by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 6, 2022 | Evangelium
Saturday 07th may 2022
St. John of Beverley
(-721)
He was born in Yorkshire. He was celebrated for his scholarship as well as for his virtues. He was canonized in 1037, and his feast is celebrated annually on 7 May.
Entrance Antiphon : Col 2: 12
You have been buried with Christ in Baptism, through which you also rose again by faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead, alleluia.
Collect
O God, who in the font of Baptism have made new those who believe in you, keep safe those reborn in Christ, that, defeating every onslaught of error, they may faithfully preserve the grace of your blessing. 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 9:31-42
The Churches throughout Judaea, Galilee and Samaria were now left in peace, building themselves up, living in the fear of the Lord, and filled with the consolation of the Holy Spirit. Peter visited one place after another and eventually came to the saints living down in Lydda. There he found a man called Aeneas, a paralytic who had been bedridden for eight years. Peter said to him, ‘Aeneas, Jesus Christ cures you: get up and fold up your sleeping mat.’ Aeneas got up immediately; everybody who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they were all converted to the Lord. At Jaffa there was a woman disciple called Tabitha, or Dorcas in Greek, who never tired of doing good or giving in charity. But the time came when she got ill and died, and they washed her and laid her out in a room upstairs. Lydda is not far from Jaffa, so when the disciples heard that Peter was there, they sent two men with an urgent message for him, ‘Come and visit us as soon as possible.’ Peter went back with them straightaway, and on his arrival they took him to the upstairs room, where all the widows stood round him in tears, showing him tunics and other clothes Dorcas had made when she was with them. Peter sent them all out of the room and knelt down and prayed. Then he turned to the dead woman and said, ‘Tabitha, stand up.’ She opened her eyes, looked at Peter and sat up. Peter helped her to her feet, then he called in the saints and widows and showed them she was alive. The whole of Jaffa heard about it and many believed in the Lord.
Psalm 115:12-17
R/ How can I repay the Lord for his goodness to me?
- How can I repay the Lord for his goodness to me? The cup of salvation I will raise; I will call on the Lord’s name.
- My vows to the Lord I will fulfil before all his people. O precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful.
- Your servant, Lord, your servant am I; you have loosened my bonds. A thanksgiving sacrifice I make; I will call on the Lord’s name.
Gospel Acclamation : cf.Lk24:46,26
Alleluia, alleluia! We know that Christ is truly risen from the dead: have mercy on us, triumphant King. Alleluia!
Gospel : John 6:60-69
After hearing his doctrine many of the followers of Jesus said, ‘This is intolerable language. How could anyone accept it?’ Jesus was aware that his followers were complaining about it and said, ‘Does this upset you? What if you should see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before? ‘It is the spirit that gives life, the flesh has nothing to offer. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. ‘But there are some of you who do not believe.’ For Jesus knew from the outset those who did not believe, and who it was that would betray him. He went on, ‘This is why I told you that no one could come to me unless the Father allows him.’ After this, many of his disciples left him and stopped going with him. Then Jesus said to the Twelve, ‘What about you, do you want to go away too?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘Lord, who shall we go to? You have the message of eternal life, and we believe; we know that you are the Holy One of God.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Accept in compassion, Lord, we pray, the offerings of your family, that under your protective care they may never lose what they have received, but attain the gifts that are eternal. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Jn 17: 20-21
Father, I pray for them, that they may be one in us, so that the world may believe it was you who sent me, says the Lord, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
Keep safe, O Lord, we pray, those whom you have saved by your kindness, that, redeemed by the Passion of your Son, they may rejoice in his Resurrection. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Meditation
It may be difficult to perceive the beauty of the words of Peter about Jesus having the word of eternal life. They have been with him and now, they define their lives from that of Jesus so much that life without him is nothing. They do not have riches, and possessions but they have everything they need. He who has the message of eternal life, and they place their trust in Him. Like Peter and his brothers, can I allow myself be led by Christ’s words? Can I define myself only in respect to Christ? What will I be in this world if not for Christ who has the message of Eternal Life?
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 5, 2022 | Agenda Biblique
Vendredi 06 Mai 2022
Bienheureuse Prudence
Prudence rejoignit les ermites de saint augustin à Milan. Elle devint abbesse-fondatrice d’un nouveau couvent à Côme, en Italie.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ap 5, 12
Il est digne, l’Agneau immolé, de recevoir puissance, divinité, sagesse, force et honneur, alléluia.
Prière d’ouverture
Nous t’en prions, Dieu tout-puissant, nous qui avons reçu la grâce de savoir que le Christ est ressuscité : que ton Esprit d’amour nous fasse vivre une vie nouvelle. Par Jésus.
1ère lecture : Act 9, 1-20
En ces jours-là, Saul était toujours animé d’une rage meurtrière contre les disciples du Seigneur. Il alla trouver le grand prêtre et lui demanda des lettres pour les synagogues de Damas, afin que, s’il trouvait des hommes et des femmes qui suivaient le Chemin du Seigneur, il les amène enchaînés à Jérusalem. Comme il était en route et approchait de Damas, soudain une lumière venant du ciel l’enveloppa de sa clarté. Il fut précipité à terre; il entendit une voix qui lui disait : «Saul, Saul, pourquoi me persécuter?» Il demanda : « Qui es-tu, Seigneur?» La voix répondit : « Je suis Jésus, celui que tu persécutes. Relève-toi et entre dans la ville : on te dira ce que tu dois faire. » Ses compagnons de route s’étaient arrêtés, muets de stupeur : ils entendaient la voix, mais ils ne voyaient personne. Saul se releva de terre et, bien qu’il eût les yeux ouverts, il ne voyait rien. Ils le prirent par la main pour le faire entrer à Damas. Pendant trois jours, il fut privé de la vue et il resta sans manger ni boire. Or, il y avait à Damas un disciple nommé Ananie. Dans une vision, le Seigneur lui dit : « Ananie ! » Il répondit : « Me voici, Seigneur. » Le Seigneur reprit : « Lève-toi, va dans la rue appelée rue Droite, chez Jude : tu demanderas un homme de Tarse nommé Saul. Il est en prière, et il a eu cette vision : un homme, du nom d’Ananie, entrait et lui imposait les mains pour lui rendre la vue. » Ananie répondit : « Seigneur, j’ai beaucoup entendu parler de cet homme, et de tout le mal qu’il a fait subir à tes fidèles à Jérusalem. Il est ici, après avoir reçu de la part des grands prêtres le pouvoir d’enchaîner tous ceux qui invoquent ton nom. » Mais le Seigneur lui dit : « Va ! car cet homme est l’instrument que j’ai choisi pour faire parvenir mon nom auprès des nations, des rois et des fils d’Israël. Et moi, je lui montrerai tout ce qu’il lui faudra souffrir pour mon nom. » Ananie partit donc et entra dans la maison. Il imposa les mains à Saul, en disant : « Saul, mon frère, celui qui m’a envoyé, c’est le Seigneur, c’est Jésus qui t’est apparu sur le chemin par lequel tu venais. Ainsi, tu vas retrouver la vue, et tu seras rempli d’Esprit Saint.» Aussitôt tombèrent de ses yeux comme des écailles, et il retrouva la vue. Il se leva, puis il fut baptisé. Alors il prit de la nourriture et les forces lui revinrent. Il passa quelques jours à Damas avec les disciples et, sans plus attendre, il proclamait Jésus dans les synagogues, affirmant que celui-ci est le Fils de Dieu.
Psaume 116 (117), 1, 2, Mc 16, 15
R/ Allez dans le monde entier. Mc 16,15 Proclamez l’Évangile.
Ou : Alléluia
- Louez le Seigneur, tous les peuples ; fêtez-le, tous les pays!
- Son amour envers nous s’est montré le plus fort ; éternelle est la fidélité du Seigneur !
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia. Qui mange ma chair et boit mon sang demeure en moi, et moi en lui, dit le Seigneur. Alléluia. (Jn 6, 56)
Évangile : Jean 6, 52-59
En ce temps-là, les Juifs se querellaient entre eux : « Comment celui-là peut-il nous donner sa chair à manger ? » Jésus leur dit alors : « Amen, amen, je vous le dis :si vous ne mangez pas la chair du Fils de l’homme, et si vous ne buvez pas son sang, vous n’avez pas la vie en vous. Celui qui mange ma chair et boit mon sang la vie éternelle ; et moi, je le ressusciterai au dernier jour. En effet, ma chair est la vraie nourriture, et mon sang est la vraie boisson. Celui qui mange ma chair et boit mon sang demeure en moi, et moi, je demeure en lui. De même que le Père, qui est vivant, m’a envoyé, et que moi je vis par le Père, de même celui qui me mange, lui aussi vivra par moi. Tel est le pain qui est descendu du ciel : il n’est pas comme celui que les pères ont mangé. Eux, ils sont morts ; celui qui mange ce pain vivra éternellement. Voilà ce que Jésus a dit alors qu’il enseignait à la synagogue de Capharnaüm.
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
Celui que l’on avait crucifié, il est vivant pour toujours, et il nous a rachetés, alléluia.
Prière après la communion
Nous venons de communier, Seigneur, au don sacré du corps et du sang de ton Fils, et nous te prions humblement : que cette Eucharistie, offerte en mémoire de Lui, comme il nous a dit de le faire, augmente en nous la charité. Par Jésus.
Méditation
Nul ne peut percer le mystère de l’Eucharistie si tout son jugement et raisonnement ne restent figés que sur la matière. En effet, nous avons ici comme un dialogue de sourd entre Jésus et ses interlocuteurs où, tandis que Jésus les invite à entrer dans une autre sphère de leur relation avec Dieu, ceux-ci restent bornés sur leurs propres convictions et perceptions. Comme Saul demandons à Dieu de faire tomber les écailles de nos yeux pour que nous puissions contempler autrement les réalités divines.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 5, 2022 | Evangelium
Friday 06th may 2022
Blessed François de Laval
(1623 – 1708)
He was the first bishop of New France. He founded a seminary and had schools and churches built. He resigned his bishopric in 1684 but remained in New France and acted as deputy to his successor.
Entrance Antiphon : Rv 5: 12
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and divinity, and wisdom and strength and honour, alleluia.
Collect
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that we, who have come to know the grace of the Lord’s Resurrection, may, through the love of the Spirit, ourselves rise to newness of life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading : Acts 9:1-20
Saul was still breathing threats to slaughter the Lord’s disciples. He had gone to the high priest and asked for letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, that would authorise him to arrest and take to Jerusalem any followers of the Way, men or women, that he could find. Suddenly, while he was travelling to Damascus and just before he reached the city, there came a light from heaven all round him. He fell to the ground, and then he heard a voice saying, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ ‘Who are you, Lord?’ he asked, and the voice answered, ‘I am Jesus, and you are persecuting me. Get up now and go into the city, and you will be told what you have to do.’ The men travelling with Saul stood there speechless, for though they heard the voice they could see no one. Saul got up from the ground, but even with his eyes wide open he could see nothing at all, and they had to lead him into Damascus by the hand. For three days he was without his sight, and took neither food nor drink. A disciple called Ananias who lived in Damascus had a vision in which he heard the Lord say to him, ‘Ananias!’ When he replied, ‘Here I am, Lord’, the Lord said, ‘You must go to Straight Street and ask the house of Judas for someone called Saul, who comes from Tarsus. At this moment he is praying, having had a vision of a man called Ananias coming in and laying hands on him to give him back his sight.’ When he heard that, Ananias said, ‘Lord, several people have told me about this man and all the harm he has been doing to your saints in Jerusalem. He has only come here because he holds a warrant from the chief priests to arrest everybody who invokes your name.’ The Lord replied, ‘You must go all the same, because this man is my chosen instrument to bring my name before pagans and pagan kings and before the people of Israel; I myself will show him how much he himself must suffer for my name.’ Then Ananias went. He entered the house, and at once laid his hands on Saul and said, ‘Brother Saul, I have been sent by the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on your way here so that you may recover your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ Immediately it was as though scales fell away from Saul’s eyes and he could see again. So he was baptised there and then, and after taking some food he regained his strength. He began preaching in the synagogues, ‘Jesus is the Son of God.’
Psalm 116:1-2
R/ Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News.
- O praise the Lord, all you nations, acclaim him all you peoples!
- Strong is his love for us; he is faithful for ever.
Gospel Acclamation : cf.Lk24:46,26
Alleluia, alleluia! It was ordained that the Christ should suffer and rise from the dead, and so enter into his glory. Alleluia!
Gospel : John 6:52-59
The Jews started arguing with one another: ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’ they said. Jesus replied: ‘I tell you most solemnly, if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you will not have life in you. Anyone who does eat my flesh and drink my blood has eternal life, and I shall raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me and I live in him. As I, who am sent by the living Father, myself draw life from the Father, so whoever eats me will draw life from me. This is the bread come down from heaven; not like the bread our ancestors ate: they are dead, but anyone who eats this bread will live for ever.’ He taught this doctrine at Capernaum, in the synagogue.
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
The Crucified is risen from the dead and has redeemed us, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
We have partaken of the gifts of this sacred mystery, humbly imploring, O Lord, that what your Son commanded us to do in memory of him may bring us growth in charity. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
It is expected that for any Christian to remain a Christian and be fruitful in his or her Christian life, there must be an intimate, daily experience of the Eucharistic Jesus. How many Christians forego Eucharistic adoration, prayers, and Mass because they have a litany of excuses. How many priests celebrate the Eucharistic mystery diligently and reverently as the source and summit of all that Christians need? We cannot over emphasise the importance of the Eucharist in the life of a Christian. Testimonies abound today from those who are close to the Eucharist.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 4, 2022 | Agenda Biblique
Jeudi 05 Mai 2022
Ste. Judith
Devenue précocement veuve, Judith quitta son pays et sa parenté pour rejoindre son frère qui était grand maître de l’Ordre Teutonique. Elle y passa le reste de sa vie, dans l’exercice des bonnes œuvres.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ex 15, 1-2
Chantons le Seigneur, grande est sa victoire ; il est ma force, il est mon chant, je lui dois le salut, alléluia.
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu éternel et tout-puissant, nous implorons avec plus d’insistance ta bonté en ce temps de Pâques où elle se révèle davantage : puisque tu nous as dégagés de nos erreurs, fais-nous adhérer plus fermement à la vérité. Par Jésus Christ.
1ère lecture : Act 8, 26-40
En ces jours-là, l’ange du Seigneur adressa la parole à Philippe en disant : « Mets-toi en marche en direction du sud, prends la route qui descend de Jérusalem à Gaza; elle est déserte. » Et Philippe se mit en marche. Or, un Éthiopien, un eunuque, haut fonctionnaire de Candace, la reine d’Éthiopie, et administrateur de tous ses trésors, était venu à Jérusalem pour adorer. Il en revenait, assis sur son char, et lisait le prophète Isaïe. L’Esprit dit à Philippe : « Approche, et rejoins ce char. » Philippe se mit à courir, et il entendit l’homme qui lisait le prophète Isaïe ; alors il lui demanda: « Comprends-tu ce que tu lis ? » L’autre lui répondit: « Et comment le pourrais-je s’il n’y a personne pour me guider ?» Il invita donc Philippe à monter et à s’asseoir à côté de lui. Le passage de l’Écriture qu’il lisait était celui-ci : Comme une brebis, il fut conduit à l’abattoir ; comme un agneau muet devant le tondeur, il n’ouvre pas la bouche. Dans son humiliation, il n’a pas obtenu justice. Sa descendance, qui en parlera? Car sa vie est retranchée de la terre. Prenant la parole, l’eunuque dit à Philippe : « Dis-moi, je te prie : de qui le prophète parle-t-il ? De lui-même, ou bien d’un autre ? » Alors Philippe prit la parole et, à partir de ce passage de l’Écriture, il lui annonça la Bonne Nouvelle de Jésus. Comme ils poursuivaient leur route, ils arrivèrent à un point d’eau, et l’eunuque dit : « Voici de l’eau : qu’est-ce qui empêche que je sois baptisé ? » Il fit arrêter le char, ils descendirent dans l’eau tous les deux, et Philippe baptisa l’eunuque. Quand ils furent remontés de l’eau, l’Esprit du Seigneur emporta Philippe ; l’eunuque ne le voyait plus, mais il poursuivait sa route, tout joyeux. Philippe se retrouva dans la ville d’Ashdod, il annonçait la Bonne Nouvelle dans toutes les villes où il passait jusqu’à son arrivée à Césarée.
Psaume : 65 (66), 8-9, 16-17, 20
R/ Acclamez Dieu, toute la terre ! ou: Alléluia ! 65,1
- Peuples, bénissez notre Dieu ! Faites retentir sa louange, car il rend la vie à notre âme, il a gardé nos pieds de la chute.
- Venez, écoutez, vous tous qui craignez Dieu : je vous dirai ce qu’il a fait pour mon âme ; quand je poussai vers lui mon cri, ma bouche faisait déjà son éloge.
- Béni soit Dieu qui n’a pas écarté ma prière, ni détourné de moi son amour!
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia. Moi, je suis le pain vivant qui est descendu du ciel, dit le Seigneur ; si quelqu’un mange de ce pain, il vivra éternellement. Alléluia. (Jn 6, 51)
Évangile : Jean 6, 44-51
En ce temps-là, Jésus disait aux foules: « Personne ne peut venir à moi, si le Père qui m’a envoyé ne l’attire, et moi, je le ressusciterai au dernier jour. Il est écrit dans les prophètes : Ils seront tous instruits par Dieu lui-même. Quiconque a entendu le Père et reçu son enseignement vient à moi. Certes, personne n’a jamais vu le Père, sinon celui qui vient de Dieu : celui- là seul a vu le Père. Amen, amen, je vous le dis : il a la vie éternelle, celui qui croit. Moi, je suis le pain de la vie. Au désert, vos pères ont mangé la manne, et ils sont morts ; mais le pain qui descend du ciel est tel que celui qui en mange ne mourra pas. Moi, je suis le pain vivant, qui est descendu du ciel : si quelqu’un mange de ce pain, il vivra éternellement. Le pain que je donnerai, c’est ma chair, donnée pour la vie du monde. ».
Prière sur les offrandes
Seigneur notre Dieu, dans l’admirable échange du sacrifice eucharistique, tu nous fais participer à ta propre nature divine: puisque nous avons la connaissance de ta vérité, accorde-nous de lui être fidèles par toute notre vie. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : cf. 2 Co 5, 15
Le Christ est mort pour tous, afin que notre vie ne soit plus à nous-mêmes, mais à lui qui est mort et ressuscité pour nous, alléluia.
Prière après la communion
Dieu très bon, reste auprès de ton peuple, car sans toi, notre vie tombe en ruine ; fais passer à une vie nouvelle ceux que tu as initiés aux sacrements de ton Royaume. Par Jésus.
Méditation
L’aboutissement de notre connaissance de Dieu est la communion totale avec le Christ. Cette communion s’exprime lorsque nous acceptons et sollicitons le baptême qui nous conduit à communier au corps et au sang du Christ, cette nourriture spirituelle qui nous ouvre à la vie qui n’aura pas de fin. C’est là la grandeur du mystère de notre foi que nous célébrons à chaque Eucharistie.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 4, 2022 | Evangelium
Thursday 05th may 2022
St. Asaph
He was a monk of the monastery at Llanelwy, founded by St Kentigern. He was consecrated bishop in 573, and the town of Llanelwy (as well as the diocese) is called St Asaph in his honour.
Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Ex 15: 1-2
Let us sing to the Lord, for he has gloriously triumphed. The Lord is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation, alleluia.
Collect
Almighty ever-living God, let us feel your compassion more readily during these days when, by your gift, we have known it more fully, so that those you have freed from the darkness of error may cling more firmly to the teachings of your truth. 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 8:26-40
The angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, ‘Be ready to set out at noon along the road that goes from Jerusalem down to Gaza, the desert road.’ So he set off on his journey. Now it happened that an Ethiopian had been on pilgrimage to Jerusalem; he was a eunuch and an officer at the court of the kandake, or Queen of Ethiopia, and was in fact her chief treasurer. He was now on his way home; and as he sat in his chariot he was reading the prophet Isaiah. The Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go up and meet that chariot.’ When Philip ran up, he heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ ‘How can I’ he replied ‘unless I have someone to guide me?’ So he invited Philip to get in and sit by his side. Now the passage of Scripture he was reading was this: Like a sheep that is led to the slaughter-house, like a lamb that is dumb in front of its shearers, like these he never opens his mouth. He has been humiliated and has no one to defend him. Who will ever talk about his descendants, since his life on earth has been cut short! The eunuch turned to Philip and said, ‘Tell me, is the prophet referring to himself or someone else?’ Starting, therefore, with this text of Scripture Philip proceeded to explain the Good News of Jesus to him. Further along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, ‘Look, there is some water here; is there anything to stop me being baptised?’ He ordered the chariot to stop, then Philip and the eunuch both went down into the water and Philip baptised him. But after they had come up out of the water again Philip was taken away by the Spirit of the Lord, and the eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing. Philip found that he had reached Azotus and continued his journey proclaiming the Good News in every town as far as Caesarea.
Psalm 65:8-9,16-17,20
R/ Cry out with joy to God, all the earth.
- O peoples, bless our God, let the voice of his praise resound, of the God who gave life to our souls and kept our feet from stumbling.
- Come and hear, all who fear God. I will tell what he did for my soul: to him I cried aloud, with high praise ready on my tongue.
- Blessed be God who did not reject my prayer nor withhold his love from me.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! The Lord, who hung for us upon the tree, has risen from the tomb. Alleluia!
Gospel : John 6:44-51
Jesus said to the crowd: ‘No one can come to me unless he is drawn by the Father who sent me, and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets: They will all be taught by God, and to hear the teaching of the Father, and learn from it, is to come to me. Not that anybody has seen the Father, except the one who comes from God: he has seen the Father. I tell you most solemnly, everybody who believes has eternal life. ‘I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the desert and they are dead; but this is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that a man may eat it and not die. I am the living bread which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, for the life of the world.’
Prayer over the Offerings
O God, who by the wonderful exchange effected in this sacrifice have made us partakers of the one supreme Godhead, grant, we pray, that, as we have come to know your truth, we may make it ours by a worthy way of life. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : 2 Cor 5: 15
Christ died for all, that those who live may live no longer for themselves, but for him, who died for them and is risen, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
Graciously be present to your people, we pray, O Lord, and lead those you have imbued with heavenly mysteries to pass from former ways to newness of life. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Have you ever had a hard time trying to understand something you thought you knew or has someone ever tried to explain some details to you but you seem not to get it? That was the Eunuch’s situation. He was clueless until, through divine intervention and the help of the messenger of God, Phillip, he was enlightened. This enlightenment also gave meaning to his life that he could go no further without first being born again in baptism. He was ready at the moment to give up everything for the message he had just listened to from Phillip. How well do we take time to appreciate the efforts of preachers of the Gospel? Let us pray for more holy inspiration for all preachers of the Gospel.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 3, 2022 | Evangelium
Wednesday 04th may 2022
The English Martyrs
On 4 May 1535, at Tyburn in London, there died three Carthusian monks, the first of many martyrs of the English Reformation. They are remembered for the example they gave of constancy in their faith and courage in the face of persecution.
Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Ps 70: 8, 23
Let my mouth be filled with your praise, that I may sing aloud; my lips shall shout for joy, when I sing to you, alleluia.
Collect
Be present to your family, O Lord, we pray, and graciously ensure those you have endowed with the grace of faith, an eternal share in the Resurrection of your Only Begotten Son. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading : Acts 8:1-8
That day a bitter persecution started against the Church in Jerusalem, and everyone except the apostles fled to the country districts of Judaea and Samaria. There were some devout people, however, who buried Stephen and made great mourning for him. Saul then worked for the total destruction of the Church; he went from house to house arresting both men and women and sending them to prison. Those who had escaped went from place to place preaching the Good News. One of them was Philip who went to a Samaritan town and proclaimed the Christ to them. The people united in welcoming the message Philip preached, either because they had heard of the miracles he worked or because they saw them for themselves. There were, for example, unclean spirits that came shrieking out of many who were possessed, and several paralytics and cripples were cured. As a result there was great rejoicing in that town.
Psalm 65:1-7
R/ Cry out with joy to God, all the earth.
- Cry out with joy to God all the earth, O sing to the glory of his name. O render him glorious praise. Say to God: ‘How tremendous your deeds!
- Because of the greatness of your strength your enemies cringe before you. Before you all the earth shall bow; shall sing to you, sing to your name!’
- Come and see the works of God, tremendous his deeds among men. He turned the sea into dry land, they passed through the river dry-shod.
- Let our joy then be in him; he rules for ever by his might. His eyes keep watch over the nations: let rebels not rise against him.
Gospel Acclamation : Jn10:27
Alleluia, alleluia! The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice, says the Lord, I know them and they follow me. Alleluia!
Gospel : John 6:35-40
Jesus said to the crowd: ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never be hungry; he who believes in me will never thirst. But, as I have told you, you can see me and still you do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I shall not turn him away; because I have come from heaven, not to do my own will, but to do the will of the one who sent me. Now the will of him who sent me is that I should lose nothing of all that he has given to me, and that I should raise it up on the last day. Yes, it is my Father’s will that whoever sees the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and that I shall raise him up on the last day.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Grant, we pray, O Lord, that we may always find delight in these paschal mysteries, so that the renewal constantly at work within us may be the cause of our unending joy. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon
The Lord has risen and shone his light upon us, whom he has redeemed by his Blood, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
Hear, O Lord, our prayers, that this most holy exchange, by which you have redeemed us, may bring your help in this present life and ensure for us eternal gladness. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
There is a song we normally sing and the lyrics go thus, “I am satisfied in Jesus, my love for him shall never die …” No one can be satisfied without being a participant in Jesus the bread of life. Only in Jesus can anyone truly claim to be satisfied. The greatness of the Eucharist is found in that it is not just a meal that Jesus gives us but that it is His very self such that we, too, can like Paul say, after consuming it, “It is no longer I that live but Christ living in me.” For the Bread of life, the Eucharist, makes us Christ-like. What attitude should I have when I approach the Eucharist? Gathered for Mass, how many of us are prepared to receive the Eucharist and how many of us receive it with adequate preparation?
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 3, 2022 | Agenda Biblique
Mercredi 04 Mai 2022
St. Sylvain
Prêtre doux et pacifique et condamné aux mines avec 40 autres chrétiens, il eut, comme de règle, un œil arraché et un pied brûlé avec un fer rougi. Devenu inutile en raison de son état physique, il fut décapité.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 70, 8. 23
Que ma bouche soit remplie de ta louange ; Seigneur, tu m’as rendu la vie : sur mes lèvres la joie chantera, alléluia.
Prière d’ouverture
Viens au secours de ta famille, Seigneur, sois généreux pour elle: tu lui as donné la grâce de la foi, accorde-lui aussi une part dans la résurrection de ton Fils. Lui qui.
1ère lecture : Act 8, 1b- 8
Le jour de la mort d’Étienne, éclata une violente persécution contre l’Église de Jérusalem. Tous se dispersèrent dans les campagnes de Judée et de Samarie, à l’exception des Apôtres. Des hommes religieux ensevelirent Étienne et célébrèrent pour lui un grand deuil. Quant à Saul, il ravageait l’Église, il pénétrait dans les maisons, pour en arracher hommes et femmes, et les jeter en prison. Ceux qui s’étaient dispersés annonçaient la Bonne Nouvelle de la Parole là où ils passaient. C’est ainsi que Philippe, l’un des Sept, arriva dans une ville de Samarie, et là il proclamait le Christ. Les foules, d’un même cœur, s’attachaient à ce que disait Philippe, car elles entendaient parler des signes qu’il accomplissait, ou même les voyaient. Beaucoup de possédés étaient délivrés des esprits impurs, qui sortaient en poussant de grands cris. Beaucoup de paralysés et de boiteux furent guéris. Et il y eut dans cette ville une grande joie.
Psaume 65 (66), 1-3a, 4-5, 6-7a)
R/ Acclamez Dieu, toute la terre !
ou : Alléluia ! (65, 1)
- Acclamez Dieu, toute la terre; fêtez la gloire de son nom, glorifiez-le en célébrant sa louange. Dites à Dieu : « Que tes actions sont redoutables !
- « Toute la terre se prosterne devant toi, elle chante pour toi, elle chante pour ton nom. » Venez et voyez les hauts faits de Dieu, ses exploits redoutables pour les fils des hommes.
- Il changea la mer en terre ferme : ils passèrent le fleuve à pied sec. De là, cette joie qu’il nous donne. Il règne à jamais par sa puissance.
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia. Celui qui voit le Fils et croit en lui, a la vie éternel, dit le Seigneur; et moi, je le ressusciterai au dernier jour. Alléluia.
Évangile : Jean 6, 35-40
En ce temps-là, Jésus disait aux foules : « Moi, je suis le pain de la vie. Celui qui vient à moi n’aura jamais faim ; celui qui croit en moi n’aura jamais soif. Mais je vous l’ai déjà dit : vous avez vu, et pourtant vous ne croyez pas. Tous ceux que me donne le Père viendront jusqu’à moi ; et celui qui vient à moi, je ne vais pas le jeter dehors. Car je suis descendu du ciel pour faire non pas ma volonté, mais la volonté de Celui qui m’a envoyé. Or, telle est la volonté de Celui qui m’a envoyé : que je ne perde aucun de ceux qu’il m’a donnés, mais que je les ressuscite au dernier jour. Telle est la volonté de mon Père : que celui qui voit le Fils et croit en lui ait la vie éternelle ; et moi, je le ressusciterai au dernier jour. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Donne-nous, Seigneur, de te rendre grâce toujours par ces mystères de Pâques ; ils continuent en nous ton œuvre de rédemption, qu’ils nous soient une source intarissable de joie. Par Jésus.
Antienne de la communion
Le Seigneur est ressuscité, et nous qu’il a rachetés par son sang, il nous remplit de sa lumière, alléluia.
Prière après la communion
Écoute nos prières, Seigneur: que cet échange mystérieux où l’homme est racheté nous soutienne durant la vie présente et nous apporte les joies éternelles. Par Jésus.
Méditation
La persécution, sans la rechercher, peut devenir un mobile d’expansion de la Bonne Nouvelle du Christ. La conversion des cœurs au Christ, nous dit Jésus, est un don de Dieu. Nous ne devons donc pas nous lasser de proclamer la Parole de Vie et de nous efforcer d’être des signes qui pourraient attirer les foules au Christ. Comme le dit la première lecture : « Les foules, d’un même cœur, s’attachaient à ce que disait Philippe, car elles entendaient parler des signes qu’il accomplissait, ou même les voyaient ».
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 2, 2022 | Evangelium
Tuesday 03rd may 2022
Ss. Philip and James,
Apostles
Philip was born at Bethsaida and started as a disciple of John the Baptist. After the Baptist’s death he followed Christ. James, a cousin of the Lord, was the son of Alphaeus. He ruled the Church at Jerusalem; wrote an epistle; led an austere life; and converted many Jews to the Faith. He was crowned with martyrdom in the year 62.
Entrance Antiphon
These are the holy men whom the Lord chose in his own perfect love; to them he gave eternal glory, alleluia.
Collect
O God, who gladden us each year with the feast day of the Apostles Philip and James, grant us, through their prayers, a share in the Passion and Resurrection of your Only Begotten Son, so that we may merit to behold you for eternity. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading : 1 Corinthians 15:1-8
Brothers, I want to remind you of the Gospel I preached to you, the Gospel that you received and in which you are firmly established; because the Gospel will save you only if you keep believing exactly what I preached to you – believing anything else will not lead to anything. Well then, in the first place, I taught you what I had been taught myself, namely that Christ died for our sins, in accordance with the Scriptures; that he was buried; and that he was raised to life on the third day, in accordance with the Scriptures; that he appeared first to Cephas and secondly to the Twelve. Next he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died; then he appeared to James, and then to all the apostles; and last of all he appeared to me too; it was as though I was born when no one expected it.
Psalm 18:2-5
R/ Their word goes forth through all the earth.
I The heavens proclaim the glory of God, and the firmament shows forth the work of his hands. Day unto day takes up the story and night unto night makes known the message.
- No speech, no word, no voice is heard yet their span extends through all the earth, their words to the utmost bounds of the world.
Gospel Acclamation : Jn14:6,9
Alleluia, alleluia! I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life, says the Lord. Philip, to have seen me is to have seen the Father. Alleluia!
Gospel : John 14:6-14
Jesus said to Thomas: ‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you know me, you know my Father too. From this moment you know him and have seen him.’ Philip said, ‘Lord, let us see the Father and then we shall be satisfied.’ ‘Have I been with you all this time, Philip,’ said Jesus to him ‘and you still do not know me? ‘To have seen me is to have seen the Father, so how can you say, “Let us see the Father”? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak as from myself: it is the Father, living in me, who is doing this work. You must believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; believe it on the evidence of this work, if for no other reason. I tell you most solemnly, whoever believes in me will perform the same works as I do myself, he will perform even greater works, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask for in my name I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask for anything in my name, I will do it.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Receive, O Lord, the offerings we bring for the feast day of the Apostles Philip and James and bestow on us religion pure and undefiled. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Cf. Jn 14: 8-9
Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us. Whoever has seen me, Philip, has seen the Father also, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
Purify our minds, we pray, O Lord, by these holy gifts we have received, so that, contemplating you in your Son together with the Apostles Philip and James, we may be worthy to possess eternal life. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
What can we say has changed in our life since we became believers in God? Can we truly say that we know God through Jesus Christ? And if we know him, do we believe in Him? And if we believe in Him, can we love Him? Our lives as Christians make no meaning when it is not Christ the governing authority. He summarises his authority today in the words, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” Indeed, Jesus is the way to eternal life, happiness and holiness; he is the truth out of whom everything else is a lie and the One who gives us the truly good; he is the life that has no end. The Lord of all life. What can we say than that we ought to make an effort every day to come to know, love and believe in Him more and more. A better life is Life with Jesus and never out of Him.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 2, 2022 | Agenda Biblique
Mardi 03 Mai 2022
Ss. Philippe et Jacques,
Apôtres
Le quatrième évangile nous fait connaître Philippe : il était de Bethsaïde, comme Pierre et André; comme eux, il fut un des premiers que Jésus ait appelés à le suivre, avant même le début de la prédication en Galilée. A Jérusalem, peu avant la passion, c’est à Philippe que des Grecs s’adressent pour être introduits auprès de Jésus.
Antienne d’ouverture
Dans un amour sans repentir, le Seigneur a choisi pour apôtres saint Philippe et saint Jacques et il leur a donné une gloire éternelle.
Prière d’ouverture
Tu nous réjouis chaque année, Seigneur, par la fête des Apôtres Philippe et Jacques ; accorde-nous, à leur prières, d’être associés à la passion et à la résurrection de ton Fils afin de parvenir à la contemplation de ta gloire. Par Jésus.
1ère lecture : 1 Co 15, 1-8
Frères, je vous rappelle la Bonne Nouvelle que je vous ai annoncée; cet Évangile, vous l’avez reçu ; c’est en lui que vous tenez bon, c’est par lui que vous serez sauvés si vous le gardez tel que je vous l’ai annoncé; autrement, c’est pour rien que vous êtes devenus croyants. Avant tout, je vous ai transmis ceci, que j’ai moi-même reçu : le Christ est mort pour nos péchés conformément aux Écritures, et il fut mis au tombeau; il est ressuscité le troisième jour conformément aux Écritures, il est apparu à Pierre, puis aux Douze ; ensuite il est apparu à plus de cinq cents frères à la fois – la plupart sont encore vivants, et quelques-uns sont endormis dans la mort –, ensuite il est apparu à Jacques, puis à tous les Apôtres. Et en tout dernier lieu, il est même apparu à l’avorton que je suis.
Psaume 18 (19), 2-3, 4-5ab
R/ Par toute la terre s’en va leur message.
Ou : Alléluia. (Ps 18, 5a)
- Les cieux proclament la gloire de Dieu, le firmament raconte l’ouvrage de ses mains. Le jour au jour en livre le récit et la nuit à la nuit en donne connaissance.
- Pas de paroles dans ce récit, pas de voix qui s’entende ; mais sur toute la terre en paraît le message et la nouvelle, aux limites du monde.
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia. « Je suis le Chemin, la Vérité et la Vie, dit le Seigneur. Philippe, celui qui me voit, voit aussi le Père. » Alléluia. (Jn 14,5)
Évangile : Jean 14, 6-14
En ce temps-là, Jésus dit à Thomas: « Moi, je suis le Chemin, la Vérité et la Vie ; personne ne va vers le Père sans passer par moi. Puisque vous me connaissez, vous connaîtrez aussi mon Père. Dès maintenant vous le connaissez, et vous l’avez vu. » Philippe lui dit : « Seigneur, montre-nous le Père ; cela nous suffit. » Jésus lui répond : « Il y a si longtemps que je suis avec vous, et tu ne me connais pas, Philippe! Celui qui m’a vu a vu le Père. Comment peux-tu dire : ‘Montre-nous le Père’ ? Tu ne crois donc pas que je suis dans le Père et que le Père est en moi ! Les paroles que je vous dis, je ne les dis pas de moi-même ; le Père qui demeure en moi fait ses propres œuvres. Croyez-moi : je suis dans le Père, et le Père est en moi ; si vous ne me croyez pas, croyez du moins à cause des œuvres elles-mêmes. Amen, amen, je vous le dis : celui qui croit en moi fera les œuvres que je fais. Il en fera même de plus grandes, parce que je pars vers le Père, et tout ce que vous demanderez en mon nom, je le ferai, afin que le Père soit glorifié dans le Fils. Quand vous me demanderez quelque chose en mon nom, moi, je le ferai. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Reçois les offrandes que nous t’apportons, Seigneur, en la fête des Apôtres Philippe et Jacques; accorde-nous de pratiquer d’une manière irréprochable et pure la religion véritable qu’ils ont enseignée. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Jn14, 8-9
« Seigneur dit Philippe, montre-nous le Père, et cela nous suffit. » Jésus répondit : « Philippe, qui me voit, voit le Père. »
Prière après la communion
Daigne, Seigneur, purifier nos esprits par cette communion à tes mystères : que nous sachions, comme Philippe et Jacques, pour obtenir avec eux la vie éternelle, te voir dans ton Fils. Lui qui règne.
Méditation
La foi de l’Eglise est fondée sur celle des apôtres. Ceux que nous célébrons aujourd’hui sont des témoins oculaires non seulement de la vie de Jésus, mais aussi de sa résurrection. Leur foi ne s’est pas construite sans hésitations. Mais au-delà de tout ceci se trouvait leur envie de connaître Dieu davantage. Jésus se révèle à eux comme étant en communion parfaite avec le Père. Que nos hésitations et notre soif de connaitre Dieu soient comblées dans la personne du Christ
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 1, 2022 | Evangelium
Monday 02nd may 2022
St. Athanasius
(295 – 373)
He was born in Alexandria. He fought hard against Arianism all his life, undergoing many sufferings and spending a total of 17 years in exile. He wrote outstanding works to explain and defend orthodoxy.
Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Sir 15: 5
In the midst of the Church he opened his mouth, and the Lord filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding and clothed him in a robe of glory, alleluia.
Collect
Almighty ever-living God, who raised up the Bishop Saint Athanasius as an outstanding champion of your Son’s divinity, mercifully grant, that, rejoicing in his teaching and his protection, we may never cease to grow in knowledge and love of 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 : Acts 6:8-15
Stephen was filled with grace and power and began to work miracles and great signs among the people. But then certain people came forward to debate with Stephen, some from Cyrene and Alexandria who were members of the synagogue called the Synagogue of Freedmen, and others from Cilicia and Asia. They found they could not get the better of him because of his wisdom, and because it was the Spirit that prompted what he said. So they procured some men to say, ‘We heard him using blasphemous language against Moses and against God.’ Having in this way turned the people against him as well as the elders and Scribes, they took Stephen by surprise, and arrested him and brought him before the Sanhedrin. There they put up false witnesses to say, ‘This man is always making speeches against this Holy Place and the Law. We have heard him say that Jesus the Nazarene is going to destroy this Place and alter the traditions that Moses handed down to us.’ The members of the Sanhedrin all looked intently at Stephen, and his face appeared to them like the face of an angel.
Psalm 118:23-24,26-27,29-30
R/ They are happy whose life is blameless.
- I ponder on your statutes. Your will is my delight; your statutes are my counsellors.
- I declared my ways and you answered; teach me your statutes. Make me grasp the way of your precepts and I will muse on your wonders.
- Keep me from the way of error and teach me your law. I have chosen the way of truth with your decrees before me.
Gospel Acclamation : Jn20:29
Alleluia, alleluia! ‘You believe, Thomas, because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe. Alleluia!
Gospel : John 6:22-29
After Jesus had fed the five thousand, his disciples saw him walking on the water. Next day, the crowd that had stayed on the other side saw that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not got into the boat with his disciples, but that the disciples had set off by themselves. Other boats, however, had put in from Tiberias, near the place where the bread had been eaten. When the people saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into those boats and crossed to Capernaum to look for Jesus. When they found him on the other side, they said to him, ‘Rabbi, when did you come here?’ Jesus answered: ‘I tell you most solemnly, you are not looking for me because you have seen the signs but because you had all the bread you wanted to eat. Do not work for food that cannot last, but work for food that endures to eternal life, the kind of food the Son of Man is offering you, for on him the Father, God himself, has set his seal.’ Then they said to him, ‘What must we do if we are to do the works that God wants?’ Jesus gave them this answer, ‘This is working for God: you must believe in the one he has sent.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Look, O Lord, upon the offerings we present to you in commemoration of Saint Athanasius, and may witnessing to your truth bring salvation to those who profess the same unblemished faith as him. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : 1 Cor 3: 11
No one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
Grant us, we pray, almighty God, that the true divinity of your Only Begotten Son, which we firmly profess with Saint Athanasius, may, through this Sacrament, ever give us life and protection. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
It is possible to be a Christian for many years for a wrong reason. True Christians know that the search for God involves an unwavering faith and trust in God’s power to do everything which is humanly impossible and scientifically acceptable. Why are we Christians? By induction (meaning we are Christians because from the beginning we grew up like that), or are we Christians by conviction (faith built not on hearsay)? If we are convinced of our Christian faith, then we will know persecuting another person because he does something right is out of place. Also we will seek for Christ and His kingdom in the correct way.
