by Norbert Doulanni | Dec 14, 2024 | Evangelium
3rd Sunday of Advent
Psalter: Week 3
Sainte Virginie
Centurione Bracelli
Purple
He was born in Spain in 1542. He spent some time as a Carmelite friar before, in 1568, Saint Teresa of Ávila persuaded him to pioneer the reform of the Carmelite order. He is considered one of the great mystics of the church. He was canonized in 1726 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1926.
Entrance Antiphon: Phil 4: 4-5
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is near.
Collect
O God, who see how your people faithfully await the feast of the Lord’s Nativity, enable us, we pray, to attain the joys of so great a salvation and to celebrate them always with solemn worship and glad rejoicing. 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: Zephaniah 3:14-18
Shout for joy, daughter of Zion, Israel, shout aloud! Rejoice, exult with all your heart, daughter of Jerusalem! The Lord has repealed your sentence; he has driven your enemies away. The Lord, the king of Israel, is in your midst; you have no more evil to fear. When that day comes, word will come to Jerusalem: Zion, have no fear, do not let your hands fall limp. The Lord your God is in your midst, a victorious warrior. He will exult with joy over you, he will renew you by his love; he will dance with shouts of joy for you as on a day of festival.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm Isaiah 12
R/ Sing and shout for joy for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.
Truly, God is my salvation, I trust, I shall not fear. For the Lord is my strength, my song, he became my saviour. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
Give thanks to the Lord, give praise to his name! Make his mighty deeds known to the peoples! Declare the greatness of his name.
Sing a psalm to the Lord for he has done glorious deeds; make them known to all the earth! People of Zion, sing and shout for joy, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.
Second reading: Philippians 4:4-7
I want you to be happy, always happy in the Lord; I repeat, what I want is your happiness. Let your tolerance be evident to everyone: the Lord is very near. There is no need to worry; but if there is anything you need, pray for it, asking God for it with prayer and thanksgiving, and that peace of God, which is so much greater than we can understand, will guard your hearts and your thoughts, in Christ Jesus.
Gospel Acclamation: Is61:1(Lk4:18)
Alleluia, alleluia! The spirit of the Lord has been given to me. He has sent me to bring the good news to the poor. Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 3:10-18
When all the people asked John, ‘What must we do?’ he answered, ‘If anyone has two tunics he must share with the man who has none, and the one with something to eat must do the same.’ There were tax collectors too who came for baptism, and these said to him, ‘Master, what must we do?’ He said to them, ‘Exact no more than your rate.’ Some soldiers asked him in their turn, ‘What about us? What must we do?’ He said to them, ‘No intimidation! No extortion! Be content with your pay!’ A feeling of expectancy had grown among the people, who were beginning to think that John might be the Christ, so John declared before them all, ‘I baptise you with water, but someone is coming, someone who is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fan is in his hand to clear his threshing-floor and to gather the wheat into his barn; but the chaff he will burn in a fire that will never go out.’ As well as this, there were many other things he said to exhort the people and to announce the Good News to them.
Prayer over the Offerings
May the sacrifice of our worship, Lord, we pray, be offered to you unceasingly, to complete what was begun in sacred mystery and powerfully accomplish for us your saving work. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Is 35: 4
Say to the faint of heart: Be strong and do not fear. Behold, our God will come, and he will save us.
Prayer after Communion
We implore your mercy, Lord, that this divine sustenance may cleanse us of our faults and prepare us for the coming feasts. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
In today’s gospel, John the Baptist sparked a strong desire for change in his hearers after sharing the good news of repentance. The identical query that John the Baptist’s audience posed to him is one we must also ask: “What must we do?” The multitudes asked Peter the same question after hearing him preach on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2: 39–41). We need to practise generosity, forgiveness, justice, and modesty if we want this season to be joyful. We also need to work for peace and harmony among ourselves. Above all, we must avoid doing anything that could make living difficult for someone else. Finally, we need prayer that is persistent and patient. These spiritual traits are of utmost importance. We will reach holiness and the heights of bliss thanks to these. May God grant us charity and comfort as we eagerly await the realisation of the promises He has made to us this season. Amen!
by Norbert Doulanni | Dec 13, 2024 | Agenda Biblique
Saint Jean de la Croix,
Prêtre et Docteur de l’Église
Blanc
Carme ordonné prêtre en 1567, Jean de la Croix (1542-1591) rencontre et devient le collaborateur de Thérèse de Jésus, réformatrice du Carmel. Il est emprisonné par les carmes opposé à cette réforme. Dans son cachot, il compose son Cantique spirituel qui chante les joies de l’union à Dieu. Ses ouvrages, qui exposent les conditions et les signes de la contemplation véritable, lui ont mérité le titre de ‘’Docteur mystique’’.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ga 6, 14
Que la croix de notre Seigneur Jésus Christ soit ma seule fièrté, par elle, le monde est à jamais cricifié pour moi, et moi pour le monde.
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu qui inspira à ton pretre saint Jean à un extra ordinaire amour de la croix et le renoncement total à lui meme, fais qu’en nous attachant à le suivre, nous parvenions à la contemplation éternel de a gloire. Par Jésus.
1ère lecture : Si 48, 1-4.9-11
En ces jours-là, le prophète Élie surgit comme un feu, sa parole brûlait comme une torche. Il fit venir la famine sur Israël, et, dans son ardeur, les réduisit à un petit nombre. Par la parole du Seigneur, il retint les eaux du ciel, et à trois reprises il en fit descendre le feu. Comme tu étais redoutable, Élie, dans tes prodiges !
Qui pourrait se glorifier d’être ton égal ? Toi qui fus enlevé dans un tourbillon de feu par un char aux coursiers de feu ; toi qui fus préparé pour la fin des temps, ainsi qu’il est écrit, afin d’apaiser la colère avant qu’elle n’éclate, afin de ramener le cœur des pères vers les fils et de rétablir les tribus de Jacob… heureux ceux qui te verront, heureux ceux qui, dans l’amour, se seront endormis ; nous aussi, nous posséderons la vraie vie.
Psaume : 79 (80), 2ac.3bc, 15-16a, 18-19
R/ Dieu, fais-nous revenir ; que ton visage s’éclaire, et nous serons sauvés ! (Ps 79, 4)
Berger d’Israël, écoute, resplendis au-dessus des Kéroubim! Réveille ta vaillance et viens nous sauver.
Dieu de l’univers, reviens ! Du haut des cieux, regarde et vois: visite cette vigne, protège-la, celle qu’a plantée ta main puissante.
Que ta main soutienne ton protégé, le fils de l’homme qui te doit sa force. Jamais plus nous n’irons loin de toi : fais-nous vivre et invoquer ton nom !
Acclamation Lc 3, 4.6
Alléluia, Alléluia. Préparez un chemin pour le Seigneur, aplanissez ses sentiers. Et toute l’humanité verra le salut de Dieu. Alléluia.
Évangile : Matthieu 17, 10-13
Descendant de la montagne, les disciples interrogèrent Jésus : « Pourquoi donc les scribes disent-ils que le prophète Élie doit venir d’abord?»
Jésus leur répondit : « Élie va venir pour remettre toute chose à sa place. Mais, je vous le déclare : Élie est déjà venu ; au lieu de le reconnaître, ils lui ont fait tout ce qu’ils ont voulu. Et de même, le Fils de l’homme va souffrir par eux. » Alors les disciples comprirent qu’il leur parlait de Jean le Baptiste.
Prière sur les offrandes
Regarde, Seigneur tout-puissant, le sacrifice que nous offrons en la fête de saint Jean de la Croix ; et donne-nous d’exprimer par notre vie les mystères de la passion du Sauveur que nous célébrons dans cette liturgie. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Mt 16, 24
« Si quelqu’un veut marcher à ma suite, dit le Seigneur, qu’il renonce à lui-même, qu’il prenne sa croix, et qu’il me suive ».
Prière après la communion
Dieu qui as fait de saint Jean un apôtre du mystère de la croix, accorde-nous, maintenant que nous sommes fortifiés par ce sacrifice, de rester toujours unis au Christ, et de travailler dans l’Église au salut de nos frères. Par Jésus.
Méditation
Le peuple d’Israël attendait le retour du grand prophète Élie car, emporté dans le ciel par un tourbillon de feu, il ne pouvait que revenir allumer de nouveau un feu purificateur. Chaque fois qu’une parole de feu retentit dans le monde, c’est le souffle prophétique venu du Cœur de Jésus qui se manifeste. Élie est déjà venu. Ce n’est pas lui qui importe, mais le feu dont il est porteur. Ce feu a traversé la parole vibrante de Jean Baptiste et beaucoup ont eu le cœur retourné à son écoute. D’autres ont voulu éteindre ce feu qui les brûlait trop. Ils n’ont pas reconnu que Dieu lui-même, à travers lui, venait les embraser, les purifier, les ramener sur le chemin de la vérité. Alors, d’une voix plus brûlante encore, Jésus vient toucher les cœurs. Je suis venu allumer un feu, … dit-il. Il sait combien il en coûte d’apporter le feu sur la terre où il en est qui préfèrent le froid des ténèbres et garder un cœur impassible et dur. Il sait qu’il va en souffrir et en mourir car ils vont s’acharner à éteindre ce feu, à faire taire cette voix bouleversante. Laissons-nous bouleverser par le souffle prophétique d’Élie, laissons nos cœurs éloignés, se rapprocher et se fondre dans le cœur brûlant de Jésus.
by Norbert Doulanni | Dec 13, 2024 | Evangelium
Saint John of the Cross, Priest, Doctor (1542 – 1591)
White
He was born in Spain in 1542. He spent some time as a Carmelite friar before, in 1568, Saint Teresa of Ávila persuaded him to pioneer the reform of the Carmelite order. He is considered one of the great mystics of the church. He was canonized in 1726 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1926.
Entrance Antiphon: Gal 6: 14
May I never boast, except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Collect
O God, who gave the Priest Saint John an outstanding dedication to perfect self-denial and love of the Cross, grant that, by imitating him closely at all times, we may come to contemplate eternally your glory. 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 : Ecclesiasticus 48:1-4. 9-11
The prophet Elijah arose like a fire, his word flaring like a torch. It was he who brought famine on them, and who decimated them in his zeal. By the word of the Lord, he shut up the heavens, he also, three times, brought down fire. How glorious you were in your miracles, Elijah! Has anyone reason to boast as you have? – taken up in the whirlwind of fire, in a chariot with fiery horses; designated in the prophecies of doom to allay God’s wrath before the fury breaks, to turn the hearts of fathers towards their children, and to restore the tribes of Jacob. Happy shall they be who see you, and those who have fallen asleep in love.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 79
R/ God of hosts, bring us back;let your face shine on us and we shall be saved.
O shepherd of Israel, hear us, shine forth from your cherubim throne. O Lord, rouse up your might, O Lord, come to our help.
God of hosts, turn again, we implore, look down from heaven and see. Visit this vine and protect it, the vine your right hand has planted.
May your hand be on the man you have chosen, the man you have given your strength. And we shall never forsake you again: give us life that we may call upon your name.
Gospel Acclamation : Lk 3:4.6
Alleluia, alleluia! Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight. And all mankind shall see the salvation of God. Alleluia!
Gospel : Matthew 17:10-13
As they came down from the mountain the disciples put this question to Jesus, ‘Why do the Scribes say that Elijah has to come first?’ ‘True,’ he replied; ‘Elijah is to come to see that everything is once more as it should be; however, I tell you that Elijah has come already and they did not recognise him but treated him as they pleased; and the Son of Man will suffer similarly at their hands.’ The disciples understood then that he had been speaking of John the Baptist.
Prayer over the Offerings
Look upon the sacrificial gifts we offer, almighty God, in commemoration of Saint John of the Cross and grant that we, who celebrate the mysteries of the Lord’s Passion, may imitate what we now enact. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Mt 16: 24
Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me, says the Lord.
Prayer after Communion
O God, who in Saint John have wonderfully made known the mystery of the Cross, graciously grant that, drawing strength from this sacrifice, we may cling faithfully to Christ and labour in the Church for the salvation of all. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
The devotion to Yahweh characterised Elijah. He was consumed with a desire to defend Yahweh and return the king and the people to Yahweh. As a result of his fervour, he challenged the king, the prophets of Baal, and the entire populace to a contest on Mount Carmel and caused a fire to fall from the heavens. We observe the same fervour, passion, and single-mindedness in the life of John the Baptist. John’s sole mission was to pave the way for the Lord; once he arrived, he would gladly retreat, having accomplished his task. Perhaps it helps to stand near them to absorb some of their fervour into our souls. The Church needs Christians who are devoted to God and his people. They may be a minority, but they transform the entire world like yeast in flour.
by Norbert Doulanni | Dec 12, 2024 | Evangelium
Saint Lucy, Virgin, Martyr
Red
She was martyred in Syracuse, probably during the persecution of Diocletian (which started in 303). Devotion to her spread rapidly across practically the whole Church and her name is included in the Roman Canon of the Mass.
Entrance Antiphon
Behold, now she follows the Lamb who was crucified for us, powerful in virginity, modesty her offering, a sacrifice on the altar of chastity.
Collect
May the glorious intercession of the Virgin and Martyr Saint Lucy give us new heart, we pray, O Lord, so that we may celebrate her heavenly birthday in this present age and so behold things eternal. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading : Isaiah 48:17-19
Thus says the Lord, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I, the Lord, your God, teach you what is good for you, I lead you in the way that you must go. If only you had been alert to my commandments, your happiness would have been like a river, your integrity like the waves of the sea. Your children would have been numbered like the sand, your descendants as many as its grains. Never would your name have been cut off or blotted out before me.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 1:1-4,6
R/ Anyone who follows you, O Lord, will have the light of life.
Happy indeed is the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked; nor lingers in the way of sinners nor sits in the company of scorners, but whose delight is the law of the Lord and who ponders his law day and night.
He is like a tree that is planted beside the flowing waters, that yields its fruit in due season and whose leaves shall never fade; and all that he does shall prosper.
Not so are the wicked, not so! For they like winnowed chaff shall be driven away by the wind: for the Lord guards the way of the just but the way of the wicked leads to doom.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! See, the king, the Lord of the world, will come. He will free us from the yoke of our bondage. Alleluia!
Gospel : Matthew 11:16-19
Jesus spoke to the crowds: ‘What description can I find for this generation? It is like children shouting to each other as they sit in the market place: “We played the pipes for you, and you wouldn’t dance; we sang dirges, and you wouldn’t be mourners.” ‘For John came, neither eating nor drinking, and they say, “He is possessed.” The Son of Man came, eating and drinking, and they say, “Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” Yet wisdom has been proved right by her actions.’
Prayer over the Offerings
May the offerings we bring in celebration of Saint Lucy win your gracious acceptance, O Lord, we pray, just as the struggle of her suffering and passion was pleasing to you. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Rv 7: 17
The Lamb who is at the centre of the throne will lead them to the springs of the waters of life.
Prayer after Communion
O God, who bestowed on Saint Lucy a crown among the Saints for her twofold triumph of virginity and martyrdom, grant, we pray, through the power of this Sacrament, that, bravely overcoming every evil, we may attain the glory of heaven. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Today the Lord speaks to us from the prophet Isaiah. The Lord teaches us the right path through the scriptures and the Holy mother church. Through our human frailty, we give excuses for our wrongdoings. The Lord admonishes us that if we took the time to be more alert about His precepts, we would experience happiness and peace. Jesus lamented about this in the gospel today. The Jews complained about the person of John the Baptist, and when Jesus came on the scene with a different lifestyle from that of John the Baptist, the Jews also had a series of complaints. We always seek an excuse not to do the right thing and live in sin. Let us be more conscious about doing the right things to enjoy God’s favour.
by Norbert Doulanni | Dec 12, 2024 | Agenda Biblique
Sainte Lucie,
vierge et martyre
Rouge
Lucie fut martyrisée en Sicile, à Syracuse, probablement vers 304. Le culte de cette épouse du Christ s’établit à Rome au 6e siècle et demeure très populaire dans les pays scandinaves. Son nom évoque la lumière.
Antienne d’ouverture
Voici que le Seigneur viendra. Dans la lumière il vient, pour visiter son peuple, pour lui donner la paix et la vie éternelle.
Prière d’ouverture
Tiens ton peuple éveillé, Seigneur, pour la venue de ton Fils ; puissions-nous, fidèles à son avertissement, garder au cœur toutes lumières de foi et d’amour pour nous porter à sa rencontre. Lui qui règne.
1ère lecture : Is 48, 17-19
Ainsi parle le Seigneur, ton Rédempteur, le Dieu Saint d’Israël : Je suis le Seigneur ton Dieu, qui te donne un enseignement salutaire, qui te guide sur le chemin où tu marches. Si tu avais été attentif à mes commandements, ta paix serait comme un fleuve, ta justice comme les flots de la mer. Ta postérité serait comme le sable, et tes descendants nombreux comme les grains de sable ; ton nom ne serait ni retranché ni effacé devant moi.
Psaume : 1, 1ab.2, 3, 4.6
R/ Qui marche à ta suite, Seigneur, aura la lumière de la vie.
Heureux est l’homme qui n’entre pas au conseil des méchants, qui ne suit pas le chemin des pécheurs, mais se plaît dans la loi du Seigneur et murmure sa loi jour et nuit !
Il est comme un arbre planté près d’un ruisseau, qui donne du fruit en son temps, et jamais son feuillage ne meurt ; tout ce qu’il entreprend réussira.
Tel n’est pas le sort des méchants : ils sont comme la paille balayée par le vent. Le Seigneur connaît le chemin des justes, mais le chemin des méchants se perdra.
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia Le Seigneur vient: allez à sa rencontre! C’est lui le Prince de la paix. Alléluia.
Évangile : Mt 11, 16-19
En ce temps-là, Jésus déclarait aux foules : « À qui vais-je comparer cette génération? Elle ressemble à des gamins assis sur les places, qui en interpellent d’autres : ‘Nous vous avons joué de la flûte, et vous n’avez pas dansé. Nous avons entonné des chants de deuil, et vous ne vous êtes pas frappé la poitrine.’ Jean Baptiste est venu, en effet ; il ne mange pas, il ne boit pas, et l’on dit : ‘C’est un possédé’! Le Fils de l’homme est venu : il mange et il boit, et l’on dit : ‘C’est un glouton et un ivrogne, un ami des publicains et des pécheurs.’ Mais la sagesse de Dieu se révèle juste à travers ce qu’elle fait. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Laisse-toi fléchir, Seigneur, par nos prières et nos pauvres offrandes; Nous ne pouvons pas invoquer nos mérites, viens par ta grâce à notre secours. Par Jésus.
Antienne de la communion : Ph 3, 20-21
Nous attendons notre Sauveur, le Seigneur Jésus Christ, lui qui transformera nos pauvres corps à l’image de son corps glorieux.
Prière après la communion
Pleins de reconnaissance pour cette eucharistie, nous te prions encore, Seigneur: Apprends-nous, dans la communion à ce mystère, le vrai sens des choses de ce monde et l’amour des biens éternels. Par Jésus.
Méditation Les contemporains de Jean Baptiste et de Jésus Christ les qualifiaient, l’un, de « possédé », l’autre, « d’ivrogne ». En effet, le premier ne mangeait que du miel et des sauterelles, alors que le second accueillait les pécheurs et les publicains. Jean Baptiste prêchait le Baptême de conversion. Jésus, lui, s’adonnait surtout à la cause des petits, des marginalisées. Il a nourri les foules, guéri les malades. L’esprit des contemporains de Jésus se manifeste encore aujourd’hui : les messages de paix sont boudés, les nations rivalisent les unes avec les autres. La conséquence en est l’appauvrissement autant moral que physique. On crée toujours le climat défavorable à l’accueil de l’Évangile pour donner libre cours aux jouissances caduques. La Parole de Dieu doit être lumière dans ce monde ténébreux où le mal semble régner. Que cette période de l’Avent nous aide à nous convertir pour contempler Jésus Christ qui nous fera arriver un jour à l’héritage du ciel.
by Norbert Doulanni | Dec 11, 2024 | Evangelium
Saint. FiNnian of Clonard
(470 – 549)
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Purple
He founded Clonard Abbey in modern-day County Meath, and the Twelve Apostles of Ireland studied under him.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 118: 151-152
You, O Lord, are close, and all your ways are truth. From of old I have known of your decrees, for you are eternal.
Collect
Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to make ready the paths of your Only Begotten Son, that through his coming, we may be found worthy to serve 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: Isaiah 41:13-20
I, the Lord, your God, I am holding you by the right hand; I tell you, ‘Do not be afraid, I will help you.’ Do not be afraid, Jacob, poor worm, Israel, puny mite.’ I will help you – it is the Lord who speaks – the Holy One of Israel is your redeemer. See, I turn you into a threshing-sled, new, with doubled teeth; you shall thresh and crush the mountains, and turn the hills to chaff. You shall winnow them and the wind will blow them away, the gale will scatter them. But you yourself will rejoice in the Lord, and glory in the Holy One of Israel. The poor and needy ask for water, and there is none, their tongue is parched with thirst. I, the Lord, will answer them, I, the God of Israel, will not abandon them. I will make rivers well up on barren heights, and fountains in the midst of valleys;
turn the wilderness into a lake, and dry ground into waterspring. In the wilderness I will put cedar trees, acacias, myrtles, olives. In the desert I will plant juniper, plane tree and cypress side by side; so that men may see and know, may all observe and understand that the hand of the Lord has done this, that the Holy One of Israel has created it.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm
144(145):1,9-13a
R/ The Lord is kind and full of compassion, slow to anger, abounding in love.
I will give you glory, O God my king, I will bless your name for ever. How good is the Lord to all, compassionate to all his creatures.
All your creatures shall thank you, O Lord, and your friends shall repeat their blessing. They shall speak of the glory of your reign and declare your might, O God, to make known to men your mighty deeds and the glorious splendour of your reign.
Yours is an everlasting kingdom; your rule lasts from age to age.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! Come, Lord, with your peace that we may rejoice in your presence with sincerity of heart. Alleluia!
Gospel: Matthew 11:11-15
Jesus spoke to the crowds: ‘I tell you solemnly, of all the children born of women, a greater than John the Baptist has never been seen; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is. Since John the Baptist came, up to this present time, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence and the violent are taking it by storm. Because it was towards John that all the prophecies of the prophets and of the Law were leading; and he, if you will believe me, is the Elijah who was to return. If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen!’
Prayer over the Offerings
Accept, we pray, O Lord, these offerings we make, gathered from among your gifts to us,
and may what you grant us to celebrate devoutly here below gain for us the prize of eternal redemption. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Ti 2: 12-13
Let us live justly and devoutly in this age, as we await the blessed hope and the coming of the glory of our great God.
Prayer after Communion
May these mysteries, O Lord, in which we have participated, profit us, we pray, for even now, as we walk amid passing things, you teach us by them to love the things of heaven and hold fast to what endures. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
The personality of John the Baptist looms very large in the Gospel narratives. He is the one who is to prepare the way of the Lord (Lk 1:76); he is the voice that preaches repentance in the wilderness (Mt 3:1-12). In effect, John had the privilege of baptising Jesus (Mt 3:13-17); he came with the spirit of Elijah (Mt 17:13), etc. What could be the implication of saying that the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he? Does it mean we have to surpass the qualities of John to have a realistic chance of entering the Kingdom of God? Is it better to hold that Jesus was comparing his notion of the Kingdom of God with that of the Baptist? While John preached the wrath of God, the justice of God and his burning fire, Jesus preached the love of God, his mercy and mildness. Those aspiring to be children of the kingdom should emulate these qualities.
by Norbert Doulanni | Dec 11, 2024 | Agenda Biblique
Sainte JEANNE FRANCOISE
DE CHANTAL,
Religieuse
Violet
Jeanne-Françoise Fremiot, mariee en 1592 au baron de Chantal, voit son bonheur brisé par un accident de chasse qui, en 1600, la laisse veuve avec quatre enfants. Tout en les élevant, elle se dévoue aux malheureux. en 1604, elle rencontre François de sales. L’amitié qui les unit sera pour chacun d’eux source de progrès spirituel. Sans son directeur, sage et exigeant, Jeanne de Chantal n’aurait pas fondé l’ordre de la Visitation ; sans le stimulant devoir de diriger une telle femme, François de sales n’aurait pas édifié sa doctrine spirituelle.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 118, 151-152
Tu es proche, Seigneur : tous tes chemins sont droits. Dès l’origine, j’ai su que ton alliance était fondée pour toujours.
Prière d’ouverture
Réveille-nous, Seigneur, décide-nous à préparer les chemins de ton Fils, afin que, par le mystère de sa venue, nous puissions te servir d’un cœur purifié. Par Jésus Christ.
1ère Lecture : Is 41, 13-20
C’est moi, le Seigneur ton Dieu, qui saisis ta main droite, et qui te dis : « Ne crains pas, moi, je viens à ton aide. » Ne crains pas, Jacob, pauvre vermisseau, Israël, pauvre mortel. Je viens à ton aide – oracle du Seigneur ; ton rédempteur, c’est le Saint d’Israël. J’ai fait de toi un traîneau à battre le grain, tout neuf, à double rang de pointes : tu vas briser les montagnes, les broyer ; tu réduiras les collines en menue paille ; tu les vanneras, un souffle les emportera, un tourbillon les dispersera. Mais toi, tu mettras ta joie dans le Seigneur ; dans le Saint d’Israël, tu trouveras ta louange. Les pauvres et les malheureux cherchent de l’eau, et il n’y en a pas ; leur langue est desséchée par la soif.
Moi, le Seigneur, je les exaucerai,
moi, le Dieu d’Israël, je ne les abandonnerai pas. Sur les hauteurs dénudées je ferai jaillir des fleuves, et des sources au creux des vallées. Je changerai le désert en lac, et la terre aride en fontaines. Je planterai dans le désert le cèdre et l’acacia, le myrte et l’olivier ; je mettrai ensemble dans les terres incultes le cyprès, l’orme et le mélèze, afin que tous regardent et reconnaissent, afin qu’ils considèrent et comprennent que la main du Seigneur a fait cela, que le Saint d’Israël en est le créateur.
fait tout cela, que le Dieu Saint d’Israël en est le créateur.
Psaume : 144, 1.9, 10-11, 12-13ab
R/ Le Seigneur est tendresse et pitié, lent à la colère et plein d’amour.
Je t’exalterai, mon Dieu, mon Roi, je bénirai ton nom toujours et à jamais ! La bonté du Seigneur est pour tous, sa tendresse, pour toutes ses œuvres.
Que tes œuvres, Seigneur, te rendent grâce et que tes fidèles te bénissent ! Ils diront la gloire de ton règne, ils parleront de tes exploits.
Ils annonceront aux hommes tes exploits, la gloire et l’éclat de ton règne : ton règne, un règne éternel, ton empire, pour les âges des âges.
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia. Ciel, répands ta rosée ! Nuées, faites pleuvoir le juste ! Terre, ouvre-toi, que germe le Sauveur ! Alléluia. (cf. Is 45, 8)
Évangile : Mt 11, 11-15
En ce temps-là, Jésus déclarait aux foules : « Amen, je vous le dis: Parmi les hommes, il n’en a pas existé de plus grand que Jean Baptiste ; et cependant le plus petit dans le Royaume des cieux est plus grand que lui. Depuis le temps de Jean Baptiste jusqu’à présent, le Royaume des cieux subit la violence, et des violents cherchent à s’en emparer. Tous les Prophètes, ainsi que la Loi, ont parlé jusqu’à Jean. Et, si vous voulez bien comprendre, le prophète Élie qui doit venir, c’est lui. Celui qui a des oreilles, qu’il entende ! »
Prière sur les offrandes
Seigneur, nous ne pourrons jamais t’offrir que les biens venus de toi : accepte ceux que nous t’apportons ; Et puisque c’est toi qui nous donnes maintenant de célébrer l’eucharistie, fais qu’elle soit pour nous le gage du salut éternel. Par Jésus, le Christ, notre Seigneur. Amen.
Antienne de communion : Tt 2, 12-13
Vivons dans le monde présent en hommes raisonnables, justes et religieux pour attendre le bonheur que nous espérons la manifestation glorieuse de Jésus Christ, notre Dieu et notre Sauveur.
Prière après la communion
Fais fructifier en nous, Seigneur, l’eucharistie qui nous a rassemblés: C’est par elle que tu formes dès maintenant, à travers la vie de ce monde, l’amour dont nous t’aimerons éternellement. Par Jésus, le Christ, notre Seigneur. Amen.
Méditation
Ne crains pas, c’est moi qui te viens en aide, dit le Seigneur. Cette parole que Dieu a adressée à Israël montre combien Yahvé se préoccupait de son peuple. Aujourd’hui, nous sommes plus que jamais concernés par cette parole divine. En effet, nous baignons dans un monde qui inspire la peur, le désespoir ; un monde où la famine, la guerre, les tremblements de terre et autres calamités nous harcèlent. Devant ces problèmes, notre espérance peut être sérieusement mise à l’épreuve, mais Dieu nous garantit son secours. Le Seigneur ne veut pas le malheur des siens. Il nous assiste de son Esprit et rien ne peut nous séparer de son amour. Cependant, nous ne méritons ce secours que si nous restons fidèles aux enseignements des prophètes, tel Jean Baptiste, qui nous appelle à la conversion. Le Verbe s’est fait chair et il a habité parmi nous. A l’imitation des bergers, nous devons nous mettre en route pour rencontrer l’Emmanuel. Et pour cela, Seigneur, aide-nous à devenir humbles pour pouvoir accueillir dignement l’Enfant-Dieu.
by Norbert Doulanni | Dec 11, 2024 | Evangelium
Saint Damasus I, Pope
(304 – 384)
Purple/White
A Spaniard, he was born about 305. Joining the Roman clergy, he was elected Pope in 366, in calamitous times. He held many synods against heretics and schismatics. He promoted the cult of the martyrs. He died in 384.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Hab 2: 3; 1 Cor 4: 5
The Lord will come and he will not delay. He will illumine what is hidden in darkness and reveal himself to all the nations.
Collect
Almighty God, who command us to prepare the way for Christ the Lord, grant in your kindness, we pray, that no infirmity may weary us as we long for the comforting presence of our heavenly physician. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading : Isaiah 40:25-31
‘To whom could you liken me and who could be my equal?’ says the Holy One. Lift your eyes and look. Who made these stars if not he who drills them like an army, calling each one by name? So mighty is his power, so great his strength, that not one fails to answer. How can you say, Jacob, how can you insist, Israel, ‘My destiny is hidden from the Lord, my rights are ignored by my God’? Did you not know? Had you not heard? The Lord is an everlasting God, he created the boundaries of the earth. He does not grow tired or weary, his understanding is beyond fathoming. He gives strength to the wearied, he strengthens the powerless. Young men may grow tired and weary, youths may stumble, but those who hope in the Lord renew their strength, they put out wings like eagles. They run and do not grow weary, walk and never tire.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 102:1-4,8,10
R/ My soul, give thanks to the Lord.
My soul, give thanks to the Lord all my being, bless his holy name. My soul, give thanks to the Lord and never forget all his blessings.
It is he who forgives all your guilt, who heals every one of your ills, who redeems your life from the grave, who crowns you with love and compassion.
The Lord is compassion and love, slow to anger and rich in mercy. He does not treat us according to our sins nor repay us according to our faults.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! Behold, our Lord will come with power and will enlighten the eyes of his servants. Alleluia!
Gospel : Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’
Prayer over the Offerings
May the sacrifice of our worship, Lord, we pray, be offered to you unceasingly, to complete what was begun in sacred mystery and powerfully accomplish for us your saving work. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Is 40: 10; 35: 5
Behold, our Lord will come with power and will enlighten the eyes of his servants.
Prayer after Communion
We implore your mercy, Lord, that this divine sustenance may cleanse us of our faults and prepare us for the coming feasts. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Jesus gives us three necessary actions in our journey: ‘Come’, ‘Shoulder (Take)’ and ‘learn’. The first step to living the life of Christ is to ‘come’ to him daily in prayer, scripture reading, masses, devotions etc. The next step is to ‘take’ or, better put, accept with faith his message of love, sacrifice, hope, forgiveness, renewal, repentance, and salvation. But it does not end there. We must ‘learn’ too by putting into practice that wonderful Christ-like life of humility, meekness, gentility, patience, endurance, generosity, and righteousness. He assures us today that this lifestyle he calls us to is easier. Our fathers and mothers in the faith have affirmed this to be true.
by Norbert Doulanni | Dec 11, 2024 | Agenda Biblique
Saint DAMASE 1er , Pape
Violet/Blanc
Damase est diacre à Rome quand il succède au pape Libère en 366 ; un antipape, Ursinus, lui est opposé. Il a aussi à combattre les hérésies ariennes et donatiste. Il confia à saint Jérôme, qui fut son secrétaire, la mission de corriger l’ancienne traduction de la Bible, et lui-même composa en l’honneur des martyrs des inscriptions en vers qui furent gravées dans le marbre.
Antienne d’ouverture : I S 2, 35
Le Seigneur va venir sans tarder éclairer ce que voilent nos ténébres et se manifester à toutes les nations.
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu tout-puisssant, tu nous demandes de préparer le chemin de ton fils ; ne permets pas que la fatique nous abatte; alors que nous attendons la venue bienheureuse de celui qui nous rendra les forces et santé. Lui qui.
1ère lecture : Is 40, 25-31
À qui donc pourriez-vous me comparer, qui pourrait être mon égal? dit le Dieu Saint. Levez les yeux et regardez : qui a créé tout cela? Celui qui déploie toute l’armée des étoiles, et les appelle chacune par son nom. Si grande est sa force, et telle est sa puissance qu’il n’en manque pas une. Pourquoi parles-tu ainsi, Jacob ? Israël, pourquoi affirmes-tu : « Mon chemin est caché à mon Dieu, le Seigneur néglige mon bon droit»? Tu ne le sais donc pas, tu ne l’as pas appris ? Le Seigneur est le Dieu éternel, c’est lui qui crée la terre entière, il ne faiblit pas, il ne se lasse pas. Son intelligence est insondable. Il rend des forces à l’homme épuisé, il développe la vigueur de celui qui est faible. Les jeunes gens se fatiguent, se lassent, et les athlètes s’effondrent, mais ceux qui mettent leur espérance dans le Seigneur trouvent des forces nouvelles ; ils prennent leur essor comme des aigles, ils courent sans se lasser, ils marchent sans se fatiguer.
Psaume : 102, 1-2, 3-4, 8.10
R/ Bénis le Seigneur, ô mon âme !
Bénis le Seigneur, ô mon âme, bénis son nom très saint, tout mon être ! Bénis le Seigneur, ô mon âme, n’oublie aucun de ses bienfaits !
Car il pardonne toutes tes offenses et te guérit de toute maladie ; il réclame ta vie à la tombe et te couronne d’amour et de tendresse.
Le Seigneur est tendresse et pitié, lent à la colère et plein d’amour ; il n’agit pas envers nous selon nos fautes, ne nous rend pas selon nos offenses.
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia Il viendra, le Seigneur, pour sauver son peuple. Heureux ceux qui seront prêts à partir à sa rencontre ! Alléluia.
Évangile : Mt 11, 28-30
En ce temps-là, Jésus prit la parole: «Venez à moi, vous tous qui peinez sous le poids du fardeau, et moi, je vous procurerai le repos. Prenez sur vous mon joug, devenez mes disciples, car je suis doux et humble de cœur, et vous trouverez le repos. Oui, mon joug est facile à porter, et mon fardeau, léger ».
Prière sur les offrandes
Permets, Seigneur, que le sacrifice de nos eucharisties te soit toujours offert dans ton Eglise, pour accomplir le sacrement que tu nous as donné et pour réaliser la merveille de notre salut. Par Jésus.
Antienne de la communion : Jn 10, 11
Voici le Seigneur Dieu qui vient avec puissance ; il vient illuminer notre regard.
Prière après la communion
Seigneur notre Dieu, nous attendons de ta miséricorde que cette nourriture prise à ton autel nous empeche de céder à nos penchants mauvais et nous prépre aux fetes qui approchent. Par Jésus.
Méditation
Dans l’évangile d’aujourd’hui, Jésus se révèle comme le nouveau Sabbat ; une trêve pour le travail, pour l’esclavage et pour le péché. Il explicite cela dans les versets qui suivent. Il marche à travers les champs de blé avec ses disciples un jour de Sabbat et après les avoir autorisés à arracher des épis de blé, il déclare aux Pharisiens qui le critiquent qu’il est le Maître du Sabbat (Matthieu 12.8). Vraiment, pour ceux qui travaillent et qui sont écrasés sous le fardeau, Jésus est celui en qui ils peuvent trouver le repos. Cependant, pour trouver le repos, Jésus nous demande paradoxalement de prendre son joug, son fardeau, sa croix. Lorsque Simon de Cyrène prit le joug du Christ, ce fut comme une corvée qui lui avait été imposée, mais à mesure que le cœur doux et humble de Jésus s’ouvrait à lui, cela devint un privilège et une joie ! Comme son amour pour Jésus grandissait, son joug devenait facile à porter et son fardeau léger. Sans aucun doute, il avait trouvé le repos pour son âme.
by Norbert Doulanni | Dec 9, 2024 | Evangelium
Saint Melchiades (d. 314)
Purple
Born in Africa, Melchiades was pope in Rome when the Church obtained its freedom after centuries of persecution. He ordered the construction of many churches and was the first pope to occupy the cathedral of St John Lateran. He was pope for only 3 years.
Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Zec 14: 5, 7
Behold, the Lord will come, and all his holy ones with him; and on that day there will be a great light.
Collect
O God, who have shown forth your salvation to all the ends of the earth, grant, we pray, that we may look forward in joy to the glorious Nativity of Christ. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading : Isaiah 40:1-11
‘Console my people, console them’ says your God. ‘Speak to the heart of Jerusalem and call to her that her time of service is ended, that her sin is atoned for, that she has received from the hand of the Lord double punishment for all her crimes.’ A voice cries, ‘Prepare in the wilderness a way for the Lord. Make a straight highway for our God across the desert. Let every valley be filled in, every mountain and hill be laid low. Let every cliff become a plain, and the ridges a valley; then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all mankind shall see it; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’ A voice commands, ‘Cry!’ and I answered, ‘What shall I cry?’” – ‘All flesh is grass and its beauty like the wild flower’s. The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the Lord blows on them. (The grass is without doubt the people.) The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God remains for ever.’ Go up on a high mountain, joyful messenger to Zion. Shout with a loud voice, joyful messenger to Jerusalem. Shout without fear, say to the towns of Judah, ‘Here is your God.’ Here is the Lord coming with power, his arm subduing all things to him. The prize of his victory is with him, his trophies all go before him. He is like a shepherd feeding his flock, gathering lambs in his arms, holding them against his breast and leading to their rest the mother ewes.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 95:1-3,10-13
R/ Here is our God coming with power.
O sing a new song to the Lord, sing to the Lord all the earth. O sing to the Lord, bless his name. Proclaim his help day by day.
Tell among the nations his glory and his wonders among all the peoples. Proclaim to the nations: ‘God is king.’ He will judge the peoples in fairness.
Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad, let the sea and all within it thunder praise, let the land and all it bears rejoice, all the trees of the wood shout for joy at the presence of the Lord for he comes, he comes to rule the earth..
With justice he will rule the world, he will judge the peoples with his truth.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! Come, Lord! Do not delay. Forgive the sins of your people. Alleluia!
Gospel : Matthew 18:12-14
Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Tell me. Suppose a man has a hundred sheep and one of them strays; will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hillside and go in search of the stray? I tell you solemnly, if he finds it, it gives him more joy than do the ninety-nine that did not stray at all. Similarly, it is never the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Be pleased, O Lord, with our humble prayers and offerings, and since we have no merits to plead our cause, come, we pray, to our rescue with the protection of your mercy. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Cf. 2 Tm 4: 8
The Just Judge will bestow a crown of righteousness on those who eagerly await his coming.
Prayer after Communion
Replenished by the food of spiritual nourishment, we humbly beseech you, O Lord, that, through our partaking in this mystery, you may teach us to judge wisely the things of earth, and hold firm to the things of heaven. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Jesus teaches us through this Gospel that God’s will is to save all “these little ones.” The little ones in this context represent all those who sincerely accept God in their hearts and refuse to reject him despite the vicissitudes of life. Every single person is “one of these little ones.” It may initially seem unfair that the shepherd is happier about the one lost sheep than the other ninety- nine sheep. But it makes sense if we realise that every one of us is that one lost sheep. We must consider the shepherd’s intense desire to locate us as we think about this parable. We must consider how concerned, persistent, and diligent he was in looking for us. This is God’s concern for you. To be small in the sight of God consists of constantly abandoning oneself to his Providence and Protection. This entails cultivating a life entirely geared towards the Lord, conscious of one’s limits but especially confident in the immense mercy of the Father.
