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.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 27, 2023 | Agenda Biblique
Dimanche 28 Mai
Dimanche de la Pentecôte
Saint Germain
D’abord abbé de Saint-Symphorien d’Autun, puis appelé au siège épiscopal de Paris, il conserva son mode de vie monastique en exerçant avec fruit sa tâche de pasteur, charitable envers les pauvres et veillant à la fondation du monastère de la Sainte-Croix, où il fut enterré et qui prit son nom.
ROUGE
Antienne d’ouverture : Sg 1, 7
L´Esprit du Seigneur remplit l´univers, et lui qui englobe toutes choses, sait se faire comprendre des hommes de toutes langues, alléluia.
Prière d’ouverture
Aujourd´hui, Seigneur, par le mystère de la Pentecôte, tu sanctifies ton Église chez tous les peuples et dans toutes les nations; Répands les dons du Saint-Esprit sur l´immensité du monde, et continue dans les cœurs des croyants l´œuvre d´amour que tu as entreprise au début de la prédication évangélique. Par Jésus Christ.
Première lecture : Ac 2, 1-11
Quand arriva le jour de la Pentecôte, au terme des cinquante jours après Pâques, ils se trouvaient réunis tous ensemble. Soudain un bruit survint du ciel comme un violent coup de vent : la maison où ils étaient assis en fut remplie tout entière. Alors leur apparurent des langues qu’on aurait dites de feu, qui se partageaient, et il s’en posa une sur chacun d’eux. Tous furent remplis d’Esprit Saint : ils se mirent à parler en d’autres langues, et chacun s’exprimait selon le don de l’Esprit. Or, il y avait, résidant à Jérusalem, des Juifs religieux, venant de toutes les nations sous le ciel. Lorsque ceux-ci entendirent la voix qui retentissait, ils se rassemblèrent en foule. Ils étaient en pleine confusion parce que chacun d’eux entendait dans son propre dialecte ceux qui parlaient. Dans la stupéfaction et l’émerveillement, ils disaient : « Ces gens qui parlent ne sont-ils pas tous galiléens ? Comment se fait-il que chacun de nous les entende dans son propre dialecte, sa langue maternelle ? Parthes, Mèdes et Élamites, habitants de la Mésopotamie, de la Judée et de la Cappadoce, de la province du Pont et de celle d’Asie, de la Phrygie et de la Pamphylie, de l’Égypte et des contrées de Libye proches de Cyrène, Romains de passage, Juifs de naissance et convertis, Crétois et Arabes, tous nous les entendons parler dans nos langues des merveilles de Dieu. »
Psaume : 103 (104), 1ab.24ac, 29bc-30, 31.34
R/ Ô Seigneur, envoie ton Esprit qui renouvelle la face de la terre !
1. Bénis le Seigneur, ô mon âme ; Seigneur mon Dieu, tu es si grand ! Quelle profusion dans tes oeuvres, Seigneur ! La terre s’emplit de tes biens.
2. Tu reprends leur souffle, ils expirent et retournent à leur poussière. Tu envoies ton souffle : ils sont créés ; tu renouvelles la face de la terre.
3. Gloire au Seigneur à tout jamais ! Que Dieu se réjouisse en ses œuvres ! Que mon poème lui soit agréable ; moi, je me réjouis dans le Seigneur.
Deuxième lecture : 1 Co 12, 3b-7.12-13
Frères, personne n’est capable de dire : « Jésus est Seigneur » sinon dans l’Esprit Saint. Les dons de la grâce sont variés, mais c’est le même Esprit. Les services sont variés, mais c’est le même Seigneur. Les activités sont variées, mais c’est le même Dieu qui agit en tout et en tous. À chacun est donnée la manifestation de l’Esprit en vue du bien. Prenons une comparaison : le corps ne fait qu’un, il a pourtant plusieurs membres ; et tous les membres, malgré leur nombre, ne forment qu’un seul corps. Il en est ainsi pour le Christ. C’est dans un unique Esprit, en effet, que nous tous, Juifs ou païens, esclaves ou hommes libres, nous avons été baptisés pour former un seul corps. Tous, nous avons été désaltérés par un unique Esprit.
Acclamation :
Alléluia. Alléluia. Viens, Esprit Saint ! Emplis le cœur de tes fidèles ! Allume en eux le feu de ton amour ! Alléluia.
Évangile : Jn 20, 19-23
C’était après la mort de Jésus ; le soir venu, en ce premier jour de la semaine, alors que les portes du lieu où se trouvaient les disciples étaient verrouillées par crainte des Juifs, Jésus vint, et il était là au milieu d’eux. Il leur dit : « La paix soit avec vous ! » Après cette parole, il leur montra ses mains et son côté. Les disciples furent remplis de joie en voyant le Seigneur. Jésus leur dit de nouveau : « La paix soit avec vous ! De même que le Père m’a envoyé, moi aussi, je vous envoie. » Ayant ainsi parlé, il souffla sur eux et il leur dit : « Recevez l’Esprit Saint. À qui vous remettrez ses péchés, ils seront remis ; à qui vous maintiendrez ses péchés, ils seront maintenus. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Dieu notre Père, réponds à notre attente, souviens-toi de la promesse de ton Fils: Que l´Esprit Saint nous fasse pénétrer plus avant dans l´intelligence du mystère eucharistique et nous ouvre à la vérité tout entière. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion: Ac 2, 4. 11
Les disciples furent remplis de l´Esprit Saint, pour aller proclamer les merveilles de Dieu, alléluia
Prière après la communion
Dieu qui accordes les biens du ciel à ton Église, protège la grâce que tu viens de lui donner: Que le souffle de la Pentecôte agisse avec toujours plus de force; que ce repas sanctifié par l´Esprit fasse progresser le monde vers son salut. Par Jésus.
MEDITATION
Jésus est venu vers les disciples au moment de leur grande peur. Il s’approcha d’eux, bien que les portes fussent fermées. Il vient aussi à moi, partout où je suis enfermé par la peur, et il me donne sa paix. Pensons à tous ces lieux de nos vies où règne la peur. Imaginons Jésus se tenant devant nous et disant « La paix soit avec vous ». Je reste là un petit moment, regardant Jésus, écoutant ses paroles de paix, sentant le calme revenir dans mon cœur. Et Jésus souffle sur moi et me donne le Saint-Esprit, l’Esprit de paix, de vérité et de joie. Tournons-nous vers cet Esprit pour obtenir de l’aide chaque fois que la peur menace de nous submerger dans nos vies.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh | May 27, 2023 | Evangelium
SUNDAY 28 MAY
Pentecost – Mass of the Day
Entrance Antiphon: Wis 1: 7
The Spirit of the Lord has filled the whole world and that which contains all things understands what is said, alleluia.
Collect
O God, who by the mystery of today’s great feast, sanctify your whole Church in every people and nation, pour out, we pray, the gifts of the Holy Spirit across the face of the earth, and, with the divine grace that was at work when the Gospel was first proclaimed, fill now, once more the hearts of believers. 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 2:1-11
When Pentecost day came round, they had all met in one room, when suddenly they heard what sounded like a powerful wind from heaven, the noise of which filled the entire house in which they were sitting; and something appeared to them that seemed like tongues of fire; these separated and came to rest on the head of each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak foreign languages as the Spirit gave them the gift of speech. Now there were devout men living in Jerusalem from every nation under heaven, and at this sound they all assembled, each one bewildered to hear these men speaking his own language. They were amazed and astonished. “Surely”, they said, “all these men speaking are Galileans? How does it happen that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; people from Mesopotamia, Judaea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya round Cyrene; as well as visitors from Rome – Jews and proselytes alike – Cretans and Arabs; we hear them preaching in our own language about the marvels of God.”
Psalm 103:1, 24, 29-31, 34
R/ Send forth your spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth.
Bless the Lord, my soul! Lord God, how great you are! How many are your works, O Lord! The earth is full of your riches.
You take back your spirit, they die, returning to the dust from which they came. You send forth your spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the earth.
May the glory of the Lord last for ever! May the Lord rejoice in his works! May my thoughts be pleasing to him. I find my joy in the Lord.
Second reading: 1 Cor. 12:3-7,12-13
No one can say, “Jesus is Lord” unless he is under the influence of the Holy Spirit. There is a variety of gifts but always the same Spirit; there are all sorts of service to be done, but always to the same Lord; working in all sorts of different ways in different people, it is the same God who is working in all of them. The particular way in which the Spirit is given to each person is for a good purpose. Just as a human body, though it is made up of many parts, is a single unit because all these parts, though many, make one body, so it is with Christ. In the one Spirit we were all baptised, Jews as well as Greeks, slaves as well as citizens, and one Spirit was given to us all to drink.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Alleluia!
Gospel: John 20:19-23
In the evening of the first day of the week, the doors were closed in the room where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews. Jesus came and stood among them. He said to them, “Peace be with you”, and showed them his hands and his side. The disciples were filled with joy when they saw the Lord, and he said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father sent me, so am I sending you. After saying this he breathed on them and said: “Receive the Holy Spirit. For those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain, they are retained.”
Prayer over the Offerings
Grant, we pray, O Lord, that, as promised by your Son, the Holy Spirit may reveal to us more abundantly the hidden mystery of this sacrifice and graciously lead us into all truth. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Acts 2: 4, 11
They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke of the marvels of God, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
O God, who bestow heavenly gifts upon your Church, safeguard, we pray, the grace you have given, that the gift of the Holy Spirit poured out upon her may retain all its force and that this spiritual food may gain her abundance of eternal redemption. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Jesus came to the disciples at the time of their greatest fear. He came to them even though the doors were closed. He comes to me too, wherever I am shut in by fear, and he gives me his peace. Today I can think of those areas of my life that scare me. I imagine Jesus coming to me, standing in front of me and saying “Peace be with you”. I stand there for a little while, looking at Jesus, listening to his words of peace, feeling the calm return to my heart. And Jesus breathes on me and gives me the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of peace, truth and joy. I can turn to this Spirit for help whenever fear threatens or overwhelm my life.
