Saint-Damien, elle décida de devenir religieuse. A partir de ce moment, elle pratiqua l’austérité au point que ses jours en furent abrégés. Elle mourut en 1252.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 12, 6
Seigneur, je suis sûr de ton amour : mon cœur est dans la joie, car tu me sauves ; je veux chanter au Seigneur tout le bien qu’il m’a fait.
Prière d’ouverture
Accorde-nous, Dieu tout-puissant, de conformer à ta volonté nos paroles et nos actes dans une inlassable recherche des biens spirituels. Par Jésus.
1ère lecture : Si 1, 1-10
Toute sagesse vient du Seigneur, et demeure auprès de lui pour toujours. Le sable des mers, les gouttes de la pluie, et les jours de l’éternité, qui pourra en faire le compte ? La hauteur du ciel, l’étendue de la terre, la profondeur de l’abîme, qui pourra les évaluer ? Avant toute chose fut créée la sagesse ; et depuis toujours, la profondeur de l’intelligence. La source de la sagesse, c’est la parole de Dieu au plus haut des cieux. Ses chemins sont les commandements éternels. La racine de la sagesse, qui en a eu la révélation, et ses subtilités, qui en a eu la connaissance ? La science de la sagesse, à qui fut-elle manifestée, et qui a profité de sa grande expérience ? Il n’y a qu’un seul être sage et très redoutable, celui qui siège sur son trône. C’est le Seigneur, lui qui a créé la sagesse ; il l’a vue et mesurée, il l’a répandue sur toutes ses œuvres, parmi tous les vivants, dans la diversité de ses dons, et ceux qui aiment Dieu en ont été comblés.
Psaume : 93, 1abc, 1d-2, 5
R/ Le Seigneur est roi ; il s’est vêtu de magnificence.
Le Seigneur est roi ; il s’est vêtu de magnificence, le Seigneur a revêtu sa force.
Et la terre tient bon, inébranlable; dès l’origine ton trône tient bon, depuis toujours, tu es.
Tes volontés sont vraiment immuables : la sainteté emplit ta maison, Seigneur, pour la suite des temps
Acclamation
Alléluia, alléluia! Notre Sauveur, le Christ Jésus, a détruit la mort ; il a fait resplendir la vie par l’Évangile. Alléluia. (2 Tm 1, 10)
Évangile : Mc 9, 14-29
En ce temps-là, Jésus, ainsi que Pierre, Jacques et Jean, descendirent de la montagne ; en rejoignant les autres disciples, ils virent une grande foule qui les entourait, et des scribes qui discutaient avec eux. Aussitôt qu’elle vit Jésus, toute la foule fut stupéfaite, et les gens accouraient pour le saluer. Il leur demanda : « De quoi discutez-vous avec eux ? » Quelqu’un dans la foule lui répondit : « Maître, je t’ai amené mon fils, il est possédé par un esprit qui le rend muet ; cet esprit s’empare de lui n’importe où, il le jette par terre, l’enfant écume, grince des dents et devient tout raide. J’ai demandé à tes disciples d’expulser cet esprit, mais ils n’en ont pas été capables. » Prenant la parole, Jésus leur dit: « Génération incroyante, combien de temps resterai-je auprès de vous ? Combien de temps devrai-je vous supporter ? Amenez-le-moi. » On le lui amena. Dès qu’il vit Jésus, l’esprit fit entrer l’enfant en convulsions; l’enfant tomba et se roulait par terre en écumant. Jésus interrogea le père: « Depuis combien de temps cela lui arrive-t-il ? » Il répondit: « Depuis sa petite enfance. Et souvent il l’a même jeté dans le feu ou dans l’eau pour le faire périr. Mais si tu peux quelque chose, viens à notre secours, par compassion envers nous ! » Jésus lui déclara : « Pourquoi dire : “Si tu peux”… ? Tout est possible pour celui qui croit. » Aussitôt le père de l’enfant s’écria : « Je crois ! Viens au secours de mon manque de foi !» Jésus vit que la foule s’attroupait ; il menaça l’esprit impur, en lui disant : « Esprit qui rend muet et sourd, je te l’ordonne, sors de cet enfant et n’y rentre plus jamais ! » Ayant poussé des cris et provoqué des convulsions, l’esprit sortit. L’enfant devint comme un cadavre, de sorte que tout le monde disait : « Il est mort. » Mais Jésus, lui saisissant la main, le releva, et il se mit debout. Quand Jésus fut rentré à la maison, ses disciples l’interrogèrent en particulier : « Pourquoi est-ce que nous, nous n’avons pas réussi à l’expulser ? » Jésus leur répondit : « Cette espèce-là, rien ne peut la faire sortir, sauf la prière. »
Prière sur les offrandes
En célébrant avec respect tes mystères, Seigneur, nous te supplions humblement : que les dons offerts pour te glorifier servent à notre salut. Par Jésus.
Antienne de la communion : Ps 9, 2-3
De toute mon âme, Seigneur, je rendrai grâce en proclamant tes innombrables merveilles ; j’exulterai, je danserai auprès de toi, je fêterai ton nom, Dieu très-haut.
Prière après la communion
Nous t’en prions, Dieu tout-puissant, donne-nous de recueillir tous les fruits de salut dont ces mystères sont déjà la promesse et le gage. Par Jésus.
Méditation
C’est dans la prière que nous pourrons conjurer le mal qui oppresse les hommes. Mais persévérante et assidue, cette prière contre le mal nécessite notre ascèse, dans le jeûne et la pénitence que nous faisons. Elle nécessite surtout la foi qui est la confiance que tout est possible à Dieu et que rien absolument ne lui est impossible. Tout ce que veut le Seigneur, il le fait. Ne mettons pas de limite à son pouvoir, car ce serait, pour nous, manquer de foi. Si le doute et l’effroi ont souvent entamé notre foi, disons au Seigneur, avec le père de l’enfant possédé qu’il délivre : Je crois ! Viens au secours de mon manque de foi. Comme nous avons encore besoin de foi ! C’est d’ailleurs dans la foi que nous accueillerons la sagesse qui vient de Dieu et mène au salut.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Feb 19, 2023 | Evangelium
MONDAY 20 febRuary
SAINT WULFRIC
Born in England, he became a priest and was excessively materialistic and worldly. After meeting with a beggar, he underwent a personal conversion and became a hermit at Haselbury; He then devoted himself to rigorous austerities and was known for his miracles and prophecies.
Entrance Antiphon: Ps 12: 6
O Lord, I trust in your merciful love. My heart will rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord who has been bountiful with me.
Collect
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, always pondering spiritual things, we may carry out in both word and deed that which is pleasing to 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: Ecclesiasticus 1: 1-10
All wisdom is from the Lord, and it is his own for ever. The sand of the sea and the raindrops, and the days of eternity, who can assess them? The height of the sky and the breadth of the earth, and the depth of the abyss, who can probe them? Before all other things wisdom was created, shrewd understanding is everlasting. For whom has the root of wisdom ever been uncovered? Her resourceful ways, who knows them? One only is wise, terrible indeed, seated on his throne, the Lord. He himself has created her, looked on her and assessed her, and poured her out on all his works to be with all mankind as his gift, and he conveyed her to those who love him.
Psalm 92(93): 1-2, 5
R/ The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed.
The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed; the Lord has robed himself with might, he has girded himself with power.
The world you made firm, not to be moved; your throne has stood firm from of old. From all eternity, O Lord, you are.
Truly your decrees are to be trusted. Holiness is fitting to your house, O Lord, until the end of time.
Gospel Acclamation: 1P 1:25
Alleluia, alleluia! The word of the Lord remains for ever: What is this word? It is the Good News that has been brought to you. Alleluia!
Gospel: Mark 9: 14-29
When Jesus, with Peter, James and John came down from the mountain and re-joined the disciples, they saw a large crowd round them and some scribes arguing with them. The moment they saw him the whole crowd were struck with amazement and ran to greet him. “What are you arguing about with them?” he asked. A man answered him from the crowd, “Master, I have brought my son to you; there is a spirit of dumbness in him, and when it takes hold of him it throws him to the ground, and he foams at the mouth and grinds his teeth and goes rigid. And I asked your disciples to cast it out and they were unable to.” “You faithless generation!” he said to them in reply. “How much longer must I be with you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring him to me.” They brought the boy to him, and as soon as the spirit saw Jesus it threw the boy into convulsions, and he fell to the ground and lay writhing there, foaming at the mouth. Jesus asked the father, “How long has this been happening to him?” “From childhood,” he replied. “And it has often thrown him into the fire and into the water, in order to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have pity on us and help us.” “If you can?” retorted Jesus. “Everything is possible for anyone who has faith.” Immediately the father of the boy cried out, “I do have faith. Help the little faith I have!” And when Jesus saw how many people were pressing round him, he rebuked the unclean spirit. “Deaf and dumb spirit,” he said, “I command you: come out of him and never enter him again.” Then throwing the boy into violent convulsions it came out shouting, and the boy lay there so like a corpse that most of them said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and helped him up, and he was able to stand. When he had gone indoors his disciples asked him privately, “Why were we unable to cast it out?” “This is the kind,” he answered, “that can only be driven out by prayer.”
Prayer over the Offerings
As we celebrate your mysteries, O Lord, with the observance that is your due, we humbly ask you, that what we offer to the honour of your majesty may profit us for salvation.
Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Ps 9: 2-3
I will recount all your wonders, I will rejoice in you and be glad, and sing psalms to your name, O Most High.
Prayer after Communion
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that we may experience the effects of the salvation which is pledged to us by these mysteries. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
The Book of Ecclesiasticus is a poetic Wisdom book. The writer begins with a profession of faith. To all those who pretend to be modern because they seek to know human doctrines and wisdom, Sirach simply says that true wisdom lies in the fear of the Lord; it is putting one’s confidence in God. He talks of the fear of the Lord like the psalmist does, noting that this fear of the Lord is different from pagan ways that imagine God as a God of retributions. To fear God is to have him in all we do, to reverence him and act in his presence. Anyone who loves God is conscious of the fact that God is near and will hesitate to offend him. The Gospel brings out one of those few instances where Jesus expresses his disappointment in his disciples, trained and commissioned but unable to cast out a demon. These disciples must have presumed the power and influence they had in their first mission, but neglected the essential; prayer and fasting. No matter their incantations, their burned candles or dancing steps, they could do nothing. The child’s father sought Jesus and Jesus responded to his plea. He will respond to yours if you have faith and a prayerful life.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Feb 18, 2023 | Agenda Biblique
Dimanche 19 FEVRIER
7ème dimanche du Temps Ordinaire
Psautier iii
SAINT Gabin de Rome
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 12, 6
Seigneur, je suis sûr de ton amour : mon cœur est dans la joie, car tu me sauves ; je veux chanter au Seigneur tout le bien qu’il m’a fait.
Prière d’ouverture
Accorde-nous, Dieu tout-puissant, de conformer à ta volonté nos paroles et nos actes dans une inlassable recherche des biens spirituels. Par Jésus.
1ère lecture : Lv 19, 1-2.17-18
Le Seigneur parla à Moïse et dit : « Parle à toute l’assemblée des fils d’Israël. Tu leur diras : Soyez saints, car moi, le Seigneur votre Dieu, je suis saint. Tu ne haïras pas ton frère dans ton cœur. Mais tu devras réprimander ton compatriote, et tu ne toléreras pas la faute qui est en lui. Tu ne te vengeras pas. Tu ne garderas pas de rancune contre les fils de ton peuple. Tu aimeras ton prochain comme toi-même. Je suis le Seigneur. »
Psaume : 103, 1-2, 3-4, 8.10, 12-13
R/ Le Seigneur est tendresse et pitié.
Bénis le Seigneur, ô mon âme, bénis son nom très saint, tout mon être ! Bénis le Seigneur, ô mon âme, n’oublie aucun de ses bienfaits !
Car il pardonne toutes tes offenses et te guérit de toute maladie; il réclame ta vie à la tombe et te couronne d’amour et de tendresse.
Le Seigneur est tendresse et pitié, lent à la colère et plein d’amour ; il n’agit pas envers nous selon nos fautes, ne nous rend pas selon nos offenses.
Aussi loin qu’est l’orient de l’occident, il met loin de nous nos péchés; comme la tendresse du père pour ses fils, la tendresse du Seigneur pour qui le craint !
2ème lecture : 1 Co 3, 16-23
Frères, ne savez-vous pas que vous êtes un sanctuaire de Dieu, et que l’Esprit de Dieu habite en vous ? Si quelqu’un détruit le sanctuaire de Dieu, cet homme, Dieu le détruira, car le sanctuaire de Dieu est saint, et ce sanctuaire, c’est vous. Que personne ne s’y trompe: si quelqu’un parmi vous pense être un sage à la manière d’ici-bas, qu’il devienne fou pour devenir sage. Car la sagesse de ce monde est folie devant Dieu. Il est écrit en effet : C’est lui qui prend les sages au piège de leur propre habileté. Il est écrit encore: Le Seigneur le sait : les raisonnements des sages n’ont aucune valeur ! Ainsi, il ne faut pas mettre sa fierté en tel ou tel homme. Car tout vous appartient, que ce soit Paul, Apollos, Pierre, le monde, la vie, la mort, le présent, l’avenir : tout est à vous, mais vous, vous êtes au Christ, et le Christ est à Dieu.
Acclamation
Alléluia, alléluia ! En celui qui garde la parole du Christ l’amour de Dieu atteint vraiment sa perfection Alléluia. (1 Jn 2, 5)
Évangile : Mt 5, 38-48
En ce temps-là, Jésus disait à ses disciples : « Vous avez appris qu’il a été dit : Œil pour œil, et dent pour dent. Eh bien ! moi, je vous dis de ne pas riposter au méchant ; mais si quelqu’un te gifle sur la joue droite, tends-lui encore l’autre. Et si quelqu’un veut te poursuivre en justice et prendre ta tunique, laisse-lui encore ton manteau. Et si quelqu’un te réquisitionne pour faire mille pas, fais-en deux mille avec lui. À qui te demande, donne ; à qui veut t’emprunter, ne tourne pas le dos ! Vous avez appris qu’il a été dit: Tu aimeras ton prochain et tu haïras ton ennemi. Eh bien ! moi, je vous dis: Aimez vos ennemis, et priez pour ceux qui vous persécutent, afin d’être vraiment les fils de votre Père qui est aux cieux ; car il fait lever son soleil sur les méchants et sur les bons, il fait tomber la pluie sur les justes et sur les injustes. En effet, si vous aimez ceux qui vous aiment, quelle récompense méritez-vous ? Les publicains eux-mêmes n’en font-ils pas autant? Et si vous ne saluez que vos frères, que faites-vous d’extraordinaire ? Les païens eux-mêmes n’en font-ils pas autant ? Vous donc, vous serez parfaits comme votre Père céleste est parfait. »
Prière sur les offrandes
En célébrant avec respect tes mystères, Seigneur, nous te supplions humblement : que les dons offerts pour te glorifier servent à notre salut. Par Jésus.
Antienne de la communion : Ps 9, 2-3
De toute mon âme, Seigneur, je rendrai grâce en proclamant tes innombrables merveilles ; j’exulterai, je danserai auprès de toi, je fêterai ton nom, Dieu très-haut.
Prière après la communion
Nous t’en prions, Dieu tout-puissant, Donne-nous de recueillir tous les fruits de salut dont ces mystères sont déjà la promesse et le gage. Par Jésus.
Méditation
Dans l’évangile Jésus nous apprend à dépasser et à faire un peu plus que ce que font les païens, pour être parfaits ou saints. Dans le contexte vindicatif où la Loi de Moïse fut donnée (pour un tort reçu on pouvait décimer tout le clan du fautif), la loi du talion venait limiter le cycle infernal de la vengeance. Mais voici que Jésus nous demande de la dépasser, en nous montrant non-violents, doux et pacifiques envers celui qui nous fait du tort. Dans un contexte où un proverbe juif stipulait que celui qui se montre bon envers son ennemi, se montrera cruel envers ses amis, Jésus demande de faire bien plus et beaucoup mieux en aimant et en priant pour son ennemi. Il demande de donner sans hésiter et de faire un peu plus pour celui qui nous demande un service. Pourquoi hélas devons-nous faire un peu plus que les autres ? Parce que nous devons être des saints, différents des païens, c’est-à-dire ceux-là qui font beaucoup mieux davantage qu’eux
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Feb 18, 2023 | Evangelium
SUNDAY 19 febRuary
7th Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Psalter week III
Entrance Antiphon: Ps 12: 6
O Lord, I trust in your merciful love. My heart will rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord who has been bountiful with me.
Collect
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, always pondering spiritual things, we may carry out in both word and deed that which is pleasing to 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: Leviticus 19: 1-2, 17-18
The Lord spoke to Moses; he said: “Speak to the whole community of the sons of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy. You must not bear hatred for your brother in your heart. You must openly tell him, your neighbour, of his offence; this way you will not take a sin upon yourself. You must not exact vengeance, nor must you bear a grudge against the children of your people. You must love your neighbour as yourself. I am the Lord.’”
Psalm 102(103):1-4, 8, 10, 12-13
R/ The Lord is compassion and love.
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.
It is he who forgives all your guilt, who heals every one of your ills, who redeems your life from the grave, who crowns you with love and compassion.
The Lord is compassion and love, slow to anger and rich in mercy. He does not treat us according to our sins nor repay us according to our faults.
As far as the east is from the west so far does he remove our sins. As a father has compassion on his sons, the Lord has pity on those who fear him.
Second reading: 1 Corinthians 3: 16-23
Didn’t you realise that you were God’s temple and that the Spirit of God was living among you? If anybody should destroy the temple of God, God will destroy him, because the temple of God is sacred; and you are that temple. Make no mistake about it: if any one of you thinks of himself as wise, in the ordinary sense of the word, then he must learn to be a fool before he really can be wise. Why? Because the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. As scripture says: The Lord knows wise men’s thoughts: he knows how useless they are; or again: God is not convinced by the arguments of the wise. So there is nothing to boast about in anything human: Paul, Apollos, Cephas, the world, life and death, the present and the future, are all your servants; but you belong to Christ and Christ belongs to God.
Gospel Acclamation: Jn 14: 23
Alleluia, alleluia! If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we shall come to him. Alleluia!
Gospel: Matthew 5: 38-48
Jesus said to his disciples: “You have learnt how it was said: Eye for eye and tooth for tooth. But I say this to you: offer the wicked man no resistance. On the contrary, if anyone hits you on the right cheek, offer him the other as well; if a man takes you to law and would have your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone orders you to go one mile, go two miles with him. Give to anyone who asks, and if anyone wants to borrow, do not turn away. You have learnt how it was said: You must love your neighbour and hate your enemy. But I say this to you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you; in this way you will be sons of your Father in heaven, for he causes his sun to rise on bad men as well as good, and his rain to fall on honest and dishonest men alike. For if you love those who love you, what right have you to claim any credit? Even the tax collectors do as much, do they not? And if you save your greetings for your brothers, are you doing anything exceptional? Even the pagans do as much, do they not? You must therefore be perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Prayer over the Offerings
As we celebrate your mysteries, O Lord, with the observance that is your due, we humbly ask you, that what we offer to the honour of your majesty may profit us for salvation.
Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Ps 9: 2-3
I will recount all your wonders, I will rejoice in you and be glad, and sing psalms to your name, O Most High.
Prayer after Communion
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that we may experience the effects of the salvation which is pledged to us by these mysteries. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
“Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy,” says the first reading. Then it adds the principle of “an eye for an eye”; not a totally barbaric practice as it seems. It was meant to help the people exercise some restraint towards their defeated enemies. It became known as the Law of Retaliation, putting limits on the level of revenge that could be taken for an injury. Otherwise, unrestrained total war could spread throughout the world. Even the earliest Christians could be quarrelsome, some siding with Paul and some with Apollos. But those tensions, once healed, can sharpen the focus of a community. They led people back to prayer, to dialogue and a new kind of unity. We are beginning Lent this week, a time of spiritual closeness to God; forgiveness and reconciliation are appropriate thoughts to accompany us during the Lenten journey. Earlier thinkers before Jesus had stated the principle of not doing to others what you would not have them do to you. Jesus wants us to be perfect, talking about living within our True-Self. Our True-Self is at the core of who we are and is rooted in love. Unfortunately, we often act out of “false-self”, based on ego. In our false self we are easily offended and see others as different from us. This “othering” is what leads to the dualism that Jesus calls us to avoid in the Gospel.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Feb 17, 2023 | Agenda Biblique
samedi 18 FEVRIER
sAINTE Bernadette Soubirous
Pauvre et torturée par l’asthme, Bernadette (1844-1879) a quatorze ans quand, dans la grotte de Massabielle, à Lourdes, lui apparaît dix-huit fois celle qui se nommera : ‘’l’Immaculée Conception’’. ‘’ Si la sainte Vierge en avait trouvé une plus ignorante que moi, c’est elle qu’elle aurait choisi’’, dira Bernadette, devenue Sœur Marie Bernard en 1866 chez les Sœurs de la Charité de Nevers. Ce mot dit bien l’humilité de celle qui accepta inlassablement souffrances et humiliations pour le salut des pécheurs.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 30, 3-4
Seigneur, sois le rocher qui m’abrite, la maison bien défendue qui me sauve. Pour l’honneur de ton nom guide-moi, conduis-moi.
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu qui veux habiter les cœurs droits et sincères, donne-nous de vivre selon ta grâce, alors tu pourras venir en nous pour y faire ta demeure. Par Jésus.
1ère lecture : He 11, 1-7
Frères, la foi est une façon de posséder ce que l’on espère, un moyen de connaître des réalités qu’on ne voit pas. Et quand l’Écriture rend témoignage aux anciens, c’est à cause de leur foi. Grâce à la foi, nous comprenons que les mondes ont été formés par une parole de Dieu, et donc ce qui est visible n’a pas son origine dans ce qui apparaît au regard. Grâce à la foi, Abel offrit à Dieu un sacrifice plus grand que celui de Caïn ; à cause de sa foi, il fut déclaré juste : Dieu lui-même rendait témoignage à son offrande ; à cause de sa foi, bien qu’il soit mort, il parle encore. Grâce à la foi, Hénok fut retiré de ce monde, et il ne connut pas la mort ; personne ne le retrouva parce que Dieu l’avait retiré; avant cet événement, il avait été agréable à Dieu, l’Écriture en témoigne. Or, sans la foi, il est impossible d’être agréable à Dieu ; car, pour s’avancer vers lui, il faut croire qu’il existe et qu’il récompense ceux qui le cherchent. Grâce à la foi, Noé, averti de choses encore invisibles, accueillit cet oracle avec respect et construisit une arche pour le salut de sa famille. Sa foi condamnait le monde, et il reçut en héritage la justice qui s’obtient par la foi.
Psaume : 145, 2-3, 4-5, 10-11
R/ Je bénirai ton nom, Seigneur, toujours et à jamais.
Chaque jour je te bénirai, je louerai ton nom toujours et à jamais. Il est grand, le Seigneur, hautement loué; à sa grandeur, il n’est pas de limite.
D’âge en âge, on vantera tes œuvres, on proclamera tes exploits. Je redirai le récit de tes merveilles, ton éclat, ta gloire et ta splendeur.
Que tes œuvres, Seigneur, te rendent grâce et que tes fidèles te bénissent ! Ils diront la gloire de ton règne, ils parleront de tes exploits.
Acclamation
Alléluia, alléluia ! De la nuée une voix se fit entendre : « Celui-ci est mon Fils bien-aimé : écoutez-le ! ». Alléluia. (Mc 9, 7)
Évangile : Mc 9, 2-13
En ce temps-là, Jésus prend avec lui Pierre, Jacques et Jean, et les emmène, eux seuls, à l’écart sur une haute montagne. Et il fut transfiguré devant eux. Ses vêtements devinrent resplendissants, d’une blancheur telle que personne sur terre ne peut obtenir une blancheur pareille. Élie leur apparut avec Moïse, et tous deux s’entretenaient avec Jésus. Pierre alors prend la parole et dit à Jésus : « Rabbi, il est bon que nous soyons ici ! Dressons donc trois tentes : une pour toi, une pour Moïse, et une pour Élie. » De fait, Pierre ne savait que dire, tant leur frayeur était grande. Survint une nuée qui les couvrit de son ombre, et de la nuée une voix se fit entendre: « Celui-ci est mon Fils bien-aimé : écoutez-le ! » Soudain, regardant tout autour, ils ne virent plus que Jésus seul avec eux. Ils descendirent de la montagne, et Jésus leur ordonna de ne raconter à personne ce qu’ils avaient vu, avant que le Fils de l’homme soit ressuscité d’entre les morts. Et ils restèrent fermement attachés à cette parole, tout en se demandant entre eux ce que voulait dire : « ressusciter d’entre les morts». Ils l’interrogeaient : « Pourquoi les scribes disent-ils que le prophète Élie doit venir d’abord ? » Jésus leur dit: « Certes, Élie vient d’abord pour remettre toute chose à sa place. Mais alors, pourquoi l’Écriture dit-elle, au sujet du Fils de l’homme, qu’il souffrira beaucoup et sera méprisé ? Eh bien ! je vous le déclare : Élie est déjà venu, et ils lui ont fait tout ce qu’ils ont voulu, comme l’Écriture le dit à son sujet. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Que cette eucharistie, Seigneur notre Dieu, nous purifie et nous renouvelle; Qu’elle donne à ceux qui font ta volonté le bonheur que tu leur as promis. Par Jésus.
Antienne de la communion : Ps 77, 29-30
Le Seigneur combla le désir de son peuple: ils mangèrent et ils furent rassasiés, leur attente ne fut pas trompée.
Prière après la communion
Tu nous as donné, Seigneur, de goûter aux joies du ciel: Fais que nous ayons toujours soif des sources de la vraie vie. Par Jésus.
Méditation
La foi dont la lettre aux Hébreux fait l’éloge est ce à quoi Dieu invite les disciples de Jésus quand il leur dit : Celui-ci est mon fils bien-aimé, écoutez-le ! Moïse et Élie, qui en sont des témoins, disparaissent parce que désormais ce n’est plus eux mais Jésus qu’il faut écouter. L’écouter sera pour nous adhérer, avec confiance et fermeté, à ce qu’il dit et fait. C’est lui faire confiance, même quand il viendrait à prendre avec nous le chemin de Jérusalem, celui de la croix. C’était d’ailleurs pour préparer les cœurs de ses disciples à surmonter le scandale de la croix, qu’il leur manifesta sa gloire, lors de sa transfiguration. N’ayons pas peur, comme Pierre, de descendre avec lui de la montagne de notre gloire
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Feb 17, 2023 | Evangelium
SATURDAY 18 febRuary
Saint Bernadette Soubirous
She was born in 1844 to a destitute family in Lourdes, in France. On 11 February 1858 she received the first of a series of visions of the Mother of God which led to Lourdes becoming a place of pilgrimage and healing. In 1866 she became a nun at Nevers, where she died on 16 April 1879.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 30: 3-4
Be my protector, O God, a mighty stronghold to save me. For you are my rock, my stronghold! Lead me, guide me, for the sake of your name.
Collect
O God, who teach us that you abide in hearts that are just and true, grant that we may be so fashioned by your grace as to become a dwelling pleasing to 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: Hebrews 11: 1-7
Only faith can guarantee the blessings that we hope for, or prove the existence of the realities that at present remain unseen. It was for faith that our ancestors were commended. It is by faith that we understand that the world was created by one word from God, so that no apparent cause can account for the things we can see. It was because of his faith that Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain, and for that he was declared to be righteous when God made acknowledgement of his offerings. Though he is dead, he still speaks by faith. It was because of his faith that Enoch was taken up and did not have to experience death: he was not to be found because God had taken him. This was because before his assumption it is attested that he had pleased God. Now it is impossible to please God without faith, since anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and rewards those who try to find him. It was through his faith that Noah, when he had been warned by God of something that had never been seen before, felt a holy fear and built an ark to save his family. By his faith the world was convicted, and he was able to claim the righteousness which is the reward of faith.
Psalm 144(145): 2-5, 10-11
R/ I will bless your name for ever, O Lord.
I will bless you day after day and praise your name for ever. The Lord is great, highly to be praised, his greatness cannot be measured.
Age to age shall proclaim your works, shall declare your mighty deeds, shall speak of your splendour and glory, tell the tale of your wonderful works.
All your creatures shall thank you, O Lord, and your friends shall repeat their blessing. They shall speak of the glory of your reign and declare your might, O God.
Gospel Acclamation: Ps 147: 12, 15
Alleluia, alleluia! O praise the Lord, Jerusalem! He sends out his word to the earth. Alleluia!
Gospel: Mark 9: 2-13
Jesus took with him Peter and James and John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone by themselves. There in their presence he was transfigured: his clothes became dazzlingly white, whiter than any earthly bleacher could make them. Elijah appeared to them with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus. Then Peter spoke to Jesus: “Rabbi,” he said, “it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” He did not know what to say; they were so frightened. And a cloud came, covering them in shadow; and there came a voice from the cloud, “This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him.” Then suddenly, when they looked round, they saw no one with them anymore but only Jesus. As they came down from the mountain he warned them to tell no one what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They observed the warning faithfully, though among themselves they discussed what “rising from the dead” could mean. And they put this question to him, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah has to come first?” “True,” he said. “Elijah is to come first and to see that everything is as it should be; yet how is it that the scriptures say about the Son of Man that he is to suffer grievously and be treated with contempt? However, I tell you that Elijah has come and they have treated him as they pleased, just as the scriptures say about him.”
Prayer over the Offerings
May this oblation, O Lord, we pray, cleanse and renew us and may it become for those who do your will the source of eternal reward. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Ps 77: 29-30
They ate and had their fill, and what they craved the Lord gave them; they were not disappointed in what they craved.
Prayer after Communion
Having fed upon these heavenly delights, we pray, O Lord, so that we may always long for that food by which we truly live. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Faith is holding on to what we hope for, being certain of what we cannot see. The examples we are given show that faith cannot just remain within us as an intimate conviction. What matters is to act according to faith and make decisions inspired by it. That is what the Father’s voice is telling us as the disciples witness the Transfiguration of Jesus in the Gospel. Listen to him even more than Moses and Elijah were listened to. Jesus has announced his death and now the Father shows a foretaste of the Post Resurrection that they will live. The apostles have witnessed Jesus argue and fall out with the Pharisees, the Chief Priests and the Scribes. They might have felt like asking themselves if Jesus was not mistaken. Now they have the opportunity to confirm that Jesus and his teaching are authentic. Listen to him. The shinning cloud and the dazzling white clothes are external signs that give us a clue about mystery of Jesus. This will be confirmed at his resurrection.
