by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Jan 27, 2022 | Evangelium
St. Thomas Aquinas
(1225 – 1274)
He was born of a noble family in southern Italy, and was educated by the Benedictines. He studied in Paris and in Cologne under the great philosopher St Albert the Great. He is the church’s one and only Angelic Doctor.
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.
Collect
O God, who made Saint Thomas Aquinas outstanding in his zeal for holiness and his study of sacred doctrine, grant us, we pray, that we may understand what he taught and imitate what he accomplished. 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 : 2 Samuel 11:1-4,5-10,13-17
At the turn of the year, the time when kings go campaigning, David sent Joab and with him his own guards and the whole of Israel. They massacred the Ammonites and laid siege to Rabbah. David, however, remained in Jerusalem. It happened towards evening when David had risen from his couch and was strolling on the palace roof, that he saw from the roof a woman bathing; the woman was very beautiful. David made inquiries about this woman and was told, ‘Why, that is Bathsheba, Eliam’s daughter, the wife of Uriah the Hittite.’ Then David sent messengers and had her brought. She came to him, and he slept with her. She then went home again. The woman conceived and sent word to David; ‘I am with child.’ Then David sent Joab a message, ‘Send me Uriah the Hittite’, whereupon Joab sent Uriah to David. When Uriah came into his presence, David asked after Joab and the army and how the war was going. David then said to Uriah, ‘Go down to your house and enjoy yourself.’ Uriah left the palace, and was followed by a present from the king’s table. Uriah however slept by the palace door with his master’s bodyguard and did not go down to his house. This was reported to David; ‘Uriah’ they said ‘did not go down to his house.’ The next day David invited him to eat and drink in his presence and made him drunk. In the evening Uriah went out and lay on his couch with his master’s bodyguard, but he did not go down to his house. Next morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it by Uriah. In the letter he wrote, ‘Station Uriah in the thick of the fight and then fall back behind him so that he may be struck down and die.’ Joab, then besieging the town, posted Uriah in a place where he knew there were fierce fighters. The men of the town sallied out and engaged Joab; the army suffered casualties, including some of David’s bodyguard; and Uriah the Hittite was killed too.
Psalm 50(51):3-7,10-11
R/ Have mercy on us, Lord, for we have sinned.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. That you may be justified when you give sentence and be without reproach when you judge, O see, in guilt I was born, a sinner was I conceived.
4. Make me hear rejoicing and gladness, that the bones you have crushed may thrill. From my sins turn away your face and blot out all my guilt.
Gospel Acclamation : Ps118:27
Alleluia, alleluia! Make me grasp the way of your precepts, and I will muse on your wonders. Alleluia!
Gospel : Mark 4:26-34
Jesus said to the crowds: ‘This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man throws seed on the land. Night and day, while he sleeps, when he is awake, the seed is sprouting and growing; how, he does not know. Of its own accord the land produces first the shoot, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the crop is ready, he loses no time: he starts to reap because the harvest has come.’ He also said, ‘What can we say the kingdom of God is like? What parable can we find for it? It is like a mustard seed which at the time of its sowing in the soil is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet once it is sown it grows into the biggest shrub of them all and puts out big branches so that the birds of the air can shelter in its shade.’ Using many parables like these, he spoke the word to them, so far as they were capable of understanding it. He would not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything to his disciples when they were alone.
Prayer over the Offerings
May the sacrifice which we gladly present on the feast day of blessed N., be pleasing to you, O God, for, taught by him, we, too, give ourselves entirely to you in praise. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Cf. Lk 12: 42
Behold a faithful and prudent steward to give them their allowance of food at the proper time.
Prayer after Communion
Through Christ the teacher, O Lord, instruct those you feed with Christ, the living Bread, that on the feast day of blessed N. they may learn your truth and express it in works of charity. Through Christ our Lord
Meditation
On this day we celebrate the Memoria of Saint Thomas Aquinas, who contributed to the growth of God’s kingdom through his writings, Jesus reminds us of how God works for the expansion of His Kingdom among us. God transforms our little efforts and makes them yield abundant results. At times, it could be a little act of charity, one kind word, a sign of the cross, and our response to challenging situations. God could transform these seemingly small acts causing them to produce a bumper harvest. Hence, we just need to do our part, live our Christian vocation and leave the rest to God.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Jan 27, 2022 | Agenda Biblique
St. Thomas d’Aquin,
prêtre et docteur de l’Église
Elevé à l’abbaye bénédictine du Mont-Cassin, Thomas (vers 1225-1274) opte pour l’ordre dominicain. Il dut lutter contre sa famille qui s’opposa à sa vocation au point de l’emprisonner. Devenu malgré tout frère prêcheur, il poursuivra ses études à Cologne sous la direction d’Albert le Grand, puis à Paris où, plus tard, il devait enseigner.
Antienne d’ouverture
Ainsi parle le Seigneur Dieu : « Je me susciterai un prêtre fidèle, qui agira selon mon cœur et mon désir. »
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu qui as fait de saint Thomas d’Aquin un modèle admirable par sa recherche d’une vie sainte et son amour de la science sacrée, accorde-nous de comprendre ses enseignements et de suivre ses exemples. Par Jésus Christ.
1ère lecture : 2 S 11, 1-4a.5-10a. 13-17
Au retour du printemps, à l’époque où les rois se mettent en campagne, David envoya Joab en expédition, avec ses officiers et toute l’armée d’Israël ; ils massacrèrent les fils d’Ammone et mirent le siège devant Rabba. David était resté à Jérusalem. Un soir, il se leva de sa couche pour se promener sur la terrasse du palais. De là, il aperçut une femme en train de se baigner. Cette femme était très belle. David fit demander qui elle était, et on lui répondit : « Mais c’est Bethsabée, fille d’Éliam, la femme d’Ourias le Hittite ! » Alors David envoya des gens la chercher. Elle vint chez lui ; il coucha avec elle. La femme devint enceinte, et elle fit savoir à David : « Je suis enceinte ! » Alors David expédia ce message à Joab : « Envoie-moi Ourias le Hittite. » Et Joab l’envoya à David. Lorsque Ourias fut arrivé auprès de lui, David lui demanda comment allaient Joab, et l’armée, et la guerre. Puis il lui dit : « Descends chez toi, prends du repos. » Ourias sortit du palais, et l’on portait derrière lui une portion de la table du roi. Mais Ourias se coucha à l’entrée du palais avec les serviteurs de son maître ; il ne descendit pas chez lui. On annonça à David : « Ourias n’est pas descendu chez lui. » Le lendemain, David l’invita à manger et à boire à sa table, et il l’enivra. Le soir, Ourias sortit et alla se coucher à nouveau avec les serviteurs de son maître ; mais il ne descendit pas chez lui. Le matin suivant, David écrivit une lettre pour Joab, et la fit porter par Ourias. Il disait dans cette lettre : « Mettez Ourias en première ligne, au plus fort de la mêlée, puis repliez-vous derrière lui ; qu’il soit frappé et qu’il meure ! » Joab, qui assiégeait la ville, plaça Ourias à un endroit où il savait que les ennemis étaient en force. Les assiégés firent une sortie contre Joab. Il y eut des tués dans l’armée, parmi les serviteurs de David, et Ourias le Hittite mourut aussi.
Psaume : Ps 50 (51), 3-4, 5-6ab, 6cd-7, 10-11
R/ Pitié, Seigneur, car nous avons péché ! (cf. Ps 50, 3)
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Ainsi, tu peux parler et montrer ta justice, être juge et montrer ta victoire. Moi, je suis né dans la faute, j’étais pécheur dès le sein de ma mère.
4. Fais que j’entende les chants et la fête : ils danseront, les os que tu broyais. Détourne ta face de mes fautes, enlève tous mes péchés.
Acclamation
Alléluia, alléluia! Tu es béni, Père, Seigneur du ciel et de la terre, tu as révélé aux tout-petits les mystères du Royaume ! Alléluia. (cf. Mt 11, 25)
Évangile : Mc 4, 26-34
En ce temps-là, Jésus disait aux foules : « Il en est du règne de Dieu comme d’un homme qui jette en terre la semence : nuit et jour, qu’il dorme ou qu’il se lève, la semence germe et grandit, il ne sait comment. D’elle-même, la terre produit d’abord l’herbe, puis l’épi, enfin du blé plein l’épi. Et dès que le blé est mûr, il y met la faucille, puisque le temps de la moisson est arrivé. » Il disait encore : « À quoi allons-nous comparer le règne de Dieu ? Par quelle parabole pouvons-nous le représenter ? Il est comme une graine de moutarde : quand on la sème en terre, elle est la plus petite de toutes les semences. Mais quand on l’a semée, elle grandit et dépasse toutes les plantes potagères ; et elle étend de longues branches, si bien que les oiseaux du ciel peuvent faire leur nid à son ombre. » Par de nombreuses paraboles semblables, Jésus leur annonçait la Parole, dans la mesure où ils étaient capables de l’entendre. Il ne leur disait rien sans parabole, mais il expliquait tout à ses disciples en particulier.
Prière sur les offrandes
Regarde, Seigneur, les offrandes que nous te présentons en la fête de saint Thomas d’Aquin ; que la confession de ta vérité conduise au salut ceux qui gardent la même foi que lui. Par Jésus.
Antienne de la communion : Ga 2, 20
« Ce n’est pas vous qui m’avez choisi, dit le Seigneur c’est moi qui vous ai choisis. Je vous ai mis à cette place afin que vous partiez, que vous donniez du fruit, et que votre fruit demeure. »
Prière après la communion
Nous t’en prions, Dieu tout-puissant : puisque nous confessons, avec saint Thomas d’Aquin, que Jésus est vraiment Dieu, fais que la divinité de ton Fils unique nous apporte, dans cette communion, la vie et la force pour toujours. Lui qui.
Méditation La parabole de l’Evangile se prête à de multiples lectures. En fait, le personnage principal de l’histoire, c’est le temps. C’est lui qui oblige l’homme à se mettre à son pas, qui commande successivement la patience et la décision. Et la leçon que Jésus veut donner est qu’il en va ainsi dans le Règne de Dieu, comme l’expérience la plus constante et la plus banale des hommes. Aller au rythme d’un autre est une des choses les plus coûteuses qui soient. Il faut savoir que Dieu a lui aussi son rythme personnel, et que c’est à nous de bien vouloir nous y ajuster. La difficulté est que nous voulons souvent imposer notre rythme et notre temps à Dieu. C’est la raison pour laquelle vouloir cueillir le fruit avant qu’il ne s’y prête ne mène qu’à compromettre sa maturation, quelquefois fatalement. De tous les discernements, celui du temps est le plus nécessaire ; ce qu’il y a à faire est généralement assez facile à reconnaître. Mais à quel moment faut-il le faire ? Voilà ce qui ne peut être perçu que dans une écoute intérieur très fine de l’Esprit, et dont dépendent les chances de la moisson
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Jan 26, 2022 | Evangelium
St. Angela Merici
(1470 – 1540)
She was born in Desenziano, in Lombardy, in about 1470. In 1535 she founded the Ursulines, an order of nuns devoted to giving a Christian education to girls from poor families. She died in 1540.
Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Ps 95: 1, 6
O sing a new song to the Lord; sing to the Lord, all the earth. In his presence are majesty and splendour, strength and honour in his holy place.
Collect
Almighty ever-living God, direct our actions according to your good pleasure, that in the name of your beloved Son we may abound in good works. 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 : 2 Samuel 7:18-19,24-29
After Nathan had spoken to him, King David went in and, seated before the Lord, said: ‘Who am I, O Lord, and what is my House, that you have led me as far as this? Yet in your sight, O Lord, this is still not far enough, and you make your promises extend to the House of your servant for a far-distant future. You have constituted your people Israel to be your own people for ever; and you, Lord, have become their God. ‘Now, O Lord, always keep the promise you have made your servant and his House, and do as you have said. Your name will be exalted for ever and men will say, “The Lord of Hosts is God over Israel.” The House of your servant David will be made secure in your presence, since you yourself, Lord of Hosts, God of Israel, have made this revelation to your servant, “I will build you a House”; hence your servant has ventured to offer this prayer to you. Yes, Lord, you are God indeed, your words are true and you have made this fair promise to your servant. Be pleased, then, to bless the House of your servant, that it may continue for ever in your presence; for you, Lord, have spoken; and with your blessing the House of your servant will be for ever blessed.’
Psalm 131(132): 1-5, 11-14
R/ The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David.
1. O Lord, remember David and all the many hardships he endured, the oath he swore to the Lord, his vow to the Strong One of Jacob.
2. ‘I will not enter the house where I live nor go to the bed where I rest. I will give no sleep to my eyes, to my eyelids I will give no slumber till I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling for the Strong One of Jacob.’
3. The Lord swore an oath to David; he will not go back on this word: ‘A son, the fruit of your body, will I set upon your throne.
4. ‘If they keep my covenant in truth and my laws that I have taught them, their sons also shall rule on your throne from age to age.’
5. For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling: ‘This is my resting-place forever; here have I chosen to live.
Gospel Acclamation : Ph2:15-16
Alleluia, alleluia! You will shine in the world like bright stars because you are offering it the word of life. Alleluia!
Gospel : Mark 4:21-25
Jesus said to the crowd, ‘Would you bring in a lamp to put it under a tub or under the bed? Surely you will put it on the lamp-stand? For there is nothing hidden but it must be disclosed, nothing kept secret except to be brought to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen to this.’ He also said to them, ‘Take notice of what you are hearing. The amount you measure out is the amount you will be given – and more besides; for the man who has will be given more; from the man who has not, even what he has will be taken away.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Accept our offerings, O Lord, we pray, and in sanctifying them grant that they may profit us for salvation. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Cf. Ps 33: 6
Look toward the Lord and be radiant; let your faces not be abashed.
Prayer after Communion
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, receiving the grace by which you bring us to new life, we may always glory in your gift. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
In this collection of exhortations, Jesus reminds His disciples that He has enkindled them in order that they may shine, bear witness to the Gospel. As followers and imitators of Christ, His disciples must be aware of the fact that their lives have become models for others. Since they no longer have a hidden life, they must work hard to reflect the light of Christ in and out of season. Jesus further urges us to invest in charity, to share our resources, talents and gifts with others and to avoid unnecessary accumulation.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Jan 26, 2022 | Agenda Biblique
Ste. Angela Merici,
vierge
L’humanisme païen de la Renaissance avait engendré le relâchement des mœurs. Une laïque chrétienne comprit que, pour remédier à cette situation, il fallait former des femmes capables de répandre l’esprit de l’Evangile dans leurs foyers.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 95, 1-6
Chantez au Seigneur un chant nouveau, chantez au Seigneur, terre entière: La splendeur et l’éclat, la puissance et la beauté brillent dans son Temple saint!
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu éternel et tout-puissant, dirige notre vie selon ton amour, Afin qu’au nom de ton Fils bien-aimé, nous portions des fruits en abondance. Par Jésus Christ.
1ère lecture : 2 S 7, 18-19.24-29
Lorsque le prophète Nathan eut transmis à David les promesses de Dieu, le roi David vint s’asseoir en présence du Seigneur. Il dit: « Qui suis-je donc, Seigneur, et qu’est-ce que ma maison, pour que tu m’aies conduit jusqu’ici ? Mais cela ne te paraît pas encore suffisant, Seigneur, et tu adresses une parole à la maison de ton serviteur pour un avenir lointain. Est-ce là, Seigneur Dieu, la destiné de l’homme ? Pour toi, tu as établi à jamais ton peuple Israël, et toi, Seigneur, tu es devenu son Dieu. Maintenant donc, Seigneur Dieu, la parole que tu as dite au sujet de ton serviteur et de sa maison, tiens-la pour toujours, et agis selon ce que tu as dit. Que ton nom soit exalté pour toujours! Que l’on dise: “Le Seigneur de l’univers est le Dieu d’Israël”, et la maison de ton serviteur David sera stable en ta présence. Oui, c’est toi, Seigneur de l’univers, Dieu d’Israël, qui as fait cette révélation à ton serviteur: “Je te bâtirai une maison.” C’est pourquoi ton serviteur ose t’adresser cette prière : Seigneur, c’est toi qui es Dieu, tes paroles sont vérité, et tu as fait cette magnifique promesse à ton serviteur. Daigne bénir la maison de ton serviteur, afin qu’elle soit pour toujours en ta présence. Car toi, Seigneur Dieu, tu as parlé, et par ta bénédiction la maison de ton serviteur sera bénie pour toujours. »
Psaume : Ps 131 (132), 1-2, 3a.4a.5, 11, 12, 13-14
R/ Le Seigneur Dieu lui donnera le trône de David, son père. (Lc 1, 32)
1. Souviens-toi, Seigneur, de David et de sa grande soumission quand il fit au Seigneur un serment, une promesse au Puissant de Jacob :
2. « Jamais je n’entrerai sous ma tente, j’interdirai tout sommeil à mes yeux avant d’avoir trouvé un lieu pour le Seigneur, une demeure pour le Puissant de Jacob. »
3. Le Seigneur l’a juré à David, et jamais il ne reprendra sa parole : « C’est un homme issu de toi que je placerai sur ton trône.
4. « Si tes fils gardent mon alliance, les volontés que je leur fais connaître, leurs fils, eux aussi, à tout jamais, siégeront sur le trône dressé pour toi. »
5. Car le Seigneur a fait choix de Sion; elle est le séjour qu’il désire: « Voilà mon repos à tout jamais, c’est le séjour que j’avais désiré. »
Acclamation
Alléluia, alléluia! Ta parole est la lumière de mes pas, la lampe de ma route. Alléluia. (Ps 118, 105)
Évangile : Mc 4, 21-25
En ce temps-là, Jésus disait à la foule: « Est-ce que la lampe est apportée pour être mise sous le boisseau ou sous le lit ? N’est-ce pas pour être mise sur le lampadaire ? Car rien n’est caché, sinon pour être manifesté ; rien n’a été gardé secret, sinon pour venir à la clarté. Si quelqu’un a des oreilles pour entendre, qu’il entende ! » Il leur disait encore : « Faites attention à ce que vous entendez ! La mesure que vous utilisez sera utilisée aussi pour vous, et il vous sera donné encore plus. Car celui qui a, on lui donnera ; celui qui n’a pas, on lui enlèvera même ce qu’il a. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Dans ta bonté, Seigneur, accepte notre offrande: Qu’elle soit sanctifiée et serve ainsi à notre salut. Par Jésus.
Antienne de la communion : Ps 33, 6
Ensemble, approchez du Seigneur: resplendissez de sa lumière et sur votre visage il n’y aura plus d’ombre.
Prière après la communion
Permets, nous t’en prions, Dieu tout-puissant, Qu’ayant reçu de toi la grâce d’une nouvelle vie, nous puissions nous en émerveiller toujours. Par Jésus.
Méditation
Les apôtres ne sont guère accordés spontanément aux paroles de Jésus puisqu’Il doit sans cesse leur poser des questions comme ferait un bon professeur. Mais sommes-nous plus éclairés qu’eux ? Où est notre écoute ? Saint Marc vient nous proposer un temps d’arrêt, comme une pause, une attente secrète : « Rien n’est caché, sinon pour être manifesté. » Ou « Faites attention à ce que vous entendez ! » L’annonce du Royaume, lumière en nos nuits d’angoisse, ne peut se confondre avec les clinquants médiatiques éblouissants pour un instant, mais que nous oublions aussitôt. La lumière promise nous conduit et nous comble. L’Évangile nous propose d’ouvrir les yeux de notre cœur et les oreilles de notre intelligence pour que cette Parole lumineuse, qui est la vérité de Jésus-Christ, vienne résonner en nous.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Jan 25, 2022 | Evangelium
St. Timothy and Titus
Timothy and Titus were converted to Christianity by St Paul, and became his companions and helpers. He wrote them the so-called “pastoral” epistles, giving advice for pastors and people alike.
Entrance Antiphon : Ps 95: 3-4
Tell among the nations his glory, and his wonders among all the peoples, for the Lord is great and highly to be praised.
Collect
O God, who adorned Saints Timothy and Titus with apostolic virtues, grant, through the intercession of them both, that, living justly and devoutly in this present age, we may merit to reach our heavenly homeland. 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 : 2 Timothy 1:1-8
From Paul, appointed by God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus in his design to promise life in Christ Jesus; to Timothy, dear child of mine, wishing you grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Christ Jesus our Lord. Night and day I thank God, keeping my conscience clear and remembering my duty to him as my ancestors did, and always I remember you in my prayers; I remember your tears and long to see you again to complete my happiness. Then I am reminded of the sincere faith which you have; it came first to live in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and I have no doubt that it is the same faith in you as well. That is why I am reminding you now to fan into a flame the gift that God gave you when I laid my hands on you. God’s gift was not a spirit of timidity, but the Spirit of power, and love, and self-control. So you are never to be ashamed of witnessing to the Lord, or ashamed of me for being his prisoner; but with me, bear the hardships for the sake of the Good News, relying on the power of God who has saved us and called us to be holy.
Psalm 95(96): 1-3, 7-8, 10
R/ Proclaim the wonders of the Lord among all the peoples.
1. O sing a new song to the Lord, sing to the Lord all the earth. O sing to the Lord, bless his name.
2. Proclaim his help day by day, tell among the nations his glory and his wonders among all the peoples.
3. Give the Lord, you families of peoples, give the Lord glory and power; give the Lord the glory of his name.
4. Proclaim to the nations: ‘God is king.’ The world he made firm in its place; he will judge the peoples in fairness.
Gospel Acclamation : 1S3:9,Jn6:68
Alleluia, alleluia! Speak, Lord, your servant is listening: you have the message of eternal life. Alleluia!
Gospel : Mark 4:1-20
Jesus began to teach by the lakeside, but such a huge crowd gathered round him that he got into a boat on the lake and sat there. The people were all along the shore, at the water’s edge. He taught them many things in parables, and in the course of his teaching he said to them, ‘Listen! Imagine a sower going out to sow. Now it happened that, as he sowed, some of the seed fell on the edge of the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some seed fell on rocky ground where it found little soil and sprang up straightaway, because there was no depth of earth; and when the sun came up it was scorched and, not having any roots, it withered away. Some seed fell into thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it produced no crop. And some seeds fell into rich soil and, growing tall and strong, produced crop; and yielded thirty, sixty, even a hundredfold.’ And he said, ‘Listen, anyone who has ears to hear!’ When he was alone, the Twelve, together with the others who formed his company, asked what the parables meant. He told them, ‘The secret of the kingdom of God is given to you, but to those who are outside everything comes in parables, so that they may see and see again, but not perceive; may hear and hear again, but not understand; otherwise they might be converted and be forgiven.’ He said to them, ‘Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables? What the sower is sowing is the word. Those on the edge of the path where the word is sown are people who have no sooner heard it than Satan comes and carries away the word that was sown in them. Similarly, those who receive the seed on patches of rock are people who, when first they hear the word, welcome it at once with joy. But they have no root in them, they do not last; should some trial come, or some persecution on account of the word, they fall away at once. Then there are others who receive the seed in thorns. These have heard the word, but the worries of this world, the lure of riches and all the other passions come in to choke the word, and so it produces nothing. And there are those who have received the seed in rich soil: they hear the word and accept it and yield a harvest, thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Receive, O Lord, we pray, the offerings of your people, which we bring in celebration of Saints Timothy and Titus, and, in your kindness, render us fully acceptable by giving us sincerity of heart. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Mk 16: 15; Mt 28: 20
Go into all the world, and proclaim the Gospel. I am with you always, says the Lord.
Prayer after Communion
May the Sacrament we have received, O Lord our God, nourish in us that faith taught by the preaching of the Apostles and kept safe by the labours of Saints Timothy and Titus. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
As the sower sows the word, we observe that the seeds either fall on the path, patches of rock, thorns or rich soil and the end results differ. Our disposition and preparedness to receive the Word at each point in time could cause our hearts to be likened to a path, thorn, rock or rich soil. Social media chats and other distractions can rob us of the word being proclaimed. When the received word is not cultivated through meditation, personal reflection and application to concrete life and allowing it to provoke questions in us, then we risk abandoning it in the face of trials or pleasures of the world. When we collaborate with the Holy Spirit, the word yields harvest; sometimes huge, other times less.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Jan 25, 2022 | Agenda Biblique
SS Timothée et Tite, évêques
Bien différents l’un de l’autre, ces deux hommes furent non seulement des disciples, mais des collaborateurs et des amis très chers à l’Apôtre Paul, dont ils partagèrent les épreuves. Timothée était né à Lystres, d’un père grec et d’une mère juive ; il avait une santé fragile et un tempérament impressionnable ; mais cela ne l’empêcha pas d’exercer le ministère pastoral à Ephèse notamment.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 95, 1-6
Chantez au Seigneur un chant nouveau, chantez au Seigneur, terre entière: La splendeur et l’éclat, la puissance et la beauté brillent dans son Temple saint!
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu éternel et tout-puissant, dirige notre vie selon ton amour, afin qu’au nom de ton Fils bien-aimé, nous portions des fruits en abondance. Par Jésus Christ.
1ère lecture : 2 Tm 1,1-8 (Ta foi sincère)
Paul, apôtre du Christ Jésus par la volonté de Dieu, selon la promesse de la vie que nous avons dans le Christ Jésus, à Timothée, mon enfant bien-aimé. À toi, la grâce, la miséricorde et la paix de la part de Dieu le Père et du Christ Jésus notre Seigneur. Je suis plein de gratitude envers Dieu, à qui je rends un culte avec une conscience pure, à la suite de mes ancêtres, je lui rends grâce en me souvenant continuellement de toi dans mes prières, nuit et jour. Me rappelant tes larmes, j’ai un très vif désir de te revoir pour être rempli de joie. J’ai souvenir de la foi sincère qui est en toi : c’était celle qui habitait d’abord Loïs, ta grand-mère, et celle d’Eunice, ta mère, et j’ai la conviction que c’est aussi la tienne. Voilà pourquoi, je te le rappelle, ravive le don gratuit de Dieu, ce don qui est en toi depuis que je t’ai imposé les mains. Car ce n’est pas un esprit de peur que Dieu nous a donné, mais un esprit de force, d’amour et de pondération. N’aie donc pas honte de rendre témoignage à notre Seigneur, et n’aie pas honte de moi, qui suis son prisonnier ; mais, avec la force de Dieu, prends ta part des souffrances liées à l’annonce de l’Évangile.
Psaume : 88 (89), 4-5, 27-28, 29-30)
R/ Sans fin je lui garderai mon amour.
1. « Avec mon élu, j’ai fait une alliance, j’ai juré à David, mon serviteur: J’établirai ta dynastie pour toujours, je te bâtis un trône pour la suite des âges.
2. « Il me dira : Tu es mon Père, mon Dieu, mon roc et mon salut ! Et moi, j’en ferai mon fils aîné, le plus grand des rois de la terre !
3. « Sans fin je lui garderai mon amour, mon alliance avec lui sera fidèle ; je fonderai sa dynastie pour toujours, son trône aussi durable que les cieux.»
Acclamation
Alléluia, alléluia! La semence est la parole de Dieu; le semeur est le Christ, celui qui le trouve demeure pour toujours. Alléluia.
Évangile : Mc 4, 1-20
En ce temps-là, Jésus se mit de nouveau à enseigner au bord de la mer de Galilée. Une foule très nombreuse se rassembla auprès de lui, si bien qu’il monta dans une barque où il s’assit. Il était sur la mer, et toute la foule était près de la mer, sur le rivage. Il leur enseignait beaucoup de choses en paraboles, et dans son enseignement il leur disait: «Écoutez! Voici que le semeur sortit pour semer. Comme il semait, du grain est tombé au bord du chemin ; les oiseaux sont venus et ils ont tout mangé. Du grain est tombé aussi sur du sol pierreux, où il n’avait pas beaucoup de terre ; il a levé aussitôt, parce que la terre était peu profonde; et lorsque le soleil s’est levé, ce grain a brûlé et, faute de racines, il a séché. Du grain est tombé aussi dans les ronces, les ronces ont poussé, l’ont étouffé, et il n’a pas donné de fruit. Mais d’autres grains sont tombés dans la bonne terre; ils ont donné du fruit en poussant et en se développant, et ils ont produit trente, soixante, cent, pour un.» Et Jésus disait: «Celui qui a des oreilles pour entendre, qu’il entende!» Quand il resta seul, ceux qui étaient autour de lui avec les Douze l’interrogeaient sur les paraboles. Il leur disait: «C’est à vous qu’est donné le mystère du royaume de Dieu; mais à ceux qui sont dehors, tout se présente sous forme de paraboles. Et ainsi, comme dit le prophète: Ils auront beau regarder de tous leurs yeux, ils ne verront pas; ils auront beau écouter de toutes leurs oreilles, ils ne comprendront pas ; sinon ils se convertiraient et recevraient le pardon.» Il leur dit encore: «Vous ne saisissez pas cette parabole? Alors, comment comprendrez-vous toutes les paraboles? Le semeur sème la Parole. Il y a ceux qui sont au bord du chemin où la Parole est semée: quand ils l’entendent, Satan vient aussitôt et enlève la Parole semée en eux. Et de même, il y a ceux qui ont reçu la semence dans les endroits pierreux: ceux-là, quand ils entendent la Parole, ils la reçoivent aussitôt avec joie; mais ils n’ont pas en eux de racine, ce sont les gens d’un moment; que vienne la détresse ou la persécution à cause de la Parole, ils trébuchent aussitôt. Et il y en a d’autres qui ont reçu la semence dans les ronces: ceux-ci entendent la Parole, mais les soucis du monde, la séduction de la richesse et toutes les autres convoitises les envahissent et étouffent la Parole, qui ne donne pas de fruit. Et il y a ceux qui ont reçu la semence dans la bonne terre: ceux-là entendent la Parole, ils l’accueillent, et ils portent du fruit : trente, soixante, cent, pour un.»
Prière sur les offrandes
Dans ta bonté, Seigneur, accepte notre offrande: Qu’elle soit sanctifiée et serve ainsi à notre salut. Par Jésus.
Antienne de la communion : Ps 33, 6
Ensemble, approchez du Seigneur: resplendissez de sa lumière et sur votre visage il n’y aura plus d’ombre.
Prière après la communion
Permets, nous t’en prions, Dieu tout-puissant, Qu’ayant reçu de toi la grâce d’une nouvelle vie, nous puissions nous en émerveiller toujours. Par Jésus.
Méditation
C’est une méditation intelligente et savoureuse que de contempler, des yeux de l’esprit et du cœur, la fécondité de la Parole tombée dans la bonne terre. II y a chaque jour des millions de pensées justes, d’actes de détachement courageux, de gestes d’amour multiformes, et ainsi de suite, qui naissent directement de la Parole comprise et obéie. A nous donc de regarder celle-ci fructifier en nous et autour de nous, de découvrir et de recenser tout ce qui en naît de beau. Il y a des millions de « Notre Père » et de « Je vous salue Marie » récités d’un cœur beau et bon par des enfants généreux, des vieillards tout simplifiés, des mères de famille infatigables, des apôtres ardents… Mais à quoi bon multiplier les exemples et les adjectifs ? Une fois lancé sur cette voie, on n’a qu’à se laisser porter. Et le fruit ultime qui germera de la Parole, à travers une telle méditation, sera un des plus parfaits que notre terre puisse offrir à Dieu : l’action de grâces.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Jan 24, 2022 | Evangelium
The Conversion of St. Paul, Apostle – Feast
St. Peter Thomas
Peter was born in Gascony in France and joined the Carmelites while still a young man. He was a strong defender of the church against the muslim Turks.
Entrance Antiphon : 2 Tim 1: 12; 4: 8
I know the one in whom I have believed and I am sure that he, the just judge, the mighty, will keep safe what is my due until that day.
Collect
O God, who taught the whole world through the preaching of the blessed Apostle Paul, draw us, we pray, nearer to you through the example of him whose conversion we celebrate today, and so make us witnesses to your truth in the world. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading : Acts 22:3-16
Paul said to the people, ‘I am a Jew and was born at Tarsus in Cilicia. I was brought up here in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was taught the exact observance of the Law of our ancestors. In fact, I was as full of duty towards God as you are today. I even persecuted this Way to the death, and sent women as well as men to prison in chains as the high priest and the whole council of elders can testify, since they even sent me with letters to their brothers in Damascus. When I set off it was with the intention of bringing prisoners back from there to Jerusalem for punishment. ‘I was on that journey and nearly at Damascus when about midday a bright light from heaven suddenly shone round me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” I answered: Who are you, Lord? and he said to me, “I am Jesus the Nazarene, and you are persecuting me.” The people with me saw the light but did not hear his voice as he spoke to me. I said: What am I to do, Lord? The Lord answered, “Stand up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told what you have been appointed to do.” The light had been so dazzling that I was blind and my companions had to take me by the hand; and so I came to Damascus. ‘Someone called Ananias, a devout follower of the Law and highly thought of by all the Jews living there, came to see me; he stood beside me and said, “Brother Saul, receive your sight.” Instantly my sight came back and I was able to see him. Then he said, “The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will, to see the Just One and hear his own voice speaking, because you are to be his witness before all mankind, testifying to what you have seen and heard. And now why delay? It is time you were baptised and had your sins washed away while invoking his name.”’
Psalm 116(117)
R/ Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News.
1. O praise the Lord, all you nations,
acclaim him all you peoples! Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News.
2. Strong is his love for us; he is faithful forever. Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News.
Gospel Acclamation : cf.Jn15:16
Alleluia, alleluia! I chose you from the world to go out and bear fruit, fruit that will last, says the Lord.Alleluia!
Gospel : Mark 16:15-18
Jesus showed himself to the Eleven and said to them: ‘Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News to all creation. He who believes and is baptised will be saved; he who does not believe will be condemned. These are the signs that will be associated with believers: in my name they will cast out devils; they will have the gift of tongues; they will pick up snakes in their hands, and be unharmed should they drink deadly poison; they will lay their hands on the sick, who will recover.’
Prayer over the Offerings
As we celebrate the divine mysteries, O Lord, we pray, may the Spirit fill us with that light of faith with which he constantly enlightened the blessed Apostle Paul for the spreading of your glory. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Cf. Gal 2: 20
I live by faith in the Son of God, who has loved me and given himself up for me.
Prayer after Communion
May the Sacrament we have received, O Lord our God, stir up in us that fire of charity with which the blessed Apostle Paul burned ardently as he bore his concern for all the Churches. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
On this day we celebrate the feast of the conversion of Saint Paul. We hear the risen Christ send out His apostles (the Eleven) to continue His work, proclaiming the Good News to all creation. In a similar way, Christ commissions us to proclaim Him wherever we are. Saint Paul is a vivid example of the response that Christ expects from us. Christ invites us to witness by words and deeds to His death and resurrection. It is a task that demands that we first be configured to Christ (Gal 2:20) so that the Good News we proclaim by words accords with our way of life. In this way, those who meet us encounter Christ who has the Word of Life (cf. John 6:68).
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Jan 24, 2022 | Agenda Biblique
Conversion de St. Paul Apôtre,
Fête
St. Ananie
Originaire de Perse, il y fut arrêté pour sa foi au Christ et fut soumis à de terribles supplices. A l’époque de la persécution du roi Sapor II, sur l’ordre de l’Archimage Arssag, il fut arrêté et par trois fois roué de coups de bâton av20ec une telle cruauté que les bourreaux, jugeant qu’il était déjà mort, le laissèrent gisant sur place. La nuit suivante, des chrétiens le portèrent dans sa maison, où il rendit l’âme. C’était en 345.
Antienne d’ouverture : 2 Tim 1, 12; 4, 8
«Je sais à qui j ’ai fais confiance; et je suis sûr que le Seigneur, le juste Juge, me donnera la récompense, au jour de sa Venue.»
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu qui a instruit le monde entier par la parole de l ’Apôtre Saint Paul dont nous célébrons aujourd’hui la conversion, accordes-nous d ’aller vers toi en cherchant à l ui ressembler, et d ’être, dans le monde, les témoins de ton Évangile. Par Jésus Christ.
1ère lecture : Ac 22, 3-16
En ces jours-là, Paul dit au peuple: «Je suis Juif, né à Tarse en Cilicie, mais élevé ici dans cette ville, où, à l’école de Gamaliel, j’ai reçu une éducation strictement conforme à la Loi de nos pères; j’avais pour Dieu une ardeur jalouse, comme vous tous aujourd’hui. J’ai persécuté à mort ceux qui suivent le Chemin du Seigneur Jésus; j’arrêtais hommes et femmes, et les jetais en prison; le grand prêtre et tout le collège des anciens peuvent en témoigner. Ces derniers m’avaient donné des lettres pour nos frères de Damas où je me rendais: je devais ramener à Jérusalem, ceux de là-bas, enchaînés, pour qu’ils subissent leur châtiment. Donc, comme j’étais en route et que j’approchais de Damas, soudain vers midi, une grande lumière venant du ciel m’enveloppa de sa clarté. Je tombai sur le sol, et j’entendis une voix me dire: ‘Saul, Saul, pourquoi me persécuter?’ Et moi je répondis: ‘Qui es-tu, Seigneur? – Je suis Jésus le Nazaréen, celui que tu persécutes.’ Ceux qui étaient avec moi virent la lumière, mais n’entendirent pas la voix de celui qui me parlait. Alors je dis: ‘Que dois-je faire, Seigneur?’ Le Seigneur me répondit: ‘Relève-toi, va jusqu’à Damas, et là on te dira tout ce qu’il t’est prescrit de faire.’ Comme je n’y voyais plus rien, à cause de l’éclat de cette lumière, je me rendis à Damas, conduit par la main de mes compagnons. Or, Ananie, un homme religieux selon la Loi, à qui tous les Juifs résidant là rendaient un bon témoignage, vint se placer près de moi et me dit : ‘Saul, mon frère, retrouve la vue.’ Et moi, au même instant, je retrouvai la vue, et je le vis. Il me dit encore: ‘Le Dieu de nos pères t’a destiné à connaître sa volonté, à voir celui qui est le Juste et à entendre la voix qui sort de sa bouche. Car tu seras pour lui, devant tous les hommes, le témoin de ce que tu as vu et entendu. Et maintenant, pourquoi tarder? Lève-toi et reçois le baptême, sois lavé de tes péchés en invoquant son nom.’
Psaume : 116 (117), 1, 2
R/ Allez dans le monde entier. Proclamez l’Évangile
1. Louez le Seigneur, tous les peuples ; fêtez-le, tous les pays!
2. Son amour envers nous s’est montré le plus fort ; éternelle est la fidélité du Seigneur!
Acclamation
Alléluia, alléluia! C’est moi qui vous ai choisis du milieu du monde, afin que vous alliez, que vous portiez du fruit, et que votre fruit demeure, dit le Seigneur. Alléluia. (cf. Jn 15, 16)
Évangile : Mc 16, 15-18
En ce temps-là, Jésus ressuscité dit aux onze Apôtres: «Allez dans le monde entier. Proclamez l’Évangile à toute la création. Celui qui croira et sera baptisé sera sauvé; celui qui refusera de croire sera condamné. Voici les signes qui accompagneront ceux qui deviendront croyants: en mon nom, ils expulseront les démons; ils parleront en langues nouvelles; ils prendront des serpents dans leurs mains et, s’ils boivent un poison mortel, il ne leur fera pas de mal; ils imposeront les mains aux malades, et les malades s’en trouveront bien.»
Prière sur les offrandes
Alors que nous célébrons tes mystères, Seigneur, fais que l’Esprit Saint communique à notre foi cette lumière dont il a éclairé saint Paul pour l’extension de ta gloire dans le monde. Par Jésus.
Antienne de la communion : Ga 2, 20
Je vis dans la foi au Fils de Dieu qui m’a aimé et qui s’est livré pour moi.
Prière après la communion
Que cette communion, Seigneur notre Dieu, entretienne en nous la charité qui brûlait au cœur de l’Apôtre Paul et lui donnait un souci pas.
Méditation
La finale de l’évangile selon saint Marc convient à merveille pour la fête de la conversion de saint Paul : « Celui qui croira et sera baptisé sera sauvé ; celui qui refusera de croire sera condamné ». Sur le chemin de Damas, Saul fait l’expérience radicale de la rencontre du Christ. Lui, le persécuteur acharné des premiers chrétiens, est saisi et sauvé par le Christ. Mais cette rencontre est un don de Dieu, elle fait aussi de Saul un « ambassadeur ». Saul devient Paul, l’apôtre des nations. Le crucifié-ressuscité le revêt de sa puissance et de son esprit pour poursuivre son œuvre. Désormais, tout homme qui met sa foi dans le Seigneur est envoyé dans le monde « comme un agneau au milieu des loups ». Il ne craint aucun mal, car le Christ, le vrai berger, est avec lui.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Jan 23, 2022 | Evangelium
6th Sunday in Ordinary Time,
Psalter I
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 : Jeremiah 17:5-8
The Lord says this: ‘A curse on the man who puts his trust in man, who relies on things of flesh, whose heart turns from the Lord. He is like dry scrub in the wastelands: if good comes, he has no eyes for it, he settles in the parched places of the wilderness, a salt land, uninhabited. ‘A blessing on the man who puts his trust in the Lord, with the Lord for his hope. He is like a tree by the waterside that thrusts its roots to the stream: when the heat comes it feels no alarm, its foliage stays green; it has no worries in a year of drought, and never ceases to bear fruit.’
Psalm 1:1-4,6
R/ Happy the man who has placed his trust in the Lord.
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
Second reading : 1 Corinthians 15:12, 16-20
If Christ raised from the dead is what has been preached, how can some of you be saying that there is no resurrection of the dead? For if the dead are not raised, Christ has not been raised, and if Christ has not been raised, you are still in your sins. And what is more serious, all who have died in Christ have perished. If our hope in Christ has been for this life only, we are the most unfortunate of all people. But Christ has in fact been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of all who have fallen asleep.
Gospel Acclamation : Mt11:25
Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for revealing the mysteries of the kingdom to mere children. Alleluia!
Gospel : Luke 6:17,20-26
Jesus came down with the Twelve and stopped at a piece of level ground where there was a large gathering of his disciples with a great crowd of people from all parts of Judaea and from Jerusalem and from the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon. Then fixing his eyes on his disciples he said: ‘How happy are you who are poor: yours is the kingdom of God. Happy you who are hungry now: you shall be satisfied. Happy you who weep now: you shall laugh. Happy are you when people hate you, drive you out, abuse you, denounce your name as criminal, on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice when that day comes and dance for joy, for then your reward will be great in heaven. This was the way their ancestors treated the prophets. ‘But alas for you who are rich: you are having your consolation now. Alas for you who have your fill now: you shall go hungry. Alas for you who laugh now: you shall mourn and weep. ‘Alas for you when the world speaks well of you! This was the way their ancestors treated the false prophets.’
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
We know of people who are poor but are not nice; of people who are hungry because they are lazy; of people who are in pain because of their sins. If we then were to associate poverty, hunger, and pain to eternal bliss, then we would surely miunderstand the Gospel message. (See 1 Pt. 2: 20). The attitude Jesus calls us to have is one of “detachment”, “integrity”, and “endurance”. These are the virtues of the children of God.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Jan 23, 2022 | Evangelium
St. Francis de Sales
(1567 – 1622)
St Francis is the patron saint of writers and journalists, who would do well to imitate his love and his moderation: as he said, “whoever wants to preach effectively must preach with love.”
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.
Collect
O God, who for the salvation of souls willed that the Bishop Saint Francis de Sales become all things to all, graciously grant that, following his example, we may always display the gentleness of your charity in the service of our neighbour. 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 : 2 Samuel 5:1-7,10
All the tribes of Israel then came to David at Hebron. ‘Look’ they said ‘we are your own flesh and blood. In days past when Saul was our king, it was you who led Israel in all their exploits; and the Lord said to you, “You are the man who shall be shepherd of my people Israel, you shall be the leader of Israel.”’ So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a pact with them at Hebron in the presence of the Lord, and they anointed David king of Israel. David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned for forty years. He reigned in Hebron over Judah for seven years and six months; then he reigned in Jerusalem overall Israel and Judah for thirty-three years. David and his men marched on Jerusalem against the Jebusites living there. These said to David, ‘You will not get in here. The blind and the lame will hold you off.’ (That is to say: David will never get in here.) But David captured the fortress of Zion, that is, the Citadel of David. David grew greater and greater, and the Lord, the God of Hosts, was with him.
Psalm 88(89): 20-22, 25-26
R/ My truth and my love shall be with him.
1. Of old you spoke in a vision. To your friends the prophets you said: ‘I have set the crown on a warrior, I have exalted one chosen from the people.
2. I have found David my servant and with my holy oil anointed him. My hand shall always be with him and my arm shall make him strong.
3. My truth and my love shall be with him; by my name his might shall be exalted. I will stretch out his hand to the Sea and his right hand as far as the River.
Gospel Acclamation : Ps24:4,5
Alleluia, alleluia! Teach me your paths, my God, make me walk in your truth. Alleluia!
Gospel : Mark 3:22-30
The scribes who had come down from Jerusalem were saying, ‘Beelzebul is in him’ and, ‘It is through the prince of devils that he casts devils out.’ So he called them to him and spoke to them in parables, ‘How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot last. And if a household is divided against itself, that household can never stand. Now if Satan has rebelled against himself and is divided, he cannot stand either – it is the end of him. But no one can make his way into a strong man’s house and burgle his property unless he has tied up the strong man first. Only then can he burgle his house. ‘I tell you solemnly, all men’s sins will be forgiven, and all their blasphemies; but let anyone blaspheme against the Holy Spirit and he will never have forgiveness: he is guilty of an eternal sin.’ This was because they were saying, ‘An unclean spirit is in him.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Through this saving sacrifice which we offer you, O Lord, kindle in our hearts that divine fire of the Holy Spirit with which you wonderfully inflamed the most gentle soul of Saint Francis de Sales. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Cf. Lk 12: 42
Behold a faithful and prudent steward to give them their allowance of food at the proper time.
Prayer after Communion
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that through the Sacrament we have received, we may imitate on earth the charity and meekness of Saint Francis de Sales and so attain like him the glory of heaven. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Those who were not pleased by the ministry of Jesus continue picking holes in His words and activities. This time their illogical accusation is met with a common-sense response from Jesus. While underlining the incoherence in their argument, He speaks about the gravity of blasphemy. Instead of perceiving in His works, the inauguration of the reign of God, they choose to see them negatively attributing His powers to the prince of devils. Prompted by negative sentiments towards a person, we are likely to perceive the person and all his activities negatively. It might be important to ask if our evaluations are objective, inspired by love and do not cross limits.
