According tradition, he was a bishop of Benevento who was martyred at Puteoli in the early fourth century. His body lies in Naples, where his cult is taken very seriously indeed.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Sir 36: 18
Give peace, O Lord, to those who wait for you, that your prophets be found true. Hear the prayers of your servant, and of your people Israel.
Collect
Look upon us, O God, Creator and ruler of all things, and, that we may feel the working of your mercy, grant that we may serve you with all our heart. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
First reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Brothers, I want to remind you of the Gospel I preached to you, the Gospel that you received and in which you are firmly established; because the Gospel will save you only if you keep believing exactly what I preached to you – believing anything else will not lead to anything. Well then, in the first place, I taught you what I had been taught myself, namely that Christ died for our sins, in accordance with the Scriptures; that he was buried; and that he was raised to life on the third day, in accordance with the Scriptures; that he appeared first to Cephas and secondly to the Twelve. Next he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died; then he appeared to James, and then to all the apostles; and last of all he appeared to me too; it was as though I was born when no one expected it. I am the least of the apostles; in fact, since I persecuted the Church of God, I hardly deserve the name apostle; but by God’s grace that is what I am, and the grace that he gave me has not been fruitless. On the contrary, I, or rather the grace of God that is with me, have worked harder than any of the others; but what matters is that I preach what they preach, and this is what you all believed.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 117:1-2,15-17,28
R/Give thanks to the Lord for he is good.
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end. Let the sons of Israel say: ‘His love has no end. ’
The Lord’s right hand has triumphed; his right hand raised me up. I shall not die, I shall live and recount his deeds.
You are my God, I thank you. My God, I praise you. I will thank you for you have given answer and you are my Saviour.
Gospel Acclamation: 2Co5:19
Alleluia, alleluia! God in Christ was reconciling the world to himself, and he has entrusted to us the news that they are reconciled.
Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 7:36-50
One of the Pharisees invited Jesus to a meal. When he arrived at the Pharisee’s house and took his place at table, a woman came in, who had a bad name in the town. She had heard he was dining with the Pharisee and had brought with her an alabaster jar of ointment. She waited behind him at his feet, weeping, and her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them away with her hair; then she covered his feet with kisses and anointed them with the ointment. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, ‘If this man were a prophet, he would know who this woman is that is touching him and what a bad name she has.’ Then Jesus took him up and said, ‘Simon, I have something to say to you.’ ‘Speak, Master’ was the reply. ‘There was once a creditor who had two men in his debt; one owed him five hundred denarii, the other fifty. They were unable to pay, so he pardoned them both. Which of them will love him more?’ ‘The one who was pardoned more, I suppose’ answered Simon. Jesus said, ‘You are right.’ Then he turned to the woman. ‘Simon,’ he said ‘you see this woman? I came into your house, and you poured no water over my feet, but she has poured out her tears over my feet and wiped them away with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but she has been covering my feet with kisses ever since I came in. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. For this reason I tell you that her sins, her many sins, must have been forgiven her, or she would not have shown such great love. It is the man who is forgiven little who shows little love.’ Then he said to her, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ Those who were with him at table began to say to themselves, ‘Who is this man, that he even forgives sins?’ But he said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Look with favour on our supplications, O Lord, and in your kindness accept these, your servants’ offerings, that what each has offered to the honour of your name may serve the salvation of all. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Ps 35: 8
How precious is your mercy, O God! The children of men seek shelter in the shadow of your wings.
Prayer after Communion
May the working of this heavenly gift, O Lord, we pray, take possession of our minds and bodies, so that its effects, and not our own desires, may always prevail in us. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
The host of Jesus seems to be scandalised by the act of this woman regarded to be sinful. Surely with a sinister look to the woman, the Pharisee held on to her past mistakes and found her unworthy, not only to be around the Master, but also to even touch him. Through this parable Jesus opened the eyes of all those in the dinner, prompting Simon to confess that in fact no matter how sinful that woman was, she will be pardoned just as the creditor pardoned both men, even the one owing him much. They thought that Jesus didn’t know or understand the behaviour of that woman, while in fact it was them who didn’t understand the love of that woman and her burning desire to be forgiven. The Gospel says, “she had heard…” (7:37) where Jesus was, meaning perhaps that she had been longing to find him and be pardoned.
En langue slave, Nadège veut dire ‘’espérance’’. Cette sainte mourut Vierge et martyre à Rome avec sa mère Sophie et ses deux sœurs.
Antienne d’ouverture : Si 36,18
Donne la paix, Seigneur, à ceux qui t’espèrent: ne fais pas mentir les paroles de tes prophètes. Exauce la prière de ton peuple.
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu créateur et maître de toutes choses, regarde-nous. Et pour que nous ressentions l’effet de ton amour, accorde-nous de te servir avec un cœur sans partage. Par Jésus Christ.
1ère lecture : 1 Co 12, 31-13, 13
Frères, recherchez avec ardeur les dons les plus grands. Et maintenant, je vais vous indiquer le chemin par excellence. J’aurais beau parler toutes les langues des hommes et des anges, si je n’ai pas la charité, s’il me manque l’amour, je ne suis qu’un cuivre qui résonne, une cymbale retentissante. J’aurais beau être prophète, avoir toute la science des mystères et toute la connaissance de Dieu, j’aurais beau avoir toute la foi jusqu’à transporter les montagnes, s’il me manque l’amour, je ne suis rien. J’aurais beau distribuer toute ma fortune aux affamés, j’aurais beau me faire brûler vif, s’il me manque l’amour, cela ne me sert à rien. L’amour prend patience ; l’amour rend service; l’amour ne jalouse pas ; il ne se vante pas, ne se gonfle pas d’orgueil ; il ne fait rien d’inconvenant ; il ne cherche pas son intérêt ; il ne s’emporte pas ; il n’entretient pas de rancune ; il ne se réjouit pas de ce qui est injuste, mais il trouve sa joie dans ce qui est vrai; il supporte tout, il fait confiance en tout il espère tout, il endure tout. L’amour ne passera jamais. Les prophéties seront dépassées, le don des langues cessera, la connaissance actuelle sera dépassée. En effet, notre connaissance est partielle,nos prophéties sont partielles. Quand viendra l’achèvement, ce qui est partiel sera dépassé. Quand j’étais petit enfant, je parlais comme un enfant, je pensais comme un enfant, je raisonnais comme un enfant. Maintenant que je suis un homme, j’ai dépassé ce qui était propre à l’enfant. Nous voyons actuellement de manière confuse, comme dans un miroir; ce jour-là, nous verrons face à face. Actuellement, ma connaissance est partielle ; ce jour-là, je connaîtrai parfaitement, comme j’ai été connu. Ce qui demeure aujourd’hui, c’est la foi, l’espérance et la charité ; mais la plus grande des trois,c’est la charité.
Psaume : 32, 2-3, 4-5, 12 et 22
R/ Heureux le peuple que le Seigneur s’est choisi pour domaine.
Rendez grâce au Seigneur sur la cithare, jouez pour lui sur la harpe à dix cordes. Chantez-lui le cantique nouveau,de tout votre art soutenez l’ovation.
Oui, elle est droite, la parole du Seigneur ; il est fidèle en tout ce qu’il fait.Il aime le bon droit et la justice ; la terre est remplie de son amour.
Heureux le peuple dont le Seigneur est le Dieu, heureuse la nation qu’il s’est choisie pour domaine !
Que ton amour, Seigneur, soit sur nous comme notre espoir est en toi !
Acclamation : Jean 6, 63c, 68c
Alléluia, alléluia. Tes paroles, Seigneur, sont esprit et elles sont vie ; tu as les paroles de la vie éternelle. Alléluia, alléluia.
Évangile : Luc 7, 31-35
En ce temps-là, Jésus disait à la foule: « À qui donc vais-je comparer les gens de cette génération? À qui ressemblent-ils ? Ils ressemblent à des gamins assis sur la place, qui s’interpellent en disant: “Nous avons joué de la flûte, et vous n’avez pas dansé. Nous avons chanté des lamentations, et vous n’avez pas pleuré.” Jean le Baptiste est venu, en effet ; il ne mange pas de pain, il ne boit pas de vin, et vous dites : “C’est un possédé ! Le Fils de l’homme est venu ; il mange et il boit, et vous dites : “Voilà un glouton et un ivrogne, un ami des publicains et des pécheurs.” Mais, par tous ses enfants, la sagesse de Dieu a été reconnue juste. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Sois favorable à nos prières, Seigneur, et reçois avec bonté nos offrandes. Que les dons apportés par chacun à la gloire de ton nom servent au salut de tous. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Ps 35, 8
Qu’il est précieux, ton amour, ô mon Dieu! En lui s’abritent les hommes.
Prière après la communion
Que la grâce de cette communion, Seigneur, saisisse nos esprits et nos corps, Afin que son influence, et non pas notre sentiment, domine toujours en nous. Par Jésus.
Méditation Nous sommes des étourdis. Tout au long de notre vie, tout au long d’une journée, Dieu nous fait signe et nous passons, nous ne voyons rien. Nous sommes des étourdis. Dans la rue, cette femme âgée qui peine à porter ses provisions. Dans notre immeuble, ces enfants auxquels nous ne prêtons pas attention, sinon pour dire qu’ils font du bruit. Au travail, cet homme qui arrive un matin plus rayonnant que d’habitude. Ce sont des fils de Dieu au travers desquels Dieu nous fait signe. Les signes de Dieu sont toujours inattendus, étonnants. Ils correspondent rarement à ce que nous attendions. Les signes de Dieu sont des grâces, des dons gratuits de Dieu. Ne soyons plus étourdis, mais attentifs. Que Dieu nous donne la sagesse, sa façon pour lui de voir tout être, tout événement, sa façon de voir notre propre vie. Car la sagesse, c’est Dieu lui-même à l’action, Dieu se révélant dans son dessein d’amour.
Joseph of Cupertino was an Italian Conventual Franciscan friar who is honored as a Christian mystic and saint. He was said to have been remarkably unclever, but prone to miraculous levitation and intense ecstatic visions that left him gaping.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Sir 36: 18
Give peace, O Lord, to those who wait for you, that your prophets be found true. Hear the prayers of your servant, and of your people Israel.
Collect
Look upon us, O God, Creator and ruler of all things, and, that we may feel the working of your mercy, grant that we may serve you with all our heart. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
First Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13
Be ambitious for the higher gifts. And I am going to show you a way that is better than any of them. If I have all the eloquence of men or of angels, but speak without love, I am simply a gong booming or a cymbal clashing. If I have the gift of prophecy, understanding all the mysteries there are, and knowing everything, and if I have faith in all its fullness, to move mountains, but without love, then I am nothing at all. If I give away all that I possess, piece by piece, and if I even let them take my body to burn it, but am without love, it will do me no good whatever. Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous; love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offence and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people’s sins but delights in the truth; it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes. Love does not come to an end. But if there are gifts of prophecy, the time will come when they must fail; or the gift of languages, it will not continue for ever; and knowledge – for this, too, the time will come when it must fail. For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophesying is imperfect; but once perfection comes, all imperfect things will disappear. When I was a child, I used to talk like a child, and think like a child, and argue like a child, but now I am a man, all childish ways are put behind me. Now we are seeing a dim reflection in a mirror; but then we shall be seeing face to face. The knowledge that I have now is imperfect; but then I shall know as fully as I am known. In short, there are three things that last: faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 32:2-5,12,22
R/Happy the people the Lord has chosen as his own.
Give thanks to the Lord upon the harp, with a ten-stringed lute sing him songs. O sing him a song that is new, play loudly, with all your skill.
For the word of the Lord is faithful and all his works to be trusted. The Lord loves justice and right and fills the earth with his love.
They are happy, whose God is the Lord, the people he has chosen as his own. May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you.
Gospel Acclamation: cf.1Th2:13
Alleluia, alleluia! Accept God’s message for what it really is: God’s message, and not some human thinking. Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 7:31-35
Jesus said to the people: ‘What description can I find for the men of this generation? What are they like? They are like children shouting to one another while they sit in the market-place: ‘“We played the pipes for you, and you wouldn’t dance; we sang dirges, and you wouldn’t cry.” ‘For John the Baptist comes, not eating bread, not drinking wine, and you say, “He is possessed.” The Son of Man comes, eating and drinking, and you say, “Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” Yet Wisdom has been proved right by all her children.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Look with favour on our supplications, O Lord, and in your kindness accept these, your servants’ offerings, that what each has offered to the honour of your name may serve the salvation of all. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon
How precious is your mercy, O God! The children of men seek shelter in the shadow of your wings.
Prayer after Communion
May the working of this heavenly gift, O Lord, we pray, take possession of our minds and bodies, so that its effects, and not our own desires, may always prevail in us. Through Christ our Lord.
Mediation
Jesus’ message is a proclamation of the Good News and of great joy for those who will listen. It is also a warning for those who refuse. Why did the message of John the Baptist and the message of Jesus meet with resistance and deaf ears? Like the generation of Jesus’ time, our age is marked by indifference and contempt, especially in regards to the things of heaven. Only the humble of heart can find joy in God’s grace and favour. The gospel reflects people’s judgmental attitude. Sometimes we take so much pleasure in criticizing those who take on leadership positions in the community. We always have something negative to say. Jesus wants us to see the wisdom in the leadership of these people and help them to serve better. However, the greatest error would be to try to please everyone by compromising the positions you truly believe in. No matter what you do, there are people who would still find problems with you. What is recommended is to be the best we can be and stand firm in the truths that we hold.
Jésuite de la deuxième génération, ce Toscan (1542-1621) fut un brillant professeur à Louvain, puis au Collège Romain, où il fut le père spirituel de Louis de Gonzague. A une époque où la controverse avec les protestants battait son plein, il mit ses dons de polémiste au service de l’Église et du pape.
Antienne d’ouverture : Si 36, 18
Donne la paix, Seigneur, à ceux qui t’espèrent: ne fais pas mentir les paroles de tes prophètes. Exauce la prière de ton peuple.
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu créateur et maître de toutes choses, regarde-nous. Et pour que nous ressentions l’effet de ton amour, accorde-nous de te servir avec un cœur sans partage. Par Jésus Christ.
1ère lecture : 1 Co 12, 12-14.27-31a
Frères, prenons une comparaison: le corps ne fait qu’un, il a pourtant plusieurs membres ; et tous les membres, malgré leur nombre, ne forment qu’un seul corps. Il en est ainsi pour le Christ. C’est dans un unique Esprit, en effet, que nous tous, Juifs ou païens, esclaves ou hommes libres, nous avons été baptisés pour former un seul corps. Tous, nous avons été désaltérés par un unique Esprit. Le corps humain se compose non pas d’un seul, mais de plusieurs membres. Or, vous êtes corps du Christ et, chacun pour votre part, vous êtes membres de ce corps. Parmi ceux que Dieu a placés ainsi dans l’Église, il y a premièrement des apôtres, deuxièmement des prophètes, troisièmement ceux qui ont charge d’enseigner ; ensuite, il y a les miracles, puis les dons de guérison, d’assistance, de gouvernement, le don de parler diverses langues mystérieuses. Tout le monde évidemment n’est pas apôtre, tout le monde n’est pas prophète, ni chargé d’enseigner; tout le monde n’a pas à faire des miracles, à guérir, à dire des paroles mystérieuses, ou à les interpréter. Recherchez donc avec ardeur les dons les plus grands.
Psaume : 99 (100), 1-2, 3, 4, 5
R/ Nous sommes son peuple, son troupeau.
Acclamez le Seigneur, terre entière, servez le Seigneur dans l’allégresse, venez à lui avec des chants de joie !
Reconnaissez que le Seigneur est Dieu : il nous a faits, et nous sommes à lui, nous, son peuple, son troupeau.
Venez dans sa maison lui rendre grâce, dans sa demeure chanter ses louanges; rendez-lui grâce et bénissez son nom !
Oui, le Seigneur est bon, éternel est son amour, sa fidélité demeure d’âge en âge.
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia. Un grand prophète s’est levé parmi nous, et Dieu a visité son peuple. Alléluia. (Lc 7, 16)
Évangile : Lc 7, 11-17
En ce temps-là, Jésus se rendit dans une ville appelée Naïm. Ses disciples faisaient route avec lui, ainsi qu’une grande foule. Il arriva près de la porte de la ville au moment où l’on emportait un mort pour l’enterrer ; c’était un fils unique, et sa mère était veuve. Une foule importante de la ville accompagnait cette femme. Voyant celle-ci, le Seigneur fut saisi de compassion pour elle et lui dit: « Ne pleure pas. » Il s’approcha et toucha le cercueil ; les porteurs s’arrêtèrent, et Jésus dit : « Jeune homme, je te l’ordonne, lève-toi. » Alors le mort se redressa et se mit à parler. Et Jésus le rendit à sa mère. La crainte s’empara de tous, et ils rendaient gloire à Dieu en disant: « Un grand prophète s’est levé parmi nous, et Dieu a visité son peuple. » Et cette parole sur Jésus se répandit dans la Judée entière et dans toute la région.
Prière sur les offrandes
Sois favorable à nos prières, Seigneur, et reçois avec bonté nos offrandes. Que les dons apportés par chacun à la gloire de ton nom servent au salut de tous. Par Jésus.
Antienne de la communion : Ps 35, 8
Qu’il est précieux, ton amour, ô mon Dieu! En lui s’abritent les hommes.
Prière après la communion
Que la grâce de cette communion, Seigneur, saisisse nos esprits et nos corps, Afin que son influence, et non pas notre sentiment, domine toujours en nous. Par Jésus.
Méditation Dans ce récit, saint Luc parle tout d’abord de Jésus pour nous dire qu’il se rend à Naïm, puis ce Jésus devient le Seigneur au moment où il rencontre le cortège funèbre. Ce changement de dénomination nous invite à contempler en Jésus le Seigneur de la vie. La mort, l’échec de l’homme sont insupportables à Dieu, comme l’échec de l’homme est l’échec de Dieu. Dieu a fait l’homme pour la vie, car il est le Vivant. En Jésus Christ, il nous révèle que la mort ne lui est pas supportable, mais, bien plus, qu’il est capable de faire surgir la Vie là même où la mort a fait son œuvre. La pitié du Seigneur de la Vie n’est pas ici un vague sentiment humain. Elle exprime un cri profond du Vivant capable de transformer en vie ce que le péché de l’homme a laissé s’installer en mort. Pour Dieu, la mort est toujours un sommeil : Je te l’ordonne, réveille-toi. Notre espérance se situe dans cette foi qui fait que pour nous, Jésus est Seigneur. Dieu plus fort que le mal, que la mort même. De toute situation, le Seigneur est capable de faire une Résurrection.
He was born in Montepulciano, in Tuscany, and became a Jesuit. He wrote two catechisms and some devotional commentaries on the Psalms and on the Seven Last Words.
Entrance Antiphon Cf. Sir 36: 18
Give peace, O Lord, to those who wait for you, that your prophets be found true. Hear the prayers of your servant, and of your people Israel.`
Collect
Look upon us, O God, Creator and ruler of all things, and, that we may feel the working of your mercy, grant that we may serve you with all our heart. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-14,27-31
Just as a human body, though it is made up of many parts, is a single unit because all these parts, though many, make one body, so it is with Christ. In the one Spirit we were all baptised, Jews as well as Greeks, slaves as well as citizens, and one Spirit was given to us all to drink. Nor is the body to be identified with any one of its many parts. Now you together are Christ’s body; but each of you is a different part of it. In the Church, God has given the first place to apostles, the second to prophets, the third to teachers; after them, miracles, and after them the gift of healing; helpers, good leaders, those with many languages. Are all of them apostles, or all of them prophets, or all of them teachers? Do they all have the gift of miracles, or all have the gift of healing? Do all speak strange languages, and all interpret them? Be ambitious for the higher gifts.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 99:1-5
R/ We are his people, the sheep of his flock.
Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing for joy.
Know that he, the Lord, is God. He made us, we belong to him, we are his people, the sheep of his flock.
Go within his gates, giving thanks. Enter his courts with songs of praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name.
Indeed, how good is the Lord, eternal his merciful love. He is faithful from age to age.
Gospel Acclamation: cf.2Tim1:10
Alleluia, alleluia! Our Saviour Jesus Christ abolished death and he has proclaimed life through the Good News. Alleluia!
Gospel Luke 7:11-17
Jesus went to a town called Nain, accompanied by his disciples and a great number of people. When he was near the gate of the town it happened that a dead man was being carried out for burial, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a considerable number of the townspeople were with her. When the Lord saw her he felt sorry for her. ‘Do not cry’ he said. Then he went up and put his hand on the bier and the bearers stood still, and he said, ‘Young man, I tell you to get up.’ And the dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Everyone was filled with awe and praised God saying, ‘A great prophet has appeared among us; God has visited his people.’ And this opinion of him spread throughout Judaea and all over the countryside.
Prayer over the Offerings
Look with favour on our supplications, O Lord, and in your kindness, accept these, your servants’ offerings, that what each has offered to the honour of your name may serve the salvation of all. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Ps 35: 8
How precious is your mercy, O God! The children of men seek shelter in the shadow of your wings.
Prayer after Communion
May the working of this heavenly gift, O Lord, we pray, take possession of our minds and bodies, so that its effects, and not our own desires, may always prevail in us. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
«The man sat up and began to speak.» This passage highlights the compassion of Jesus for a vulnerable woman without the support of husband or son. Jesus «sees» the grieving widow and «has compassion on her.» This story brings back vivid memories of the Prophet Elijah. It shows Jesus’ power to raise the dead to new life as evidence of his divine identity. As he tells the messengers sent by John the Baptist right after this healing, «The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, and the dead are raised». Someone cries out: “A great prophet has risen among us!” and another voice shouts “God has looked favourably on his people”. Jesus never really respected the “no touching” rule. More than once, he dared to touch the untouchable: lepers, a woman with the issue of blood, and dead bodies. In bringing the widow’s son to life Jesus broke a scientific rule, a law of nature.
Elu en 251, le pape Corneille meurt en exil à Civitavecchia en 253. Dans la lutte qu’il eut à mener contre Novatien, antipape dont le rigorisme refusait la réconciliation des apostats, il fut soutenu par son ami, l’évêque de Carthage. Celui-ci n’était autre que Cyprien (vers 210-258). Ancien avocat, converti du paganisme, il avait été élu évêque en 249.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 33, 20-21
Les épreuves affluent sur les justes, mais chaque fois le Seigneur les délivre ; il veille sur chacun de leurs os, pas un ne sera brisé.
Prière d’ouverture
Seigneur, tu as donné à ton peuple, dans les saints Corneille et Cyprien, des pasteurs dévoués et d’invincibles martyrs ; à leur prière, fortifie notre courage et notre foi, et accorde-nous de travailler avec empressement pour l’unité de l’Église. Par Jésus Christ.
1ère lecture : 1 Corinthiens 11,17-26, 33
Frères, puisque j’en suis à vous faire des recommandations, je ne vous félicite pas pour vos réunions : elles vous font plus de mal que de bien. Tout d’abord, quand votre Église se réunit, j’entends dire que, parmi vous, il existe des divisions, et je crois que c’est assez vrai, car il faut bien qu’il y ait parmi vous des groupes qui s’opposent, afin qu’on reconnaisse ceux d’entre vous qui ont une valeur éprouvée. Donc, lorsque vous vous réunissez tous ensemble, ce n’est plus le repas du Seigneur que vous prenez; en effet, chacun se précipite pour prendre son propre repas, et l’un reste affamé, tandis que l’autre a trop bu. N’avez-vous donc pas de maisons pour manger et pour boire? Méprisez-vous l’Église de Dieu au point d’humilier ceux qui n’ont rien ? Que puis-je vous dire ? vous féliciter ? Non, pour cela je ne vous félicite pas! J’ai moi-même reçu ce qui vient du Seigneur, et je vous l’ai transmis : la nuit où il était livré, le Seigneur Jésus prit du pain, puis, ayant rendu grâce, il le rompit, et dit : « Ceci est mon corps, qui est pour vous. Faites cela en mémoire de moi.» Après le repas, il fit de même avec la coupe, en disant : « Cette coupe est la nouvelle Alliance en mon sang. Chaque fois que vous en boirez, faites cela en mémoire de moi. » Ainsi donc, chaque fois que vous mangez ce pain et que vous buvez cette coupe, vous proclamez la mort du Seigneur, jusqu’à ce qu’il vienne. Mes frères, quand vous vous réunissez pour ce repas, attendez-vous les uns les autres.
Psaume : 39, 7-10,17
R/ Proclamez la mort du Seigneur, jusqu’à ce qu’il vienne. (1 Co 11, 26b)
Tu ne voulais ni offrande ni sacrifice, tu as ouvert mes oreilles ; tu ne demandais ni holocauste ni victime, alors j’ai dit : « Voici, je viens.
« Dans le livre, est écrit pour moi ce que tu veux que je fasse. Mon Dieu, voilà ce que j’aime : ta loi me tient aux entrailles. »
J’annonce la justice dans la grande assemblée ; vois, je ne retiens pas mes lèvres, Seigneur, tu le sais.
Mais tu seras l’allégresse et la joie de tous ceux qui te cherchent ; toujours ils rediront : « Le Seigneur est grand ! » ceux qui aiment ton salut.
Acclamation : Ps118:27
Alléluia. Alléluia. Dieu a tellement aimé le monde qu’il a donné son Fils unique, afin que ceux qui croient en lui aient la vie éternelle Alléluia. (Mt 11, 28)
Évangile : Luc 7, 1-10
En ce temps-là, lorsque Jésus eut achevé de faire entendre au peuple toutes ses paroles, il entra dans Capharnaüm. Il y avait un centurion dont un esclave était malade et sur le point de mourir ; or le centurion tenait beaucoup à lui. Ayant entendu parler de Jésus, il lui envoya des notables juifs pour lui demander de venir sauver son esclave. Arrivés près de Jésus, ceux-ci le suppliaient instamment : «Il mérite que tu lui accordes cela. Il aime notre nation: c’est lui qui nous a construit la synagogue. » Jésus était en route avec eux, et déjà il n’était plus loin de la maison, quand le centurion envoya des amis lui dire: « Seigneur, ne prends pas cette peine, car je ne suis pas digne que tu entres sous mon toit. C’est pourquoi je ne me suis pas autorisé, moi-même, à venir te trouver. Mais dis une parole, et que mon serviteur soit guéri ! Moi, je suis quelqu’un de subordonné à une autorité, mais j’ai des soldats sous mes ordres ;à l’un, je dis : “Va”, et il va; à un autre : “Viens”, et il vient ; et à mon esclave : “Fais ceci”, et il le fait. » Entendant cela, Jésus fut en admiration devant lui. Il se retourna et dit à la foule qui le suivait : « Je vous le déclare, même en Israël, je n’ai pas trouvé une telle foi ! » Revenus à la maison, les envoyés trouvèrent l’esclave en bonne santé.
Prière sur les offrandes
Accepte, nous t’en prions, Seigneur, l’offrande que ton peuple te présente pour célébrer la passion de tes martyrs; qu’elle nous obtienne d’être fermes dans l’adversité, comme elle rendit courageux dans la persécution les saints Corneille et Cyprien. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Mt 20, 21
Le Fils de l’homme n’est pas venu pour être servi, mais pour servir et donner sa vie en rançon pour la multitude.
Prière après la communion
Par le sacrement que nous avons reçu de toi, Seigneur, accorde-nous cette grâce : puissions-nous, à l’exemple des saints Corneille et Cyprien, être forts de la force de ton Esprit, afin de rendre témoignage à la vérité de l’Évangile. Par Jésus.
Méditation L’homme, face à son impuissance, à sa misère, se tourne vers Dieu en qui il voit réalisée la totalité de ses besoins et, dans une démarche qui est déjà très belle, mais qui est entachée de paganisme, se console en pensant qu’il y a en Dieu comme une quasi-obligation de lui répondre et de lui accorder ce dont il a besoin. L’homme pense spontanément que la prière engendre un dû de la part de Dieu. Dieu est Père. Il sait nos besoins et parce qu’il a un cœur de Père, il lui est agréable de nous les voir exprimer. Mais il attend de nous une attitude filiale faite de confiance absolue. Un enfant attend tout de son Père. Un adolescent revendique des droits, un adulte reconnaît sa pauvreté native face à celui dont il dépend. C’est bien là notre situation avec Dieu. La foi n’est pas exigence de la part de l’homme à l’égard de Dieu. Elle est confiance en sa toute-puissance, bien capable de réaliser au-delà de nos désirs. Et de retour à la maison, les envoyés trouvèrent l’esclave en bonne santé.
Cornelius was made bishop of the church in Rome in the year 251. He fought against the Novatian schismatics and established his authority with the aid of Cyprian. The emperor Gallus sent him into exile, and he died at Civitavecchia in June 253. He is buried in Rome. Cyprian was born in Carthage and spent most of his life in the practice of the law. He was converted to Christianity, and was made bishop of Carthage in 249. On 14th of September he was executed.
Entrance Antiphon
The souls of the Saints are rejoicing in heaven, the Saints who followed the footsteps of Christ, and since for love of him they shed their blood, they now exult with Christ for ever.
Collect
O God, who gave Saints Cornelius and Cyprian to your people as diligent shepherds and valiant Martyrs, grant that through their intercession we may be strengthened in faith and constancy and spend ourselves without reserve for the unity of the Church. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
First reading : 1 Corinthians 11:17-26, 33
On the subject of instructions, I cannot say that you have done well in holding meetings that do you more harm than good. In the first place, I hear that when you all come together as a community, there are separate factions among you, and I half believe it – since there must no doubt be separate groups among you, to distinguish those who are to be trusted. The point is, when you hold these meetings, it is not the Lord’s Supper that you are eating, since when the time comes to eat, everyone is in such a hurry to start his own supper that one person goes hungry while another is getting drunk. Surely you have homes for eating and drinking in? Surely you have enough respect for the community of God not to make poor people embarrassed? What am I to say to you? Congratulate you? I cannot congratulate you on this. For this is what I received from the Lord, and in turn passed on to you: that on the same night that he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread, and thanked God for it and broke it, and he said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this as a memorial of me.’ In the same way he took the cup after supper, and said, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Whenever you drink it, do this as a memorial of me.’ Until the Lord comes, therefore, every time you eat this bread and drink this cup, you are proclaiming his death. So to sum up, my dear brothers, when you meet for the Meal, wait for one another.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 39:7-10,17
R/ Proclaim the death of the Lord, until he comes.
You do not ask for sacrifice and offerings, but an open ear. You do not ask for holocaust and victim. Instead, here I am .
In the scroll of the book it stands written that I should do your will. My God, I delight in your law in the depth of my heart.
Your justice I have proclaimed in the great assembly. My lips I have not sealed; you know it, O Lord.
O let there be rejoicing and gladness for all who seek you. Let them ever say: ‘The Lord is great’, who love your saving help.
Gospel Acclamation : Ps118:27
Alleluia, alleluia! Make me grasp the way of your precepts, and I will muse on your wonders. Alleluia!
Gospel : Luke 7:1-10
When Jesus had come to the end of all he wanted the people to hear, he went into Capernaum. A centurion there had a servant, a favourite of his, who was sick and near death. Having heard about Jesus he sent some Jewish elders to him to ask him to come and heal his servant. When they came to Jesus they pleaded earnestly with him. ‘He deserves this of you’ they said ‘because he is friendly towards our people; in fact, he is the one who built the synagogue.’ So Jesus went with them, and was not very far from the house when the centurion sent word to him by some friends: ‘Sir,’ he said ‘do not put yourself to trouble; because I am not worthy to have you under my roof; and for this same reason I did not presume to come to you myself; but give the word and let my servant be cured. For I am under authority myself, and have soldiers under me; and I say to one man: Go, and he goes; to another: Come here, and he comes; to my servant: Do this, and he does it.’ When Jesus heard these words he was astonished at him and, turning round, said to the crowd following him, ‘I tell you, not even in Israel have I found faith like this.’ And when the messengers got back to the house they found the servant in perfect health.
Prayer over the Offerings
Receive, we pray, O Lord, the offerings of your people in honour of the passion of your holy Martyrs Saints Cornelius and Cyprian, and may the gifts that gave them courage under persecution make us, too, steadfast in all trials. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Lk 22: 28-30
It is you who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer a kingdom on you, says the Lord, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom.
Prayer after Communion
Through these mysteries which we have received, we humbly beseech you, O Lord, that by the example of the Martyrs Saints Cornelius and Cyprian we may be strengthened with the fortitude of your Spirit to bear witness to the truth of the Gospel. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Faith is not believing that God can; it is knowing that He will. Faith allows God to do for us and with us what we could never do alone. The Roman soldier’s faith takes us inside true faith and shows how and what faith does. The story is significant because this was a Gentile who exercised this faith. Even Jesus remarks “not even in Israel have I found such faith.” The faith of the centurion led to the healing of his slave. He believed that Jesus Christ could heal his slave. One of the amazing testimonies in this event is that, the centurion recognized first his unworthiness to receive Jesus Christ under his roof and at the same time, he believed in the power of the “Word” of Jesus. “But say the word and let my servant be healed.” There is power in the word of Jesus. Jesus’ words are healing, they are peace, they are joy, and they are fulfilling. He is the greatest physician. He wants to heal us of our diseases; we only need to invite him to say that word of healing, that we may be healed.
It was a triple event today at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, Wonya-Lyose. For the first time, his Lordship, Bishop Michael M. Bibi of the Diocese Buea made a Pastoral visit to the Christians here since the creation of this Parish. For the first time again, these Christians formally celebrated their Parish feast day, the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. And on this same day, they celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Catholic community in this vicinity.
This day was therefore one of intense communion between the Chief Shepherd of Buea Diocese and the Christians of Wonya-Lyose. The Bishop’s visit at this opportuned moment brought them comfort and encouragement. The colors of the day moved from a graceful joy at the Prelate’s arrival, through a solemn celebration of the Pontifical High Mass, to a thrilling festive afternoon with diverse religious, social and cultural activities.
During the Mass, 10 Christians received First Holy Communion while 71 were administered the sacrament of Confirmation. What a great sign of the growth of the faith in this Parish!
The Claretian Missionaries to whom this mission was recently entrusted by the Bishop had a great challenge preparing for this three-fold celebration. Working hand in hand with the Parish Pastoral Council, the Parish Priest, Fr. Donatien P. BESSALA. E., CMF., as well as the Curates, Fr. Arulanandam I., CMF and Fr. Abeng D. F. Bertin, CMF., braved the odds to coordinate the activities of the Christians for a distinguished success.
It is worth noting that today’s events marked the peak celebrations of two hectic weeks of Novena, Bible Quiz, Debates on the Church in our times, Traditional dances, Playbacks, Human investment, Tug of War, Sporting activities etc., all in a bid to eternalize the three-in-one feast. Hereafter, all ears shall be on the ground for echoes of the way forward in this Parish.
Donne la paix, Seigneur, à ceux qui t’espèrent: ne fais pas mentir les paroles de tes prophètes; Exauce la prière de ton peuple.
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu créateur et maître de toutes choses, regarde-nous, Et pour que nous ressentions l’effet de ton amour, accorde-nous de te servir avec un cœur sans partage. Par Jésus Christ.
1ère lecture : Is 50, 5-9a
Le Seigneur mon Dieu m’a ouvert l’oreille, et moi, je ne me suis pas révolté, je ne me suis pas dérobé. J’ai présenté mon dos à ceux qui me frappaient, et mes joues à ceux qui m’arrachaient la barbe. Je n’ai pas caché ma face devant les outrages et les crachats. Le Seigneur mon Dieu vient à mon secours ; c’est pourquoi je ne suis pas atteint par les outrages, c’est pourquoi j’ai rendu ma face dure comme pierre : je sais que je ne serai pas confondu. Il est proche, Celui qui me justifie. Quelqu’un veut-il l’aider contre moi ? Comparaissons ensemble ! Quelqu’un veut-il m’attaquer en justice ? Qu’il s’avance vers moi ! Voilà le Seigneur mon Dieu, il prend ma défense ; qui donc me condamnera ?
Psaume : 114 (116 A), 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9
R/ Je marcherai en présence du Seigneur sur la terre des vivants.
J’aime le Seigneur : il entend le cri de ma prière ; il incline vers moi son oreille : toute ma vie, je l’invoquerai.
J’étais pris dans les filets de la mort, retenu dans les liens de l’abîme, j’éprouvais la tristesse et l’angoisse; j’ai invoqué le nom du Seigneur : « Seigneur, je t’en prie, délivre-moi ! »
Le Seigneur est justice et pitié, notre Dieu est tendresse. Le Seigneur défend les petits : j’étais faible, il m’a sauvé.
Il a sauvé mon âme de la mort, gardé mes yeux des larmes et mes pieds du faux pas. Je marcherai en présence du Seigneur sur la terre des vivants.
2ème lecture : Jc 2, 14-18
Mes frères, si quelqu’un prétend avoir la foi, sans la mettre en œuvre, à quoi cela sert-il ? Sa foi peut-elle le sauver? Supposons qu’un frère ou une sœur n’ait pas de quoi s’habiller, ni de quoi manger tous les jours ; si l’un de vous leur dit : « Allez en paix ! Mettez-vous au chaud, et mangez à votre faim !» sans leur donner le nécessaire pour vivre, à quoi cela sert-il ? Ainsi donc, la foi, si elle n’est pas mise en œuvre, est bel et bien morte. En revanche, on va dire : « Toi, tu as la foi ; moi, j’ai les œuvres. Montre-moi donc ta foi sans les œuvres; moi, c’est par mes œuvres que je te montrerai la foi. »
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia. Que la croix du Seigneur soit ma seule fierté ! Par elle, le monde est crucifié pour moi, et moi pour le monde. Alléluia. (Ga 6, 14)
Evangile : Mc 8, 27-35
En ce temps-là, Jésus s’en alla, ainsi que ses disciples, vers les villages situés aux environs de Césarée-de-Philippe. Chemin faisant, il interrogeait ses disciples : « Au dire des gens, qui suis-je ? » Ils lui répondirent: « Jean le Baptiste ; pour d’autres, Élie; pour d’autres, un des prophètes. » Et lui les interrogeait : « Et vous, que dites-vous ? Pour vous, qui suis-je ? » Pierre, prenant la parole, lui dit : « Tu es le Christ. » Alors, il leur défendit vivement de parler de lui à personne. Il commença à leur enseigner qu’il fallait que le Fils de l’homme souffre beaucoup, qu’il soit rejeté par les anciens, les grands prêtres et les scribes, qu’il soit tué, et que, trois jours après, il ressuscite. Jésus disait cette parole ouvertement. Pierre, le prenant à part, se mit à lui faire de vifs reproches. Mais Jésus se retourna et, voyant ses disciples, il interpella vivement Pierre: « Passe derrière moi, Satan ! Tes pensées ne sont pas celles de Dieu, mais celles des hommes. » Appelant la foule avec ses disciples, il leur dit : « Si quelqu’un veut marcher à ma suite, qu’il renonce à lui-même, qu’il prenne sa croix et qu’il me suive. Car celui qui veut sauver sa vie la perdra; mais celui qui perdra sa vie à cause de moi et de l’Évangile la sauvera. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Sois favorable à nos prières, Seigneur, et reçois avec bonté nos offrandes: Que les dons apportés par chacun à la gloire de ton nom servent au salut de tous. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Ps 35, 8
Qu’il est précieux, ton amour, ô mon Dieu! Se lui en abritent les hommes.
Prière après la communion
Que la grâce de cette communion, Seigneur, saisisse nos esprits et nos corps, Afin que son influence, et non pas notre sentiment, domine toujours en nous. Par Jésus.
Méditation À propos de Jésus, de nos jours encore, on entend les points de vue les plus disparates : on le considère tout à tour comme un sage, un moraliste généreux, un protagoniste de l’histoire ; d’autres, en revanche, le calomnient ou le haïssent. Pourtant, l’unique et véritable identité de Jésus est celle proclamée par Pierre : Tu es le Christ. Si nous réduisons la foi chrétienne à l’horizon fermé des hommes, aussi noble fût-il, nous nous trompons : le Christ est venu apporter le salut éternel, l’espérance surnaturelle et non une doctrine pour rendre plus supportable la vie en société. Certes, le Christ veut racheter toute réalité terrestre, mais toujours en fonction du bonheur éternel. Il ne suffit pas de reconnaître Jésus comme le Fils de Dieu : il faut l’imiter dans ce qu’il a de plus spécifique, c’est-à-dire dans l’amour de la Croix, qui est l’instrument, et non la fin, de la Rédemption. Si nous voulons collaborer à son œuvre de rédemption, nous ne pouvons fuir la réalité de la Croix, car c’est uniquement à travers elle, en perdant notre vie, que nous la retrouverons dans l’éternité, en prenant part à la Résurrection du Christ.
Give peace, O Lord, to those who wait for you, that your prophets be found true. Hear the prayers of your servant, and of your people Israel.
Collect
Look upon us, O God, Creator and ruler of all things, and, that we may feel the working of your mercy, grant that we may serve you with all our heart. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
First reading: Isaiah 50:4c–9a
The Lord God opens my ear that I may hear; and I have not rebelled, have not turned back. I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; my face I did not shield from buffets and spitting. The Lord God is my help, therefore I am not disgraced;
I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame. He is near who upholds my right; if anyone wishes to oppose me, let us appear together. Who disputes my right? Let that man confront me. See, the Lord God is my help; who will prove me wrong?
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 116:1–2, 3–4, 5–6, 8–9
R/ I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.
I love the Lord because he has heard my voice in supplication, because he has inclined his ear to me the day I called.
The cords of death encompassed me; the snares of the netherworld seized upon me; I fell into distress and sorrow, and I called upon the name of the Lord, “O Lord, save my life!”
Gracious is the Lord and just; yes, our God is merciful. The Lord keeps the little ones; I was brought low, and he saved me.
For he has freed my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. I shall walk before the Lord in the land of the living.
Second reading: James 2:14–18
What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead. Indeed someone might say, “You have faith and I have works.” Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works.
Gospel Acclamation: Galatians 6:14
Alleluia, alleluia. May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord through which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Mark 8:27–35
Jesus and his disciples set out for the villages of Caesarea Philippi. Along the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets.” And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said to him in reply, “You are the Christ.” Then he warned them not to tell anyone about him. He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days. He spoke this openly. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. At this he turned around and, looking at his disciples, rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.” He summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it.”
Prayer over the Offerings
Look with favour on our supplications, O Lord, and in your kindness accept these, your servants’ offerings, that what each has offered to the honour of your name may serve the salvation of all. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Ps 35: 8
How precious is your mercy, O God! The children of men seek shelter in the shadow of your wings.
Prayer after Communion
May the working of this heavenly gift, O Lord, we pray, take possession of our minds and bodies, so that its effects, and not our own desires, may always prevail in us. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
The mention of Jesus and his disciples around the villages of Caesarea Philippi makes us aware that those were the last steps of the Lord in his earthly ministry, also, the first steps towards Jerusalem where he will be crucified to win salvation for all. In this most crucial adventure, no one could bar “the Christ” from fulfilling this task, neither any man nor even close companion; not even a disciple and an apostle like Peter would do. Everything else should “get behind” Jesus Christ and God’s way so that redemption for all humankind can happen. From this Gospel, the question “who is Jesus?” is the central question and still remains as such today. It is necessary for our generation to once more listen attentively to the question of Jesus to his disciples. We, the present believers, who do we say Jesus is? The answer to this question will be our affirmation of faith, that we have faith, the same faith Peter professed when he said “you are Christ.”
