by Norbert Doulanni | Jan 12, 2026 | Agenda Biblique
SAINT HILAIRE
Évêque et Docteur de l’Église
(Psautier I –Vert // Blanc)
Évêque de Poitiers, Hilaire (315-367) fut l’ardent défenseur de la foi en la divinité du Christ, niée par les ariens ; il souffrit l’exil en raison de sa prise de position contre ces hérétiques. En Orient où cet évêque gaulois avait été exilé par l’empereur Constance, il ne cessa d’écrire à la gloire du Christ, qu’il n’avait pourtant découvert qu’à l’âge adulte. En effet, avant de devenir évêque (350) de sa ville natale, Hilaire avait d’abord été un père de famille païen. C’est par la méditation des Ecritures que cet homme en quête de vérité découvrit la splendeur du Christ et mérita de devenir le premier grand docteur de la foi que la Gaule avait donné à l’Eglise.
Antienne d’ouverture
Portons notre regard vers l’homme à qui le ciel est donné pour trône ; la foule des anges l’adore en chantant d’une seule voix : « Voici Celui dont le pouvoir subsiste pour les siècles ».
Prière d’ouverture
Aux appels de ton peuple en prière, réponds, Seigneur, en ta bonté : Donne à chacun la claire vision de ce qu’il doit faire et la force de l’accomplir. Par Jésus Christ.
1ère lecture : 1 S 1, 9-20
En ces jours-là, Anne se leva, après qu’ils eurent mangé et bu à Silo. Le prêtre Éli était assis sur son siège, à l’entrée du sanctuaire du Seigneur. Anne, pleine d’amertume, se mit à prier le Seigneur et pleura abondamment. Elle fit un vœu en disant : « Seigneur de l’univers ! Si tu veux bien regarder l’humiliation de ta servante, te souvenir de moi, ne pas m’oublier, et me donner un fils, je le donnerai au Seigneur pour toute sa vie, et le rasoir ne passera pas sur sa tête. » Tandis qu’elle prolongeait sa prière devant le Seigneur, Éli observait sa bouche. Anne parlait dans son cœur : seules ses lèvres remuaient, et l’on n’entendait pas sa voix. Éli pensa qu’elle était ivre et lui dit : « Combien de temps vas-tu rester ivre ? Cuve donc ton vin ! » Anne répondit : « Non, mon seigneur, je ne suis qu’une femme affligée, je n’ai bu ni vin ni boisson forte ; j’épanche mon âme devant le Seigneur. Ne prends pas ta servante pour une vaurienne : c’est l’excès de mon chagrin et de mon dépit qui m’a fait prier aussi longtemps. » Éli lui répondit : « Va en paix, et que le Dieu d’Israël t’accorde ce que tu lui as demandé. » Anne dit alors : « Que ta servante trouve grâce devant toi ! » Elle s’en alla, elle se mit à manger, et son visage n’était plus le même. Le lendemain, Elcana et les siens se levèrent de bon matin. Après s’être prosternés devant le Seigneur, ils s’en retournèrent chez eux, à Rama. Elcana s’unit à Anne sa femme, et le Seigneur se souvint d’elle. Anne conçut et, le temps venu, elle enfanta un fils ; elle lui donna le nom de Samuel (c’est-à-dire : Dieu exauce) car, disait-elle, « Je l’ai demandé au Seigneur. »
Cantique : 1 S 2, 1, 4-5ab, 6-7, 8abcd
R/ Mon cœur exulte à cause du Seigneur : il donne le salut.
- Mon cœur exulte à cause du Seigneur ; mon front s’est relevé grâce à mon Dieu ! Face à mes ennemis, s’ouvre ma bouche : oui, je me réjouis de ta victoire !
- L’arc des forts sera brisé, mais le faible se revêt de vigueur. Les plus comblés s’embauchent pour du pain, et les affamés se reposent.
- Le Seigneur fait mourir et vivre ; il fait descendre à l’abîme et en ramène. Le Seigneur rend pauvre et riche ; il abaisse et il élève.
- De la poussière il relève le faible, il retire le pauvre de la cendre pour qu’il siège parmi les princes et reçoive un trône de gloire.
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia. Accueillez la parole de Dieu : pour ce qu’elle est réellement : non pas une parole d’hommes, mais la parole de Dieu. Alléluia. (cf. 1 Th 2, 13)
Evangile : Mc 1, 21-28
Jésus et ses disciples entrèrent à Capharnaüm. Aussitôt, le jour du sabbat, il se rendit à la synagogue, et là, il enseignait. On était frappé par son enseignement, car il enseignait en homme qui a autorité, et non pas comme les scribes. Or, il y avait dans leur synagogue un homme tourmenté par un esprit impur, qui se mit à crier : « Que nous veux-tu, Jésus de Nazareth ? Es-tu venu pour nous perdre ? Je sais qui tu es : tu es le Saint de Dieu. » Jésus l’interpella vivement : « Tais-toi ! Sors de cet homme. » L’esprit impur le fit entrer en convulsions, puis, poussant un grand cri, sortit de lui. Ils furent tous frappés de stupeur et se demandaient entre eux : « Qu’est-ce que cela veut dire ? Voilà un enseignement nouveau, donné avec autorité ! Il commande même aux esprits impurs, et ils lui obéissent. » Sa renommée se répandit aussitôt partout, dans toute la région de la Galilée.
Prière sur les offrandes
Daigne accepter, Seigneur, l’offrande de ton peuple : Qu’elle contribue à le sanctifier et lui obtienne ce qu’il demande avec confiance. Par Jésus.
Antienne de la communion
De toi, Seigneur, jaillit la vie, dans ta lumière, nous voyons la lumière.
Prière après la communion
Nous t’en supplions, Dieu tout-puissant : Toi qui refais nos forces par tes sacrements, donne-nous aussi de pouvoir te servir par une vie qui te plaise. Par Jésus.
Méditation
Jésus marche avec ses disciples. C’est en sa présence, à son contact, qu’ils vont apprendre le chemin du salut. Jésus entre dans la synagogue et enseigne. Survient un pauvre homme qui crie, tourmenté par un esprit mauvais. Jésus le délivre, rapidement, vivement, avec autorité. En ce premier miracle, Jésus guérit les profondeurs de l’homme, ce lieu obscur qui fait si mal, caché au fond des êtres. La vie commence toujours ainsi, à l’intérieur, dans le secret des cœurs. C’est le jour du sabbat, le jour de Dieu, le jour où il faut rendre à Dieu ce qui est Dieu : rendre grâce pour la création du monde et le salut de l’homme.
by Norbert Doulanni | Jan 11, 2026 | Agenda Biblique
SAINTE TATIANA DE ROME
(Psautier I –Vert)
Fille d’un consul romain et dénoncée comme chrétienne sous le règne de l’empereur Sévère Alexandre, elle fut condamnée à être suspendue à une potence, le corps labouré et mis à nu avec des peignes de fer. Les bourreaux l’outragèrent en lui tondant la chevelure et la décapitèrent finalement.
Antienne d’ouverture Mt 3, 16-17
Portons notre regard vers l’homme à qui le ciel est donné pour trône ; la foule des anges l’adore en chantant d’une seule voix : « Voici Celui dont le pouvoir subsiste pour les siècles ».
Prière d’ouverture
Aux appels de ton peuple en prière, réponds, Seigneur, en ta bonté : Donne à chacun la claire vision de ce qu’il doit faire et la force de l’accomplir. Par Jésus Christ.
1ère lecture : 1 S 1, 1-8
Il y avait un homme de la ville de Rama, dans la montagne d’Éphraïm ; il s’appelait Elcana, c’était un Éphratéen. Cet homme avait deux femmes. L’une s’appelait Anne, l’autre Peninna. Peninna avait des enfants, mais Anne n’en avait pas. Chaque année, Elcana montait de sa ville au sanctuaire de Silo pour se prosterner devant le Seigneur de l’univers et lui offrir un sacrifice. C’est à Silo que résidaient, comme prêtres du Seigneur, les deux fils d’Éli, Hofni et Pinhas. Un jour, Elcana offrait le sacrifice ; il distribua des parts de la victime à sa femme Peninna, à tous ses fils et à toutes ses filles. Mais à Anne, il donna une part de choix car il aimait Anne, que pourtant le Seigneur avait rendue stérile. Sa rivale cherchait, par des paroles blessantes, à la mettre en colère parce que le Seigneur l’avait rendue stérile. Cela recommençait tous les ans, quand Anne montait au sanctuaire du Seigneur : Peninna cherchait à la mettre en colère. Anne pleura et ne voulut rien manger. Son mari Elcana lui dit : « Anne, pourquoi pleures-tu ? Pourquoi ne manges-tu pas ? Pourquoi ton cœur est-il triste ? Et moi, est-ce que je ne compte pas à tes yeux plus que dix fils ? »
Psaume : 115 (116b), 12-13, 14.17, 18-19
R/ Seigneur, je t’offrirai le sacrifice d’action de grâce. ou : Alléluia !
- Comment rendrai-je au Seigneur tout le bien qu’il m’a fait ? J’élèverai la coupe du salut, j’invoquerai le nom du Seigneur.
- Je tiendrai mes promesses au Seigneur, oui, devant tout son peuple ! Je t’offrirai le sacrifice d’action de grâce, j’invoquerai le nom du Seigneur.
- Je tiendrai mes promesses au Seigneur, oui, devant tout son peuple, à l’entrée de la maison du Seigneur, au milieu de Jérusalem !
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia. Le règne de Dieu est tout proche. Convertissez-vous et croyez à l’Évangile. Alléluia. (Mc 1, 15)
Évangile : Mc 1, 14-20
Après l’arrestation de Jean, Jésus partit pour la Galilée proclamer l’Évangile de Dieu ; il disait : « Les temps sont accomplis : le règne de Dieu est tout proche. Convertissez-vous et croyez à l’Évangile. » Passant le long de la mer de Galilée, Jésus vit Simon et André, le frère de Simon, en train de jeter les filets dans la mer, car c’étaient des pêcheurs. Il leur dit : « Venez à ma suite. Je vous ferai devenir pêcheurs d’hommes. » Aussitôt, laissant leurs filets, ils le suivirent. Jésus avança un peu et il vit Jacques, fils de Zébédée, et son frère Jean, qui étaient dans la barque et réparaient les filets. Aussitôt, Jésus les appela. Alors, laissant dans la barque leur père Zébédée avec ses ouvriers, ils partirent à sa suite.
Prière sur les offrandes
Daigne accepter, Seigneur, l’offrande de ton peuple : Qu’elle contribue à le sanctifier et lui obtienne ce qu’il demande avec confiance. Par Jésus.
Antienne de la communion : Ps 35, 10
De toi, Seigneur, jaillit la vie, dans ta lumière, nous voyons la lumière.
Prière après la communion
Nous t’en supplions, Dieu tout-puissant : Toi qui refais nos forces par tes sacrements, donne-nous aussi de pouvoir te servir par une vie qui te plaise. Par Jésus.
Méditation
Jésus vient, et le royaume est là : il faut se convertir, il y a urgence. Aussitôt, Jésus appelle Simon et André, puis Jacques et Jean, son frère, occupé à leur barque de pêcheurs. Aussitôt, ils viennent à lui, tout entiers, tels qu’ils sont, dans une démarche simple et totale, une démarche de folle confiance. Il faut venir à Jésus de cette façon : lâcher ses filets, lâcher ses ficelles, tout ce qui nous tient et nous retient. Dans l’aventure humaine, il y a bien sûr des seuils décisifs et très visibles, mais il y a surtout des réponses au plus secret des cœurs, jour après jour, dans l’obéissance de la foi. On ne devient pas disciple de Jésus en un seul jour ; c’est le travail d’une vie entière qui porte du fruit en son temps. Aujourd’hui, commençons donc chacun et chacune ce travail.
by Norbert Doulanni | Jan 11, 2026 | Evangelium
SAINTE TATIANA OF ROME
MARTYR
Psalter I
GREEN
Known for her steadfast faith and devotion to Christ. Born into a Roman family where her father was a secret Christian, she chose a life of virginity and service to God as a deaconess. During the persecution of Christians under Emperor Severus Alexander, she was arrested and tortured for refusing to renounce her faith. Miraculously, her prayers are said to have caused an earthquake that destroyed an idol and part of a temple. She was eventually beheaded on January 12th, and is revered as a patron saint of students and victims of slander.
Entrance Antiphon
Upon a lofty throne, I saw a man seated, whom a host of angels adore, singing in unison: Behold him, the name of whose empire is eternal.
Collect
Attend to the pleas of your people with heavenly care, O Lord, we pray, that they may see what must be done and gain strength to do what they have seen. 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 Samuel 1:1-8
There was a certain man from Ramathaim, Elkanah by name, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim. He was the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. He had two wives, one named Hannah, the other Peninnah; Peninnah had children, but Hannah was childless. This man regularly went on pilgrimage from his city to worship the Lord of hosts and to sacrifice to him at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were ministering as priests of the Lord. When the day came for Elkanah to offer sacrifice, he used to give a portion each to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters, but a double portion to Hannah because he loved her, though the Lord had made her barren. Her rival, to upset her, turned it into a constant reproach to her that the Lord had left her barren. This went on year after year; each time they made their pilgrimage to the sanctuary of the Lord, Peninnah would approach her, and Hannah would weep and refuse to eat. Her husband Elkanah used to ask her: “Hannah, why do you weep, and why do you refuse to eat? Why do you grieve? Am I not more to you than ten sons?”
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 116:12-13, 14-17, 18-19
R/ To you, Lord, I will offer a sacrifice of praise.
- How shall I make a return to the Lord for all the good he has done for me? The cup of salvation I will take up, and I will call upon the name of the Lord.
- My vows to the Lord I will pay in the presence of all his people. Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones.
- O Lord, I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your handmaid; you have loosed my bonds.
- My vows to the Lord I will pay in the presence of all his people, In the courts of the house of the Lord, in your midst, O Jerusalem.
Gospel Acclamation: Mark 1:15
Alleluia, alleluia. The Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Mark 1:14-20
After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the Gospel of God: “This is the time of fulfillment. The Kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” As he passed by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting their nets into the sea; they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Then they left their nets and followed him. He walked along a little farther and saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They too were in a boat mending their nets. Then he called them. So they left their father Zebedee in the boat along with the hired men and followed him.
Prayer over the Offerings
May your people’s oblation, O Lord, find favour with you, we pray, that it may restore them to holiness and obtain what they devoutly entreat. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Ps 35: 10
With you, O Lord, is the fountain of life, and in your light we see light.
Prayer after Communion
Humbly we ask you, almighty God, be graciously pleased to grant that those you renew with your Sacraments may also serve with lives pleasing to you. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
“Repent and believe the Good News.” This phrase could be considered as a summary of the Christian message. It contains two key things Jesus requires us to do as Christians. First, we must repent; in other words, we must change our ways. We must abandon one way of life in favour of another. Just as Simon, Andrew, James and John left their families and boats to follow him, we have to leave behind every aspect of our lives that contradicts the Christian ideal. We have to abandon dishonesty, duplicity, injustice, laziness, sexual impurity, and every other character trait that goes against the message of Christ. Secondly, we have to believe. To believe the Good News is to accept the message of Christ as true and to live according to it. To believe is to accept Jesus as our Lord and our God and to allow him to reign in our lives. To believe is to have the conviction that whatever pain, difficulty or trial we may go through, we have a God who will never let us down. May these two words remain imprinted in our hearts: repent and believe.
by Norbert Doulanni | Jan 10, 2026 | Evangelium
THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD
SOLEMNITY
Psalter PROPER
WHITE
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Mt 3: 16-17
After the Lord was baptized, the heavens were opened, and the Spirit descended upon him like a dove, and the voice of the Father thundered: This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.
Collect
Almighty ever-living God, who, when Christ had been baptized in the River Jordan and as the Holy Spirit descended upon him, solemnly declared him your beloved Son, grant that your children by adoption, reborn of water and the Holy Spirit, may always be well pleasing to you. 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 42:1–4, 6–7
Thus says the Lord: Here is my servant whom I uphold, my chosen one with whom I am pleased, upon whom I have put my spirit; he shall bring forth justice to the nations, not crying out, not shouting, not making his voice heard in the street. A bruised reed he shall not break, and a smoldering wick he shall not quench, until he establishes justice on the earth; the coastlands will wait for his teaching. I, the Lord, have called you for the victory of justice, I have grasped you by the hand; I formed you, and set you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 29:1–2, 3–4, 3, 9–10
R/ The Lord will bless his people with peace.
- Give to the Lord, you sons of God, give to the Lord glory and praise, Give to the Lord the glory due his name; adore the Lord in holy attire.
- The voice of the Lord is over the waters, the Lord, over vast waters. The voice of the Lord is mighty; the voice of the Lord is majestic.
- The God of glory thunders, and in his temple all say, “Glory!” The Lord is enthroned above the flood; the Lord is enthroned as king forever.
Second Reading: Acts 10:34–38
Peter proceeded to speak to those gathered in the house of Cornelius, saying: “In truth, I see that God shows no partiality. Rather, in every nation whoever fears him and acts uprightly is acceptable to him. You know the word that he sent to the Israelites as he proclaimed peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all, what has happened all over Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached, how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power. He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.”
Gospel Acclamation: Mark 9:7
Alleluia, alleluia. The heavens were opened and the voice of the Father thundered: This is my beloved Son, listen to him. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Matthew 3:13–17
Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Prayer over the Offerings
Accept, O Lord, the offerings we have brought to honour the revealing of your beloved Son, so that the oblation of your faithful may be transformed into the sacrifice of him who willed in his compassion to wash away the sins of the world. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Communion Antiphon: Jn 1: 32, 34
Behold the One of whom John said: I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.
Prayer after Communion
Nourished with these sacred gifts, we humbly entreat your mercy, O Lord, that, faithfully listening to your Only Begotten Son, we may be your children in name and in truth. Through Christ our Lord.Meditation
“This is my Son, the Beloved.” When Jesus was baptised, the Holy Spirit descended on him and the Father acknowledged him as his beloved Son. When we are baptised, we too receive the Holy Spirit and we become children of God. Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, went about doing good and curing those who had fallen into the power of the devil. We too are filled with the Holy Spirit, and we should be agents of righteousness in this world. Our baptism has made us priests, prophets and kings: as priests, we should sanctify the world by our prayers and works of mercy; as prophets, we should stand for the truth and denounce the ills of society; as kings, we should ensure that wherever we have authority and influence (in our homes, our workplaces and our social or religious gatherings), we contribute to positive change by promoting justice and fairness. In these ways, we shall truly be the servants of God, his chosen ones in whom his soul delights. Let us renew our baptismal vows today and ask Jesus for the grace to be faithful to
by Norbert Doulanni | Jan 10, 2026 | Agenda Biblique
BAPTÊME DU SEIGNEUR – SOLENNITÉ
SAINT PAULIN D’AQUILÉE
(Psautier Propre –Blanc)
Antienne d’ouverture : Mt 3, 16-17
Au baptême de Jésus, les cieux s’ouvrirent ; l’Esprit, comme une colombe, reposa sur lui, la voix du Père se fit entendre : « Celui-ci est mon Fils bien-aimé ; en lui j’ai mis tout mon amour ».
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu éternel et tout-puissant, quand le Christ fut baptisé dans le Jourdain, et que l’Esprit Saint reposa sur lui, tu l’as désigné comme ton Fils bien-aimé ; Accorde à tes fils adoptifs, nés de l’eau et de l’Esprit, de se garder toujours dans ta sainte volonté. Par Jésus.
1ère lecture : Is 42, 1-4.6-7
Ainsi parle le Seigneur : Voici mon serviteur que je soutiens, mon élu en qui j’ai mis toute ma joie. J’ai fait reposer sur lui mon esprit ; devant les nations, il fera paraître le jugement que j’ai prononcé. Il ne criera pas, il ne haussera pas le ton, on n’entendra pas sa voix sur la place publique. Il n’écrasera pas le roseau froissé, il n’éteindra pas la mèche qui faiblit, il fera paraître le jugement en toute fidélité. Lui ne faiblira pas, lui ne sera pas écrasé, jusqu’à ce qu’il impose mon jugement dans le pays, et que les îles lointaines aspirent à recevoir ses instructions. Moi, le Seigneur, je t’ai appelé selon la justice, je t’ai pris par la main, je t’ai mis à part, j’ai fait de toi mon Alliance avec le peuple et la lumière des nations ; tu ouvriras les yeux des aveugles, tu feras sortir les captifs de leur prison, et de leur cachot ceux qui habitent les ténèbres.
Psaume : 28(29), 1-2, 3ac-4, 3b.9c-10
R/ Dieu, bénis ton peuple, donne-lui la paix.
- Rendez au Seigneur, vous, les dieux, Rendez au Seigneur gloire et puissance. Rendez au Seigneur la gloire de son nom, adorez le Seigneur, éblouissant de sainteté.
- La voix du Seigneur domine les eaux, le Dieu de la gloire déchaîne le tonnerre, le Seigneur domine la masse des eaux. Voix du Seigneur dans sa force, voix du Seigneur qui éblouit,
- Le Dieu de la gloire déchaîne le tonnerre. Et tous dans son temple s’écrient : « Gloire ! » Au déluge le Seigneur a siégé ; il siège, le Seigneur, il est roi pour toujours !
2ème lecture : Ac 10, 34-38
Quand Pierre arriva à Césarée, chez un centurion de l’armée romaine, il s’adressa à ceux qui étaient là : « en vérité, je le comprends : Dieu ne fait pas de différence entre les hommes ; mais, quelle que soit leur race, il accueille les hommes qui l’adorent et font ce qui est juste. Il a envoyé la Parole aux fils d’Israël, pour leur annoncer la paix par Jésus Christ : c’est lui, Jésus, qui est le Seigneur de tous. Vous savez ce qui s’est passé à travers tout le pays des Juifs, depuis les débuts en Galilée, après le baptême proclamé par Jean : Jésus de Nazareth, Dieu l’a consacré par l’Esprit Saint et rempli de sa force. Là où il passait, il faisait le bien, et il guérissait tous ceux qui étaient sous le pouvoir du démon. Car Dieu était avec lui. »
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia. « Aujourd’hui le ciel s’est ouvert, l’Esprit descend sur Jésus et la voix du Père domine les eaux : ‘Voici, mon Fils, mon bien-aimé’ »
Évangile : Mt 3, 13-17
Jésus, arrivant de Galilée, paraît sur les bords du Jourdain, et il vient à Jean pour se faire baptiser par lui. Jean voulait l’en empêcher et disait : « C’est moi qui ai besoin de me faire baptiser par toi, et c’est toi qui viens à moi ! » Mais Jésus lui répondit : « Pour le moment, laisse-moi faire ; c’est de cette façon que nous devons accomplir parfaitement ce qui est juste. » Alors Jean le laisse faire. Dès que Jésus fut baptisé, il sortit de l’eau ; voici que les cieux s’ouvrirent, et il vit l’Esprit de Dieu descendre comme une colombe et venir sur lui. Et des cieux, une voix disait : « Celui-ci est mon Fils bien-aimé ; en lui j’ai mis tout mon amour. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Seigneur, accepte les offrandes que nous te présentons en ce jour où ton Fils nous est révélé : Qu’elles deviennent ainsi le sacrifice de celui qui a enlevé le péché du monde. Lui qui.
Antienne de communion : Jn 1, 32, 34
Voici celui dont Jean Baptiste disait : « Oui, j’ai vu et je rends témoignage : c’est lui le Fils de Dieu ».
Prière après la communion
Nourris de ton eucharistie et sûrs de ta bonté, nous te prions, Seigneur : Accorde à ceux qui sauront écouter ton Fils unique de mériter le nom de fils de Dieu, et de l’être vraiment. Par Jésus.
Méditation
La fête du Baptême du Christ est l’achèvement du temps de l’Epiphanie. Elle est le sommet de la manifestation de la venue du Fils de Dieu parmi les hommes. Pourquoi Jésus, le Verbe fait chair, se fait-il baptiser ? Au bord du Jourdain, telle était déjà la question de Jean Baptiste, et c’est encore la nôtre. Loin d’avoir besoin d’un baptême, Jésus vient « accomplir ce qui est juste. » Pour lui, la plongée dans l’eau n’est pas une nécessité, car en lui tout est à l’unisson de l’amour de son Père. C’est exactement ce que confirme la voix venue du ciel : « Celui-ci est mon Fils bien-aimé ; en lui, j’ai mis tout mon amour ». Le baptême de Jésus est avant tout un don pour nous. Baptisés dans le Christ Jésus, nous sommes immergés dans sa mort pour renaître à sa vie, une vie pleine et heureuse. Merveille de l’amour du Père !
by Norbert Doulanni | Jan 10, 2026 | Evangelium
SAINT PETER ORSEOLO
MONK
Psalter II
WHITE
A Venetian ruler who later became a Benedictine monk. Born into a powerful family, he rose through the ranks, serving as commander of the Venetian fleet and eventually becoming Doge (duke) of Venice. He later renounced worldly power to live a life of solitude and prayer, eventually becoming a saint.
Entrance Antiphon: Gal 4: 4-5
God sent his Son, born of a woman, so that we might receive adoption as children.
Collect
Almighty ever-living God, who through your Only Begotten Son have made us a new creation for yourself, grant, we pray, that by your grace we may be found in the likeness of him, in whom our nature is united to you. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
First Reading: First John 5: 14-21
And this is the confidence which we have towards him: That, whatsoever we shall ask according to his will, he heareth us. And we know that he heareth us whatsoever we ask: we know that we have the petitions which we request of him. He that knoweth his brother to sin a sin which is not to death, let him ask, and life shall be given to him, who sinneth not to death. There is a sin unto death: for that I say not that any man ask. All iniquity is sin. And there is a sin unto death. We know that whosoever is born of God, sinneth not: but the generation of God preserveth him, and the wicked one toucheth him not. We know that we are of God, and the whole world is seated in wickedness. And we know that the Son of God is come: and he hath given us understanding that we may know the true God, and may be in his true Son. This is the true God and life eternal. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 149: 1-2, 3-4, 5 and 6a and 9b
R. (4a) The Lord takes delight in his people.
- Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: let his praise be in the church of the saints.
- Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: and let the children of Sion be joyful in their king.
- Let them praise his name in choir: let them sing to him with the timbrel and the psaltery.
- For the Lord is well pleased with his people: and he will exalt the meek unto salvation.
- The saints shall rejoice in glory: they shall be joyful in their beds.
- The high praise of God shall be in their mouth. This glory is to all his saints. Alleluia.
Gospel Acclamation: Matthew 4: 16
Alleluia, alleluia. The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: John 3: 22-30
After these things Jesus and his disciples came into the land of Judea: and there he abode with them, and baptized. And John also was baptizing in Ennon near Salim; because there was much water there; and they came and were baptized. For John was not yet cast into prison. And there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews concerning purification: And they came to John, and said to him: Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond the Jordan, to whom thou gavest testimony, behold he baptizeth, and all men come to him. John answered, and said: A man cannot receive any thing, unless it be given him from heaven. You yourselves do bear me witness, that I said, I am not Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride, is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, who standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth with joy because of the bridegroom’s voice. This my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.
Prayer over the Offerings
O God, who give us the gift of true prayer and of peace, graciously grant that, through this offering, we may do fitting homage to your divine majesty and, by partaking of the sacred mystery, we may be faithfully united in mind and heart. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Jn 1: 16
From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
Prayer after Communion
May your people, O Lord, whom you guide and sustain in many ways, experience, both now and in the future, the remedies which you bestow, that, with the needed solace of things that pass away, they may strive with ever deepened trust for things eternal. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
“He must grow greater, I must grow smaller.” St. John teaches us in the First Reading that we will receive from God whatever we ask him if it is in accordance with his will. Armed with this assurance, let us pray today for the humility to avoid drawing attention to ourselves and to rather lead people to God. John the Baptist is a model of the true prophet; he points people to Jesus, and once people have encountered Jesus, he disappears from the scene. We are prophets by virtue of our baptism, and we too should lead people to God. But sometimes we get carried away by the admiration people have for us and our efforts to do what is right. We are tempted to think that the good things we accomplish are the work of our hands. These feelings stem from the root of pride, and we must uproot it from our hearts. We should teach people to turn to Christ and not try to make them depend on us. We should accept the fact that people can be better than us in one thing or the other. Finally, we should always remind ourselves that it is by God’s grace, and not by our power, that we do the things we do.
by Norbert Doulanni | Jan 10, 2026 | Agenda Biblique
SAINT GUILLAUME DE BOURGES
(Psautier II –Blanc)
Il était entré dans la vie religieuse pour y faire une riche et tranquille carrière. Et puis, un jour, marqué par la grâce de Dieu, il se convertit, se fit moine à Grandmont dans la Haute-Vienne. Il fut l’évêque des pauvres, ce qui lui valut l’opposition des chanoines de Bourges qui se sentaient délaissées, et du roi Philippe-Auguste à qui il reprochait son divorce et son remariage.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ga 4, 4-5
Dieu a envoyé son Fils, né d’une femme, pour faire de nous ses fils.
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu éternel et tout-puissant, tu as voulu que, dans ton Fils unique, nous devenions pour toi de nouvelles créatures ; que ta grâce nous modèle à l’image du Christ en qui notre nature est unie à la tienne. Lui qui…
1ère lecture : 1 Jn 5, 14-21
Bien-aimés, voici l’assurance que nous avons auprès de Dieu : si nous faisons une demande selon sa volonté, il nous écoute. Et, puisque nous savons qu’il nous écoute en toutes nos demandes, nous savons aussi que nous obtenons ce que nous lui avons demandé. Si quelqu’un voit son frère commettre un péché qui n’entraîne pas la mort, il demandera, et Dieu lui donnera la vie, – cela vaut pour ceux dont le péché n’entraîne pas la mort. Il y a un péché qui entraîne la mort, ce n’est pas pour celui-là que je dis de prier. Toute conduite injuste est péché, mais tout péché n’entraîne pas la mort. Nous le savons : ceux qui sont nés de Dieu ne commettent pas de péché ; le Fils engendré par Dieu les protège et le Mauvais ne peut pas les atteindre. Nous savons que nous sommes de Dieu, alors que le monde entier est au pouvoir du Mauvais. Nous savons aussi que le Fils de Dieu est venu nous donner l’intelligence pour que nous connaissions Celui qui est vrai ; et nous sommes en Celui qui est vrai, en son Fils Jésus Christ. C’est lui qui est le Dieu vrai, et la vie éternelle. Petits enfants, gardez-vous des idoles.
Psaume : 149, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6a.9b
R/ Le Seigneur aime son peuple. ou : Alléluia. (149, 4a)
- Chantez au Seigneur un chant nouveau, louez-le dans l’assemblée de ses fidèles ! En Israël, joie pour son créateur ; dans Sion, allégresse pour son Roi !
- Dansez à la louange de son nom, jouez pour lui, tambourins et cithares ! Car le Seigneur aime son peuple, il donne aux humbles l’éclat de la victoire.
- Que les fidèles exultent, glorieux, criant leur joie à l’heure du triomphe. Qu’ils proclament les éloges de Dieu, c’est la fierté de ses fidèles.
Acclamation
Alléluia, alléluia ! Le peuple qui habitait dans les ténèbres a vu une grande lumière. Sur ceux qui habitaient le pays et l’ombre de la mort, une lumière s’est levée. Alléluia. (Mt 4, 16)
Évangile : Jn 3, 22-30
En ce temps-là, Jésus se rendit en Judée, ainsi que ses disciples ; il y séjourna avec eux, et il baptisait. Jean, quant à lui, baptisait à Aïnone, près de Salim, où l’eau était abondante. On venait là pour se faire baptiser. En effet, Jean n’avait pas encore été mis en prison. Or, il y eut une discussion entre les disciples de Jean et un Juif au sujet des bains de purification. Ils allèrent trouver Jean et lui dirent : « Rabbi, celui qui était avec toi de l’autre côté du Jourdain, celui à qui tu as rendu témoignage, le voilà qui baptise, et tous vont à lui ! » Jean répondit : « Un homme ne peut rien s’attribuer, sinon ce qui lui est donné du Ciel. Vous-mêmes pouvez témoigner que j’ai dit : Moi, je ne suis pas le Christ, mais j’ai été envoyé devant lui. Celui à qui l’épouse appartient, c’est l’époux ; quant à l’ami de l’époux, il se tient là, il entend la voix de l’époux, et il en est tout joyeux. Telle est ma joie : elle est parfaite. Lui, il faut qu’il grandisse ; et moi, que je diminue. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Dieu qui donnes la grâce de te servir avec droiture et de chercher la paix, fais que cette offrande puisse te glorifier, et que notre participation à l’Eucharistie renforce les liens de notre unité. Par Jésus…
Antienne de la communion : Jn 1, 16
Tous nous avons eu part à la plénitude du Christ : nous avons reçu grâce après grâce.
Prière après la communion
Ton peuple, Seigneur, a besoin de multiples secours pour sa traversée d’ici-bas, que ta bonté les lui donne aujourd’hui et demain : trouvant alors la force nécessaire dans les biens qui passent, il recherchera les biens éternels avec plus de confiance. Par Jésus…Méditation
De l’autre côté du Jourdain, un nouveau maître de vie apparaît : il baptise. Son nom est « Jésus », ce qui signifie « Dieu sauve ». De ce fait, Jean Baptiste n’a plus le monopole du baptême, et ses disciples en sont déstabilisés. Ils sont irrités, jaloux du succès de Jésus. Se seraient-ils trompés de guide ? Jean-Baptiste les remet vite sur les rails : « c’est ma joie (…) Lui, il faut qu’il grandisse ; et moi, que je diminue. » Véritable expérience de détachement pour les disciples du Baptiste. Celui-ci les conduit vers un autre, le Messie, son ami, sa source de joie. Comme eux un jour – et cela se passe plusieurs fois dans une vie -, nous avons été conduits vers le Christ par des témoins privilégiés de Dieu. Ils nous ont fait entrer dans l’amitié avec le Seigneur, notre joie. Et ils s’effacent devant lui.
by Norbert Doulanni | Dec 30, 2025 | Evangelium
Pope Saint Silvester I (335)
Psalter: Proper
White
He was made Pope in 314 and ruled the Church during the reign of the newly-converted Emperor Constantine. His life has been so accredited with pious legends that very little else is known about him for certain, but his reign as Pope is the eighth longest on record.
Entrance Antiphon : Is 9: 5
A child is born for us, and a son is given to us; his sceptre of power rests upon his shoulder, and his name will be called Messenger of great counsel.
Collect
Almighty ever-living God, who in the Nativity of your Son established the beginning and fulfilment of all religion, grant, we pray, that we may be numbered among those who belong to him, in whom is the fullness of human salvation. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading : 1 John 2:18-21
Children, these are the last days; you were told that an Antichrist must come, and now several antichrists have already appeared; we know from this that these are the last days. Those rivals of Christ came out of our own number, but they had never really belonged; if they had belonged, they would have stayed with us; but they left us, to prove that not one of them ever belonged to us. But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and have all received the knowledge. It is not because you do not know the truth that I am writing to you but rather because you know it already and know that no lie can come from the truth.
Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 95(96):1-2,11-13
R/ Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad.
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,
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! A hallowed day has dawned upon us. Come, you nations, worship the Lord, for today a great light has shone down upon the earth. Alleluia!
Gospel : John 1:1-18
In the beginning was the Word: and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things came to be, not one thing had its being but through him. All that came to be had life in him and that life was the light of men, a light that shines in the dark, a light that darkness could not overpower. A man came, sent by God. His name was John. He came as a witness, as a witness to speak for the light, so that everyone might believe through him. He was not the light, only a witness to speak for the light. The Word was the true light that enlightens all men; and he was coming into the world. He was in the world that had its being through him, and the world did not know him. He came to his own domain and his own people did not accept him. But to all who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to all who believe in the name of him who was born not out of human stock or urge of the flesh or will of man but of God himself. The Word was made flesh, he lived among us, and we saw his glory, the glory that is his as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. John appears as his witness. He proclaims: ‘This is the one of whom I said: He who comes after me ranks before me because he existed before me.’ Indeed, from his fullness we have, all of us, received – yes, grace in return for grace, since, though the Law was given through Moses, grace and truth have come through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; it is the only Son, who is nearest to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.
Prayer over the Offerings
O God, who give us the gift of true prayer and of peace, graciously grant that, through this offering, we may do fitting homage to your divine majesty and, by partaking of the sacred mystery, we may be faithfully united in mind and heart. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : 1 Jn 4: 9
God sent his Only Begotten Son into the world, so that we might have life through him.
Prayer after Communion
May your people, O Lord, whom you guide and sustain in many ways, experience, both now and in the future, the remedies which you bestow, that, with the needed solace of things that pass away, they may strive with ever deepened trust for things eternal. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Today is the last day of the year and, as it unfolds, many individuals have likely crafted their new year resolutions, prepared midnight prayers, and readied delicious dishes for celebration. However, today’s gospel brings forth the profound message of Jesus Christ, the eternal God, who is the source of life itself. Jesus, in his humility, provides us with a model to emulate, urging us to embody that same humility in our lives. Moreover, Jesus is described as the light, who has come to illumine the darkness within our lives, and the darkness of sin, which encompasses traits such as pride, lies, and immorality. As Christians, our guiding principle to pleasing Christ lies in our attachment to Him as the “Word” of “Life” and our “Light”. Amidst the festivities and resolutions, the gospel encourages us to reflect on the eternal nature of Jesus, the embodiment of life and light. By imitating His humility and embracing His teachings, we can move into the new year with a deeper connection to the source of life and light, fostering spiritual growth and illumination in our lives.
by Norbert Doulanni | Dec 29, 2025 | Evangelium
Saint Anysia
Psalter: Proper
White
Martyr of Greece. She was a wealthy woman of Salonika, in Thessaly, who used her personal funds to aid the poor. A soldier accosted her in the street and tried to drag her to a pagan sacrifice. Anysia resisted and was killed when the soldier attacked her with his sword.
Entrance Antiphon : Wis 18: 14-15
When a profound silence covered all things and night was in the middle of its course, your all-powerful Word, O Lord, bounded from heaven’s royal throne.
Collect
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that the newness of the Nativity in the flesh of your Only Begotten Son may set us free, for ancient servitude holds us bound beneath the yoke of sin. 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 John 2:12-17
I am writing to you, my own children, whose sins have already been forgiven through his name; I am writing to you, fathers, who have come to know the one who has existed since the beginning; I am writing to you, young men, who have already overcome the Evil One; I have written to you, children, because you already know the Father; I have written to you, fathers, because you have come to know the one who has existed since the beginning; I have written to you, young men, because you are strong and God’s word has made its home in you, and you have overcome the Evil One. You must not love this passing world or anything that is in the world. The love of the Father cannot be in any man who loves the world, because nothing the world has to offer – the sensual body, the lustful eye, pride in possessions – could ever come from the Father but only from the world; and the world, with all it craves for, is coming to an end; but anyone who does the will of God remains for ever.
Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 95(96):7-10
R/ Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad.
Give the Lord, you families of peoples, give the Lord glory and power; give the Lord the glory of his name.
Bring an offering and enter his courts, worship the Lord in his temple. O earth, tremble before him.
Proclaim to the nations: ‘God is king.’ The world he made firm in its place; he will judge the peoples in fairness.
Gospel Acclamation : Heb1:1-2
Alleluia, alleluia! At various times in the past and in various different ways, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; but in our own time, the last days, he has spoken to us through his Son. Alleluia!
Gospel : Luke 2:36-40
There was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well on in years. Her days of girlhood over, she had been married for seven years before becoming a widow. She was now eighty-four years old and never left the Temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayer. She came by just at that moment and began to praise God; and she spoke of the child to all who looked forward to the deliverance of Jerusalem. When they had done everything the Law of the Lord required, they went back to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. Meanwhile the child grew to maturity, and he was filled with wisdom; and God’s favour was with him.
Prayer over the Offerings
Receive with favour, O Lord, we pray, the offerings of your people, that what they profess with devotion and faith may be theirs through these heavenly mysteries. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Jn 1: 16
From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
Prayer after Communion
O God, who touch us through our partaking of your Sacrament, work, we pray, the effects of its power in our hearts, that we may be made fit to receive your gift through this very gift itself. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
The gospel passage introduces Anna, an elderly and active prophetess in the temple. Despite her advanced age, she remains dedicated to her religious duties, undeterred by the challenges of widowhood. Her spirit is not embittered or depressed, and she never loses hope in God. This stands in sharp contrast to the common experience where old age is often accompanied by bitterness, apprehension, and regrets over perceived unfulfilled lives. Anna’s example challenges us to shift our perspective. Instead of dwelling on complaints and excuses, we are urged to follow her lead by maintaining an attitude of worship and prayer, acknowledging the numerous blessings received from God. Anna’s unwavering commitment results in the reward of witnessing the long-awaited Messiah. In essence, the lesson from Anna’s life encourages us to be productive and faithful in our devotion to God, regardless of age or circumstances. Rather than allowing negativity to dominate us, we are inspired to approach life with gratitude and hope, recognising the potential for divine rewards even in our later years.
by Norbert Doulanni | Dec 28, 2025 | Evangelium
Saint Thomas Becket (1118 – 1170)
Psalter: Proper
White
He was born in London and became a close friend of King Henry II. When he was ordained as archbishop of Canterbury, he underwent an abrupt conversion of life and began to defend the Church’s rights against the king. This led to his assassination in his cathedral on 29 December 1170.
Entrance Antiphon : Jn 3: 16
God so loved the world that he gave his Only Begotten Son, so that all who believe in him may not perish, but may have eternal life.
Collect
Almighty and invisible God, who dispersed the darkness of this world by the coming of your light, look, we pray, with serene countenance upon us, that we may acclaim with fitting praise, the greatness of the Nativity of your Only Begotten Son. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading : 1John 2:3-11
We can be sure that we know Jesus only by keeping his commandments. Anyone who says, ‘I know him’, and does not keep his commandments, is a liar, refusing to admit the truth. But when anyone does obey what he has said, God’s love comes to perfection in him. We can be sure that we are in God only when the one who claims to be living in him is living the same kind of life as Christ lived. My dear people, this is not a new commandment that I am writing to tell you, but an old commandment that you were given from the beginning, the original commandment which was the message brought to you. Yet in another way, what I am writing to you, and what is being carried out in your lives as it was in his, is a new commandment; because the night is over and the real light is already shining. Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the dark. But anyone who loves his brother is living in the light and need not be afraid of stumbling; unlike the man who hates his brother and is in the darkness, not knowing where he is going, because it is too dark to see.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96
R/ Let the heavens rejoice and earth be glad.
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.
It was the Lord who made the heavens, his are majesty and state and power and splendour in his holy place.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! A light to enlighten the pagans and the glory of your people Israel. Alleluia!
Gospel : Luke 2:22-35
When the day came for them to be purified as laid down by the Law of Moses, the parents of Jesus took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord – observing what stands written in the Law of the Lord: Every first-born male must be consecrated to the Lord – and also to offer in sacrifice, in accordance with what is said in the Law of the Lord, a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons. Now in Jerusalem there was a man called Simeon. He was an upright and devout man; he looked forward to Israel’s comforting and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death until he had set eyes on the Christ of the Lord. Prompted by the Spirit he came to the Temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the Law required, he took him into his arms and blessed God; and he said: ‘Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace, just as you promised; because my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all the nations to see, a light to enlighten the pagans and the glory of your people Israel.’ As the child’s father and mother stood there wondering at the things that were being said about him, Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘You see this child: he is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected – and a sword will pierce your own soul too – so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Receive our oblation, O Lord, by which is brought about a glorious exchange, that, by offering what you have given, we may merit to receive your very self. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Lk 1: 78
Through the tender mercy of our God, the Dawn from on high will visit us.
Prayer after Communion
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that by the power of these holy mysteries, our life may be constantly sustained. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Today’s gospel recounts the presentation of the Lord in the temple, where Joseph and Mary faithfully adhere to Jewish law through Mary’s purification and the presentation of Jesus in the temple. A notable lesson from this narrative is the Holy Family’s diligent obedience of the laws, despite Jesus’ unique status as the Son of God who does not need to be presented to His Father’s own house, the temple, through the offering of sacrifices. This prompts reflection on our own obedience of the laws of God, the Church, and civil society. The parallel reminder is that, like Jesus, we are called to be signs of contradiction, implying that our ways should not necessarily conform to the norms of the world we live in. The crucial question becomes: Are we aligned with Jesus, embracing His values, or are we in opposition to Him? This challenges us to evaluate our actions and attitudes to ensure they align with the teachings of Christ, even when they may seem contradictory to the prevailing norms of the world.
