by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | Feb 1, 2019 | Evangelium
Presentation of the Lord
St. Joan de Lestonnac
St. Joan de Lestonnac was born in France, in 1556. She married at the age of seventeen. After her children were raised, she entered the Cistercian monastery at Toulouse. She founded the Congregation of the Religious of Notre Dame of Bordeaux.
White
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
Almighty ever-living God, we humbly implore your majesty that, just as your Only Begotten Son was presented on this day in the Temple in the substance of our flesh, so, by your grace, we may be presented to you with minds made pure. 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: Malachi 3:1-4
The Lord God says this: Look, I am going to send my messenger to prepare a way before me. And the Lord you are seeking will suddenly enter his Temple; and the angel of the covenant whom you are longing for, yes, he is coming, says the Lord of Hosts. Who will be able to resist the day of his coming? Who will remain standing when he appears? For he is like the refiner’s fire and the fullers’ alkali. He will take his seat as refiner and purifier; he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and then they will make the offering to the Lord as it should be made. The offering of Judah and Jerusalem will then be welcomed by the Lord as in former days, as in the years of old.
Psalm 23(24):7-10
- R) Who is the king of glory? He, the Lord, he is the king of glory.
1.O Gates, lift high your heads; grow higher, ancient doors. Let him enter, the king of glory!
2.Who is the king of glory? The Lord, the mighty, the valiant, the Lord, the valiant in war.
3.Gates, lift high your heads; grow higher, ancient doors. Let him enter, the king of glory!
4.Who is he, the king of glory? He, the Lord of armies, he is the king of glory.
Gospel Acclamation Lk 2:32
Alleluia, alleluia!The light to enlighten the Gentiles and give glory to Israel, your people.Alleluia!
Gospel Luke 2:22-40
When the day came for them to be purified as laid down by the Law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord, – observing what stands written in the Law of the Lord: Every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord – and also to offer in sacrifice, in accordance with what is said in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtle-doves or two young pigeons. Now in Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon. He was an upright and devout man; he looked forward to Israel’s comforting and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord. Prompted by the Spirit he came to the Temple and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the Law required, he took him into his arms and blessed God; and he said: ‘Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace, just as you promised; because my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all the nations to see, a light to enlighten the pagans and the glory of your people Israel. As the child’s father and mother stood there wondering at the things that were being said about him, Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘You see this child: he is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected – and a sword will pierce your own soul too – so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.’ There was a prophetess also, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well on in years. Her days of girlhood over, she had been married for seven years before becoming a widow. She was now eighty-four years old and never left the Temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayer. She came by just at that moment and began to praise God; and she spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem. When they had done everything the Law of the Lord required, they went back to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. Meanwhile the child grew to maturity, and he was filled with wisdom; and God’s favour was with him.
Prayer over the Offerings
May the offering made with exultation by your Church be pleasing to you, O Lord, we pray, for you willed that your Only Begotten Son be offered to you for the life of the world as the Lamb without blemish. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Communion Antiphon Lk 2: 30-31
My eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples.
Prayer after Communion
By these holy gifts which we have received, O Lord, bring your grace to perfection within us, and, as you fulfilled Simeon’s expectation that he would not see death until he had been privileged to welcome the Christ, so may we, going forth to meet the Lord, obtain the gift of eternal life. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Responsible parenting.Today’s feast of the Presentation comes 40 days after Christmas. It tells us about responsible parenting. The responsibility of bringing up Jesus according to the norms and values of the Father was placed on Joseph and Mary. Our Heavenly Father expected both of then to do their part in moulding the character of Jesus and making Him ready for his ministry. Though the circumstances around the birth of our children may not be same as those of the birth of Jesus, our Heavenly Father has given to us the same responsibility over our children. There may be no Simeon and Anna to proclaim the importance of our children to the waiting world. Despite this, God expects us to follow the model of Joseph and Mary in parenting our children. Our Lord speaks to our hearts and hopes that we do all that we can to mould our children into God-loving and God-fearing individuals. He wants us to lead our children into a discipleship with Christ, not only to make them physically strong but spiritually sturdy to receive His blessings. His desire is for our children to be spiritually equipped to walk confidently the unknown path of life. This same encouragement is given to the consecrated who have many spiritual children to cater for.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | Jan 31, 2019 | Agenda Biblique
3ème Semaine du Temps Ordinaire
Sainte Ella
Ella Fitzpatrick, par son époux Guillaume, était la belle-sœur de Richard Cœur de Lion, prince d’Angleterre. Son époux n’était pas des plus fidèles, ce dont elle souffrait tout en étant indulgente pour son inconduite, espérant toujours qu’il reviendrait à une vie morale plus proche des exigences évangéliques. Ce qui arriva. Au retour de la 3e croisade et sauvé d’une tempête, Guillaume résolut de ne plus la tromper et de vivre selon la vertu. Il tint parole. Devenue veuve, Ella se plaça sous la direction de saint Edmond et fonda une abbaye de religieuses augustines à Lay rock dans le Lancashire, dont elle fut la première abbesse.
Vert
Antienne d’ouverture: Ps 95, 1-6
Chantez au Seigneur un chant nouveau, chantez au Seigneur, terre entière : La splendeur et l’éclat, la puissance et la beauté brillent dans son Temple saint!
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu éternel et tout-puissant, dirige notre vie selon ton amour, Afin qu’au nom de ton Fils bien-aimé, nous portions des fruits en abondance. Par Jésus Christ.
Première lecture: Hébreux 10, 32-39
Frères, souvenez-vous de ces premiers jours où vous veniez de recevoir la lumière du Christ : vous avez soutenu alors le dur combat des souffrances, tantôt donnés en spectacle sous les insultes et les brimades, tantôt solidaires de ceux qu’on traitait ainsi. En effet, vous avez montré de la compassion à ceux qui étaient en prison ; vous avez accepté avec joie qu’on vous arrache vos biens, car vous étiez sûrs de posséder un bien encore meilleur, et permanent. Ne perdez pas votre assurance ; grâce à elle, vous serez largement récompensés. Car l’endurance vous est nécessaire pour accomplir la volonté de Dieu et obtenir ainsi la réalisation des promesses. En effet, encore un peu, très peu de temps, et celui qui doit venir arrivera, il ne tardera pas. Celui qui est juste à mes yeux par la foi vivra; mais s’il abandonne, je ne trouve plus mon bonheur en lui. Or nous ne sommes pas, nous, de ceux qui abandonnent et vont à leur perte, mais de ceux qui ont la foi et sauvegardent leur âme.
Psaume 36 (37), 3-4, 5-6, 23-24, 39-40ac
R/ Le salut des justes vient du Seigneur. (Cf. 36, 39a)
- Fais confiance au Seigneur, agis bien, habite la terre et reste fidèle; mets ta joie dans le Seigneur : il comblera les désirs de ton cœur.
- Dirige ton chemin vers le Seigneur, fais-lui confiance, et lui, il agira. Il fera lever comme le jour ta justice, et ton droit comme le plein midi.
- Quand le Seigneur conduit les pas de l’homme, ils sont fermes et sa marche lui plaît. S’il trébuche, il ne tombe pas car le Seigneur le soutient de sa main.
- Le Seigneur est le salut pour les justes, leur abri au temps de la détresse. Le Seigneur les aide et les délivre, car ils cherchent en lui leur refuge.
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia. Tu es béni, Père, Seigneur du ciel et de la terre, Tu as révélé aux tout-petits les mystères du royaume. Alléluia.
Évangile Marc 4, 26-34
En ce temps-là, Jésus disait aux foules : « Il en est du règne de Dieu comme d’un homme qui jette en terre la semence : nuit et jour, qu’il dorme ou qu’il se lève, la semence germe et grandit, il ne sait comment. D’elle-même, la terre produit d’abord l’herbe, puis l’épi, enfin du blé plein l’épi. Et dès que le blé est mûr, il y met la faucille, puisque le temps de la moisson est arrivé.» Il disait encore : « À quoi allons-nous comparer le règne de Dieu? Par quelle parabole pouvons-nous le représenter ? Il est comme une graine de moutarde : quand on la sème en terre, elle est la plus petite de toutes les semences. Mais quand on l’a semée, elle grandit et dépasse toutes les plantes potagères ; et elle étend de longues branches, si bien que les oiseaux du ciel peuvent faire leur nid à son ombre. » Par de nombreuses paraboles semblables, Jésus leur annonçait la Parole, dans la mesure où ils étaient capables de l’entendre. Il ne leur disait rien sans parabole, mais il expliquait tout à ses disciples en particulier.
Prière sur les offrandes
Dans ta bonté, Seigneur, accepte notre offrande : Qu’elle soit sanctifiée et serve ainsi à notre salut. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion: Ps 33, 6
Ensemble, approchez du Seigneur: resplendissez de sa lumière et sur votre visage il n’y aura plus d’ombre.
Prière après la communion
Permets, nous t’en prions, Dieu tout-puissant, Qu’ayant reçu de toi la grâce d’une nouvelle vie, nous puissions nous en émerveiller toujours. Par Jésus.
MÉDITATION
En recourant aux paraboles pour expliquer en quoi consiste le Règne de Dieu, Jésus veut aussi mettre en exergue la réalité de loi de la croissance ou de l’évolution. La Parole de Dieu semée dans nos cœurs est appelée à grandir, à mûrir et à répandre la vie. C’est en effet un grand défi pour nous, chrétiens d’aujourd’hui, de nous rendre disponibles en étant des canaux par lesquels L’Évangile devient vie en nous et continue de l’être pour d’autres.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | Jan 31, 2019 | Evangelium
St Brigid (451- 525)
Born in 451 or 452 at Faughart, near Dundalk, in Ireland, she converted to Christianity, inspired by the preaching of St Patrick. She founded a monastery at Kildare. She died there in 525.
Green
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 95: 1, 6
O sing a new song to the Lord; sing to the Lord, all the earth. In his presence are majesty and splendour, strength and honour in his holy place.
Collect
Almighty ever-living God, direct our actions according to your good pleasure, that in the name of your beloved Son we may abound in good works. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading: Hebrews 10:32-39
Remember all the sufferings that you had to meet after you received the light, in earlier days; sometimes by being yourselves publicly exposed to insults and violence, and sometimes as associates of others who were treated in the same way. For you not only shared in the sufferings of those who were in prison, but you happily accepted being stripped of your belongings, knowing that you owned something that was better and lasting. Be as confident now, then, since the reward is so great. You will need endurance to do God’s will and gain what he has promised. Only a little while now, a very little while, and the one that is coming will have come; he will not delay. The righteous man will live by faith, but if he draws back, my soul will take no pleasure in him. You and I are not the sort of people who draw back, and are lost by it; we are the sort who keep faithful until our souls are saved.
Psalm 36(37):3-6, 23-24, 39-40
- R) The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.
1.If you trust in the Lord and do good, then you will live in the land and be secure. If you find your delight in the Lord, he will grant your heart’s desire.
2.Commit your life to the Lord, trust in him and he will act, so that your justice breaks forth like the light, your cause like the noon-day sun.
3.The Lord guides the steps of a man and makes safe the path of one he loves. Though he stumble he shall never fall for the Lord holds him by the hand.
4.The salvation of the just comes from the Lord, their stronghold in time of distress. The Lord helps them and delivers them and saves them: for their refuge is in him.
Gospel Acclamation: Ps 118:27
Alleluia, alleluia!Make me grasp the way of your precepts, and I will muse on your wonders. Alleluia!
Gospel: Mark 4:26-34
Jesus said to the crowds: ‘This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man throws seed on the land. Night and day, while he sleeps, when he is awake, the seed is sprouting and growing; how, he does not know. Of its own accord the land produces first the shoot, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the crop is ready, he loses no time: he starts to reap because the harvest has come.’ He also said, ‘What can we say the kingdom of God is like? What parable can we find for it? It is like a mustard seed which at the time of its sowing in the soil is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet once it is sown it grows into the biggest shrub of them all and puts out big branches so that the birds of the air can shelter in its shade.’ Using many parables like these, he spoke the word to them, so far as they were capable of understanding it. He would not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything to his disciples when they were alone.
Prayer over the Offerings
Accept our offerings, O Lord, we pray, and in sanctifying them grant that they may profit us for salvation. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon Cf. Ps 33: 6
Look toward the Lord and be radiant; let your faces not be abashed.
Prayer after Communion
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, receiving the grace by which you bring us to new life, we may always glory in your gift. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Trust and hope in God in bad times. Today’s readings are about hope and confidence in God. They are not a promise of instant salvation or total security in this world. As the reading from the letter to the Hebrews states, bad things may happen; we are called to be faithful and to hope. The Author says his followers have been “exposed to insults and violence” and need “endurance to do the will of God and receive what he has promised.” The Gospel also gives some advice on what to do in times of suffering. We need to trust in God and to be patient with Him and expect great things from Him. May our faith in Jesus’ preaching of the Kingdom of God improve our sight and fire our imaginations to see God powerfully at work in all that is small.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | Jan 30, 2019 | Evangelium
St John Bosco (1815 – 1888)
He was born in Piedmont of a peasant family, and he was brought up by his widowed mother. He became a priest, and his particular concern was for the young.
White
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 131: 9
Your priests, O Lord, shall be clothed with justice; your holy ones shall ring out their joy.
Collect
O God, who raised up the Priest Saint John Bosco as a father and teacher of the young, grant, we pray, that, aflame with the same fire of love, we may seek out souls and serve you alone. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading : Hebrews 10:19-25
Through the blood of Jesus we have the right to enter the sanctuary, by a new way which he has opened for us, a living opening through the curtain, that is to say, his body. And we have the supreme high priest over all the house of God. So as we go in, let us be sincere in heart and filled with faith, our minds sprinkled and free from any trace of bad conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us keep firm in the hope we profess, because the one who made the promise is faithful. Let us be concerned for each other, to stir a response in love and good works. Do not stay away from the meetings of the community, as some do, but encourage each other to go; the more so as you see the Day drawing near.
Psalm 23(24):1-6
R/ Such are the men who seek your face, O Lord.
1. The Lord’s is the earth and its fullness, the world and all its peoples. It is he who set it on the seas; on the waters he made it firm.
2. Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord? Who shall stand in his holy place? The man with clean hands and pure heart, who desires not worthless things.
3. He shall receive blessings from the Lord and reward from the God who saves him. Such are the men who seek him, seek the face of the God of Jacob.
Gospel Acclamation: Ps 118:135
Alleluia, alleluia!Let your face shine on your servant, and teach me your decrees. Alleluia!
Gospel: Mark 4:21-25
Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Would you bring in a lamp to put it under a tub or under the bed? Surely you will put it on the lamp-stand? For there is nothing hidden but it must be disclosed, nothing kept secret except to be brought to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen to this.’ He also said to them, ‘Take notice of what you are hearing. The amount you measure out is the amount you will be given – and more besides; for the man who has will be given more; from the man who has not, even what he has will be taken away.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Receive, O Lord, we pray, the offerings placed on your altar in commemoration of Saint John Bosco so that, as you brought him glory, you may, through these sacred mysteries, grant to us your pardon. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon Cf. Mt 24: 46-47
Blessed is the servant whom the Lord finds watching when he comes. Amen I say to you: He will put that servant in charge of all his property.
Prayer after Communion
May partaking at the heavenly table, almighty God, confirm and increase strength from on high in all who celebrate the feast day of Saint John Bosco that we may preserve in integrity the gift of faith and walk in the path of salvation you trace for us. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
The goal of human life is union with God. God made us in order to live with him in this world and in the next. Sin makes union with God impossible, but sin has been destroyed by Jesus. In Jesus therefore, we can achieve the purpose of our existence; we can be united with God. Through faith in Jesus, by holding on in hope to his promise of eternal life, and by obeying his command to show love to our brothers and sisters, we will live in God and God will live in us. It is in this way that our lives can shine like a lamp that is placed on a lampstand and gives light to an entire house. When we live in union with Jesus, we become witnesses of the presence and action of Jesus in the world. As St. Josemaria Escriva advises, let us live in such a way that anyone who sees us will know that we read the life of Christ. Let our very existence be a witness of our union with Christ to the world.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | Jan 30, 2019 | Agenda Biblique
Saint Jean Bosco, prêtre
Il était fils d’une modeste famille de paysan dans un hameau de la province de Turin. Devenu prêtre à force de sacrifices, il se dévoue aux jeunes ouvriers abandonnés à eux-mêmes. Très marqué par la spiritualité de saint François de Sales, Jean Bosco invente une éducation par la douceur, la confiance et l’amour. Il mourut épuisé de fatigué. Il fonda deux familles religieuses : la Congrégation des Salésiens et la Congrégation de Marie-Auxiliatrice.
Blanc
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 95, 1-6
Chantez au Seigneur un chant nouveau, chantez au Seigneur, terre entière : La splendeur et l’éclat, la puissance et la beauté brillent dans son Temple saint!
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu éternel et tout-puissant, dirige notre vie selon ton amour, Afin qu’au nom de ton Fils bien-aimé, nous portions des fruits en abondance. Par Jésus Christ.
Première lecture : Hb 10, 19-25
Frères, c’est avec assurance que nous pouvons entrer dans le véritable sanctuaire grâce au sang de Jésus : nous avons là un chemin nouveau et vivant qu’il a inauguré en franchissant le rideau du Sanctuaire ; or, ce rideau est sa chair. Et nous avons le prêtre par excellence, celui qui est établi sur la maison de Dieu. Avançons-nous donc vers Dieu avec un cœur sincère et dans la plénitude de la foi, le cœur purifié de ce qui souille notre conscience, le corps lavé par une eau pure. Continuons sans fléchir d’affirmer notre espérance, car il est fidèle, celui qui a promis. Soyons attentifs les uns aux autres pour nous stimuler à vivre dans l’amour et à bien agir. Ne délaissons pas nos assemblées, comme certains en ont pris l’habitude, mais encourageons-nous, d’autant plus que vous voyez s’approcher le Jour du Seigneur.
Psaume 23, 1-6
R/ Voici le peuple qui cherche le Seigneur
1. Au Seigneur, le monde et sa richesse, la terre et tous ses habitants ! C’est lui qui l’a fondée sur les mers et la garde inébranlable sur les flots.
2. Qui peut gravir la montagne du Seigneur et se tenir dans le lieu saint ? L’homme au cœur pur, aux mains innocentes, qui ne livre pas son âme aux idoles (et ne dit pas de faux serments)
3. Il obtient, du Seigneur, la bénédiction, et de Dieu son Sauveur, la justice. Voici le peuple de ceux qui le cherchent ! Voici Jacob qui recherche ta face !
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia.Ta parole est la lumière de mes pas, la lampe de ma route. Alléluia. (cf. Ps 118,105)
Évangile: Marc 4, 21-25
Jésus disait à ses disciples : « Est-ce que la lampe est apportée pour être mise sous le boisseau ou sous le lit ? N’est-ce pas pour être mise sur le lampadaire ? Car rien n’est caché, sinon pour être manifesté; rien n’a été gardé secret, sinon pour venir à la clarté. Si quelqu’un a des oreilles pour entendre, qu’il entende ! » Il leur disait encore : « Faites attention à ce que vous entendez! La mesure que vous utilisez sera utilisée aussi pour vous, et il vous sera donné encore plus. Car celui qui a, on lui donnera ; celui qui n’a pas, on lui enlèvera même ce qu’il a. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Dans ta bonté, Seigneur, accepte notre offrande : Qu’elle soit sanctifiée et serve ainsi à notre salut. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Ps 33, 6:
Ensemble, approchez du Seigneur: resplendissez de sa lumière et sur votre visage il n’y aura plus d’ombre.
Prière après la communion
Permets, nous t’en prions, Dieu tout-puissant, Qu’ayant reçu de toi la grâce d’une nouvelle vie, nous puissions nous en émerveiller toujours. Par Jésus.
MÉDITATION
Les paraboles de la lampe et de la mesure constituent une interpellation sur le témoignage chrétien et la qualité de l’écoute de la Parole de Dieu. Bien que la manifestation de Jésus se soit voulue discrète pour ne pas provoquer des méprises sur le sens véritable de sa mission, il ne faisait pas mystère de ses enseignements. Il parlait et agissait ouvertement. La Bonne Nouvelle qu’est Jésus doit être portée en plein jour pour éclairer le plus grand nombre. Au baptême, il nous a été remis la lumière du Christ que nous sommes appelés à diffuser autour de nous. « Vous êtes la lumière du monde (…) Ainsi votre lumière doit-elle briller devant les hommes afin qu’ils voient vos bonnes œuvres et glorifient votre Père qui est dans les cieux » (Mt 5, 14-16). Oui, comme chrétiens, nous avons à briller, à resplendir, non pas de nous-mêmes mais de la lumière du Christ !
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | Jan 29, 2019 | Evangelium
Saint Aedan of Ferns
(c.550 – 632)
He was the son of an Irish tribal chieftain and studied under St Finian and St David. He was the first bishop of Ferns, in Ireland, and founded many churches and monasteries.
Green
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 95: 1, 6
O sing a new song to the Lord; sing to the Lord, all the earth. In his presence are majesty and splendour, strength and honour in his holy place.
Collect
Almighty ever-living God, direct our actions according to your good pleasure, that in the name of your beloved Son we may abound in good works. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading: Hebrews 10:11-18
All the priests stand at their duties every day, offering over and over again the same sacrifices which are quite incapable of taking sins away. He, on the other hand, has offered one single sacrifice for sins, and then taken his place forever, at the right hand of God, where he is now waiting until his enemies are made into a footstool for him. By virtue of that one single offering, he has achieved the eternal perfection of all whom he is sanctifying. The Holy Spirit assures us of this; for he says, first: This is the covenant I will make with them when those days arrive; and the Lord then goes on to say:
I will put my laws into their hearts and write them on their minds. I will never call their sins to mind, or their offences. When all sins have been forgiven, there can be no more sin offerings.
Psalm 109 (110):1-4
R/ You are a priest for ever, a priest like Melchizedek of old.
1. The Lord’s revelation to my Master: ‘Sit on my right: your foes I will put beneath your feet.’
2. The Lord will wield from Zion your sceptre of power: rule in the midst of all your foes.
3. A prince from the day of your birth on the holy mountains; from the womb before the dawn I begot you.
4. The Lord has sworn an oath he will not change. ‘You are a priest for ever, a priest like Melchizedek of old.’
Gospel Acclamation: 1S 3:9, Jn 6:68
Alleluia, alleluia!Speak, Lord, your servant is listening: you have the message of eternal life. Alleluia!
Gospel: Mark 4:1-20
Jesus began to teach by the lakeside, but such a huge crowd gathered round him that he got into a boat on the lake and sat there. The people were all along the shore, at the water’s edge. He taught them many things in parables, and in the course of his teaching he said to them, ‘Listen!, Imagine a sower going out to sow. Now it happened that, as he sowed, some of the seed fell on the edge of the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some seed fell on rocky ground where it found little soil and sprang up straight away, because there was no depth of earth; and when the sun came up it was scorched and, not having any roots, it withered away. Some seed fell into thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it produced no crop. And some seeds fell into rich soil and, growing tall and strong, produced crop; and yielded thirty, sixty, even a hundredfold.’ And he said, ‘Listen, anyone who has ears to hear!’ When he was alone, the Twelve, together with the others who formed his company, asked what the parables meant. He told them, ‘The secret of the kingdom of God is given to you, but to those who are outside everything comes in parables, so that they may see and see again, but not perceive; may hear and hear again, but not understand; otherwise they might be converted and be forgiven.’ He said to them, ‘Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables? What the sower is sowing is the word. Those on the edge of the path where the word is sown are people who have no sooner heard it than Satan comes and carries away the word that was sown in them. Similarly, those who receive the seed on patches of rock are people who, when first they hear the word, welcome it at once with joy. But they have no root in them, they do not last; should some trial come, or some persecution on account of the word, they fall away at once. Then there are others who receive the seed in thorns. These have heard the word, but the worries of this world, the lure of riches and all the other passions come in to choke the word, and so it produces nothing. And there are those who have received the seed in rich soil: they hear the word and accept it and yield a harvest, thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Accept our offerings, O Lord, we pray, and in sanctifying them grant that they may profit us for salvation. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Ps 33: 6
Look toward the Lord and be radiant; let your faces not be abashed.
Prayer after Communion
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, receiving the grace by which you bring us to new life, we may always glory in your gift. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Jesus is the High Priest who has offered the perfect sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins. He is the Sower, who offers us God’s message of salvation: if we believe in him and obey his commands, then we will be purified and will obtain the salvation which he won for us by his sacrifice. How do we receive this message? How faithful are we to it? Are we simply indifferent to the message? Do we abandon God’s commands when we start facing persecution and difficult moments? Do we sacrifice God’s precepts because we want to enjoy the pleasures of the world? Or do we accept the message and stick to it come what may? To which of the above categories do we belong? May God give us the grace to choose and stick to the last one.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | Jan 29, 2019 | Agenda Biblique
Sainte Martine
Vierge martyre à Rome. Fille de nobles romains son père fut plusieurs fois consul. À la mort de ce dernier, elle vendit tous ses biens et consacra cette fortune à des œuvres de charité. Elle vécut sous le règne de l’empereur Alexandre devant qui elle refusa de renier sa foi et fut ainsi décapitée à Rome. Ses reliques furent découvertes en 1634.
Vert
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 95, 1-6
Chantez au Seigneur un chant nouveau, chantez au Seigneur, terre entière : La splendeur et l’éclat, la puissance et la beauté brillent dans son Temple saint!
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu éternel et tout-puissant, dirige notre vie selon ton amour, Afin qu’au nom de ton Fils bien-aimé, nous portions des fruits en abondance. Par Jésus Christ.
Première lecture : Hébreux 10, 11-28
Tout prêtre, chaque jour, se tenait debout dans le Lieu saint pour le service liturgique, et il offrait à maintes reprises les mêmes sacrifices, qui ne peuvent jamais enlever les péchés. Jésus Christ, au contraire, après avoir offert pour les péchés un unique sacrifice, s’est assis pour toujours à la droite de Dieu. Il attend désormais que ses ennemis soient mis sous ses pieds. Par son unique offrande, il a mené pour toujours à leur perfection ceux qu’il sanctifie. L’Esprit Saint, lui aussi, nous l’atteste dans l’Écriture, car, après avoir dit: Voici quelle sera l’Alliance que j’établirai avec eux quand ces jours-là seront passés, le Seigneur dit : Quand je leur donnerai mes lois, je les inscrirai sur leurs cœurs et dans leur pensée et je ne me rappellerai plus leurs péchés ni leurs fautes. Or, quand le pardon est accordé, on n’offre plus le sacrifice pour le péché.
Psaume Ps 109,1-4
R/ Tu es prêtre à jamais selon l’ordre de Melkisedeck
1. Oracle du Seigneur à mon seigneur: « Siège à ma droite, et je ferai de tes ennemis le marchepied de ton trône. »
2. De Sion, le Seigneur te présente le sceptre de ta force : « Domine jusqu’au cœur de l’ennemi. »
3. Le jour où paraît ta puissance, tu es prince, éblouissant de sainteté: «Comme la rosée qui naît de l’aurore, je t’ai engendré. »
4. Le Seigneur l’a juré dans un serment irrévocable : « Tu es prêtre à jamais selon l’ordre du roi Melkisédek. »
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia.Leur partialité témoigne contre eux ; comme Sodome, ils étalent leur péché, ils n’en cachent rien. Hélas pour eux ! Ils font leur propre malheur. Alléluia.(cf. Is 3,9)
Évangile : Marc 4, 1-20
Jésus se mit de nouveau à enseigner au bord de la mer de Galilée. Une foule très nombreuse se rassembla auprès de lui, si bien qu’il monta dans une barque où il s’assit. Il était sur la mer, et toute la foule était près de la mer, sur le rivage. Il leur enseignait beaucoup de choses en paraboles, et dans son enseignement il leur disait : « Écoutez! Voici que le semeur sortit pour semer. Du grain est tombé aussi sur du sol pierreux, où il n’avait pas beaucoup de terre ; il a levé aussitôt, parce que la terre était peu profonde ; et lorsque le soleil s’est levé, ce grain a brûlé et, faute de racines, il a séché. Du grain est tombé aussi dans les ronces, les ronces ont poussé, l’ont étouffé, et il n’a pas donné de fruit. Mais d’autres grains sont tombés dans la bonne terre ; ils ont donné du fruit en poussant et en se développant, et ils ont produit trente, soixante, cent, pour un.»Et Jésus disait: «Celui qui a des oreilles pour entendre, qu’il entende ! » Quand il resta seul, ceux qui étaient autour de lui avec les Douze l’interrogeaient sur les paraboles. Il leur disait : « C’est à vous qu’est donné le mystère du royaume de Dieu ; mais à ceux qui sont dehors, tout se présente sous forme de paraboles. Et ainsi, comme dit le prophète : Ils auront beau regarder de tous leurs yeux, ils ne verront pas ; ils auront beau écouter de toutes leurs oreilles, ils ne comprendront pas ; sinon ils se convertiraient et recevraient le pardon. » Il leur dit encore : « Vous ne saisissez pas cette parabole ? Alors, comment comprendrez-vous toutes les paraboles? Le semeur sème la Parole. Il y a ceux qui sont au bord du chemin où la Parole est semée : quand ils l’entendent, Satan vient aussitôt et enlève la Parole semée en eux. Et de même, il y a ceux qui ont reçu la semence dans les endroits pierreux : ceux-là, quand ils entendent la Parole, ils la reçoivent aussitôt avec joie; mais ils n’ont pas en eux de racine, ce sont les gens d’un moment ; que vienne la détresse ou la persécution à cause de la Parole, ils trébuchent aussitôt. Et il y en a d’autres qui ont reçu la semence dans les ronces : ceux-ci entendent la Parole, mais les soucis du monde, la séduction de la richesse et toutes les autres convoitises les envahissent et étouffent la Parole, qui ne donne pas de fruit. Et il y a ceux qui ont reçu la semence dans la bonne terre : ceux-là entendent la Parole, ils l’accueillent, et ils portent du fruit : trente, soixante, cent, pour un. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Dans ta bonté, Seigneur, accepte notre offrande : Qu’elle soit sanctifiée et serve ainsi à notre salut. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion Ps 33, 6
Ensemble, approchez du Seigneur : resplendissez de sa lumière et sur votre visage il n’y aura plus d’ombre.
Prière après la communion
Permets, nous t’en prions, Dieu tout-puissant, Qu’ayant reçu de toi la grâce d’une nouvelle vie, nous puissions nous en émerveiller toujours. Par Jésus.
MÉDITATION
Cette parabole nous montre comment Dieu propose et l’homme dispose pour le pire comme pour le meilleur. Il est ici question de l’usage de la liberté de l’homme en général et du chrétien en particulier. Jésus, le semeur, est venu sur terre pour labourer, rendre fertile la terre en la cultivant avec soin et en y semant sa parole. La terre représente l’humanité, les âmes ou les cœurs où le semeur jette la semence sans distinguer le type de terre (riche/pauvre, savant/ignorant, etc.) Pour Jésus, le changement ou la conversion reste possible, voilà pourquoi il laisse tomber les grains sur d’autres types de terre que celle fertile. En effet, si les changements «ne sont pas arrivés dans toutes les âmes, ce n’est point la faute du laboureur, mais de ceux qui n’ont pas voulu se changer. Il a accompli avec soin entier ce qui dépendait de lui » (Sain Jean Chrysostome). Notre responsabilité personnelle est ici engagée.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | Jan 28, 2019 | Evangelium
Sts. Sarbelius & Barbea
Two martyrs, brother and sister, who were put to death at Edessa during the persecutions of Emperor Trajan. Sarbelius, also called Sharbel, was a high priest at Edessa, in Mesopotamia.
Green
Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Ps 95: 1, 6
O sing a new song to the Lord; sing to the Lord, all the earth. In his presence are majesty and splendour, strength and honour in his holy place.
Collect
Almighty ever-living God, direct our actions according to your good pleasure, that in the name of your beloved Son we may abound in good works. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading : Hebrews 10:1-10
Since the Law has no more than a reflection of these realities, and no finished picture of them, it is quite incapable of bringing the worshippers to perfection, with the same sacrifices repeatedly offered year after year. Otherwise, the offering of them would have stopped, because the worshippers, when they had been purified once, would have no awareness of sins. Instead of that, the sins are recalled year after year in the sacrifices. Bulls’ blood and goats’ blood are useless for taking away sins, and this is what he said, on coming into the world: You who wanted no sacrifice or oblation, prepared a body for me. You took no pleasure in holocausts or sacrifices for sin; then I said, just as I was commanded in the scroll of the book, ‘God, here I am! I am coming to obey your will.’ Notice that he says first: You did not want what the Law lays down as the things to be offered, that is: the sacrifices, the oblations, the holocausts and the sacrifices for sin, and you took no pleasure in them; and then he says: Here I am! I am coming to obey your will. He is abolishing the first sort to replace it with the second. And this will was for us to be made holy by the offering of his body made once and for all by Jesus Christ.
Psalm 39:2, 4, 7-8, 10, 11
R/ Here I am, Lord! I come to do your will.
1.I waited, I waited for the Lord and he stooped down to me; he heard my cry. He put a new song into my mouth, praise of our God.
2.You do not ask for sacrifice and offerings, but an open ear. You do not ask for holocaust and victim. Instead, here am I.
3.Your justice I have proclaimed in the great assembly. My lips I have not sealed; you know it, O Lord.
4.I have not hidden your justice in my heart but declared your faithful help. I have not hidden your love and your truth from the great assembly.
Gospel Acclamation : Ps 118:135
Alleluia, alleluia! Let your face shine on your servant, and teach me your decrees. Alleluia!
Gospel : Mark 3:31-35
The mother and brothers of Jesus arrived and, standing outside, sent in a message asking for him. A crowd was sitting round him at the time the message was passed to him, ‘Your mother and brothers and sisters are outside asking for you.’ He replied, ‘Who are my mother and my brothers?’ And looking round at those sitting in a circle about him, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers. Anyone who does the will of God, that person is my brother and sister and mother.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Accept our offerings, O Lord, we pray, and in sanctifying them grant that they may profit us for salvation. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Cf. Ps 33: 6
Look toward the Lord and be radiant; let your faces not be abashed.
Prayer after Communion
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, receiving the grace by which you bring us to new life, we may always glory in your gift. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
God is not interested in sacrifices, but first and foremost in obedience to his will. None of the sacrifices of the Old Covenant could take away sin; Jesus had to replace them with the sacrifice of obedience. He offered himself as a sacrifice for us in obedience to his Father’s will, and it is this sacrifice made out of obedience that could take our sins away. Jesus declares that the members of his family are those who do God’s will, that is, those who obey God like him. This is an invitation to offer ourselves to God and place our lives entirely at his disposal, like Jesus did. We need to seek to know the will of God through prayer and meditation on his Word, and ask him for the grace to do this will.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | Jan 28, 2019 | Agenda Biblique
Saint Gildas ; saint Valère
Saint Gildas (+570) dit « Le Sage », est né dans l’île de Bretagne. Il fonda l’abbaye de Rhuys qui a conservé son tombeau et développé son culte. Il promeut dans ses écrits la vie monastique, et des fragments de lettres indiquent qu’il aurait également rédigé une règle monacale moins austère que celle de son contemporain saint David.
Vert
Antienne d’ouverture Ps 95, 1-6
Chantez au Seigneur un chant nouveau, chantez au Seigneur, terre entière : La splendeur et l’éclat, la puissance et la beauté brillent dans son Temple saint!
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu éternel et tout-puissant, dirige notre vie selon ton amour, afin qu’au nom de ton Fils bien-aimé, nous portions des fruits en abondance. Par Jésus Christ
Première lecture : Hb 10,1-10
La loi de Moïse ne présente que l’ébauche des biens à venir, et non pas l’expression même des réalités. Elle n’est donc jamais capable, par ses sacrifices qui sont toujours les mêmes, offerts indéfiniment chaque année, de mener à la perfection ceux qui viennent y prendre part. Si ce culte les avait purifiés une fois pour toutes, ils n’auraient plus aucun péché sur la conscience et, dans ce cas, n’aurait-on pas cessé d’offrir les sacrifices ? Mais ceux-ci, au contraire, comportent chaque année un rappel des péchés. Il est impossible, en effet, que du sang de taureaux et de boucs enlève les péchés. Aussi, en entrant dans le monde, le Christ dit : Tu n’as voulu ni sacrifice ni offrande, mais tu m’as formé un corps. Tu n’as pas agréé les holocaustes ni les sacrifices pour le péché ; alors, j’ai dit : Me voici, je suis venu, mon Dieu, pour faire ta volonté, ainsi qu’il est écrit de moi dans le Livre. Le Christ commence donc par dire : Tu n’as pas voulu ni agréé les sacrifices et les offrandes, les holocaustes et les sacrifices pour le péché, ceux que la Loi prescrit d’offrir. Puis il déclare : Me voici, je suis venu pour faire ta volonté. Ainsi, il supprime le premier état de choses pour établir le second. Et c’est grâce à cette volonté que nous sommes sanctifiés, par l’offrande que Jésus Christ a faite de son corps, une fois pour toutes.
Psaume 39 ; 2,4,7-8,10,11
R/ D’un grand espoir j’espérais le Seigneur : il s’est penché vers moi pour entendre mon cri.
1. Dans ma bouche il a mis un chant nouveau, une louange à notre Dieu. Beaucoup d’hommes verront, ils craindront, ils auront foi dans le Seigneur. Tu ne voulais ni offrande ni sacrifice, tu as ouvert mes oreilles
2. Tu ne demandais ni holocauste ni victime, alors j’ai dit : « Voici, je viens. « Dans le livre, est écrit pour moi
3. J’annonce la justice dans la grande assemblée ; vois, je ne retiens pas mes lèvres, Seigneur, tu le sais.
4. Je n’ai pas enfoui ta justice au fond de mon cœur, je n’ai pas caché ta fidélité, ton salut ; j’ai dit ton amour et ta vérité à la grande assemblée.
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia« Père, Seigneur du ciel et de la terre, je proclame ta louange : ce que tu as caché aux sages et aux savants, tu l’as révélé aux tout-petits. Alléluia.
(cf. Mt 11, 25.)
Évangile : Marc 3,31-35
En ce temps-là, arrivent sa mère et ses frères. Restant au-dehors, ils le font appeler. Une foule était assise autour de lui ; et on lui dit : «Voici que ta mère et tes frères sont là dehors : ils te cherchent. » Mais il leur répond : « Qui est ma mère ? Qui sont mes frères ? » Et parcourant du regard ceux qui étaient assis en cercle autour de lui, il dit : « Voici ma mère et mes frères. Celui qui fait la volonté de Dieu, celui-là est pour moi un frère, une sœur, une mère. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Dans ta bonté, Seigneur, accepte notre offrande : Qu’elle soit sanctifiée et serve ainsi à notre salut. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Ps 33, 6
Ensemble, approchez du Seigneur: resplendissez de sa lumière et sur votre visage il n’y aura plus d’ombre.
Prière après la communion
Permets, nous t’en prions, Dieu tout-puissant, Qu’ayant reçu de toi la grâce d’une nouvelle vie, nous puissions nous en émerveiller toujours. Par Jésus.
MÉDITATION
Cette scène entre Jésus et les membres de sa famille vient confirmer le climat d’incompréhension souligné samedi dernier (Mc 3 20-21), et renforcer l’idée de la radicalité nécessaire dans notre engagement pour la cause de Dieu. Si les liens de sang sont importants ils ne doivent en aucun cas influencer et conditionner notre vie de foi. Sans exclure la parenté biologique Jésus fait valoir la primauté de la parenté spirituelle qui trouve son fondement dans l’écoute de la Parole de Dieu et l’accomplissement de sa Volonté. Faire partie de la famille de Jésus c’est le suivre et l’imiter à travers une vie de foi en acte et s’engager réellement dans la lutte contre le mal par l’amour et le service de nos frères et sœurs.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | Jan 27, 2019 | Evangelium
St Thomas Aquinas
(1225 – 1274)
He was born of a noble family in southern Italy, and was educated by the Benedictines. He studied in Paris and in Cologne under the great philosopher St Albert the Great. He is the Church’s one and only Angelic Doctor.
White
Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Sir 15: 5
In the midst of the Church he opened his mouth, and the Lord filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding and clothed him in a robe of glory.
Collect
O God, who made Saint Thomas Aquinas outstanding in his zeal for holiness and his study of sacred doctrine, grant us, we pray, that we may understand what he taught and imitate what he accomplished. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading : Hebrews 9:15, 24-28
Christ brings a new covenant, as the mediator, only so that the people who were called to an eternal inheritance may actually receive what was promised: his death took place to cancel the sins that infringed the earlier covenant. It is not as though Christ had entered a man-made sanctuary which was only modelled on the real one; but it was heaven itself, so that he could appear in the actual presence of God on our behalf. And he does not have to offer himself again and again, like the high priest going into the sanctuary year after year with the blood that is not his own, or else he would have had to suffer over and over again since the world began. Instead of that, he has made his appearance once and for all, now at the end of the last age, to do away with sin by sacrificing himself. Since men only die once, and after that comes judgement, so Christ, too, offers himself only once to take the faults of many on himself, and when he appears a second time, it will not be to deal with sin but to reward with salvation those who are waiting for him.
Psalm 97 (98):1-6
R/ Sing a new song to the Lord for he has worked wonders.
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.
4.Sing psalms to the Lord with the harp with the sound of music. With trumpets and the sound of the horn acclaim the King, the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation Ps 24:4,5
Alleluia, alleluia!Teach me your paths, my God, make me walk in your truth. Alleluia!
Gospel : Mark 3:22-30
The scribes who had come down from Jerusalem were saying, ‘Beelzebul is in him’ and, ‘It is through the prince of devils that he casts devils out.’ So he called them to him and spoke to them in parables, ‘How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot last. And if a household is divided against itself, that household can never stand. Now if Satan has rebelled against himself and is divided, he cannot stand either – it is the end of him. But no one can make his way into a strong man’s house and burgle his property unless he has tied up the strong man first. Only then can he burgle his house. ‘I tell you solemnly, all men’s sins will be forgiven, and all their blasphemies; but let anyone blaspheme against the Holy Spirit and he will never have forgiveness: he is guilty of an eternal sin.’ This was because they were saying, ‘An unclean spirit is in him.’
Prayer over the Offerings
May the sacrifice which we gladly present on the feast day of Saint Thomas Aquinas be pleasing to you, O God, for, taught by him, we, too, give ourselves entirely to you in praise. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Cf. Lk 12: 42
Behold a faithful and prudent steward to give them their allowance of food at the proper time.
Prayer after Communion
Through Christ the teacher, O Lord, instruct those you feed with Christ, the living Bread, that on the feast day of Saint Thomas Aquinas they may learn your truth and express it in works of charity. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
God has made a covenant with us through Jesus Christ. Jesus shed his blood once and for all for us, and whoever believes in him has his sins forgiven. If we receive forgiveness for all sins through Christ, then why does he declare that blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven? What does this sin consist in? It consists in rejecting Jesus and calling evil what is manifestly good and comes from him. If we reject the actions of Jesus, if we condemn the acts that are performed by his servants through his grace, then we are sinning against the Holy Spirit, since it is the Holy Spirit who inspires these acts. Consequently, to reject the actions which Jesus inspires in his children through his Spirit is to walk towards our own doom. We should allow Jesus to break into our hearts and take us hostage, so that we may see him at work in our lives and in the world and give him praise.
