Mercredi 06 aout

transfiguration du seigneur

Psautier: II

Blanc

De Jésus, trois disciples ont pu attester : en lui resplendit la gloire de Dieu. L’extraordinaire de la Transfiguration, c’est qu’un homme de notre chair et de notre sang devienne rayonnant de la lumière même de Dieu, car la lumière qui jaillit alors du corps du Christ est révélation de Dieu son Père, auquel il est, en tant que Fils, uni par un amour éternel.

Antienne d’ouverture

Au jour de la transfiguration, l’Esprit Saint Apparut dans la nuée lumineuse, et la voix du Père se fit entendre : « Celui-ci est mon Fils bien-aimé, en qui j’ai mis tout mon amour ; écoutez-le. »

Prière d’ouverture

Seigneur, dans la transfiguration de ton Christ, tu as confirmé par le témoignage de Moise et d’Élie la vérité des mystères de la foi, et tu as annoncé notre merveilleuse adoption ; accorde-nous d’écouter la voix de ton Fils bien-aimé, afin de pouvoir un jour partager avec lui son héritage. Lui qui.

1ère lecture : Dn 7, 9-10.13-14

La nuit, au cours d’une vision, moi, Daniel, je regardais : des trônes furent disposés, et un Vieillard prit place ; son habit était blanc comme la neige, et les cheveux de sa tête, comme de la laine immaculée ; son trône était fait de flammes de feu, avec des roues de feu ardent. Un fleuve de feu coulait, qui jaillissait devant lui. Des milliers de milliers le servaient, des myriades de myriades se tenaient devant lui. Le tribunal prit place et l’on ouvrit des livres. Je regardais, au cours des visions de la nuit, et je voyais venir, avec les nuées du ciel, comme un Fils d’homme ; il parvint jusqu’au Vieillard, et on le fit avancer devant lui. Et il lui fut donné domination, gloire et royauté ; tous les peuples, toutes les nations et les gens de toutes langues le servirent. Sa domination est une domination éternelle, qui ne passera pas, et sa royauté, une royauté qui ne sera pas détruite.

Psaume 96, 1-2, 4-5, 6.9

R/ Le Seigneur est roi, le Très-Haut sur toute la terre (Ps 96, 1a.9a)

Le Seigneur est roi ! Exulte la terre! Joie pour les îles sans nombre ! Ténèbres et nuée l’entourent, justice et droit sont l’appui de son trône.

Quand ses éclairs illuminèrent le monde, la terre le vit et s’affola ; les montagnes fondaient comme cire devant le Seigneur, devant le Maître de toute la terre.

Les cieux ont proclamé sa justice, et tous les peuples ont vu sa gloire. Tu es, Seigneur, le Très-Haut sur toute la terre, tu domines de haut tous les dieux. 

Acclamation

Alléluia. Alléluia. Exaltez le Seigneur notre Dieu, prosternez-vous devant sa sainte montagne : dans sa lumière, nous voyons la lumière. Alléluia. (Cf. Ps 98, 9 ; 35, 10)

Évangile : Lc 9, 28b-36

En ce temps-là, Jésus prit avec lui Pierre, Jean et Jacques, et il gravit la montagne pour prier. Pendant qu’il priait, l’aspect de son visage devint autre, et son vêtement devint d’une blancheur éblouissante. Voici que deux hommes s’entretenaient avec lui : c’étaient Moïse et Élie, apparus dans la gloire. Ils parlaient de son départ qui allait s’accomplir à Jérusalem. Pierre et ses compagnons étaient accablés de sommeil ; mais, restant éveillés, ils virent la gloire de Jésus, et les deux hommes à ses côtés. Ces derniers s’éloignaient de lui, quand Pierre dit à Jésus : « Maître, il est bon que nous soyons ici ! Faisons trois tentes : une pour toi, une pour Moïse, et une pour Élie. » Il ne savait pas ce qu’il disait. Pierre n’avait pas fini de parler, qu’une nuée survint et les couvrit de son ombre ; ils furent saisis de frayeur lorsqu’ils y pénétrèrent. Et, de la nuée, une voix se fit entendre : « Celui-ci est mon Fils, celui que j’ai choisi : écoutez-le ! » Et pendant que la voix se faisait entendre, il n’y avait plus que Jésus, seul. Les disciples gardèrent le silence et, en ces jours-là, ils ne rapportèrent à personne rien de ce qu’ils avaient vu. 

Prière sur les offrandes

Sanctifie nos offrandes, Seigneur, par le mystère de ton Fils transfiguré en gloire; et, dans le rayonnement de sa lumière, purifie-nous de la lèpre du péché. Par Jésus.

Antienne de la communion

Quand le Christ apparaîtra, nous serons semblables à lui, parce que nous le verrons tel qu’il est.

Prière après la communion

Transforme-nous, Seigneur, par cette nourriture venue de toi : qu’elle nous fasse ressembler davantage à celui dont tu as révèle la splendeur dans le mystère de la transfiguration. Lui qui.

Méditation

La révélation de l’identité du Seigneur est au centre du mystère de la transfiguration. C’est en réalité la confirmation d’un autre mystère celui de l’incarnation, Dieu s’est fait homme pour qu’à nouveau l’homme retrouve sa dignité d’enfant de Dieu. Ainsi Dieu se fait homme c’est pour que nous obtenions le salut par lui. De même si Dieu se transfigure c’est pour que par sa transfiguration nous le connaissions et soyons sauvés et ouvrons les portes du salut par cette connaissance. Voila pourquoi Jésus prit avec lui Pierre, Jean et Jacques, et il gravit la montagne. Leur présence fait d’eux des témoins oculaires du mystère qu’ils ont contemplés et pénétrés. Des témoins d’une vérité dont ils ont fait l’expérience. Avons-nous écouté et vu le Seigneur avant de l’annoncer .

Wednesday 06 august

The Transfiguration of the Lord –

Feast

Psalter: Week II

Green

The Transfiguration of the Lord can sound embarrassingly magical. Why did it happen: Surely so that we could see and understand that Jesus is at once one of the prophets and the one that was prophesied by them and that he is God.

Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Mt 17: 5

In a resplendent cloud the Holy Spirit appeared. The Father’s voice was heard: This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.

Collect

O God, who in the glorious Transfiguration of your Only Begotten Son confirmed the mysteries of faith by the witness of the Fathers and wonderfully prefigured our full adoption to son ship, grant, we pray, to your servants, that, listening to the voice of your beloved Son, we may merit to become coheirs with him. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

First reading: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14

As I watched: Thrones were set in place and one of great age took his seat. His robe was white as snow, the hair of his head as pure as wool. His throne was a blaze of flames, its wheels were a burning fire. A stream of fire poured out, issuing from his presence. A thousand waited on him, ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. A court was held and the books were opened. And I saw, coming on the clouds of heaven, one like a son of man He came to the one of great age and was led into his presence On him was conferred sovereignty, glory and kingship, and men of all peoples, nations and languages became his servants. His sovereignty is an eternal sovereignty which shall never pass away, nor will his empire ever be destroyed.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96 (97):1-2, 5-6, 9

R/ The Lord is king, most high above all the earth.

The Lord is king, let earth rejoice, let all the coastlands be glad. Cloud and darkness are his raiment; his throne, justice and right.

The mountains melt like wax before the Lord of all the earth. The skies proclaim his justice; all peoples see his glory

For you indeed are the Lord most high above all the earth, exalted far above all spirits.

Gospel Acclamation: Mt 17:5

Alleluia, alleluia! This is my Son, the Beloved: he enjoys my favour. Listen to him. Alleluia!

Gospel: Mark 9:2-10

Jesus took with him Peter and James and John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone by themselves. There in their presence he was transfigured: his clothes became dazzlingly white, whiter than any earthly bleacher could make them. Elijah appeared to them with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus. Then Peter spoke to Jesus: ‘Rabbi,’ he said ‘it is wonderful for us to be here; so let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ He did not know what to say; they were so frightened. And a cloud came, covering them in shadow; and there came a voice from the cloud, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen to him.’ Then suddenly, when they looked round, they saw no one with them any more but only Jesus. As they came down from the mountain he warned them to tell no one what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead. They observed the warning faithfully, though among themselves they discussed what ‘rising from the dead’ could mean.

Prayer over the Offerings

Sanctify, O Lord, we pray, these offerings here made to celebrate the glorious Transfiguration of your Only Begotten Son, and by his radiant splendor cleanse us from the stains of sin. Through Christ our Lord.

Communion Antiphon: Cf. 1 Jn 3: 2

When Christ appears, we shall be like him,  for we shall see him as he is.

Prayer after Communion

May the heavenly nourishment we have received, O Lord, we pray, transform us into the likeness of your Son, whose radiant splendour you willed to make manifest in his glorious Transfiguration. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

Meditation

In this incident Jesus appeared in glory with Moses, the great lawgiver of Israel, and with Elijah, the greatest prophet, in the presence of three of his beloved apostles. What is the significance of this mysterious appearance? Jesus went to the mountain knowing full well what awaited him in Jerusalem — His betrayal, rejection and crucifixion. Jesus likely discussed this momentous decision to go to the cross with Moses and Elijah. God the Father also spoke with Jesus and gave His approval, “This is my beloved Son; listen to him.” The cloud which overshadowed Jesus and His apostles fulfilled the dream of the Jews that when the Messiah came, the cloud of God’s presence would fill the temple again (see Exodus 16:10, 19:9, 33:9; 1 Kings 8:10; 2 Maccabees 2:8). We, too, like Disciples of Christ, are called to be witnesses of his glory.

Mardi 05 aout

Dedicace de la basilique 

sainte-marie majeure

Psautier: II

Vert

Au lendemain de la définition par le concile d’Ephèse (431) de la maternité divine de Marie, le pape Sixte III érigea à Rome la basilique Sainte-Marie Majeure. C’est la plus ancienne des églises d’Occident dédiées à la Mère de Dieu.

Antienne  d’ouverture : Ps 69, 2. 6

Viens me délivrer, Seigneur, Dieu, viens vite à mon secours: Tu es mon aide et mon libérateur, Seigneur, ne tarde pas.

Prière  d’ouverture

Assiste tes enfants, Seigneur, et montre à ceux qui t’implorent ton inépuisable bonté; C’est leur fierté de t’avoir pour Créateur et Providence: restaure pour eux ta création, et l’ayant renouvelée, protège-la. Par Jésus Christ.      

1ère lecture : Nb 12, 1-13

En ces jours-là, parce que Moïse avait épousé une femme éthiopienne, sa sœur Miryam et son frère Aaron se mirent à le critiquer. Ils disaient : « Le Seigneur parle-t-il uniquement par Moïse ? Ne parle-t-il pas aussi par nous?» Le Seigneur entendit. – Or, Moïse était très humble, l’homme le plus humble que la terre ait porté. Soudain, le Seigneur dit à Moïse, à Aaron et à Miryam : « Sortez tous les trois pour aller à la tente de la Rencontre. » Ils sortirent tous les trois. Le Seigneur descendit dans la colonne de nuée et s’arrêta à l’entrée de la Tente. Il appela Aaron et Miryam ; tous deux s’avancèrent, et il leur dit : « Écoutez bien mes paroles : Quand il y a parmi vous un prophète du Seigneur, je me fais connaître à lui dans une vision, je lui parle dans un songe. Il n’en est pas ainsi pour mon serviteur Moïse, lui qui, dans toute ma maison, est digne de confiance : c’est de vive voix que je lui parle, dans une vision claire et non pas en énigmes ; ce qu’il regarde, c’est la forme même du Seigneur. Pourquoi avez-vous osé critiquer mon serviteur Moïse ? » La colère du Seigneur s’enflamma contre eux, puis il s’en alla. La nuée s’éloigna de la tente, et voici : Miryam était couverte d’une lèpre blanche comme de la neige. Aaron se tourna vers elle, et voici qu’elle était lépreuse. Il dit alors à Moïse : « Je t’en supplie, mon seigneur, ne fais pas retomber sur nous ce péché que nous avons eu la folie de commettre. Que Miryam ne soit pas comme l’enfant mort-né dont la chair est à demi rongée lorsqu’il sort du sein de sa mère ! » Moïse cria vers le Seigneur : « Dieu, je t’en prie, guéris-la! »

Psaume: 50 (51), 3-4, 5-6ab, 12-13

R/ Pitié, Seigneur, car nous avons péché !

Pitié pour moi, mon Dieu, dans ton amour, selon ta grande miséricorde, efface mon péché. Lave-moi tout entier de ma faute, purifie-moi de mon offense.

Oui, je connais mon péché, ma faute est toujours devant moi. Contre toi, et toi seul, j’ai péché, ce qui est mal à tes yeux, je l’ai fait.

Ils oublient le Dieu qui les sauve, qui a fait des prodiges en Égypte, des miracles au pays de Cham, des actions terrifiantes sur la mer Rouge.

Crée en moi un cœur pur, ô mon Dieu, renouvelle et raffermis au fond de moi mon esprit. Ne me chasse pas loin de ta face, ne me reprends pas ton esprit saint. 

Acclamation

Alléluia. Alléluia.  Rabbi, c’est toi le Fils de Dieu ! C’est toi le roi d’Israël ! Alléluia. (Lc 7, 16)

Évangile : Mt 14, 22-36

Jésus avait nourri la foule dans le désert. Aussitôt il obligea les disciples à monter dans la barque et à le précéder sur l’autre rive, pendant qu’il renverrait les foules. Quand il les eut renvoyées, il gravit la montagne, à l’écart, pour prier. Le soir venu, il était là, seul. La barque était déjà à une bonne distance de la terre, elle était battue par les vagues, car le vent était contraire. Vers la fin de la nuit, Jésus vint vers eux en marchant sur la mer. En le voyant marcher sur la mer, les disciples furent bouleversés. Ils dirent : « C’est un fantôme. » Pris de peur, ils se mirent à crier. Mais aussitôt Jésus leur parla : « Confiance ! c’est moi ; n’ayez plus peur ! » Pierre prit alors la parole : « Seigneur, si c’est bien toi, ordonne-moi de venir vers toi sur les eaux. » Jésus lui dit : « Viens ! » Pierre descendit de la barque et marcha sur les eaux pour aller vers Jésus. Mais, voyant la force du vent, il eut peur et, comme il commençait à enfoncer, il cria : « Seigneur, sauve-moi ! » Aussitôt, Jésus étendit la main, le saisit et lui dit : « Homme de peu de foi, pourquoi as-tu douté ? » Et quand ils furent montés dans la barque, le vent tomba. Alors ceux qui étaient dans la barque se prosternèrent devant lui, et ils lui dirent : « Vraiment, tu es le Fils de Dieu !» Après la traversée, ils abordèrent à Génésareth. Les gens de cet endroit reconnurent Jésus ; ils firent avertir toute la région, et on lui amena tous les malades. Ils le suppliaient de leur laisser seulement toucher la frange de son manteau, et tous ceux qui le faisaient furent sauvés.

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 : Sg 16, 20

Tu nous donnes, Seigneur, la vraie manne, ce pain venu du ciel qui comble tous les désirs.

Prière  après  la  communion

Seigneur, entoure d’une constante protection ceux que tu as renouvelés par le pain du ciel; Puisque tu ne cesses de les réconforter, rends-les dignes de l’éternel salut. Par Jésus.

Méditation

Le doute et la peur empêchent de reconnaître le Seigneur. Ce qu’il faut noter c’est que ces deux états d’esprit sont à l’opposé de la foi. La peur est révélatrice de la faiblesse de la foi ou du manque de foi. Le doute quant à lui est contraire à cette foi par laquelle nous connaissons et reconnaissons Dieu.  De notre foi jaillit la prière qui transperce les cieux et parvient à Dieu. La foi nous fait rester fermes devant les vagues et tempêtes qui jonchent l’itinéraire de notre vie entière. Les tempêtes de la maladie, celles de la trahison de nos proches, les vagues de l’incertitude d’un lendemain meilleur, de l’échec ou du chômage. Face à tout cela la foi nous donne de reconnaître le Christ et de professer qu’il est le fils de Dieu.

Tuesday 05 august

The Dedication of the Basilica of

Saint Mary Major

Psalter: Week II

Green

The Council of Ephesus in 431 formally proclaimed the mother of Jesus as the Mother of God, and the church (basilica) of St Mary Major on the Esquiline Hill in Rome was built shortly afterwards to celebrate her motherhood. This is the oldest church in the West that is dedicated to Our Lady.

Entrance Antiphon: Ps 69: 2, 6

O God, come to my assistance; O Lord, make haste to help me! You are my rescuer, my help; O Lord, do not delay.

Collect

Draw near to your servants, O Lord, and answer their prayers with unceasing kindness, that, for those who glory in you as their Creator and guide, you may restore what you have created and keep safe what you have restored. 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: Numbers 12:1-13

Miriam, and Aaron too, spoke against Moses in connexion with the Cushite woman he had taken. (For he had married a Cushite woman.) They said, ‘Has the Lord spoken to Moses only? Has he not spoken to us too?’ The Lord heard this. Now Moses was the most humble of men, the humblest man on earth. Suddenly, the Lord said to Moses and Aaron and Miriam, ‘Come, all three of you, to the Tent of Meeting.’ They went, all three of them, and the Lord came down in a pillar of cloud and stood at the entrance of the Tent. He called Aaron and Miriam and they both came forward. The Lord said, ‘Listen now to my words: If any man among you is a prophet I make myself known to him in a vision, I speak to him in a dream. Not so with my servant Moses: he is at home in my house; I speak with him face to face, plainly and not in riddles, and he sees the form of the Lord. How then have you dared to speak against my servant Moses?’ The anger of the Lord blazed out against them. He departed, and as soon as the cloud withdrew from the Tent, there was Miriam a leper, white as snow! Aaron turned to look at her; she had become a leper. Aaron said to Moses: ‘Help me, my lord! Do not punish us for a sin committed in folly of which we are guilty. I entreat you, do not let her be like a monster, coming from its mother’s womb with flesh half corrupted.’ Moses cried to the Lord, ‘O God,’ he said ‘please heal her, I beg you!’

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 50(51):3-7,12-13

R/ Have mercy on us, Lord, for we have sinned.

Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness. In your compassion blot out my offence.

O wash me more and more from my guilt and cleanse me from my sin.

My offences truly I know them; my sin is always before me Against you, you alone, have I sinned; what is evil in your sight I have done.

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.

A pure heart create for me, O God, put a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from your presence, nor deprive me of your holy spirit.

Gospel Acclamation: Jn8:12

Alleluia, alleluia! I am the light of the world, says the Lord; anyone who follows me will have the light of life. Alleluia!

Gospel: Matthew 14:22-36

Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he would send the crowds away. After sending the crowds away he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, while the boat, by now far out on the lake, was battling with a heavy sea, for there was a head-wind. In the fourth watch of the night he went towards them, walking on the lake, and when the disciples saw him walking on the lake they were terrified. ‘It is a ghost’ they said, and cried out in fear. But at once Jesus called out to them, saying, ‘Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.’ It was Peter who answered. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘if it is you, tell me to come to you across the water.’ ‘Come’ said Jesus. Then Peter got out of the boat and started walking towards Jesus across the water, but as soon as he felt the force of the wind, he took fright and began to sink. ‘Lord! Save me!’ he cried. Jesus put out his hand at once and held him. ‘Man of little faith,’ he said ‘why did you doubt?’ And as they got into the boat the wind dropped. The men in the boat bowed down before him and said, ‘Truly, you are the Son of God.’ Having made the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. When the local people recognised him they spread the news through the whole neighbourhood and took all that were sick to him, begging him just to let them touch the fringe of his cloak. And all those who touched it were completely cured.

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: Wis 16: 20

You have given us, O Lord, bread from heaven, endowed with all delights and sweetness in every taste.

Prayer after Communion

Accompany with constant protection, O Lord, those you renew with these heavenly gifts and, in your never-failing care for them, make them worthy of eternal redemption. Through Christ our Lord.

Meditation

This Gospel reading serves as a powerful representation of spiritual life. It mirrors the  common phases of our spiritual lives:  our encounter with God, commitment to follow Him, moments of fear or distraction, and ultimately experiencing God’s saving grace. We are so moved by His mercy that we encounter Him again and the whole cycle repeats itself. Consider the perspective of Peter’s encounter with God. Picture him along with the rest of the disciples, battling a violent storm in the early morning hours. Meanwhile, Jesus has a moment of interior dialogue with God, His Father. This is the time for you to walk away from the crowd to speak with God alone. This moment of private dialogue with God is essential. We often want to stay in control, and it is hard to let go.  You may even find it difficult to create distance from others to converse with God.  Yet, we must always to create space for personal connection with God. You have to let go, create some distance between you and others to be able to talk to God about everything that goes on in your heart, and hear His response to your supplications. When you see that challenges exceed your capabilities, drop on your knees in prayer and ask your heavenly Father for sustenance.

Sunday 06 July

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Saint Maria Goretti (1890 – 1902)

Psalter: Week II

Green

Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 47: 10-11

Your merciful love, O God, we have received in the midst of your temple.Your praise, O God, like your name,reaches the ends of the earth;your right hand is filled with saving justice.

Collect  

O God, who in the abasement of your Son have raised up a fallen world,fill your faithful with holy joy,for on those you have rescued from slavery to sinyou bestow eternal gladness.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: Isaiah 66:10-14            

Rejoice, Jerusalem, be glad for her, all you who love her!Rejoice, rejoice for her,all you who mourned her!That you may be suckled, filled,from her consoling breast,that you may savour with delighther glorious breasts.For thus says the Lord:Now towards her I send flowingpeace, like a river,and like a stream in spatethe glory of the nations.At her breast will her nurslings be carriedand fondled in her lap.Like a son comforted by his motherwill I comfort you.And by Jerusalem you will be comforted.At the sight your heart will rejoice,and your bones flourish like the grass.To his servants the Lord will reveal his hand.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 65(66):1-7,16,20

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!

‘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.

Come and hear, all who fear God.I will tell what he did for my soul:Blessed be God who did not reject my prayernor withhold his love from me.

Second reading: Galatians 6:14-18

The only thing I can boast about is the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world. It does not matter if a person is circumcised or not; what matters is for him to become an altogether new creature. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, who form the Israel of God. I want no more trouble from anybody after this; the marks on my body are those of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, my brothers. Amen.

Gospel Acclamation: Jn15:15          

Alleluia, alleluia! I call you friends, says the Lord,because I have made known to youeverything I have learnt from my Father.Alleluia!

Gospel: Luke 10:1-12,17-20

The Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them out ahead of him, in pairs, to all the towns and places he himself was to visit. He said to them, ‘The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest. Start off now, but remember, I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Carry no purse, no haversack, no sandals. Salute no one on the road. ‘Whatever house you go into, let your first words be, “Peace to this house!” And if a man of peace lives there, your peace will go and rest on him; if not, it will come back to you. Stay in the same house, taking what food and drink they have to offer, for the labourer deserves his wages; do not move from house to house. ‘Whenever you go into a town where they make you welcome, eat what is set before you. Cure those in it who are sick, and say, “The kingdom of God is very near to you.” But whenever you enter a town and they do not make you welcome, go out into its streets and say, “We wipe off the very dust of your town that clings to our feet, and leave it with you. Yet be sure of this: the kingdom of God is very near.” I tell you, on that day it will not go as hard with Sodom as with that town.’ The seventy-two came back rejoicing. ‘Lord,’ they said ‘even the devils submit to us when we use your name.’ He said to them, ‘I watched Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Yes, I have given you power to tread underfoot serpents and scorpions and the whole strength of the enemy; nothing shall ever hurt you. Yet do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you; rejoice rather that your names are written in heaven.’

Prayer over the Offerings  

May this oblation dedicated to your name purify us, O Lord, and day by day bring our conduct closer to the life of heaven. Through Christ our Lord.

Communion Antiphon: Ps 33: 9       

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed the man who seeks refuge in him.

Prayer after Communion  

Grant, we pray, O Lord, that, having been replenished by such great gifts, we may gain the prize of salvation and never cease to praise you. Through Christ our Lord.

Meditation The Christian calling is undeniably challenging, fraught with such obstacles as social pressures and secular attacks. In sending the seventy-two other disciples to preach His word of salvation, Jesus extends this calling to each one of us. Regardless of our roles or status in life — whether as parents, teachers, employees, employers, professionals, or students — we are all tasked with the mission of evangelisation as missionaries of His word of salvation. We become partakers of the sharers of God’s word by virtue of our Baptism and Confirmation. In whatever we do, we are called to first of all – be Christians; that is, to be like Christ.

Samedi 05 JUILLET

Saint antoine-marie zaccaria,Pretre

BVM

Psautier: I

Vert

Animé par l’amour des pauvres, Antoine-Marie (1502-1539) les servit d’abord comme médecin. Pour leur apporter aussi un secours spirituel, il reçut le sacerdoce. La congrégation de clercs réguliers qu’il fonda prit le nom de Barnabites quand l’église de saint Barnabé, à Milan, leur fut confiée.

Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 46, 2

Tous les peuples, battez des mains, acclamez Dieu par vos cris de joie.

Prière d’ouverture

Tu as voulu, Seigneur, qu’en recevant ta grâce nous devenions des fils de lumière ; Ne permets pas que l’erreur nous plonge dans la nuit, mais accorde-nous d’être toujours rayonnants de ta vérité. Par Jésus.

1ère lecture : Gn 27, 1-5.15-29

Isaac était devenu vieux, ses yeux avaient faibli et il n’y voyait plus. Il appela Ésaü, son fils aîné : « Mon fils !» Celui-ci répondit : « Me voici. » Isaac reprit : « Tu vois : je suis devenu vieux, mais je ne sais pas le jour de ma mort. Prends donc maintenant tes armes, ton carquois et ton arc, sors dans la campagne et tue-moi du gibier. Prépare-moi un bon plat comme je les aime et apporte-le-moi pour que je mange, et que je te bénisse avant de mourir. » Pendant qu’Isaac parlait ainsi à son fils Ésaü, Rébecca écoutait. Ésaü alla donc dans la campagne chasser du gibier pour son père. Rébecca prit les meilleurs habits d’Ésaü, son fils aîné, ceux qu’elle gardait à la maison ; elle en revêtit Jacob, son fils cadet. Puis, avec des peaux de chevreau, elle lui couvrit les mains et la partie lisse du cou. Elle remit ensuite entre ses mains le plat et le pain qu’elle avait préparés. Jacob entra chez son père et dit : « Mon père!» Celui-ci répondit : « Me voici. Qui es-tu, mon fils ? » Jacob dit à son père : « Je suis Ésaü, ton premier-né; j’ai fait ce que tu m’as dit. Viens donc t’asseoir, mange de mon gibier ; alors, tu pourras me bénir.» Isaac lui dit : « Comme tu as trouvé vite, mon fils ! » Jacob répondit: « C’est que le Seigneur, ton Dieu, a favorisé ma chasse. » Isaac lui dit : « Approche donc, mon fils, que je te palpe, pour savoir si tu es bien mon fils Ésaü ! » Jacob s’approcha de son père Isaac. Celui-ci le palpa et dit : « La voix est la voix de Jacob, mais les mains sont les mains d’Ésaü. » Il ne reconnut pas Jacob car ses mains étaient velues comme celles de son frère Ésaü, et il le bénit. Il dit encore : « C’est bien toi mon fils Ésaü ? » Jacob répondit : « C’est bien moi. » Isaac reprit : « Apporte-moi le gibier, mon fils, j’en mangerai, et alors je pourrai te bénir. » Jacob le servit, et il mangea. Jacob lui présenta du vin, et il but. Son père Isaac dit alors: « Approche-toi et embrasse-moi, mon fils. » Comme Jacob s’approchait et l’embrassait, Isaac respira l’odeur de ses vêtements, et il le bénit en disant: « Voici que l’odeur de mon fils est comme l’odeur d’un champ que le Seigneur a béni. Que Dieu te donne la rosée du ciel et une terre fertile, froment et vin nouveau en abondance! Que des peuples te servent, que des nations se prosternent devant toi. Sois un chef pour tes frères, que les fils de ta mère se prosternent devant toi. Maudit soit celui qui te maudira, béni soit celui qui te bénira ! »

Psaume : 134 (135), 1-2, 3-4, 5-6

R/ Louez la bonté du Seigneur, célébrez la douceur de son nom.

Louez le nom du Seigneur, louez-le, serviteurs du Seigneur qui veillez dans la maison du Seigneur, dans les parvis de la maison de notre Dieu.

Louez la bonté du Seigneur, célébrez la douceur de son nom. C’est Jacob que le Seigneur a choisi, Israël dont il a fait son bien.

Je le sais, le Seigneur est grand : notre Maître est plus grand que tous les dieux. Tout ce que veut le Seigneur, il le fait au ciel et sur la terre, dans les mers et jusqu’au fond des abîmes. 

Acclamation

Alléluia. Alléluia. Mes brebis écoutent ma voix, dit le Seigneur ; moi, je les connais, et elles me suivent. Alléluia.

Évangile : Mt 9, 14-17

En ce temps-là, les disciples de Jean le Baptiste s’approchèrent de Jésus en disant : « Pourquoi, alors que nous et les pharisiens, nous jeûnons, tes disciples ne jeûnent-ils pas ? » Jésus leur répondit: « Les invités de la noce pourraient-ils donc être en deuil pendant le temps où l’Époux est avec eux ? Mais des jours viendront où l’Époux leur sera enlevé ; alors ils jeûneront. Et personne ne pose une pièce d’étoffe neuve sur un vieux vêtement, car le morceau ajouté tire sur le vêtement, et la déchirure s’agrandit. Et on ne met pas du vin nouveau dans de vieilles outres; autrement, les outres éclatent, le vin se répand, et les outres sont perdues. Mais on met le vin nouveau dans des outres neuves, et le tout se conserve. »

Prière sur les offrandes

Dieu qui agis avec puissance dans tes sacrements, Fais que le peuple assemblé pour te servir soit accordé à la sainteté de tes propres dons. Par Jésus.

Antienne de communion : Ps 102, 2

Bénis le Seigneur, ô mon âme, n’oublie aucun de ses bienfaits.

Prière après la communion

Que le corps et le sang de Jésus Christ, offert en sacrifice et reçu en communion, nous donnent la vie, Seigneur: Reliés à toi par une charité qui ne passera jamais, nous porterons des fruits qui demeurent. Par Jésus.

Méditation

Lorsque le Christ paraît, la Vérité, la Sagesse, la Vie apparaissent. Il est l’époux qu’Israël attend. Il est le Messie. La venue du Christ est comparée au vin, symbole de l’allégresse messianique. Jésus, à Cana, offre le meilleur vin dont l’origine est inconnue, parce que Dieu seul le donne, à son heure, en son temps. Jésus est ce vin qui réjouit le cœur de l’Église ; il est celui qui donne le vin du salut ; il est le don de Dieu aux hommes. Pour comprendre Jésus, ou plutôt, pour le recevoir, ce qui est vieux ne suffit pas. Il faut naître à nouveau, de l’eau et de l’Esprit (Jean 3,5). La loi de Moïse ne suffit pas : il faut recevoir les béatitudes. Le jeûne ne suffit pas : il faut la pauvreté du cœur, c’est-à-dire l’attitude spirituelle qui nous dispose à recevoir chaque chose de Dieu. Le Christ n’est pas le résultat de notre œuvre, mais le cadeau du Père ; il n’est pas le fruit de notre recherche, mais la splendeur de Dieu qui brille gratuitement sur la scène humaine. La nouvelle création a commencé.

Saturday 05 July

Saturday memorial of the Blessed

Virgin Mary

Saint Antony Mary Zaccaria (1502 – 1539)

Psalter: Week I

Green

He was born in Cremona in Lombardy and started by studying medicine, but soon decided to become a priest instead and was ordained in 1528. He founded a religious Congregation, the Barnabites, whose aim was the reform of the clergy and laity.

Entrance Antiphon : Ps 46: 2

All peoples, clap your hands. Cry to God with shouts of joy!

Collect

O God, who through the grace of adoption, chose us to be children of light; grant, we pray, that we may not be wrapped in the darkness of error but always be seen to stand in the bright light of 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: Genesis 27:1-5,15-29

Isaac had grown old, and his eyes were so weak that he could no longer see. He summoned his elder son Esau, ‘My son!’ he said to him, and the latter answered, ‘I am here.’ Then he said, ‘See, I am old and do not know when I may die. Now take your weapons, your quiver and bow; go out into the country and hunt me some game. Make me the kind of savoury I like and bring it to me, so that I may eat, and give you my blessing before I die.’ Rebekah happened to be listening while Isaac was talking to his son Esau. So when Esau went into the country to hunt game for his father, Rebekah took her elder son Esau’s best clothes, which she had in the house, and dressed her younger son Jacob in them, covering his arms and the smooth part of his neck with the skins of the kids. Then she handed the savoury and the bread she had made to her son Jacob. He presented himself before his father and said, ‘Father.’ ‘I am here;’ was the reply ‘who are you, my son?’ Jacob said to his father, ‘I am Esau your first-born; I have done as you told me. Please get up and take your place and eat the game I have brought and then give me your blessing.’ Isaac said to his son, ‘How quickly you found it, my son!’ ‘It was the Lord your God’ he answered ‘who put it in my path.’ Isaac said to Jacob, ‘Come here, then, and let me touch you, my son, to know if you are my son Esau or not.’ Jacob came close to his father Isaac, who touched him and said, ‘The voice is Jacob’s voice but the arms are the arms of Esau!’ He did not recognize him, for his arms were hairy like his brother Esau’s, and so he blessed him. He said, ‘Are you really my son Esau?’ And he replied, ‘I am.’ Isaac said, ‘Bring it here that I may eat the game my son has brought, and so may give you my blessing.’ He brought it to him and he ate; he offered him wine, and he drank. His father Isaac said to him, ‘Come closer, and kiss me, my son.’ He went closer and kissed his father, who smelled the smell of his clothes .He blessed him, saying: ‘Yes, the smell of my son is like the smell of a fertile field blessed by the Lord. May God give you dew from heaven, and the richness of the earth, abundance of grain and wine! May nations serve you and peoples bow down before you! Be master of your brothers; may the sons of your mother bow down before you! Cursed be he who curses you; blessed be he who blesses you!’

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 134(135):1-6

R/ Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good.

Praise the name of the Lord, praise him, servants of the Lord, who stand in the house of the Lord in the courts of the house of our God.

Praise the Lord for the Lord is good. Sing a psalm to his name for he is loving. For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself and Israel for his own possession.

For I know the Lord is great, that our Lord is high above all gods. The Lord does whatever he wills, in heaven, on earth, in the seas.

Gospel Acclamation: Ps118:135      

Alleluia, alleluia! Let your face shine on your servant, and teach me your decrees. Alleluia!

Gospel: Matthew 9:14-17  

John’s disciples came to him and said, ‘Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not?’ Jesus replied, ‘Surely the bridegroom’s attendants would never think of mourning as long as the bridegroom is still with them? But the time will come for the bridegroom to be taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one puts a piece of unshrunken cloth on to an old cloak, because the patch pulls away from the cloak and the tear gets worse. Nor do people put new wine into old wineskins; if they do, the skins burst, the wine runs out, and the skins are lost. No; they put new wine into fresh skins and both are preserved.’

Prayer over the Offerings

O God, who graciously accomplish the effects of your mysteries, grant, we pray, that the deeds by which we serve you may be worthy of these sacred gifts. Through Christ our Lord.

Communion Antiphon : Cf. Ps 102: 1

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all within me, his holy name.

Prayer after Communion

May this divine sacrifice we have offered and received fill us with life, O Lord, we pray, so that, bound to you in lasting charity, we may bear fruit that lasts for ever. Through Christ our Lord.

Meditation

When we undertake fasting, it is crucial to examine our true motives. Is Jesus truly as the centre of our fasting? Is it for the glorification of His name, or are there other underlying reasons? The incident involving John the Baptist’s disciples, who are upset with Jesus’ disciples for not fasting, serves as a poignant reminder. Jesus uses this opportunity to teach about the essence of fasting. While fasting is recommended, Jesus says that our focus should be on Him. This should translate into humility and genuine love for others. Our fasting should lead us to become more compassionate individuals, eager to bring joy to others. Ultimately, fasting should be a means to draw closer to Christ and reflect His love in our actions towards others.

Vendredi 04 JUILLET

Sainte Elisabeth du portugal ;

Saint florent

Psautier: I

Vert

Mariée à Denis, roi de Portugal, Élisabeth (1271-1336) joua un rôle de pacificatrice dans la famille royale. Elle s’occupait aussi activement des pauvres. Veuve en 1325, elle finit ses jours comme tertiaire franciscaine à Coïmbre.

Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 46, 2

Tous les peuples, battez des mains, acclamez Dieu par vos cris de joie.

Prière d’ouverture

Tu as voulu, Seigneur, qu’en recevant ta grâce nous devenions des fils de lumière; Ne permets pas que l’erreur nous plonge dans la nuit, mais accorde-nous d’être toujours rayonnants de ta vérité. Par Jésus.

1ère lecture : Gn 23, 1-4.19 ; 24, 1-8.62-67

Sara vécut cent vingt-sept ans. Elle mourut à Kiriath-Arba, c’est-à-dire à Hébron, dans le pays de Canaan. Abraham s’y rendit pour le deuil et les lamentations. Puis il laissa le corps pour aller parler aux Hittites qui habitaient le pays : « Je ne suis qu’un immigré, un hôte, parmi vous ; accordez-moi d’acquérir chez vous une propriété funéraire où je pourrai enterrer cette morte. » Abraham ensevelit sa femme Sara dans la caverne du champ de Macpéla, qui est en face de Mambré, c’est-à-dire à Hébron, dans le pays de Canaan. Abraham était vieux, avancé en âge, et le Seigneur l’avait béni en toute chose. Abraham dit au plus ancien serviteur de sa maison, l’intendant de tous ses biens : « Je te fais prêter serment par le Seigneur, Dieu du ciel et Dieu de la terre : tu ne prendras pas pour mon fils une épouse parmi les filles des Cananéens au milieu desquels j’habite. Mais tu iras dans mon pays, dans ma parenté, chercher une épouse pour mon fils Isaac. » Le serviteur lui demanda : « Et si cette femme ne consent pas à me suivre pour venir ici? Devrai-je alors ramener ton fils dans le pays d’où tu es sorti ? » Abraham lui répondit : « Garde- toi d’y ramener mon fils ! Le Seigneur, le Dieu du ciel, lui qui m’a pris de la maison de mon père et du pays de ma parenté, m’a déclaré avec serment : “À ta descendance je donnerai le pays que voici.” C’est lui qui enverra son ange devant toi, et tu prendras là-bas une épouse pour mon fils. Si cette femme ne consent pas à te suivre, tu seras dégagé du serment que je t’impose. Mais, en tout cas, tu n’y ramèneras pas mon fils. » Un jour, Isaac s’en revenait du puits de Lahaï-Roï. Il habitait alors le Néguev. Il était sorti à la tombée du jour, pour se promener dans la campagne, lorsque, levant les yeux, il vit arriver des chameaux. Rébecca, levant les yeux elle aussi, vit Isaac. Elle sauta à bas de son chameau et dit au serviteur : « Quel est cet homme qui vient dans la campagne à notre rencontre? » Le serviteur répondit : « C’est mon maître. » Alors elle prit son voile et s’en couvrit. Le serviteur raconta à Isaac tout ce qu’il avait fait. Isaac introduisit Rébecca dans la tente de sa mère Sara; il l’épousa, elle devint sa femme, et il l’aima. Et Isaac se consola de la mort de sa mère.

Psaume : 105 (106), 1-2, 3-4ab, 4c- 5

R/ Rendez grâce au Seigneur : Il est bon !

Rendez grâce au Seigneur : Il est bon ! Éternel est son amour ! Qui dira les hauts faits du Seigneur, qui célébrera ses louanges ?

Heureux qui pratique la justice, qui observe le droit en tout temps! Souviens- toi de moi, Seigneur, dans ta bienveillance pour ton peuple.

Toi qui le sauves, visite-moi : que je voie le bonheur de tes élus ; que j’aie part à la joie de ton peuple, à la fierté de ton héritage. 

Acclamation

Alléluia. Alléluia. Venez à moi, vous tous qui peinez sous le poids du fardeau, dit le Seigneur, et moi, je vous procurerai le repos. Alléluia. (Mt 11, 28)

Évangile : Mt 9, 9-13

En ce temps-là, Jésus vit, en passant, un homme, du nom de Matthieu, assis à son bureau de collecteur d’impôt. Il lui dit : « Suis-moi. » L’homme se leva et le suivit. Comme Jésus était à table à la maison, voici que beaucoup de publicains (c’est-à-dire des collecteurs d’impôts) et beaucoup de pécheurs vinrent prendre place avec lui et ses disciples. Voyant cela, les pharisiens disaient à ses disciples : « Pourquoi votre maître mange-t-il avec les publicains et les pécheurs ? » Jésus, qui avait entendu, déclara : « Ce ne sont pas les gens bien portants qui ont besoin du médecin, mais les malades. Allez apprendre ce que signifie : Je veux la miséricorde, non le sacrifice. En effet, je ne suis pas venu appeler des justes, mais des pécheurs. »

Prière sur les offrandes

Dieu qui agis avec puissance dans tes sacrements, Fais que le peuple assemblé pour te servir soit accordé à la sainteté de tes propres dons. Par Jésus.

Antienne de communion : Ps 102, 2

Bénis le Seigneur, ô mon âme, n’oublie aucun de ses bienfaits.

Prière après la communion

Que le corps et le sang de Jésus Christ, offert en sacrifice et reçu en communion, nous donnent la vie, Seigneur: Reliés à toi par une charité qui ne passera jamais, nous porterons des fruits qui demeurent. Par Jésus.

Méditation

Jésus appelle Matthieu, un publicain pécheur, et se laisse inviter par lui, entouré d’autres pécheurs. En faisant cela, Jésus offre son amitié et la communion avec Dieu à ceux qui en ont le plus besoin. En lui, c’est Dieu lui-même qui se laisse inviter à la table des pauvres pécheurs. Nous savons que le comportement de Jésus, à cette occasion, a été l’une des raisons qui poussèrent le Sanhédrin à rendre une sentence de mort. C’est le mystère du paradoxe chrétien : le Dieu qui vient sauver les hommes est jugé par ceux qui se prennent pour des justes ; le Dieu qui offre son amitié scandalise ceux qui ne connaissent pas la miséricorde. Seuls ceux qui, comme Matthieu, sentent qu’ils sont pécheurs, auront le bonheur de voir Dieu assis à leur table et échapperont à l’orgueil de se croire justes.

Friday 04 July

Saint Elizabeth of Portugal

(1271 – 1336)

Psalter: Week I

Green

She was married to King Denis of Portugal, by whom she had two children. She set up hospitals, orphanages, and other institutions, patiently endured her husband’s infidelities. On her husband’s death in 1325 she retired from public affairs and devoted herself to prayer and the service of the poor

Entrance Antiphon : Ps 46: 2

All peoples, clap your hands. Cry to God with shouts of joy!

Collect

O God, who through the grace of adoption, chose us to be children of light; grant, we pray, that we may not be wrapped in the darkness of error but always be seen to stand in the bright light of 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: Genesis 23:1-4,19,24:1-8,62-67

The length of Sarah’s life was a hundred and twenty-seven years. She died at Kiriath-arba, or Hebron, in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went in to mourn and grieve for her.Then leaving his dead, Abraham spoke to the sons of Heth: ‘I am a stranger and a settler among you,’ he said. ‘Let me own a burial-plot among you, so that I may take my dead wife and bury her.’After this, Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the cave of the field of Machpelah opposite Mamre, in the country of Canaan.

 By now Abraham was an old man well on in years, and the Lord had blessed him in every way. Abraham said to the eldest servant of his household, the steward of all his property, ‘Place your hand under my thigh, I would have you swear by the Lord, God of heaven and God of earth, that you will not choose a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I live. Instead, go to my own land and my own kinsfolk to choose a wife for my son Isaac.’ The servant asked him, ‘What if the woman does not want to come with me to this country? Must I take your son back to the country from which you came?’ Abraham answered, ‘On no account take my son back there. The Lord, God of heaven and God of earth, took me from my father’s home, and from the land of my kinsfolk, and he swore to me that he would give this country to my descendants. He will now send his angel ahead of you, so that you may choose a wife for my son there. And if the woman does not want to come with you, you will be free from this oath of mine. Only do not take my son back there.’ Isaac, who lived in the Negeb, had meanwhile come into the wilderness of the well of Lahai Roi. Now Isaac went walking in the fields as evening fell, and looking up saw camels approaching. And Rebekah looked up and saw Isaac. She jumped down from her camel, and asked the servant, ‘Who is that man walking through the fields to meet us?’ The servant replied, ‘That is my master’; then she took her veil and hid her face. The servant told Isaac the whole story, and Isaac led Rebekah into his tent and made her his wife; and he loved her. And so Isaac was consoled for the loss of his mother.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 105(106):1-5

R/ O give thanks to the Lord for he is good.

O give thanks to the Lord for he is good; for his love endures forever. Who can tell the Lord’s mighty deeds? Who can recount all his praise?

They are happy who do what is right, who at all times do what is just. O Lord, remember me out of the love you have for your people.

Come to me, Lord, with your help that I may see the joy of your chosen onesand may rejoice in the gladness of your nation and share the glory of your people.

Gospel Acclamation: Ps24:4,5         

Alleluia, alleluia! Teach me your paths, my God,make me walk in your truth.Alleluia!

Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13    

As Jesus was walking on, he saw a man named Matthew sitting by the customs house, and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him. While he was at dinner in the house it happened that a number of tax collectors and sinners came to sit at the table with Jesus and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your master eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ When he heard this he replied, ‘It is not the healthy who need the doctor, but the sick. Go and learn the meaning of the words: What I want is mercy, not sacrifice. And indeed I did not come to call the virtuous, but sinners.’

Prayer over the Offerings

O God, who graciously accomplish the effects of your mysteries, grant, we pray, that the deeds by which we serve you may be worthy of these sacred gifts. Through Christ our Lord.

Communion Antiphon : Cf. Ps 102: 1

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all within me, his holy name.

Prayer after Communion

May this divine sacrifice we have offered and received fill us with life, O Lord, we pray, so that, bound to you in lasting charity, we may bear fruit that lasts for ever. Through Christ our Lord.

Meditation

Many individuals in the Bible experience greatness after being given a second chance. Matthew, a tax collector is hated by the Jews and considered a sinner. No one wants to associate with him except his fellow tax collectors and sinners. However, Jesus shows him mercy by offering him a second chance. Often, we express our love for God through words and prayers, but we fail to demonstrate mercy in our lives. Jesus urges us to express our love for Him by patiently tolerating others and giving them the opportunity to turn over a new leaf. We are called to view others through the compassionate lens and heart of Christ, refraining from passing judgement or condemnation.

Thursday 03 July

Saint Thomas the Apostle-

Feast

Psalter: Week I

Red

Thomas the Apostle (also called Didymus which means «the twin») was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. He is informally called doubting Thomas because he doubted Jesus’ resurrection when first told, (in the Gospel of John), followed later by his confession of faith, «My Lord and my God», on seeing Jesus’ wounded body.

Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 117: 28, 21

You are my God, and I confess you; you are my God, and I exalt you; I will thank you, for you became my saviour.

Collect

Grant, almighty God, that we may glory in the Feast of the blessed Apostle Thomas, so that we may always be sustained by his intercession and, believing, may have life in the name of Jesus Christ your Son, whom Thomas acknowledged as the Lord. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

First reading: Ephesians 2:19-22

You are no longer aliens or foreign visitors: you are citizens like all the saints, and part of God’s household. You are part of a building that has the apostles and prophets for its foundations, and Christ Jesus himself for its main cornerstone. As every structure is aligned on him, all grow into one holy temple in the Lord; and you too, in him, are being built into a house where God lives, in the Spirit.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 116(117):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 forever.

Gospel Acclamation: Jn20:29    

Alleluia, alleluia! Jesus said: ‘You believe because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.’ Alleluia!

Gospel: John 20:24-29   

Thomas, called the Twin, who was one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. When the disciples said, ‘We have seen the Lord’, he answered, ‘Unless I see the holes that the nails made in his hands and can put my finger into the holes they made, and unless I can put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe.’ Eight days later the disciples were in the house again and Thomas was with them. The doors were closed, but Jesus came in and stood among them. ‘Peace be with you’ he said. Then he spoke to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; look, here are my hands. Give me your hand; put it into my side. Doubt no longer but believe.’ Thomas replied, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him: ‘You believe because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.’

Prayer over the Offerings              

We render you, O Lord, the service that is your due, humbly imploring you to keep safe your gifts in us, as we honour the confession of the Apostle Saint Thomas and offer you a sacrifice of praise. Through Christ our Lord.

Communion Antiphon: Cf. Jn 20: 27          

Bring your hand and feel the place of the nails, and do not be unbelieving but believing.

Prayer after Communion              

O God, as we truly receive in this Sacrament the Body of your Only Begotten Son,grant, we pray, that we may recognize him with the Apostle Thomas by faith as our Lord and our Godand proclaim him by our deeds and by our life. Who lives and reigns forever and ever.

Meditation

Today, we celebrate the feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle, known as the “Doubting Thomas” and the patron saint of those in doubt. Despite his doubt, he boldy professes his faith to the Lord: “My Lord and my God!” Thomas, alongside Saint Peter, stands out as one of the few apostles who openly affirm their faith in Jesus. Reflecting on our own lives, we often grapple with doubts, whether concerning our faith, doctrines, or various life circumstances. However, Jesus shows how much He loves his disciples by granting them second chances. Our doubts, failures, and weaknesses should ultimately lead us to a deeper and stronger faith in God.