by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | May 8, 2020 | Evangelium
saturday 09 May 2020
St. George Preca (1880 – 1962)
He founded the Society for Christian Doctrine in 1907. He composed the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary in 1957. He was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on 3 June 2007, being described as “Malta’s second father in faith” after St Paul.
White
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. 1 Pt 2: 9
O chosen people, proclaim the mighty works of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light, alleluia.
Collect
O God, who in the celebration of Easter graciously give to the world the healing of heavenly remedies, show benevolence to your Church, that our present observance may benefit us for eternal life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading: Acts 13:44-52
The next sabbath almost the whole town assembled to hear the word of God. When they saw the crowds, the Jews, prompted by jealousy, used blasphemies and contradicted everything Paul said. Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly. ‘We had to proclaim the word of God to you first, but since you have rejected it, since you do not think yourselves worthy of eternal life, we must turn to the pagans. For this is what the Lord commanded us to do when he said: I have made you a light for the nations, so that my salvation may reach the ends of the earth.’ It made the pagans very happy to hear this and they thanked the Lord for his message; all who were destined for eternal life became believers. Thus the word of the Lord spread through the whole countryside. But the Jews worked upon some of the devout women of the upper classes and the leading men of the city and persuaded them to turn against Paul and Barnabas and expel them from their territory. So they shook the dust from their feet in defiance and went off to Iconium; but the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 97(98):1-4
R/ All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
1) Sing a new song to the Lord for he has worked wonders. His right hand and his holy arm have brought salvation.
2) The Lord has made known his salvation; has shown his justice to the nations. He has remembered his truth and love for the house of Israel.
3) All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Shout to the Lord, all the earth, ring out your joy.
Gospel Acclamation: Rm 6:9
Alleluia, alleluia! Christ, having been raised from the dead, will never die again. Death has no power over him any more. Alleluia!
Gospel: John 14:7-14
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘If you know me, you know my Father too. From this moment you know him and have seen him.’ Philip said, ‘Lord, let us see the Father and then we shall be satisfied.’ ‘Have I been with you all this time, Philip,’ said Jesus to him, ‘and you still do not know me? ‘To have seen me is to have seen the Father, so how can you say, “Let us see the Father”? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak as from myself: it is the Father, living in me, who is doing this work. You must believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; believe it on the evidence of this work, if for no other reason. I tell you most solemnly, whoever believes in me will perform the same works as I do myself, he will perform even greater works, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask for in my name I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask for anything in my name, I will do it.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Graciously sanctify these gifts, O Lord, we pray, and, accepting the oblation of this spiritual sacrifice, make of us an eternal offering to you. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Jn 17: 24
Father, I wish that, where I am, those you gave me may also be with me, that they may see the glory that you gave me, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
We have partaken of the gifts of this sacred mystery, humbly imploring, O Lord, that what your Son commanded us to do in memory of him may bring us growth in charity. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
To have seen Jesus is to have seen the Father. Jesus is the Word of God; he is God expressing himself and communicating himself to us. Philip speaks up and asks Jesus to “show” them his Father. Then they will believe in what Jesus is saying. Jesus must have been deeply disappointed that Philip could not and would not trust his word. Philip wanted proof. He needed to see the Father himself. Then and only then would he believe. Though Philip had been with him for a long time, he did not still believe. What about us? How often do we ask Jesus for proof? At times we also want Jesus to send us a sign that clearly he is with us. Faith and trust are difficult in our human relationships and perhaps even more so in our relationship with God.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | May 7, 2020 | Evangelium
friday 08 May 2020
Blessed Catherine of Saint Augustine (1632 – 1668)
She was born in 1632 in France. She entered the Augustinian Hospitaller Sisters of the Mercy of Jesus in 1644. She spent her life ministering to the poor and sick in Quebec, and died there at the age of 36.
White
Entrance Antiphon: Rv 5: 9-10
You have redeemed us, Lord, by your Blood, from every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us into a kingdom, priests for our God, alleluia.
Collect
O God, author of our freedom and of our salvation, listen to the voice of our pleading and grant that those you have redeemed by the shedding of your Son’s Blood may have life through you and, under your protection, rejoice for ever unharmed. 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 13:26-33
Paul stood up in the synagogue at Antioch in Pisidia, held up a hand for silence and began to speak: ‘My brothers, sons of Abraham’s race, and all you who fear God, this message of salvation is meant for you. What the people of Jerusalem and their rulers did, though they did not realise it, was in fact to fulfil the prophecies read on every sabbath. Though they found nothing to justify his death, they condemned him and asked Pilate to have him executed. When they had carried out everything that scripture foretells about him they took him down from the tree and buried him in a tomb. But God raised him from the dead, and for many days he appeared to those who had accompanied him from Galilee to Jerusalem: and it is these same companions of his who are now his witnesses before our people. ‘We have come here to tell you the Good News. It was to our ancestors that God made the promise but it is to us, their children, that he has fulfilled it, by raising Jesus from the dead. As scripture says in the second psalm: You are my son: today I have become your father.’
Psalm 2:6-11
R/ You are my Son. It is I who have begotten you this day.
1) ‘It is I who have set up my king on Zion, my holy mountain.’ I will announce the decree of the Lord: The Lord said to me: ‘You are my Son. It is I who have begotten you this day.
2) ‘Ask and I shall bequeath you the nations, put the ends of the earth in your possession. With a rod of iron you will break them, shatter them like a potter’s jar.’
3) Now, O kings, understand, take warning, rulers of the earth; serve the Lord with awe and trembling, pay him your homage.
Gospel Acclamation: Col 3:1
Alleluia, alleluia! Since you have been brought back to true life with Christ, you must look for the things that are in heaven, where Christ is, sitting at God’s right hand. Alleluia!
Gospel: John 14:1-6
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God still, and trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father’s house; if there were not, I should have told you. I am going now to prepare a place for you, and after I have gone and prepared you a place, I shall return to take you with me; so that where I am you may be too. You know the way to the place where I am going.’ Thomas said, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going, so how can we know the way?’ Jesus said: ‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Accept in compassion, Lord, we pray, the offerings of your family, that under your protective care they may never lose what they have received, but attain the gifts that are eternal. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Rm 4: 25
Christ our Lord was handed over for our transgressions and was raised again for our justification, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
Keep safe, O Lord, we pray, those whom you have saved by your kindness, that, redeemed by the Passion of your Son, they may rejoice in his Resurrection. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Meditation
Jesus’ continuous use of encouraging words to overcome troubles and differences is a sign that there were many disagreements among the communities. “There are many rooms in my Father’s house” This wondrous promise gives our lives meaning. To know that there is a place for us in God’s own eternal home; what more do we need to feel fulfilled and at peace? It is therefore not necessary that everybody thinks the same way. The important thing is that all accept Jesus, the revelation of the Father, and that out of love for him, they have attitudes of understanding, service and love. Love and service are what unite the bricks and help the diverse communities to become a Church of brothers and sisters.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | May 7, 2020 | Agenda Biblique
BLANC
Saint Désiré, évêque
A l’époque mérovingienne, il contribua à rendra la Gaule chrétienne. Son épiscopat fut marqué par la conciliation et la paix. Il fut rappelé à Dieu en 550.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ap5, 9-10
Seigneur, par ton sang tu as racheté pour Dieu des hommes de toute race, langue, peuple et nation. Tu en as fait pour notre Dieu un royaume de prêtres, alléluia.
Prière d’ouverture :
Dieu à qui nous devons le salut et la liberté, écoute le cri de notre prière : puisque tu nous as rachetés par le sang de ton Fils, fais que nous puissions vivre de toi et trouver en toi le bonheur éternel. Par Jésus Christ…
1ère lecture: Ac 13, 26-33
En ces jours-là, Paul vint à Antioche de Pisidie. Dans la synagogue, il disait : « Vous, frères, les fils de la lignée d’Abraham et ceux parmi vous qui craignent Dieu, c’est à nous que la parole du salut a été envoyée. En effet, les habitants de Jérusalem et leurs chefs ont méconnu Jésus, ainsi que les paroles des prophètes qu’on lit chaque sabbat ; or, en le jugeant, ils les ont accomplies. Sans avoir trouvé en lui aucun motif de condamnation à mort, ils ont demandé à Pilate qu’il soit supprimé. Et, après avoir accompli tout ce qui était écrit de lui, ils l’ont descendu du bois de la croix et mis au tombeau. Mais Dieu l’a ressuscité d’entre les morts. Il est apparu pendant bien des jours à ceux qui étaient montés avec lui de Galilée à Jérusalem, et qui sont maintenant ses témoins devant le peuple. Et nous, nous vous annonçons cette Bonne Nouvelle : la promesse faite à nos pères, Dieu l’a pleinement accomplie pour nous, leurs enfants, en ressuscitant Jésus, comme il est écrit au psaume deux : Tu es mon fils ; moi, aujourd’hui, je t’ai engendré. »
Psaume : 2, 1.7bc, 8-9, 10-11
R/ Tu es mon fils ; moi, aujourd’hui, je t’ai engendré.
- Pourquoi ce tumulte des nations, ce vain murmure des peuples ? Le Seigneur m’a dit : « Tu es mon fils ;moi, aujourd’hui, je t’ai engendré.
- « Demande, et je te donne en héritage les nations, pour domaine la terre tout entière. Tu les détruiras de ton sceptre de fer, tu les briseras comme un vase de potier. »
- Maintenant, rois, comprenez, reprenez-vous, juges de la terre. Servez le Seigneur avec crainte, rendez-lui votre hommage en tremblant.
Acclamation :
Alléluia. Alléluia. Moi, je suis le Chemin, la Vérité et la Vie, dit le Seigneur. Personne ne va vers le Père sans passer par moi. Alléluia. (Jn 14, 6)
Evangile : Jn 14, 1-6
En ce temps-là, Jésus disait à ses disciples : « Que votre cœur ne soit pas bouleversé : vous croyez en Dieu, croyez aussi en moi. Dans la maison de mon Père, il y a de nombreuses demeures ; sinon, vous aurais- je dit : “Je pars vous préparer une place” ? Quand je serai parti vous préparer une place, je reviendrai et je vous emmènerai auprès de moi, afin que là où je suis, vous soyez, vous aussi. Pour aller où je vais, vous savez le chemin. » Thomas lui dit : « Seigneur, nous ne savons pas où tu vas. Comment pourrions-nous savoir le chemin ? » Jésus lui répond : « Moi, je suis le Chemin, la Vérité et la Vie ; personne ne va vers le Père sans passer par moi. »
Prière sur les offrandes :
Reçois avec bonté, Seigneur, les offrandes de ton peuple : garde-le sous ta protection, pour qu’il ne perde aucun des biens que tu lui donnes, et qu’il découvre ceux qui demeurent toujours. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Rm4,25
Le Christ, notre Seigneur, livré pour nos péchés, Dieu l’a ressuscité pour nous rendre saints, alléluia.
Prière après la communion :
Ne cesse pas de protéger avec amour, Seigneur, ceux que tu as sauvés : la Passion de ton Fils les a rachetés, qu’ils mettent leur joie dans sa résurrection. Lui qui règne.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | May 6, 2020 | Evangelium
thursday 07 May 2020
St. John of Beverley (-721)
He was born in Yorkshire. He was celebrated for his scholarship as well as for his virtues. He was canonized in 1037.
White
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 67: 8-9, 20
O God, when you went forth before your people, marching with them and living among them, the earth trembled, heavens poured down rain, alleluia.
Collect
O God, who restore human nature to yet greater dignity than at its beginnings, look upon the amazing mystery of your loving kindness, and in those you have chosen to make new through the wonder of rebirth may you preserve the gifts of your enduring grace and blessing. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading: Acts 13:13-25
Paul and his friends went by sea from Paphos to Perga in Pamphylia where John left them to go back to Jerusalem. The others carried on from Perga till they reached Antioch in Pisidia. Here they went to synagogue on the sabbath and took their seats. After the lessons from the Law and the Prophets had been read, the presidents of the synagogue sent them a message: ‘Brothers, if you would like to address some words of encouragement to the congregation, please do so.’ Paul stood up, held up a hand for silence and began to speak: ‘Men of Israel, and fearers of God, listen! The God of our nation Israel chose our ancestors, and made our people great when they were living as foreigners in Egypt; then by divine power he led them out, and for about forty years took care of them in the wilderness. When he had destroyed seven nations in Canaan, he put them in possession of their land for about four hundred and fifty years. After this he gave them judges, down to the prophet Samuel. Then they demanded a king, and God gave them Saul son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin. After forty years, he deposed him and made David their king, of whom he approved in these words, “I have selected David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart, who will carry out my whole purpose.” To keep his promise, God has raised up for Israel one of David’s descendants, Jesus, as Saviour, whose coming was heralded by John when he proclaimed a baptism of repentance for the whole people of Israel. Before John ended his career he said, “I am not the one you imagine me to be; that one is coming after me and I am not fit to undo his sandal.”’
Psalm 88(89):2-3,21,22,25,27
R/ I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord.
1) I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord; through all ages my mouth will proclaim your truth. Of this I am sure, that your love lasts for ever, that your truth is firmly established as the heavens.
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. He will say to me: ‘You are my father, my God, the rock who saves me.’
Gospel Acclamation: cf. Rv 1:5
Alleluia, alleluia! You, O Christ, are the faithful witness, the First-born from the dead, you have loved us and have washed away our sins with your blood. Alleluia!
Gospel: John 13:16-20
After he had washed the feet of his disciples, Jesus said to them: ‘I tell you most solemnly, no servant is greater than his master, no messenger is greater than the man who sent him. ‘Now that you know this, happiness will be yours if you behave accordingly. I am not speaking about all of you: I know the ones I have chosen; but what scripture says must be fulfilled: Someone who shares my table rebels against me. ‘I tell you this now, before it happens, so that when it does happen you may believe that I am He. I tell you most solemnly, whoever welcomes the one I send welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.’
Prayer over the Offerings
May our prayers rise up to you, O Lord, together with the sacrificial offerings, so that, purified by your graciousness, we may be conformed to the mysteries of your mighty love. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Mt 28: 20
Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
Almighty ever-living God, who restore us to eternal life in the Resurrection of Christ, increase in us, we pray, the fruits of this paschal Sacrament and pour into our hearts the strength of this saving food. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
The gospel text is a periscope of the long conversation of Jesus with the disciples during the last supper. The five verses of today’s gospel draw two conclusions from the washing of the feet. Firstly, they speak of service as the principal characteristic of the followers of Jesus and secondly, they present Jesus as the revelation of the Father. The symbolic gesture of the washing of the feet consists in accepting Jesus as Messiah Servant, who gives Himself for others, and to reject a Messiah who comes as a glorious king. This gift of self, servant of all, is the key to understanding the gesture of the washing of the feet. This text underlines the virtue of humility. Jesus knew how to live with people who did not accept Him. What about me? How can I make my life a permanent service to others?
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | May 6, 2020 | Agenda Biblique
BLANC
Bienheureuse Gisèle
Elle fut l’épouse du roi saint Etienne de Hongrie, prince d’une grande bonté qui, dit-on, était toujours d’humeur joyeuse. Elle participa avec lui à l’évangélisation de son pays. A la mort du roi, elle fut chassée du royaume et se retira au monastère de Niederburg dont elle devint l’abbesse.
Antienne d’ouverture
Dieu, quand tu sortis à la tête de ton peuple, quand tu marchas dans le désert, la terre trembla, les cieux même fondirent en face de Dieu, alléluia
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu qui relèves la nature humaine bien au-dessus de sa condition originelle, souviens-toi de cette œuvre de ton amour : maintiens dans ta bénédiction ceux que tu as régénérés. Par Jésus.
1ère lecture : Ac 13, 13-25
Quittant l’île de Chypre pour l’Asie Mineure, Paul et ceux qui l’accompagnaient s’embarquèrent à Paphos et arrivèrent à Pergé en Pamphylie. Mais Jean-Marc les abandonna pour s’en retourner à Jérusalem. Quant à eux, ils poursuivirent leur voyage au-delà de Pergé et arrivèrent à Antioche de Pisidie. Le jour du sabbat, ils entrèrent à la synagogue et prirent place. Après la lecture de la Loi et des Prophètes, les chefs de la synagogue leur envoyèrent dire : « Frères, si vous avez une parole d’exhortation pour le peuple, parlez. » Paul se leva, fit un signe de la main et dit : « Israélites, et vous aussi qui craignez Dieu, écoutez : Le Dieu de ce peuple, le Dieu d’Israël a choisi nos pères ; il a fait grandir son peuple pendant le séjour en Égypte et il l’en a fait sortir à bras étendu. Pendant une quarantaine d’années, il les a supportés au désert et, après avoir exterminé tour à tour sept nations au pays de Canaan, il a partagé pour eux ce pays en héritage. Tout cela dura environ quatre cent cinquante ans. Ensuite, il leur a donné des juges, jusqu’au prophète Samuel. Puis ils demandèrent un roi, et Dieu leur donna Saül, fils de Kish, homme de la tribu de Benjamin, pour quarante années. Après l’avoir rejeté, Dieu a, pour eux, suscité David comme roi, et il lui a rendu ce témoignage : J’ai trouvé David, fils de Jessé ; c’est un homme selon mon cœur qui réalisera toutes mes volontés. De la descendance de David, Dieu, selon la promesse, a fait sortir un sauveur pour Israël : c’est Jésus, dont Jean le Baptiste a préparé l’avènement en proclamant avant lui un baptême de conversion pour tout le peuple d’Israël. Au moment d’achever sa course, Jean disait : “Ce que vous pensez que je suis, je ne le suis pas. Mais le voici qui vient après moi, et je ne suis pas digne de retirer les sandales de ses pieds.” » – Parole du Seigneur.
Psaume : 88 (89), 2-3, 21-22, 25.27
R/ Ton amour, Seigneur, sans fin je le chante !
- L’amour du Seigneur, sans fin je le chante ; ta fidélité, je l’annonce d’âge en âge. Je le dis : C’est un amour bâti pour toujours ; ta fidélité est plus stable que les cieux.
- « J’ai trouvé David, mon serviteur, je l’ai sacré avec mon huile sainte ; et ma main sera pour toujours avec lui, mon bras fortifiera son courage.
- « Mon amour et ma fidélité sont avec lui, mon nom accroît sa vigueur ; Il me dira : “Tu es mon Père, mon Dieu, mon roc et mon salut !” »
Acclamation :
Alléluia. Alléluia. Jésus Christ, témoin fidèle, premier-né d’entre les morts, tu nous aimes, et par ton sang tu nous délivres du péché. Alléluia. (cf. Ap 1, 5ab)
Evangile : Jn 13, 16-20
Après avoir lavé les pieds de ses disciples, Jésus parla ainsi : « Amen, amen, je vous le dis : un serviteur n’est pas plus grand que son maître, ni un envoyé plus grand que celui qui l’envoie. Sachant cela, heureux êtes-vous, si vous le faites. Ce n’est pas de vous tous que je parle. Moi, je sais quels sont ceux que j’ai choisis, mais il faut que s’accomplisse l’Écriture : Celui qui mange le pain avec moi m’a frappé du talon. Je vous dis ces choses dès maintenant, avant qu’elles n’arrivent ; ainsi, lorsqu’elles arriveront, vous croirez que moi, JE SUIS. Amen, amen, je vous le dis : si quelqu’un reçoit celui que j’envoie, il me reçoit moi-même ; et celui qui me reçoit, reçoit Celui qui m’a envoyé. » – Acclamons la Parole de Dieu.
Prière sur les offrandes :
Que nos prières montent vers toi, Seigneur, avec ces offrandes pour le sacrifice ; dans ta bonté purifie-nous, et nous correspondrons davantage aux sacrements de ton amour. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion
«Je suis avec vous tous les jours, dit le Seigneur Jésus, jusqu’à la fin des temps », alléluia.
Prière après la communion :
Dieu tout-puissant, dans la résurrection du Christ, tu nous recrées pour la vie éternelle ; multiplie en nous les fruits du sacrement pascal : fais-nous prendre des forces neuves à cette nourriture qui apporte le salut. Par Jésus
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | May 5, 2020 | Agenda Biblique
BLANC
Bienheureuse Prudence ; saint Marien
Prudence rejoignit les ermites de saint augustin à Milan. Elle devint abbesse-fondatrice d’un nouveau couvent à Côme, en Italie.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ap 19, 7.6
Soyons dans la joie, exultons, rendons grâce : le Seigneur notre Dieu a pris possession de sa royauté, alléluia.
Prière d’ouverture
Accorde-nous, Seigneur, d’entrer dans la joie de notre salut alors que nous fêtons la résurrection de ton Fils. Lui qui.
Lectures de la messe
Première lecture (Ac 12, 24 – 13, 5)
En ces jours-là, la parole de Dieu était féconde et se multipliait. Barnabé et Saul, une fois leur service accompli en faveur de Jérusalem, s’en retournèrent à Antioche, en prenant avec eux Jean surnommé Marc. Or il y avait dans l’Église qui était à Antioche des prophètes et des hommes chargés d’enseigner : Barnabé, Syméon appelé Le Noir, Lucius de Cyrène, Manahène, compagnon d’enfance d’Hérode le Tétrarque, et Saul. Un jour qu’ils célébraient le culte du Seigneur et qu’ils jeûnaient, l’Esprit Saint leur dit : « Mettez à part pour moi Barnabé et Saul en vue de l’œuvre à laquelle je les ai appelés. » Alors, après avoir jeûné et prié, et leur avoir imposé les mains, ils les laissèrent partir. Eux donc, envoyés par le Saint- Esprit, descendirent à Séleucie et de là s’embarquèrent pour Chypre ; arrivés à Salamine, ils annonçaient la parole de Dieu dans les synagogues des Juifs. Ils avaient Jean- Marc comme auxiliaire. – Parole du Seigneur.
Psaume (66 (67), 2-3, 5, 7-8)
R/ Que les peuples, Dieu, te rendent grâce ; qu’ils te rendent grâce tous ensemble !
ou : Alléluia ! (66, 4)
Que Dieu nous prenne en grâce et nous bénisse, que son visage s’illumine pour nous ; et ton chemin sera connu sur la terre, ton salut, parmi toutes les nations.
Que les nations chantent leur joie, car tu gouvernes le monde avec justice ; tu gouvernes les peuples avec droiture, sur la terre, tu conduis les nations.
La terre a donné son fruit ; Dieu, notre Dieu, nous bénit. Que Dieu nous bénisse, et que la terre tout entière l’adore !
Alléluia. Alléluia.
Moi, je suis la lumière du monde, dit le Seigneur.Celui qui me suit aura la lumière de la vie.
Alléluia. (Jn 8, 12)
Évangile (Jn 12, 44-50)
En ce temps-là, Jésus s’écria : « Celui qui croit en moi, ce n’est pas en moi qu’il croit, mais en Celui qui m’a envoyé ; et celui qui me voit voit Celui qui m’a envoyé. Moi qui suis la lumière, je suis venu dans le monde pour que celui qui croit en moi ne demeure pas dans les ténèbres. Si quelqu’un entend mes paroles et n’y reste pas fidèle, moi, je ne le juge pas, car je ne suis pas venu juger le monde, mais le sauver. Celui qui me rejette et n’accueille pas mes paroles aura, pour le juger, la parole que j’ai prononcée : c’est elle qui le jugera au dernier jour. Car ce n’est pas de ma propre initiative que j’ai parlé : le Père lui-même, qui m’a envoyé, m’a donné son commandement sur ce que je dois dire et déclarer ; et je sais que son commandement est vie éternelle. Donc, ce que je déclare, je le déclare comme le Père me l’a dit. » – Acclamons la Parole de Dieu.
Prière sur les offrandes :
Donne-nous, Seigneur, de te rendre grâce toujours par ces mystères de Pâques ; ils continuent en nous ton œuvre de rédemption, qu’ils nous soient une source intarissable de joie. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion Lc, 24, 46, 26
Il fallait que le Christ connaisse la souffrance et ressuscite d’entre les morts pour entrer dans sa gloire.
Prière après la communion :
Ecoute nos prières, Seigneur : que cet échange mystérieux où l’homme est racheté nous soutienne durant la vie présente et nous apporte les joies éternelles. Par Jésus.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | May 5, 2020 | Evangelium
wednesday 06 May 2020
Bl. François de Laval
(1623 – 1708)
He was the first bishop of New France. He founded a seminary and had schools and churches built. He resigned his bishopric in 1684 but remained in New France and acted as deputy to his successor.
White
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 17: 50; 21: 23
I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will tell of your name to my kin, alleluia.
Collect
O God, life of the faithful, glory of the humble, blessedness of the just, listen kindly to the prayers of those who call on you, that they who thirst for what you generously promise may always have their fill of your plenty. 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 12:24-13:5
The word of God continued to spread and to gain followers. Barnabas and Saul completed their task and came back from Jerusalem, bringing John Mark with them. In the church at Antioch the following were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. One day while they were offering worship to the Lord and keeping a fast, the Holy Spirit said, ‘I want Barnabas and Saul set apart for the work to which I have called them.’ So it was that after fasting and prayer they laid their hands on them and sent them off. So these two, sent on their mission by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and from there sailed to Cyprus. They landed at Salamis and proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews; John acted as their assistant.
Psalm 66(67):2-3,5-6,8
R/ Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.
1) God, be gracious and bless us and let your face shed its light upon us. So will your ways be known upon earth and all nations learn your saving help.
2) Let the nations be glad and exult for you rule the world with justice. With fairness you rule the peoples, you guide the nations on earth.
3) Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you. May God still give us his blessing till the ends of the earth revere him.
Gospel Acclamation: Jn 20:29
Alleluia, alleluia! ‘You believe, Thomas, because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe. Alleluia!
Gospel: John 12:44-50
Jesus declared publicly: ‘Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in the one who sent me, and whoever sees me, sees the one who sent me. I, the light, have come into the world, so that whoever believes in me need not stay in the dark any more. If anyone hears my words and does not keep them faithfully, it is not I who shall condemn him, since I have come not to condemn the world, but to save the world. He who rejects me and refuses my words has his judge already: the word itself that I have spoken will be his judge on the last day. For what I have spoken does not come from myself; no, what I was to say, what I had to speak, was commanded by the Father who sent me, and I know that his commands mean eternal life. And therefore what the Father has told me is what I speak.’
Prayer over the Offerings
O God, who by the wonderful exchange effected in this sacrifice have made us partakers of the one supreme Godhead, grant, we pray, that, as we have come to know your truth, we may make it ours by a worthy way of life. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Jn 15: 16, 19
I have chosen you from the world, says the Lord, and have appointed you to go out and bear fruit, fruit that will last, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
Graciously be present to your people, we pray, O Lord, and lead those you have imbued with heavenly mysteries to pass from former ways to newness of life. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
To believe in Jesus is to believe in him who sent him. This phrase is a summary of the gospel of John because it is the theme that appears and reappears in many ways. The unity between Jesus and the Father is so strong that he does not speak in his own name but always in the name of the Father. He, who sees Jesus, sees the Father. If you want to know God, look at Jesus. This same passage equally underlines the fact that Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness. Jesus is a living response to the great questions, which move and inspire the search of the human being. Jesus is a light which enlightens the horizon and as such makes one discover the luminous side of the darkness of faith
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | May 4, 2020 | Evangelium
tuesday 05 May 2020
St Asaph
He was a monk of the monastery at Llanelwy, founded by St Kentigern. He was consecrated bishop in 573, and the town of Llanelwy (as well as the diocese) is called St Asaph in his honour.
White
Entrance Antiphon: Rv 19: 7, 6
Let us rejoice and be glad and give glory to God, for the Lord our God the Almighty reigns, alleluia.
Collect
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, celebrating the mysteries of the Lord’s Resurrection, we may merit to receive the joy of our redemption. 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 11:19-26
Those who had escaped during the persecution that happened because of Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, but they usually proclaimed the message only to Jews. Some of them, however, who came from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch where they started preaching to the Greeks, proclaiming the Good News of the Lord Jesus to them as well. The Lord helped them, and a great number believed and were converted to the Lord. The church in Jerusalem heard about this and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. There he could see for himself that God had given grace, and this pleased him, and he urged them all to remain faithful to the Lord with heartfelt devotion; for he was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith. And a large number of people were won over to the Lord. Barnabas then left for Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him he brought him to Antioch. As things turned out they were to live together in that church a whole year, instructing a large number of people. It was at Antioch that the disciples were first called ‘Christians.’
Psalm 86(87)
R/ O praise the Lord, all you nations!
- On the holy mountain is his city cherished by the Lord. The Lord prefers the gates of Zion to all Jacob’s dwellings. Of you are told glorious things, O city of God!
- ‘Babylon and Egypt I will count among those who know me; Philistia, Tyre, Ethiopia, these will be her children and Zion shall be called “Mother” for all shall be her children.’
- It is he, the Lord Most High, who gives each his place. In his register of peoples he writes: ‘These are her children,’ and while they dance they will sing: ‘In you all find their home.’
Gospel Acclamation: Jn10:27
Alleluia, alleluia! The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice, says the Lord, I know them and they follow me. Alleluia!
Gospel: John 10:22-30
It was the time when the feast of Dedication was being celebrated in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the Temple walking up and down in the Portico of Solomon. The Jews gathered round him and said, ‘How much longer are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.’ Jesus replied: ‘I have told you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name are my witness; but you do not believe, because you are no sheep of mine. The sheep that belong to me listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life; they will never be lost and no one will ever steal them from me. The Father who gave them to me is greater than anyone, and no one can steal from the Father. The Father and I are one.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Grant, we pray, O Lord, that we may always find delight in these paschal mysteries, so that the renewal constantly at work within us may be the cause of our unending joy. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Lk 24: 46, 26
The Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead, and so enter into his glory, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
Hear, O Lord, our prayers, that this most holy exchange, by which you have redeemed us, may bring your help in this present life and ensure for us eternal gladness. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Today’s gospel text is a continuation of the Good Shepherd discourse, but the peculiarity of this text is the Jews challenging statement to Jesus: “If you are the Christ, tell us plainly”. Rejection is a major theme of this chapter and this is reflected in the hostility of the Jews who challenges Jesus to tell them plainly. It is a hostile challenge, designed to force Jesus into the open and to bring things to a head because anything Jesus says can and will be used against him. Despite the fact that Jesus had been proclaiming himself plainly, these interrogators do not believe because they were not looking for truth but grounds for conviction. They not only ignored the evidence of his works but also sought to turn those works against him.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | May 4, 2020 | Agenda Biblique
BLANC
Sainte Judith ; sainte Ange
Devenue précocement veuve, Judith quitta son pays et sa parenté pour rejoindre son frère qui était grand maître de l’Ordre Teutonique. Elle y passa le reste de sa vie, dans l’exercice des bonnes œuvres.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ap 19, 7.6
Soyons dans la joie, exultons, rendons grâce : le Seigneur notre Dieu a pris possession de sa royauté, alléluia.
Prière d’ouverture
Accorde-nous, Seigneur, d’entrer dans la joie de notre salut alors que nous fêtons la résurrection de ton Fils. Lui qui.
1ère lecture : Ac 11, 19-26
En ces jours-là, les frères dispersés par la tourmente qui se produisit lors de l’affaire d’Étienne allèrent jusqu’en Phénicie, puis à Chypre et Antioche, sans annoncer la Parole à personne d’autre qu’aux Juifs. Parmi eux, il y en avait qui étaient originaires de Chypre et de Cyrène, et qui, en arrivant à Antioche, s’adressaient aussi aux gens de langue grecque pour leur annoncer la Bonne Nouvelle : Jésus est le Seigneur. La main du Seigneur était avec eux : un grand nombre de gens devinrent croyants et se tournèrent vers le Seigneur. La nouvelle parvint aux oreilles de l’Église de Jérusalem, et l’on envoya Barnabé jusqu’à Antioche. À son arrivée, voyant la grâce de Dieu à l’œuvre, il fut dans la joie. Il les exhortait tous à rester d’un cœur ferme attachés au Seigneur. C’était en effet un homme de bien, rempli d’Esprit Saint et de foi. Une foule considérable s’attacha au Seigneur. Barnabé partit alors à Tarse chercher Saul. L’ayant trouvé, il l’amena à Antioche. Pendant toute une année, ils participèrent aux assemblées de l’Église, ils instruisirent une foule considérable. Et c’est à Antioche que, pour la première fois, les disciples reçurent le nom de « chrétiens ».
Psaume : 86 (87), 1-3, 4-5, 6-7
R/ Louez le Seigneur, tous les peuples !
- Elle est fondée sur les montagnes saintes. Le Seigneur aime les portes de Sion plus que toutes les demeures de Jacob. Pour ta gloire on parle de toi, ville de Dieu !
- « Je cite l’Égypte et Babylone entre celles qui me connaissent.» Voyez Tyr, la Philistie, l’Éthiopie : chacune est née là- bas. Mais on appelle Sion: « Ma mère! » car en elle, tout homme est né. C’est lui, le Très-Haut, qui la maintient.
- Au registre des peuples, le Seigneur écrit : « Chacun est né là- bas. » Tous ensemble ils dansent, et ils chantent : « En toi, toutes nos sources ! »
Acclamation :
Alléluia. Alléluia. Mes brebis écoutent ma voix, dit le Seigneur ; moi, je les connais, et elles me suivent. Alléluia. (Jn 10, 27)
Evangile : Jn 10, 22-30
On célébrait la fête de la dédicace du Temple à Jérusalem. C’était l’hiver. Jésus allait et venait dans le Temple, sous la colonnade de Salomon. Les Juifs firent cercle autour de lui ; ils lui disaient : « Combien de temps vas- tu nous tenir en haleine ? Si c’est toi le Christ, dis-le nous ouvertement ! » Jésus leur répondit : « Je vous l’ai dit, et vous ne croyez pas. Les œuvres que je fais, moi, au nom de mon Père, voilà ce qui me rend témoignage. Mais vous, vous ne croyez pas, parce que vous n’êtes pas de mes brebis. Mes brebis écoutent ma voix ; moi, je les connais, et elles me suivent. Je leur donne la vie éternelle : jamais elles ne périront, et personne ne les arrachera de ma main. Mon Père, qui me les a données, est plus grand que tout, et personne ne peut les arracher de la main du Père. Le Père et moi, nous sommes UN. »
Prière sur les offrandes :
Donne-nous, Seigneur, de te rendre grâce toujours par ces mystères de Pâques ; ils continuent en nous ton œuvre de rédemption, qu’ils nous soient une source intarissable de joie. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion Lc, 24, 46, 26
Il fallait que le Christ connaisse la souffrance et ressuscite d’entre les morts pour entrer dans sa gloire.
Prière après la communion :
Ecoute nos prières, Seigneur : que cet échange mystérieux où l’homme est racheté nous soutienne durant la vie présente et nous apporte les joies éternelles. Par Jésus.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | May 3, 2020 | Evangelium
monday 04 May 2020
The English Martyrs
On 4 May 1535, at Tyburn in London, there died three Carthusian monks, the first of many martyrs of the English Reformation. They are remembered for the example they gave of constancy in their faith and courage in the face of persecution.
White
Entrance Antiphon: Rm 6: 9
Christ, having risen from the dead, dies now no more; death will no longer have dominion over him, alleluia.
Collect
O God, perfect light of the blessed, by whose gift we celebrate the paschal mysteries on earth, bring us, we pray, to rejoice in the full measure of your grace for ages unending. 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 11:1-18
The apostles and the brothers in Judaea heard that the pagans too had accepted the word of God, and when Peter came up to Jerusalem the Jews criticised him and said, ‘So you have been visiting the uncircumcised and eating with them, have you?’ Peter in reply gave them the details point by point: ‘One day, when I was in the town of Jaffa,’ he began ‘I fell into a trance as I was praying and had a vision of something like a big sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners. This sheet reached the ground quite close to me. I watched it intently and saw all sorts of animals and wild beasts – everything possible that could walk, crawl or fly. Then I heard a voice that said to me, “Now, Peter; kill and eat!” But I answered: Certainly not, Lord; nothing profane or unclean has ever crossed my lips. And a second time the voice spoke from heaven, “What God has made clean, you have no right to call profane.” This was repeated three times, before the whole of it was drawn up to heaven again. ‘Just at that moment, three men stopped outside the house where we were staying; they had been sent from Caesarea to fetch me, and the Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going back with them. The six brothers here came with me as well, and we entered the man’s house. He told us he had seen an angel standing in his house who said, “Send to Jaffa and fetch Simon known as Peter; he has a message for you that will save you and your entire household.” ‘I had scarcely begun to speak when the Holy Spirit came down on them in the same way as it came on us at the beginning, and I remembered that the Lord had said, “John baptised with water, but you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.” I realised then that God was giving them the identical thing he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ; and who was I to stand in God’s way?’ This account satisfied them, and they gave glory to God. ‘God’ they said ‘can evidently grant even the pagans the repentance that leads to life.’
Psalm 41(42):2-3,42:3-4
R/ My soul is thirsting for God, the God of my life.
1) Like the deer that yearns for running streams, so my soul is yearning for you, my God.!
2) My soul is thirsting for God, the God of my life; when can I enter and see the face of God?
3) Send forth your light and your truth; let these be my guide. Let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.
4) And I will come to the altar of God, the God of my joy. My redeemer, I will thank you on the harp, O God, my God.
Gospel Acclamation: Jn 10:14
Alleluia, alleluia! I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my own sheep and my own know me. Alleluia!
Gospel: John 10:11-18
Jesus said: ‘I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd is one who lays down his life for his sheep. The hired man, since he is not the shepherd and the sheep do not belong to him, abandons the sheep and runs away as soon as he sees a wolf coming, and then the wolf attacks and scatters the sheep; this is because he is only a hired man and has no concern for the sheep. ‘I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for my sheep. And there are other sheep I have that are not of this fold, and these I have to lead as well. They too will listen to my voice, and there will be only one flock, and one shepherd. ‘The Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me; I lay it down of my own free will, and as it is in my power to lay it down, so it is in my power to take it up again; and this is the command I have been given by my Father.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Receive, O Lord, we pray, these offerings of your exultant Church, and, as you have given her cause for such great gladness, grant also that the gifts we bring may bear fruit in perpetual happiness. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Jn 20: 19
Jesus stood in the midst of his disciples and said to them: Peace be with you, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
Look with kindness upon your people, O Lord, and grant, we pray, that those you were pleased to renew by eternal mysteries may attain in their flesh the incorruptible glory of the resurrection. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
In today’s first reading, the charge brought against Peter was that he, who was supposed to be a faithful Jew, associated with Gentiles and even ate with them. Sharing a meal together was a special sign of fellowship in that time and culture. In response to the accusations of his Jewish Christian brothers, Peter repeated the vision he was given in chapter 10. The last part of this passage underlines the action of the Holy Spirit in the process of conversion. We are to allow ourselves too to be transformed by God’s Spirit as the pagans did and as such become witnesses of God’s love and mercy to those around us.
monday 04 May 2020
The English Martyrs
On 4 May 1535, at Tyburn in London, there died three Carthusian monks, the first of many martyrs of the English Reformation. They are remembered for the example they gave of constancy in their faith and courage in the face of persecution.
White
Entrance Antiphon: Rm 6: 9
Christ, having risen from the dead, dies now no more; death will no longer have dominion over him, alleluia.
Collect
O God, perfect light of the blessed, by whose gift we celebrate the paschal mysteries on earth, bring us, we pray, to rejoice in the full measure of your grace for ages unending. 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 11:1-18
The apostles and the brothers in Judaea heard that the pagans too had accepted the word of God, and when Peter came up to Jerusalem the Jews criticised him and said, ‘So you have been visiting the uncircumcised and eating with them, have you?’ Peter in reply gave them the details point by point: ‘One day, when I was in the town of Jaffa,’ he began ‘I fell into a trance as I was praying and had a vision of something like a big sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners. This sheet reached the ground quite close to me. I watched it intently and saw all sorts of animals and wild beasts – everything possible that could walk, crawl or fly. Then I heard a voice that said to me, “Now, Peter; kill and eat!” But I answered: Certainly not, Lord; nothing profane or unclean has ever crossed my lips. And a second time the voice spoke from heaven, “What God has made clean, you have no right to call profane.” This was repeated three times, before the whole of it was drawn up to heaven again. ‘Just at that moment, three men stopped outside the house where we were staying; they had been sent from Caesarea to fetch me, and the Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going back with them. The six brothers here came with me as well, and we entered the man’s house. He told us he had seen an angel standing in his house who said, “Send to Jaffa and fetch Simon known as Peter; he has a message for you that will save you and your entire household.” ‘I had scarcely begun to speak when the Holy Spirit came down on them in the same way as it came on us at the beginning, and I remembered that the Lord had said, “John baptised with water, but you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.” I realised then that God was giving them the identical thing he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ; and who was I to stand in God’s way?’ This account satisfied them, and they gave glory to God. ‘God’ they said ‘can evidently grant even the pagans the repentance that leads to life.’
Psalm 41(42):2-3,42:3-4
R/ My soul is thirsting for God, the God of my life.
1) Like the deer that yearns for running streams, so my soul is yearning for you, my God.!
2) My soul is thirsting for God, the God of my life; when can I enter and see the face of God?
3) Send forth your light and your truth; let these be my guide. Let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.
4) And I will come to the altar of God, the God of my joy. My redeemer, I will thank you on the harp, O God, my God.
Gospel Acclamation: Jn 10:14
Alleluia, alleluia! I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my own sheep and my own know me. Alleluia!
Gospel: John 10:11-18
Jesus said: ‘I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd is one who lays down his life for his sheep. The hired man, since he is not the shepherd and the sheep do not belong to him, abandons the sheep and runs away as soon as he sees a wolf coming, and then the wolf attacks and scatters the sheep; this is because he is only a hired man and has no concern for the sheep. ‘I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for my sheep. And there are other sheep I have that are not of this fold, and these I have to lead as well. They too will listen to my voice, and there will be only one flock, and one shepherd. ‘The Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me; I lay it down of my own free will, and as it is in my power to lay it down, so it is in my power to take it up again; and this is the command I have been given by my Father.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Receive, O Lord, we pray, these offerings of your exultant Church, and, as you have given her cause for such great gladness, grant also that the gifts we bring may bear fruit in perpetual happiness. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Jn 20: 19
Jesus stood in the midst of his disciples and said to them: Peace be with you, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
Look with kindness upon your people, O Lord, and grant, we pray, that those you were pleased to renew by eternal mysteries may attain in their flesh the incorruptible glory of the resurrection. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
In today’s first reading, the charge brought against Peter was that he, who was supposed to be a faithful Jew, associated with Gentiles and even ate with them. Sharing a meal together was a special sign of fellowship in that time and culture. In response to the accusations of his Jewish Christian brothers, Peter repeated the vision he was given in chapter 10. The last part of this passage underlines the action of the Holy Spirit in the process of conversion. We are to allow ourselves too to be transformed by God’s Spirit as the pagans did and as such become witnesses of God’s love and mercy to those around us.
monday 04 May 2020
The English Martyrs
On 4 May 1535, at Tyburn in London, there died three Carthusian monks, the first of many martyrs of the English Reformation. They are remembered for the example they gave of constancy in their faith and courage in the face of persecution.
White
Entrance Antiphon: Rm 6: 9
Christ, having risen from the dead, dies now no more; death will no longer have dominion over him, alleluia.
Collect
O God, perfect light of the blessed, by whose gift we celebrate the paschal mysteries on earth, bring us, we pray, to rejoice in the full measure of your grace for ages unending. 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 11:1-18
The apostles and the brothers in Judaea heard that the pagans too had accepted the word of God, and when Peter came up to Jerusalem the Jews criticised him and said, ‘So you have been visiting the uncircumcised and eating with them, have you?’ Peter in reply gave them the details point by point: ‘One day, when I was in the town of Jaffa,’ he began ‘I fell into a trance as I was praying and had a vision of something like a big sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners. This sheet reached the ground quite close to me. I watched it intently and saw all sorts of animals and wild beasts – everything possible that could walk, crawl or fly. Then I heard a voice that said to me, “Now, Peter; kill and eat!” But I answered: Certainly not, Lord; nothing profane or unclean has ever crossed my lips. And a second time the voice spoke from heaven, “What God has made clean, you have no right to call profane.” This was repeated three times, before the whole of it was drawn up to heaven again. ‘Just at that moment, three men stopped outside the house where we were staying; they had been sent from Caesarea to fetch me, and the Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going back with them. The six brothers here came with me as well, and we entered the man’s house. He told us he had seen an angel standing in his house who said, “Send to Jaffa and fetch Simon known as Peter; he has a message for you that will save you and your entire household.” ‘I had scarcely begun to speak when the Holy Spirit came down on them in the same way as it came on us at the beginning, and I remembered that the Lord had said, “John baptised with water, but you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit.” I realised then that God was giving them the identical thing he gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ; and who was I to stand in God’s way?’ This account satisfied them, and they gave glory to God. ‘God’ they said ‘can evidently grant even the pagans the repentance that leads to life.’
Psalm 41(42):2-3,42:3-4
R/ My soul is thirsting for God, the God of my life.
1) Like the deer that yearns for running streams, so my soul is yearning for you, my God.!
2) My soul is thirsting for God, the God of my life; when can I enter and see the face of God?
3) Send forth your light and your truth; let these be my guide. Let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.
4) And I will come to the altar of God, the God of my joy. My redeemer, I will thank you on the harp, O God, my God.
Gospel Acclamation: Jn 10:14
Alleluia, alleluia! I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my own sheep and my own know me. Alleluia!
Gospel: John 10:11-18
Jesus said: ‘I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd is one who lays down his life for his sheep. The hired man, since he is not the shepherd and the sheep do not belong to him, abandons the sheep and runs away as soon as he sees a wolf coming, and then the wolf attacks and scatters the sheep; this is because he is only a hired man and has no concern for the sheep. ‘I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for my sheep. And there are other sheep I have that are not of this fold, and these I have to lead as well. They too will listen to my voice, and there will be only one flock, and one shepherd. ‘The Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me; I lay it down of my own free will, and as it is in my power to lay it down, so it is in my power to take it up again; and this is the command I have been given by my Father.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Receive, O Lord, we pray, these offerings of your exultant Church, and, as you have given her cause for such great gladness, grant also that the gifts we bring may bear fruit in perpetual happiness. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Jn 20: 19
Jesus stood in the midst of his disciples and said to them: Peace be with you, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
Look with kindness upon your people, O Lord, and grant, we pray, that those you were pleased to renew by eternal mysteries may attain in their flesh the incorruptible glory of the resurrection. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
In today’s first reading, the charge brought against Peter was that he, who was supposed to be a faithful Jew, associated with Gentiles and even ate with them. Sharing a meal together was a special sign of fellowship in that time and culture. In response to the accusations of his Jewish Christian brothers, Peter repeated the vision he was given in chapter 10. The last part of this passage underlines the action of the Holy Spirit in the process of conversion. We are to allow ourselves too to be transformed by God’s Spirit as the pagans did and as such become witnesses of God’s love and mercy to those around us.
