by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 30, 2023 | Evangelium
WEDNESDAY 31 MAY
The Visitation of the Blessed
Virgin Mary
Feast
The more visible actors in the visitation drama (see Luke 1:39-45) are Mary and Elizabeth. However, Jesus and John the Baptist steal the scene in a hidden way. Jesus makes John leap with joy—the joy of messianic salvation. Elizabeth, in turn, is filled with the Holy Spirit and addresses words of praise to Mary—words that echo down through the ages.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 65: 16
Come and hear, all who fear God; I will tell what the Lord did for my soul.
Collect
Almighty ever-living God, who, while the Blessed Virgin Mary was carrying your Son in her womb, inspired her to visit Elizabeth, grant us, we pray, that, faithful to the promptings of the Spirit, we may magnify your greatness with the Virgin Mary at all times. 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 The Lord has repealed your sentence; he has driven your enemies away.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.
Canticle Isaiah 12
R/ 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. Great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.
Give thanks to the Lord, give praise to his name! Make his mighty deeds known to the peoples! Declare the greatness of his name. Great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.
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. Great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.
Gospel Acclamation: cf.Lk1:45
Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed is the Virgin Mary, who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled. Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 1:39-56
Mary set out and went as quickly as she could to a town in the hill country of Judah. She went into Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. Now as soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She gave a loud cry and said, “Of all women you are the most blessed, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why should I be honoured with a visit from the mother of my Lord? For the moment your greeting reached my ears, the child in my womb leapt for joy. Yes, blessed is she who believed that the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled.” And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit exults in God my saviour; because he has looked upon his lowly handmaid.Yes, from this day forward all generations will call me blessed, for the Almighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name, and his mercy reaches from age to age for those who fear him. He has shown the power of his arm, he has routed the proud of heart. He has pulled down princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things, the rich sent empty away. He has come to the help of Israel his servant, mindful of his mercy – according to the promise he made to our ancestors – of his mercy to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.” Mary stayed with Elizabeth about three months and then went back home.
Prayer over the Offerings
May our offering of this saving sacrifice be acceptable to your majesty, O Lord, as you were pleased to accept the charity of the most Blessed Mother of your Only Begotten Son. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Communion Antiphon: Lk 1: 48-49
All generations will call me blessed, for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.
Prayer after Communion
May your Church proclaim your greatness, O God, for you have done great things for your faithful, and, as Saint John the Baptist leapt with joy when he first sensed the hidden presence of Christ, so may your Church rejoice to receive in this Sacrament the same ever-living Lord. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Meditation
Mary was a woman of faith. Elizabeth praises her, not because she conceived Christ, but because she believed the angel’s words. Let us pray to her for the strong faith we need in these troubled times. God can do what we think is impossible. It is in this light that Mary even gives praise to God. No false humility here – just a recognition of the truth. God is the author of all good in my life. When two people meet who have said yes to God in their lives, like Mary and her cousin Elizabeth in today’s scripture; the new life of God growing in them jumps for joy as they acknowledge each other. It is God in one greeting God in the other. Do I bear God (or God’s message in me) to others in my daily life?vous commande : c’est de vous aimer les uns les autres. »
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 29, 2023 | Agenda Biblique
Mardi 30 Mai
Saint Bède le Vénérable, Prêtre et Docteur de l’Église
Le Vénérable, prêtre et docteur de l’Église qui passa toute sa vie au service du Christ. Orphelin à l’âge de sept ans, il fut confié, au monastère de Wearmouth, à saint Benoît Biscop, puis par celui-ci à saint Céolfrid, au monastère de Jarrow en Northumbrie où il vécut comme moine tout le reste de sa vie, tout occupé à méditer et à commenter les saintes Écritures, à pratiquer avec soin l’observance régulière, à chanter chaque jour les louanges divines, trouvant son plaisir à apprendre, à enseigner et à écrire, jusqu’à sa mort en 735.
VERT
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 17, 19-20
Le Seigneur est mon appui: il m’a dégagé, m’a donné du large, il m’a libéré, car il m’aime.
Prière d’ouverture
Fais que les événements du monde, Seigneur, se déroulent dans la paix, selon ton dessein, Et que ton peuple connaisse la joie de te servir sans inquiétude. Par Jésus Christ.
Première lecture : Si 35, 1-15
C’est présenter de multiples offrandes que d’observer la Loi ; c’est offrir un sacrifice de paix que s’attacher aux commandements. C’est apporter une offrande de fleur de farine que se montrer reconnaissant ; c’est présenter un sacrifice de louange que faire l’aumône. On obtient la bienveillance du Seigneur en se détournant du mal ; on offre un sacrifice d’expiation en se détournant de l’injustice. Ne te présente pas devant le Seigneur les mains vides. Accomplis tout cela car tel est son commandement. L’offrande de l’homme juste est comme la graisse des sacrifices sur l’autel, son agréable odeur s’élève devant le Très-Haut. Le sacrifice de l’homme juste est agréé par Dieu qui en gardera mémoire. Rends gloire au Seigneur sans être regardant : ne retranche rien des prémices de ta récolte. Chaque fois que tu fais un don, montre un visage joyeux ; consacre de bon cœur à Dieu le dixième de ce que tu gagnes. Donne au Très-Haut selon ce qu’il te donne, et, sans être regardant, selon tes ressources. Car le Seigneur est celui qui paye de retour ; il te rendra sept fois plus que tu n’as donné. N’essaye pas de l’influencer par des présents, il ne les acceptera pas ; ne mets pas ta confiance dans un sacrifice injuste. Car le Seigneur est un juge qui se montre impartial envers les personnes.
Psaume : 49 (50), 4-6, 7-8, 14.23
R/ À celui qui veille sur sa conduite, je ferai voir le salut de Dieu. (cf. Ps 49, 23cd)
1. Dieu convoque les hauteurs des cieux et la terre au jugement de son peuple : « Assemblez devant moi mes fidèles, eux qui scellent d’un sacrifice mon alliance. »
2. Et les cieux proclament sa justice : oui, le juge, c’est Dieu ! « Écoute, mon peuple, je parle ; Israël, je te prends à témoin. Moi, Dieu, je suis ton Dieu ! Je ne t’accuse pas pour tes sacrifices ; tes holocaustes sont toujours devant moi ».
3. « Offre à Dieu le sacrifice d’action de grâce, accomplis tes vœux envers le Très-Haut. Qui offre le sacrifice d’action de grâce, celui-là me rend gloire : sur le chemin qu’il aura pris, je lui ferai voir le salut de Dieu. »
Acclamation :
Alléluia. Alléluia. Tu es béni, Père, Seigneur du ciel et de la terre, tu as révélé aux tout-petits les mystères du Royaume ! Alléluia. (cf. Mt 11, 25)
Evangile : Mc 10, 28-31
En ce temps-là, Pierre se mit à dire à Jésus : « Voici que nous avons tout quitté pour te suivre. » Jésus déclara : « Amen, je vous le dis : nul n’aura quitté, à cause de moi et de l’Évangile, une maison, des frères, des sœurs, une mère, un père, des enfants ou une terre sans qu’il reçoive, en ce temps déjà, le centuple : maisons, frères, sœurs, mères, enfants et terres, avec des persécutions, et, dans le monde à venir, la vie éternelle. Beaucoup de premiers seront derniers, et les derniers seront les premiers. »
Prière sur les offrandes :
C’est toi qui nous donnes, Seigneur, ce que nous t’offrons, pourtant tu vois dans notre offrande un geste d’amour; aussi te prions-nous avec confiance: Puisque tes propres dons sont notre seule valeur, qu’ils fructifient pour nous en bonheur éternel. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Ps 12, 6
Je veux chanter au Seigneur tout le bien qu’il m’a fait; Je veux fêter ton nom, Dieu très-haut.
Prière après la communion :
Tu nous as nourris, Seigneur, dans cette communion au mystère du salut ; et nous t’adressons encore une prière: Par le sacrement qui est notre force aujourd’hui, fais-nous vivre avec toi pour l’éternité. Par Jésus.
MEDITATION
Les disciples sont encore sous le choc des dures paroles de Jésus, après qu’un homme riche eut refusé l’invitation à le suivre – « Un riche entrera difficilement dans le royaume des Cieux » (Mt 19,23) – Cependant, il assure Pierre d’une compensation dans ce monde et dans le suivant pour ceux qui se sont détachés de qui ou de quoi que ce soit pour le suivre. « Avec des persécutions » – ces mots reflètent la dure réalité chrétienne au temps de Marc – en notre temps également, cela va sans dire. Suis-je tenté d’accumuler sans cesse, au lieu de me satisfaire du nécessaire et de partager mes surplus avec les nécessiteux ?
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 29, 2023 | Evangelium
TUESDAY 30 MAY
SAINT Luke Kirby
He was born in England and was ordained priest at Cambrai. In June 1580, he came to England He was immediately arrested and committed to the Gatehouse, Westminster. He died on May 1582.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 17: 19-20
The Lord became my protector. He brought me out to a place of freedom; he saved me because he delighted in me.
Collect
Grant us, O Lord, we pray, that the course of our world may be directed by your peaceful rule and that your Church may rejoice, untroubled in her devotion. 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 35:2-15
A man multiplies offerings by keeping the Law; he offers communion sacrifices by following the commandments. By showing gratitude he makes an offering of fine flour, by giving alms he offers a sacrifice of praise. Withdraw from wickedness and the Lord will be pleased, withdraw from injustice and you make atonement. Do not appear empty-handed in the Lord’s presence; for all these things are due under the commandment. A virtuous man’s offering graces the altar, and its savour rises before the Most High. A virtuous man’s sacrifice is acceptable, its memorial will not be forgotten. Honour the Lord with generosity, do not stint the first-fruits you bring. Add a smiling face to all your gifts, and be cheerful as you dedicate your tithes. Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously as your means can afford; for the Lord is a good rewarder, he will reward you seven times over. Offer him no bribe, he will not accept it, do not put your faith in an unvirtuous sacrifice; since the Lord is a judge who is no respecter of personages.
Psalm 49(50):5-8,14,23
R/ I will show God’s salvation to the upright.
Summon before me my people who made covenant with me by sacrifice. The heavens proclaim his justice, for he, God, is the judge.
Listen, my people, I will speak; Israel, I will testify against you, for I am God, your God. I accuse you, lay the charge before you. I find no fault with your sacrifices, your offerings are always before me.
Pay your sacrifice of thanksgiving to God and render him your votive offerings. A sacrifice of thanksgiving honours me and I will show God’s salvation to the upright.
Gospel Acclamation: Ph2:15-16
Alleluia, alleluia! You will shine in the world like bright stars because you are offering it the word of life. Alleluia!
Gospel: Mark 10:28-31
At that time Peter began to tell Jesus, “What about us? We have left everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “I tell you solemnly, there is no one who has left house, brothers, sisters, father, children or land for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not be repaid a hundred times over, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and land – not without persecutions – now in this present time and, in the world to come, eternal life. Many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
Prayer over the Offerings
O God, who provide gifts to be offered to your name and count our oblations as signs of our desire to serve you with devotion, we ask of your mercy that what you grant as the source of merit may also help us to attain merit’s reward. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Ps 12
I will sing to the Lord who has been bountiful with me, sing psalms to the name of the Lord Most High.
Prayer after Communion
Nourished by your saving gifts, we beseech your mercy, Lord, that by this same Sacrament with which you feed us in the present age, you may make us partakers of life eternal. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
The disciples are still in shock at Jesus’ harsh words after a rich man refused the invitation to follow him; “A rich man will hardly enter the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 19:23). They are reeled, but he assures Peter of compensation in this world and the next for those who have broken away from anyone or anything to follow him. “Not without persecution” – these words reflect the harsh Christian reality in Mark’s time – and in our time too, of course. Am I tempted to accumulate profit upon profit, instead of being satisfied with what is necessary for my salvation and sharing what I have with the needy?
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 28, 2023 | Agenda Biblique
Lundi 29 Mai
8ème Semaine du Temps Ordinaire, Psautier IV
Saint Paul VI, Pape
Saint Maximin
BVM, mère de l’Eglise
Devenu évêque de Trèves en 325, il lutta contre l’hérésie arienne qui atteint une grande partie de l’Église. Il est salué par saint Jérôme comme « l’un des évêques les plus courageux de son temps ».
BLANC/VERT
Antienne d’ouverture
D’un seul cœur, les Apôtres participaient fidèlement à la prière Avec Marie, la mère de Jésus.
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu de miséricorde, notre Père, ton Fils unique, en mourant sur la Croix, a voulu que la Vierge Marie, sa mère, soit aussi notre mère. Accorde à ton Eglise, soutenue par son amour, la joie de donner naissance à des enfants toujours plus nombreux, de les voir grandir en sainteté et d’attirer à elle toutes les familles des peuples. Par Jésus Christ.
Première lecture : Si 17, 24-29
À ceux qui se repentent, Dieu ouvre le chemin du retour ; il réconforte ceux qui manquent de persévérance. Convertis-toi au Seigneur, et renonce à tes péchés ; mets-toi devant lui pour prier, et diminue tes occasions de chute. Reviens vers le Très-Haut et détourne-toi de l’injustice ; les actions abominables, déteste-les. Qui pourra célébrer le Très-Haut dans le séjour des morts, remplacer les vivants qui lui rendent gloire ? La louange est enlevée au mort puisqu’il n’est plus ; c’est le vivant, le bien-portant, qui célébrera le Seigneur. Qu’elle est grande, la miséricorde du Seigneur, qu’il est grand, son pardon pour ceux qui se convertissent à lui !
Psaume : 31 (32), 1-2, 5, 6, 7
R/ Que le Seigneur soit votre joie ! Exultez, hommes justes ! (Ps 31, 11ab)
1. Heureux l’homme dont la faute est enlevée, et le péché remis ! Heureux l’homme dont le Seigneur ne retient pas l’offense, dont l’esprit est sans fraude !
2. Je t’ai fait connaître ma faute, je n’ai pas caché mes torts. J’ai dit : « Je rendrai grâce au Seigneur en confessant mes péchés. »
3. Et toi, tu as enlevé l’offense de ma faute. Ainsi chacun des tiens te priera aux heures décisives ; même les eaux qui débordent ne peuvent l’atteindre.
4. Tu es un refuge pour moi, mon abri dans la détresse ; de chants de délivrance, tu m’as entouré.
Acclamation :
Alléluia. Alléluia. Jésus Christ s’est fait pauvre, lui qui était riche, pour que vous deveniez riches par sa pauvreté. Alléluia. (cf. 2 Co 8, 9)
Evangile : Mc 10, 17-27
En ce temps-là, Jésus se mettait en route quand un homme accourut et, tombant à ses genoux, lui demanda : « Bon Maître, que dois-je faire pour avoir la vie éternelle en héritage ? » Jésus lui dit : « Pourquoi dire que je suis bon ? Personne n’est bon, sinon Dieu seul. Tu connais les commandements : Ne commets pas de meurtre, ne commets pas d’adultère, ne commets pas de vol, ne porte pas de faux témoignage, ne fais de tort à personne, honore ton père et ta mère. » L’homme répondit : « Maître, tout cela, je l’ai observé depuis ma jeunesse. » Jésus posa son regard sur lui, et il l’aima. Il lui dit : « Une seule chose te manque : va, vends ce que tu as et donne-le aux pauvres ; alors tu auras un trésor au ciel. Puis viens, suis-moi. » Mais lui, à ces mots, devint sombre et s’en alla tout triste, car il avait de grands biens. Alors Jésus regarda autour de lui et dit à ses disciples : « Comme il sera difficile à ceux qui possèdent des richesses d’entrer dans le royaume de Dieu ! » Les disciples étaient stupéfaits de ces paroles. Jésus reprenant la parole leur dit: « Mes enfants, comme il est difficile d’entrer dans le royaume de Dieu ! Il est plus facile à un chameau de passer par le trou d’une aiguille qu’à un riche d’entrer dans le royaume de Dieu. » De plus en plus déconcertés, les disciples se demandaient entre eux : « Mais alors, qui peut être sauvé ? » Jésus les regarde et dit: « Pour les hommes, c’est impossible, mais pas pour Dieu ; car tout est possible à Dieu. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Accueille, Seigneur, nos offrandes pour en faire le mystère de notre salut : Que sa puissance brûle nos cœurs du même amour que la Vierge Marie, Mère de l’Église, afin que nous puissions plus intimement participer avec elle à l’œuvre de la rédemption. Par Jésus, le Christ, notre Seigneur.
Antienne de communion : cf. Jn 19, 26-27
Suspendu à la croix, Jésus dit au disciple qu’il aimait : « Voici ta mère».
Prière après la communion
Nous avons reçu le gage de la rédemption et de la vie, et nous te supplions encore, Seigneur : Qu’avec l’aide maternelle de la Vierge Marie, ton Église proclame à tous les peuples le message de l’Évangile et qu’elle remplisse le monde entier de l’effusion de ton Esprit. Par Jésus, le Christ, notre Seigneur.
MEDITATION
Jésus ne nous invite pas à la médiocrité. Il demande tout, mais il le demande avec beaucoup d’amour. Le jeune homme mène clairement une vie respectable, mais cela ne suffit pas. Si nous étions à la place de cet homme comment réagirions-nous à ce que Jésus demande ? Que nous dit sa réaction pour notre vie spirituelle ?
Vers la fin de l’évangile, Jésus précise que nos propres efforts ne peuvent jamais nous mettre en possession de la vie éternelle. Ce que nous ne pouvons pas faire, Christ l’a fait pour nous et le fait en nous. Prions pour la grâce de rejeter tout ce qui se dresse entre nous et Lui, de nous abandonner à lui, afin que nous puissions déjà jouir de la vie éternelle ici-bas.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 28, 2023 | Evangelium
MONDAY 29 MAY
Mary, Mother of the Church
Blessed Joseph Gerard
Mary had been present at the very beginnings of the Church. She was there at the Annunciation when her humble consent in purity of heart allowed the Son of God to take flesh in her virginal womb. The title, Mother of the Church (Mater Ecclesiae) was first used by Berengaud, bishop of Treves (d. 1125) in his writings.
Entrance Antiphon
The disciples devoted themselves with one accord to prayer with Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Collect
O God, Father of mercies, whose Only Begotten Son, as he hung upon the Cross, chose the Blessed Virgin Mary, his Mother, to be our Mother also; grant, we pray, that with her loving help, your Church may be more fruitful day by day, and exulting in the holiness of her children, may draw to her embrace all the families of the peoples. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading : Acts 1:12-14
After Jesus was taken up into heaven the apostles went back from the Mount of Olives, as it is called, to Jerusalem, a short distance away, no more than a Sabbath walk; and when they reached the city they went to the upper room where they were staying; there were Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Jude son of James. All these joined in continuous prayer, together with several women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
Psalm 86(87)
Of you are told glorious things, O city of God!
On the holy mountain is his city, cherished by the Lord. The Lord prefers the gates of Zion to all Jacob’s dwellings.
Of you are told glorious things, O city of God! “Zion shall be called ‘Mother’, for all shall be her children.”
It is he, the Lord Most High, who gives each his place. In his register of peoples he writes: “These are her children”, and while they dance they will sing: “In you all find their home.”
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! Happy are you, holy Virgin Mary, and most worthy of all praise, for from you arose the sun of justice, Christ our God. Alleluia!
Gospel: John 19: 25-34
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala. Seeing his mother and the disciple he loved standing near her, Jesus said to his mother, ‘Woman, this is your son.’ Then to the disciple he said, “This is your mother.” And from that moment the disciple made a place for her in his home. After this, Jesus knew that everything had now been completed, and to fulfil the scripture perfectly he said, “I am thirsty.” A jar full of vinegar stood there, so putting a sponge soaked in the vinegar on a hyssop stick they held it up to his mouth. After Jesus had taken the vinegar he said, “It is accomplished”; and bowing his head he gave up his spirit. It was Preparation Day, and to prevent the bodies remaining on the cross during the Sabbath – since that Sabbath was a day of special solemnity – the Jews asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken away. Consequently the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with him and then of the other. When they came to Jesus, they found he was already dead, and so instead of breaking his legs one of the soldiers pierced his side with a lance; and immediately there came out blood and water.
Prayer over the Offerings
Receive our offerings, O Lord, and transform them into the mystery of salvation, so that by its power we may be set aflame with the charity of the Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, and with her may be united more closely to the work of redemption. Through Christ our Lord
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Jn2:1, 11
A wedding was held in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; then Jesus performed the first of his signs and manifested his glory and his disciples believed in him.
Prayer after Communion
Having received the pledge of redemption and of life we humbly pray, O Lord, that with the Blessed Virgin’s motherly help your Church may teach all nations by proclaiming the Gospel and, thanks to the outpouring of the Spirit, may fill the whole earth. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
The figure of Mary, our Mother, is at the centre of our scriptural meditation today. In the first reading, she is present among the apostles gathered for prayer. In the Gospel, she is at the foot of the cross and as such, Saint John presents her as a very important disciple of Jesus Christ. Jesus offers Mary to John as the latter’s mother, and John to Mary as her son. This teaches us that Mary is the mother of the Church, founded by Jesus himself upon the twelve apostles. Mary is given to us as the mother of the Church and as our mother. We can entrust our cries and worries to her.
