by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Jun 2, 2022 | Evangelium
Friday 03 rd June 2022
Ss Charles Lwanga
and his companions
(1885/7)
Sts Charles Lwanga and his companions became the first martyrs of black Africa under Ugandan king Mwanga. They were executed for being Christians, for rebuking the king for his debauchery, for murdering an Anglican missionary and for “praying from a book,” . They died between 1885 and 1887.
Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Wis 3: 6-7, 9
As gold in the furnace, the Lord put his chosen to the test; as sacrificial offerings, he took them to himself; and in due time they will be honoured, and grace and peace will be with the elect of God, alleluia.
Collect
O God, who have made the blood of Martyrs the seed of Christians, mercifully grant that the field which is your Church, watered by the blood shed by Saints Charles Lwanga and his companions, may be fertile and always yield you an abundant harvest. 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 25:13-21
King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesarea and paid their respects to Festus. Their visit lasted several days, and Festus put Paul’s case before the king. ‘There is a man here’ he said ‘whom Felix left behind in custody, and while I was in Jerusalem the chief priests and elders of the Jews laid information against him, demanding his condemnation. But I told them that Romans are not in the habit of surrendering any man, until the accused confronts his accusers and is given an opportunity to defend himself against the charge. So they came here with me, and I wasted no time but took my seat on the tribunal the very next day and had the man brought in. When confronted with him, his accusers did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected; but they had some argument or other with him about their own religion and about a dead man called Jesus whom Paul alleged to be alive. Not feeling qualified to deal with questions of this sort, I asked him if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem to be tried there on this issue. But Paul put in an appeal for his case to be reserved for the judgement of the august emperor, so I ordered him to be remanded until I could send him to Caesar.’
Psalm 102:1-2,11-12,19-20
R/ The Lord has set his sway in heaven.
I 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.
- For as the heavens are high above the earth so strong is his love for those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west so far does he remove our sins.
- The Lord has set his sway in heaven and his kingdom is ruling over all. Give thanks to the Lord, all his angels, mighty in power, fulfilling his word.
Gospel Acclamation : Jn14:26
Alleluia, alleluia! The Holy Spirit will teach you everything and remind you of all I have said to you. Alleluia!
Gospel : John 21:15-19
After Jesus had shown himself to his disciples and eaten with them, he said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me more than these others do?’ He answered, ‘Yes Lord, you know I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my lambs.’ A second time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He replied, ‘Yes, Lord, you know I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Look after my sheep.’ Then he said to him a third time, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was upset that he asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ and said, ‘Lord, you know everything; you know I love you.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Feed my sheep. ‘I tell you most solemnly, when you were young you put on your own belt and walked where you liked; but when you grow old you will stretch out your hands, and somebody else will put a belt round you and take you where you would rather not go.’ In these words he indicated the kind of death by which Peter would give glory to God. After this he said, ‘Follow me.’
Prayer over the Offerings
We offer you sacrifice, O Lord, humbly praying that, as you granted the blessed Martyrs grace to die rather than sin, so you may bring us to minister at your altar in dedication to you alone. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Ps 115: 15I How precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his holy ones., alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
We have received this divine Sacrament, O Lord, as we celebrate the victory of your holy Martyrs; may what helped them to endure torment, we pray, make us, in the face of trials, steadfast in faith and in charity. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Love for Christ is the foundation for authentic discipleship and for the fulfilment of the mission of the Church. Three times Peter must pass the test of love in order to be called to feed the flock and to be invited to follow the Master. Wherever we are, – in the family, in the office, in the home, – what matters to God is the love we have and show for our neighbour, because in the twilight of our lives we will be judged by the love we have demonstrated.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Jun 1, 2022 | Agenda Biblique
Jjeudi 02 juin 2022
Ss. Marcellin et Pierre,
Martyrs
‘’Marcellin, Pierre, écoutez le rappel de votre triomphe. Quand j’étais enfant, le bourreau m’a raconté, à moi, Damase, que le persécuteur furieux avait ordonné de vous trancher la tête au milieu des broussailles, afin que personne ne pût retrouver votre sépulture’’.
Antienne d’ouverture : He 4, 16
Avançons-nous avec pleine assurance vers le Dieu tout puissant qui fait grâce pour obtenir miséricorde et recevoir, en ce temps voulu la grâce de son secours, alléluia.
Prière d’ouverture
Que ton Esprit Saint, Dieu créateur, nous transforme par ses dons : qu’il change notre cœur en un cœur que tu aimes, parfaitement accordé à ta volonté. Par Jésus Christ.
1ère lecture : Act: 22, 30; 23, 6-11
En ces jours-là, Paul avait été arrêté à Jérusalem. Le lendemain, le commandant voulut savoir avec certitude de quoi les Juifs l’accusaient. Il lui fit enlever ses liens; puis il convoqua les grands prêtres et tout le Conseil suprême, et il fit descendre Paul pour l’amener devant eux. Sachant que le Conseil suprêmes répartissait entre sadducéens et pharisiens, Paul s’écria devant eux: « Frères, moi, je suis pharisien, fils de pharisiens. C’est à cause de notre espérance, la résurrection des morts, que je passe en jugement. » À peine avait-il dit cela, qu’il y eut un affrontement entre pharisiens et sadducéens, et l’assemblée se divisa. En effet, les sadducéens disent qu’il n’y a pas de résurrection, pas plus que d’ange ni d’esprit, tandis que les pharisiens professent tout cela. Il se fit alors un grand vacarme. Quelques scribes du côté des pharisiens se levèrent et protestèrent vigoureusement: «Nous ne trouvons rien de mal chez cet homme. Et si c’était un esprit qui lui avait parlé, ou un ange?» L’affrontement devint très violent, et le commandant craignit que Paul ne se fasse écharper. Il ordonna à la troupe de descendre pour l’arracher à la mêlée et le ramener dans la forteresse. La nuit suivante, le Seigneur vint auprès de Paul et lui dit : « Courage! Le témoignage que tu m’as rendu à Jérusalem, il faut que tu le rendes aussi à Rome. ».
Psaume 15, 1-2a.5, 7-8, 9-10, 11
R/ Garde- moi, mon Dieu : j’ai fait de toi mon refuge.
Ou : Alléluia ! 15,1
- Garde-moi, mon Dieu : j’ai fait de toi mon refuge. J’ai dit au Seigneur: « Tu es mon Dieu ! Seigneur, mon partage et ma coupe : de toi dépend mon sort.»
- Je bénis le Seigneur qui me conseille: même la nuit mon cœur m’avertit. Je garde le Seigneur devant moi sans relâche ; il est à ma droite : je suis inébranlable.
- Mon cœur exulte, mon âme est en fête, ma chair elle-même repose en confiance : tu ne peux m’abandonner à la mort ni laisser ton ami voire la corruption.
- Tu m’apprends le chemin de la vie: devant ta face, débordement de joie ! À ta droite, éternité de délices!
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia. Que tous soient un, comme toi, Père, tu es en moi, et moi en toi, pour que le monde croie que tu m’as envoyé. Alléluia. (Jn 17, 21)
Évangile : Jean 17, 20-26
En ce temps-là, les yeux levés au ciel, Jésus priait ainsi : « Je ne prie pas seulement pour ceux qui sont là, mais encore pour ceux qui, grâce à leur parole, croiront en moi. Que tous soient un, comme toi, Père, tu es en moi, et moi en toi. Qu’ils soient un en nous, eux aussi, pour que le monde croie que tu m’as envoyé. Et moi, je leur ai donné la gloire que tu m’as donnée, pour qu’ils soient un comme nous sommes un : moi en eux, et toi en moi. Qu’ils deviennent ainsi parfaitement un, afin que le monde sache que tu m’as envoyé, et que tu les as aimés comme tu m’as aimé. Père, ceux que tu m’as donnés, je veux que là où je suis, ils soient eux aussi avec moi, et qu’ils contemplent ma gloire, celle que tu m’as donnée parce que tu m’as aimé avant la fondation du monde. Père juste, le monde ne t’a pas connu, mais moi je t’ai connu, et ceux-ci ont reconnu que tu m’as envoyé. Je leur ai fait connaître ton nom, et je le ferai connaître, pour que l’amour dont tu m’as aimé soit en eux, et que moi aussi, je sois en eux. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Dans ta bonté, Seigneur, sanctifie ces dons ; accepte le sacrifice spirituel de cette Eucharistie, et fais de nous-mêmes une éternelle offrande à ta gloire. Par Jésus.
Antienne de la communion
Jésus déclarait à ses disciples : «Je vous dis la vérité : c’est votre intérêt que je m’en aille ; car, si je ne m’en vais pas, l’Esprit Saint, le Défenseur ne viendra pas à vous», alléluia.
Prière après la communion
Aide-nous à trouver, Seigneur, dans l’eucharistie que nous venons de célébrer un enseignement qui nous éclaire et des vivres qui soient notre force, afin que nous puissions ouvrir nos cœurs à toutes les richesses de ton Esprit. Par Jésus.
Méditation
Jésus demande à son père de nous admettre dans leur communion, en d’autres termes, d’accorder la vie éternelle à ceux qui croient et qui croiront en lui de générations en générations. Le salut est ainsi donné à tous sans exclusion et sans condition. La vie de foi et la vie de communion avec les frères en sont la clé.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | Jun 1, 2022 | Evangelium
Thursday 02 nd June 2022
Sts. Marcellinus and Peter, Martyrs
(304)
The exorcist Peter succeeded in converting his jailer and his family. All were baptized by St. Marcellinus. Peter and Marcellinus were beheaded in 304.
Entrance Antiphon : Heb 4: 16
With boldness let us approach the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace as a timely help, alleluia.
Collect
May your Spirit, O Lord, we pray, imbue us powerfully with spiritual gifts, that he may give us a mind pleasing to you and graciously conform us to your will. 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 22:30,23:6-11
Since the tribune wanted to know what precise charge the Jews were bringing, he freed Paul and gave orders for a meeting of the chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin; then he brought Paul down and stood him in front of them. Now Paul was well aware that one section was made up of Sadducees and the other of Pharisees, so he called out in the Sanhedrin, ‘Brothers, I am a Pharisee and the son of Pharisees. It is for our hope in the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.’ As soon as he said this a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was split between the two parties. For the Sadducees say there is neither resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, while the Pharisees accept all three. The shouting grew louder, and some of the Scribes from the Pharisees’ party stood up and protested strongly, ‘We find nothing wrong with this man. Suppose a spirit has spoken to him, or an angel?’ Feeling was running high, and the tribune, afraid that they would tear Paul to pieces, ordered his troops to go down and haul him out and bring him into the fortress. Next night, the Lord appeared to him and said, ‘Courage! You have borne witness for me in Jerusalem, now you must do the same in Rome.’
Psalm 15:1-2,5,7-11
R/ Preserve me, Lord, I take refuge in you.
- Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you. I say to the Lord: ‘You are my God. O Lord, it is you who are my portion and cup; it is you yourself who are my prize.’
- I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel, who even at night directs my heart. I keep the Lord ever in my sight: since he is at my right hand, I shall stand firm.
- And so my heart rejoices, my soul is glad; even my body shall rest in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead, nor let your beloved know decay.
- You will show me the path of life, the fullness of joy in your presence, at your right hand happiness for ever.
Gospel Acclamation : cf.Jn16:7,13
Alleluia, alleluia! I will send you the Spirit of truth, says the Lord; he will lead you to the complete truth. Alleluia!
Gospel : John 17:20-26
Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said: ‘Holy Father, I pray not only for these, but for those also who through their words will believe in me. May they all be one. Father, may they be one in us, as you are in me and I am in you, so that the world may believe it was you who sent me. I have given them the glory you gave to me, that they may be one as we are one. With me in them and you in me, may they be so completely one that the world will realise that it was you who sent me and that I have loved them as much as you loved me. Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, so that they may always see the glory you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. Father, Righteous One, the world has not known you, but I have known you, and these have known that you have sent me. I have made your name known to them and will continue to make it known, so that the love with which you loved me may be in them, and so that I may be in them.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Graciously sanctify these gifts, O Lord, we pray, and, accepting the oblation of this spiritual sacrifice, make of us an eternal offering to you. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Jn 16: 7
I tell you the truth, it is for your good that I go; for if I do not go away, the Paraclete will not come to you, says the Lord, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
May the mysteries we have received, O Lord, we pray, enlighten us by the instruction they bring and restore us through our participation in them, that we may merit the gifts of the Spirit. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Jesus prays for the unity of his followers. This unity is based on the indivisible unity of the Blessed Trinity. The union of the disciples with Father, Son, and Spirit makes the impossible possible. In a world of division, such prayer is highly needed. In effect, when Jesus says, “May they be one”, He is asking his father to admit us into their trinitarian communion. In other words, He wants his Father to grant eternal life to those who believe and will believe in him from generation to generation. By so doing, he is offering the possibility of salvation to everyone without exclusion and without condition. The life of faith and the life of communion with the brethren are the keys to this.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 31, 2022 | Evangelium
wednesday 01 st June 2022
St. Justin, Martyr
(165)
Justin was converted from a pagan philosopher to Christianity. He then became the most illustrious opponent of pagan philosophers. He died in 165.
Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Ps 118: 85, 46
The wicked have told me lies, but not so is your law: I spoke of your decrees before kings, and was not confounded, alleluia.
Collect
O God, who through the folly of the Cross wondrously taught Saint Justin the Martyr the surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ, grant us, through his intercession, that, having rejected deception and error, we may become steadfast in the faith. 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 20:28-38
Paul addressed these words to the elders of the Church of Ephesus: ‘Be on your guard for yourselves and for all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you the overseers, to feed the Church of God which he bought with his own blood. I know quite well that when I have gone, fierce wolves will invade you and will have no mercy on the flock. Even from your own ranks there will be men coming forward with a travesty of the truth on their lips to induce the disciples to follow them. So be on your guard, remembering how night and day for three years I never failed to keep you right, shedding tears over each one of you. And now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace that has power to build you up and to give you your inheritance among all the sanctified. ‘I have never asked anyone for money or clothes; you know for yourselves that the work I did earned enough to meet my needs and those of my companions. I did this to show you that this is how we must exert ourselves to support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, who himself said, “There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.”’ When he had finished speaking he knelt down with them all and prayed. By now they were all in tears; they put their arms round Paul’s neck and kissed him; what saddened them most was his saying they would never see his face again. Then they escorted him to the ship.
Psalm 67:29-30,33-36
R/ Kingdoms of the earth, sing to God.
I Show forth, O God, show forth your might, your might, O God, which you have shown for us. For the sake of your temple high in Jerusalem may kings come to you bringing their tribute.
- Kingdoms of the earth, sing to God, praise the Lord who rides on the heavens, the ancient heavens. He thunders his voice, his mighty voice. Come, acknowledge the power of God.
- His glory is on Israel; his might is in the skies. God is to be feared in his holy place. He is the Lord, Israel’s God. He gives strength and power to his people. Blessed be God!
Gospel Acclamation : Mt28:19,20
Alleluia, alleluia! Go, make disciples of all the nations. I am with you always; yes, to the end of time. Alleluia!
Gospel : John 17:11-19
Jesus raised his eyes to heaven and said: ‘Holy Father, keep those you have given me true to your name, so that they may be one like us. While I was with them, I kept those you had given me true to your name. I have watched over them and not one is lost except the one who chose to be lost, and this was to fulfil the Scriptures. But now I am coming to you and while still in the world I say these things to share my joy with them to the full. I passed your word on to them, and the world hated them, because they belong to the world no more than I belong to the world. I am not asking you to remove them from the world, but to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world any more than I belong to the world. Consecrate them in the truth; your word is truth.As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world, and for their sake I consecrate myself so that they too may be consecrated in truth.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Grant us, we pray, O Lord, that we may celebrate worthily these mysteries, which Saint Justin strenuously defended. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Cf. 1 Cor 2: 2
I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
Refreshed by heavenly food, we humbly implore you, O Lord, that, attentive to the teaching of Saint Justin the Martyr, we may abide at all times in thanksgiving for the gifts we have received. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Jesus asks for three things for his disciples in today’s gospel. That god should keep them united, sanctify them with his word of truth, and preserve them from all evil. In a world in crisis of unity, and driven by divisions of all kinds, it is incumbent upon us as followers of christ to be icons of communion and unity. We are encouraged to live without cultural, linguistic and racial divides, to be one in christ, the word of god made flesh to whom we have been consecrated since our baptism, and to commit ourselves to be infallible witnesses to the truth which is none other than himself.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 31, 2022 | Agenda Biblique
Mercredi 01 juin 2022
St. Justin, Martyr
(vers 10-166)
Dans son Dialogue avec le Juif Tryphon, Justin raconte comment il avait longtemps cherché la vérité dans les philosophies en vogue à son époque. S’étant mis à méditer sur le conseil d’un vieillard, il reconnut dans le christianisme la sagesse véritable. Converti, il se mit à enseigner cette sagesse à Rome, et écrivit deux défenses (Apologies) de la foi chrétienne contre les persécuteurs.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 26, 7-9
Tous les peuples, battez des mains, acclamez Dieu par vos cris de joie. Alléluia.
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu d’infinie bonté, nous t’en prions: accorde à ton Eglise rassemblée par l’Esprit Saint de se dévouer de tout cœur à ton service, et d’être unie dans l’accomplissement de ta volonté. Par Jésus.
1ère lecture : Act, 20, 28-38
En ces jours-là, Paul faisait ses adieux aux Anciens de l’Église d’Éphèse. Il leur disait : « Veillez sur vous-mêmes, et sur tout le troupeau dont l’Esprit Saint vous a établis responsables, pour être les pasteurs de l’Église de Dieu, qu’il s’est acquise par son propre sang. Moi, je sais qu’après mon départ, des loups redoutables s’introduiront chez vous et n’épargneront pas le troupeau. Même du milieu de vous surgiront des hommes qui tiendront des discours pervers pour entraîner les disciples à leur suite. Soyez donc vigilants, et souvenez-vous que, durant trois ans, nuit et jour, je n’ai cessé, dans les larmes, de reprendre chacun d’entre vous. Et maintenant, je vous confie à Dieu et à la parole de sa grâce, lui qui a le pouvoir de construire l’édifice et de donner à chacun l’héritage en compagnie de tous ceux qui ont été sanctifiés. Je n’ai convoité ni l’argent ni l’or ni le vêtement de personne. Vous le savez bien vous-mêmes : les mains que voici ont pourvu à mes besoins et à ceux de mes compagnons. En toutes choses, je vous ai montré qu’en se donnant ainsi de la peine, il faut secourir les faibles et se souvenir des paroles du Seigneur Jésus, car lui-même a dit : Il y a plus de bonheur à donner qu’à recevoir. » Quand Paul eut ainsi parlé, il s’agenouilla et pria avec eux tous. Tous se mirent à pleurer abondamment ; ils se jetaient au cou de Paul et l’embrassaient ; ce qui les affligeait le plus, c’est la parole qu’il avait dite : « Vous ne verrez plus mon visage. » Puis on l’accompagna jusqu’au bateau.
Psaume 67 (68), 29-30, 33.34c.35a, 36
R/ Royaumes de la terre, chantez pour le Seigneur.
ou : Alléluia !
- Ton Dieu l’a commandé : « Sois fort! » Montre ta force, Dieu, quand tu agis pour nous ! De ton palais, qui domine Jérusalem, on voit des rois t’apporter leurs présents.
- Royaumes de la terre, chantez pour Dieu, jouez pour le Seigneur. Voici qu’il élève la voix, une voix puissante ; rendez la puissance à Dieu.
- Redoutable est Dieu dans son temple saint, le Dieu d’Israël ; c’est lui qui donne à son peuple force et puissance. Béni soit Dieu!
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia. Ta parole, Seigneur est vérité, dans cette vérité, sanctifie-nous. Alléluia. (Cf. Jn 17, 17a)
Évangile : Jean 17, 11b-19
En ce temps-là, les yeux levés au ciel, Jésus priait ainsi : « Père saint, garde mes disciples unis dans ton nom, le nom que tu m’as donné, pour qu’ils soient un, comme nous-mêmes. Quand j’étais avec eux, je les gardais unis dans ton nom, le nom que tu m’as donné. J’ai veillé sur eux, et aucun ne s’est perdu, sauf celui qui s’en va à sa perte de sorte que l’Écriture soit accomplie. Et maintenant que je viens à toi, je parle ainsi, dans le monde, pour qu’ils aient en eux ma joie, et qu’ils en soient comblés. Moi, je leur ai donné ta parole, et le monde les a pris en haine parce qu’ils n’appartiennent pas au monde, de même que moi je n’appartiens pas au monde. Je ne prie pas pour que tu les retires du monde, mais pour que tu les gardes du Mauvais. Ils n’appartiennent pas au monde, de même que moi, je n’appartiens pas au monde. Sanctifie-les dans la vérité : ta parole est vérité. De même que tu m’as envoyé dans le monde, moi aussi, je les ai envoyés dans le monde. Et pour eux je me sanctifie moi-même, afin qu’ils soient, eux aussi, sanctifiés dans la vérité. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Accepte, Seigneur notre Dieu, le sacrifice que tu nous as dit de t’offrir, et par ces mystères célébrés pour ta gloire, daigne poursuivre en tes serviteurs ton œuvre de sanctification et de salut. Par Jésus.
Antienne de la communion
«Quand il viendra le Défenseur que je vous enverrai, dit le Seigneur, lui, l’Esprit d vérité qui procède du Père, il témoignera en ma faveur, et vous aussi, vous rendrez témoignage», alléluia.
Prière après la communion
Que notre communion à ce mystère, Seigneur, ne cesse d’ajouter à ta grâce : qu’elle nous purifie de plus en plus et nous dispose à mieux recevoir un si grand bienfait. Par Jésus.
Méditation
Dans l’Evangile de ce jour Jésus demande trois choses en faveur de ses disciples : Que Dieu les maintienne unis, qu’il les sanctifie par sa parole qui est vérité et qu’il les préserve de tout mal. Dans un monde en crise de fraternité et mu par les divisions de toute sorte, il nous incombe, en tant que disciples du Christ, d’être des icônes de la communion et d’une fraternité sans frontière au-delà des clivages culturels, linguistiques, raciaux, pour être un dans le Christ verbe de Dieu fait chair à qui nous sommes consacrés depuis notre baptême , un engagement à être des témoins infaillibles de la vérité qui n’est autre que Lui-même.
