by Norbert Doulanni | Jul 26, 2024 | Evangelium
Blessed Titus Brandsma
(1881 – 1942)
Green/White
He was born in Bolsward in the Netherlands. He was vehemently opposed to Nazi ideology. He was arrested in January 1942, when he tried to persuade Dutch Catholic newspapers not to print Nazi propaganda (as was required by the law of the Nazi German occupiers). Titus Brandsma was killed by lethal injection in Dachau on July 26, 1942.
Entrance Antiphon : Ps 53: 6, 8
See, I have God for my help. The Lord sustains my soul. I will sacrifice to you with willing heart, and praise your name, O Lord, for it is good.
Collect
Show favour, O Lord, to your servants, and mercifully increase the gifts of your grace, that, made fervent in hope, faith and charity, they may be ever watchful in keeping your commands. 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 : Jeremiah 7:1-11
The word that was addressed to Jeremiah by the Lord, ‘Go and stand at the gate of the Temple of the Lord and there proclaim this message. Say, “Listen to the word of the Lord, all you men of Judah who come in by these gates to worship the Lord. The Lord Sabaoth, the God of Israel, says this: Amend your behaviour and your actions and I will stay with you here in this place. Put no trust in delusive words like these: This is the sanctuary of the Lord, the sanctuary of the Lord, the sanctuary of the Lord! But if you do amend your behaviour and your actions, if you treat each other fairly, if you do not exploit the stranger, the orphan and the widow (if you do not shed innocent blood in this place), and if you do not follow alien gods, to your own ruin, then here in this place I will stay with you, in the land that long ago I gave to your fathers for ever. Yet here you are, trusting in delusive words, to no purpose! Steal, would you, murder, commit adultery, perjure yourselves, burn incense to Baal, follow alien gods that you do not know? – and then come presenting yourselves in this Temple that bears my name, saying: Now we are safe – safe to go on committing all these abominations! Do you take this Temple that bears my name for a robbers’ den? I, at any rate, am not blind – it is the Lord who speaks.”’
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 83:3-6,8,11
R/ How lovely is your dwelling-place, Lord, God of hosts.
My soul is longing and yearning, is yearning for the courts of the Lord. My heart and my soul ring out their joy to God, the living God.
The sparrow herself finds a home and the swallow a nest for her brood; she lays her young by your altars, Lord of hosts, my king and my God.
They are happy, who dwell in your house, for ever singing your praise. They walk with ever-growing strength, they will see the God of gods in Zion.
One day within your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. The threshold of the house of God I prefer to the dwellings of the wicked.
Gospel Acclamation : Heb4:12
Alleluia, alleluia! The word of God is something alive and active: it can judge secret emotions and thoughts. Alleluia!
Gospel : Matthew 13:24-30
Jesus put another parable before the crowds, ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field. While everybody was asleep his enemy came, sowed darnel all among the wheat, and made off. When the new wheat sprouted and ripened, the darnel appeared as well. The owner’s servants went to him and said, “Sir, was it not good seed that you sowed in your field? If so, where does the darnel come from?” “Some enemy has done this” he answered. And the servants said, “Do you want us to go and weed it out?” But he said, “No, because when you weed out the darnel you might pull up the wheat with it. Let them both grow till the harvest; and at harvest time I shall say to the reapers: First collect the darnel and tie it in bundles to be burnt, then gather the wheat into my barn.”’
Prayer over the Offerings
O God, who in the one perfect sacrifice, brought to completion varied offerings of the law, accept, we pray, this sacrifice from your faithful servants and make it holy, as you blessed the gifts of Abel, so that what each has offered to the honour of your majesty may benefit the salvation of all. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Ps 110: 4-5
The Lord, the gracious, the merciful, has made a memorial of his wonders; he gives food to those who fear him.
Prayer after Communion
Graciously be present to your people, we pray, O Lord, and lead those you have imbued with heavenly mysteries to pass from former ways to newness of life. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
God allows weeds to grow among the wheat, but weeds are gathered and destroyed at harvest time. Similarly, in the world and human society, there will always be evil and good people. Our God is patient with those who make mistakes and gives them opportunities to abandon their evil ways and return to Him. In the same light, we must be patient, offering each one the chance to change. It is a life-long task. Good people often suffer, but Jesus has taught us what to do and has given us an example of how to deal with our enemies. He tells us: “Love your enemies and pray for them. Your reward will be great in heaven.” At the same time, knowing that they are weak, every good and holy person should be watchful not to be led astray by the evil one.
by Norbert Doulanni | Jul 26, 2024 | Agenda Biblique
Sainte Nathalie
vert/blanc
Elle subit le martyre à Cordoue, en Espagne, en même temps que saint Aurèle, son époux. La tradition dit qu’elle était musulmane avant de se convertir à la foi chrétienne.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 53, 6. 8
Voici que le Seigneur vient m’aider, Dieu, mon appui entre tous. De grand cœur j’offrirai le sacrifice, je rendrai grâce à son nom, car il est bon !
Prière d’ouverture
Sois favorable à tes fidèles, Seigneur, et multiplie les dons de ta grâce. Entretiens en eux la foi, l’espérance et la charité, pour qu’ils soient attentifs à garder tes commandements. Par Jésus Christ.
1ère lecture : Jr 7,1-11
Parole du Seigneur adressée à Jérémie: Tiens-toi à la porte de la maison du Seigneur, et là, tu proclameras cette parole, tu diras : Écoutez la parole du Seigneur, vous tous de Juda, vous qui entrez par ces portes pour vous prosterner devant le Seigneur. Ainsi parle le Seigneur de l’univers, le Dieu d’Israël: Rendez meilleurs vos chemins et vos actes : je vous ferai demeurer dans ce lieu. Ne faites pas confiance à des paroles de mensonge, en disant : « Temple du Seigneur ! Temple du Seigneur ! C’est ici le temple du Seigneur!» Si vraiment vous rendez meilleurs vos chemins et vos actes, si vraiment vous maintenez le droit entre un homme et son prochain, si vous n’opprimez pas l’immigré, l’orphelin ou la veuve, si vous ne versez pas, dans ce lieu, le sang de l’innocent, si vous ne suivez pas, pour votre malheur, d’autres dieux, alors, je vous ferai demeurer dans ce lieu, dans le pays que j’ai donné à vos pères, depuis toujours et pour toujours. Mais voici, vous faites confiance à des paroles de mensonge qui ne servent à rien. Quoi! Vous pouvez voler, tuer, commettre l’adultère, faire des faux serments, brûler de l’encens pour le dieu Baal, suivre d’autres dieux que vous ne connaissez pas ; et ensuite, dans cette Maison sur laquelle mon nom est invoqué, vous pouvez vous présenter devant moi, en disant : « Nous sommes sauvés » ; et vous faites toutes ces abominations ! Est-elle à vos yeux une caverne de bandits, cette Maison sur laquelle mon nom est invoqué ? Pour moi, c’est ainsi que je la vois – oracle du Seigneur. »
Psaume : 83, 2-6.11
R/ De quel amour sont aimées tes demeures, Seigneur, Dieu de l’univers ! (Ps 83, 2)
Mon âme s’épuise à désirer les parvis du Seigneur ; mon cœur et ma chair sont un cri vers le Dieu vivant !
L’oiseau lui-même s’est trouvé une maison, et l’hirondelle, un nid pour abriter sa couvée : tes autels, Seigneur de l’univers, mon Roi et mon Dieu !
Heureux les habitants de ta maison: ils pourront te chanter encore! Heureux les hommes dont tu es la force: des chemins s’ouvrent dans leur cœur !
Oui, un jour dans tes parvis en vaut plus que mille. J’ai choisi de me tenir sur le seuil, dans la maison de mon Dieu, plutôt que d’habiter parmi les infidèles.
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia ! Accueillez dans la douceur la Parole semée en nous: c’est elle qui peut vous sauver. Alléluia !
Évangile : Matthieu 13, 24-30
En ce temps-là, Jésus proposa aux foules une autre parabole : « Le royaume des Cieux est comparable à un homme qui a semé du bon grain dans son champ. Or, pendant que les gens dormaient, son ennemi survint ; il sema de l’ivraie au milieu du blé et s’en alla. Quand la tige poussa et produisit l’épi, alors l’ivraie apparut aussi. Les serviteurs du maître vinrent lui dire: “Seigneur, n’est-ce pas du bon grain que tu as semé dans ton champ? D’où vient donc qu’il y a de l’ivraie ? ” Il leur dit: “C’est un ennemi qui a fait cela.” Les serviteurs lui disent: “ Veux-tu donc que nous allions l’enlever?” Il répond : “ Non, en enlevant l’ivraie, vous risquez d’arracher le blé en même temps. Laissez-les pousser ensemble jusqu’à la moisson ; et, au temps de la moisson, je dirai aux moissonneurs : Enlevez d’abord l’ivraie, liez-la en bottes pour la brûler; quant au blé, ramassez-le pour le rentrer dans mon grenier.” »
Prière sur les offrandes
Dans l’unique et parfait sacrifice de la croix, tu as porté à leur achèvement, Seigneur, les sacrifices de l’ancienne loi. Reçois cette offrande des mains de tes fidèles et daigne la sanctifier comme tu as béni les présents d’Abel, que les dons offerts par chacun pour te glorifier servent au salut de tous. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Ps 110, 4-5
Le Seigneur a mis le comble à son amour en nous laissant le mémorial de ses merveilles, à ses amis, il a donné le signe d’un repas qui leur rappelle à jamais son alliance.
Prière après la communion
Dieu très bon, reste auprès de ton peuple, car sans toi notre vie tombe en ruine. Fais passer à une vie nouvelle ceux que tu as initiés aux sacrements de ton Royaume. Par Jésus.
Méditation
Deux semeurs : celui du mal tout à coté du semeur divin qui sème le bien.Le semeur du mal intervient dans l’obscurité simbolisée ici par la nuit, parce que s’il avait semé l’ivrai en pleine journée, on l’aurait vu. Mais, arrivera le temps de la moisson, le temps du tri. L’ivrai sera lié en bottes et brûlé ; et le blé sera ramassé et gardé dans le grenier. En chaque homme, Dieu a semé sa vie; mais le mal fait aussi des incursions pour semer la mort en nous. Il devient nécessaire de souvent faire des récoltes saisonnières dans notre vie (confessions), pour brûler le mal qui nous habite. Cela nous permettra d’arriver au jugement dernier avec moins d’ivrai dans le champ de Dieu que nous sommes. Ne l’oublions jamais, là où Dieu sème, santan aussi vient semer. C’est à nous de savoir reconnaître la semence du diable pour la lier et la brûler. Le diable n’aime pas l’entente entre les hommes; c’est pourquoi il s’active à semer la discorde dans les familles.
by Norbert Doulanni | Jul 25, 2024 | Evangelium
Saint Joachim and Saint Anne,
Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary
White
An ancient tradition, already known in the 2nd century, gives these names to the parents of the Virgin Mary. The cult of St Anna became popular in the 6th century in the East, and in the 10th century in the West, where she is the patron saint of Brittany; Joachim was added a long time later – too often the fate of fathers.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Sir 44: 1, 25
Let us praise Joachim and Anne, to whom, in their generation, the Lord gave him who was a blessing for all the nations.
Collect
O Lord, God of our Fathers, who bestowed on Saints Joachim and Anne this grace, that of them should be born the Mother of your incarnate Son, grant, through the prayers of both, that we may attain the salvation you have promised to your people. 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: Jeremiah 3:14-17
Come back, disloyal children – it is the Lord who speaks – for I alone am your Master. I will take one from a town, two from a clan, and bring you to Zion. I will give you shepherds after my own heart, and these shall feed you on knowledge and discretion. And when you have increased and become many in the land, then – it is the Lord who speaks – no one will ever say again: Where is the ark of the covenant of the Lord? There will be no thought of it, no memory of it, no regret for it, no making of another. When that time comes, Jerusalem shall be called: The Throne of the Lord; all the nations will gather there in the name of the Lord and will no longer follow the dictates of their own stubborn hearts.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm Jeremiah 31:10-13
R/ The Lord will guard us as a shepherd guards his flock.
O nations, hear the word of the Lord, proclaim it to the far-off coasts. Say: ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him and guard him as a shepherd guards his flock.’
For the Lord has ransomed Jacob, has saved him from an overpowering hand. They will come and shout for joy on Mount Zion, they will stream to the blessings of the Lord.
Then the young girls will rejoice and dance, the men, young and old, will be glad. I will turn their mourning into joy, I will console them, give gladness for grief.
Gospel Acclamation: Jm1:21
Alleluia, alleluia! Accept and submit to the word which has been planted in you and can save your souls. Alleluia!
Gospel: Matthew 13:18-23
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You are to hear the parable of the sower. When anyone hears the word of the kingdom without understanding, the evil one comes and carries off what was sown in his heart: this is the man who received the seed on the edge of the path. The one who received it on patches of rock is the man who hears the word and welcomes it at once with joy. But he has no root in him, he does not last; let some trial come, or some persecution on account of the word, and he falls away at once. The one who received the seed in thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this world and the lure of riches choke the word and so he produces nothing. And the one who received the seed in rich soil is the man who hears the word and understands it; he is the one who yields a harvest and produces now a hundredfold, now sixty, now thirty.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Receive, we pray, O Lord, these offerings of our homage, and grant that we may merit a share in the same blessing which you promised to Abraham and his descendants. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Ps 23: 5
They received blessings from the Lord and mercy from God their Saviour.
Prayer after Communion
O God, who willed that your Only Begotten Son should be born from among humanity so that by a wonderful mystery humanity might be born again from you, we pray that, in your kindness, you may sanctify by the spirit of adoption those you have fed with the Bread you give your children. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Jesus uses stories and parables in his preaching and teaching so that his listeners, especially simple people, can easily get his message. The one condition for getting this message is that our hearts should be open and not prejudiced. The prejudiced will never grasp the truth. Prejudice renders the senses and reason inactive, and we remain untouched by the message, however good it may be. The Lord who loves us always continues to offer us chances to listen to his words and to believe. Let us open our hearts to him, accept him and respond to him with faith and love so that we shall also hear him telling us, Blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.
by Norbert Doulanni | Jul 25, 2024 | Agenda Biblique
Saints Anne et Joachim,
Parents de la Vierge Marie
Blanc
Qui donna la vie à la femme appelée à la transmettre au Sauveur du monde ? Nous ne savons rien des parents de Marie, pas même leurs noms, sauf ce que nous disent des écrits légendaires qui semblent calqués sur des écrits de l’Ancien Testament. Il est néanmoins légitime de leur rendre un culte qui exprime notre gratitude pour le rôle qu’ils ont joué dans l’histoire du salut.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 67, 6-7
Fêtons Anne et Joachim, les parents de la Mère de Dieu, par eux nous est venue la bénédiction promise à tous les peuples.
Prière d’ouverture
Seigneur, toi qui est le Dieu de nos Pères, tu as donné à sainte Anne et à saint Joachim de mettre au monde celle qui deviendrait la mère de ton Fils ; Accorde-nous, à leur commune prière, le salut que tu as promis à ton peuple. Par Jésus.
1ère lecture : Jérémie 3, 14-17
Revenez, fils renégats – oracle du Seigneur ; c’est moi qui suis votre maître. Je vais vous prendre, un par ville, deux par clan, et vous faire venir à Sion. Je vous donnerai des pasteurs selon mon cœur: ils vous conduiront avec savoir et intelligence. Quand vous vous serez multipliés, quand vous aurez fructifié dans le pays, en ces jours-là – oracle du Seigneur –, on ne dira plus “Arche de l’Alliance du Seigneur”, on ne gardera plus mémoire de l’Arche, on ne s’en souviendra plus, on ne s’en occupera plus, on n’en fera pas une autre.
En ce temps-là, on appellera Jérusalem “Trône du Seigneur”. Toutes les nations convergeront vers elle, vers le nom du Seigneur, à Jérusalem ; elles ne suivront plus les penchants mauvais de leur cœur endurci.
Cantique : Jr 31, 10, 11-12ab, 13
R/ le seigneur nous gardera comme un berger garde son troupeau.
Écoutez, nations, la parole du Seigneur ! Annoncez dans les îles lointaines :
« Celui qui dispersa Israël le rassemble, il le garde, comme un berger son troupeau.
« Le Seigneur a libéré Jacob, l’a racheté des mains d’un plus fort. Ils viennent, criant de joie, sur les hauteurs de Sion : ils affluent vers les biens du Seigneur.
« La jeune fille se réjouit, elle danse; jeunes gens, vieilles gens, tous ensemble ! Je change leur deuil en joie, les réjouis, les console après la peine. »
Acclamation : Jr 1, 21
alléluia, alléluia ! Heureux ceux qui ont entendu la Parole dans un cœur bon et généreux, qui la retiennent et portent du fruit par leur persévérance. alléluia !
Evangile : Matthieu 13 , 18-23
En ce temps-là, Jésus disait à ses disciples : « Écoutez ce que veut dire la parabole du semeur. Quand quelqu’un entend la parole du Royaume sans la comprendre, le Mauvais survient et s’empare de ce qui est semé dans son cœur : celui-là, c’est le terrain ensemencé au bord du chemin. Celui qui a reçu la semence sur un sol pierreux, c’est celui qui entend la Parole et la reçoit aussitôt avec joie ; mais il n’a pas de racines en lui, il est l’homme d’un moment : quand vient la détresse ou la persécution à cause de la Parole, il trébuche aussitôt. Celui qui a reçu la semence dans les ronces, c’est celui qui entend la Parole ; mais le souci du monde et la séduction de la richesse étouffent la Parole, qui ne donne pas de fruit. Celui qui a reçu la semence dans la bonne terre, c’est celui qui entend la Parole et la comprend : il porte du fruit à raison de cent, ou soixante, ou trente pour un. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Nous t’en prions, Seigneur, accepte ce que nous t’offrons de grand cœur ; Que nous ayons part à la bénédiction promise à Abraham et à sa descendance. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Ps 102
Heureux les cœurs purs : ils ont reçu la bénédiction du Seigneur, ils ont trouvé grâce devant Dieu, leur Sauveur.
Prière après la communion
Tu as voulu, Seigneur que ton Fils unique naisse d’une famille humaine, pour que les hommes, dans un admirable échange, renaissent de ta propre vie ; Accorde à ceux que tu as nourris du pain de tes enfants d’être sanctifiés par ton esprit d’adoption. Par Jésus.
Méditation
Tous ceux qui écoutent la Parole de Dieu et la mettent en œuvre sont considérés par Jésus comme « sa mère et ses frères ». Combien de fois nous, chrétiens, lisons ou écoutons la Parole de Dieu sans la comprendre, parce que le Mauvais s’est emparé de ce qui a été semé en nous ? Cette Parole est si riche que si nous l’accueillons généreusement et avec joie dans nos cœurs, en évitant l’inconstance et les tribulations qui pourraient la rendre stérile, elle produirait toujours les fruits de la vie éternelle en nous. Les préoccupations de la vie actuelle, l’attrait des richesses, le plaisir et le pouvoir éteignent la vitalité de la Parole. En revanche, ceux qui l’écoutent fidèlement sont comme la bonne terre et donnent des fruits en abondance. Les semailles de la Parole sont toujours bonnes, mais le manque d’attention, de vigilance et de générosité, rend stérile le développement et la production de fruits. Si nous pouvions tous accueillir la Parole de Dieu de manière fidèle et avec amour, notre vie serait extrêmement féconde
by Norbert Doulanni | Jul 24, 2024 | Evangelium
Psalter: Proper
Saint James, Apostle – Feast
(44)
Red
He was the brother of St John and, like him, a fisherman. He was one of the witnesses of the Transfiguration and one of those who slept through most of the Agony in the Garden. He was the first of the apostles to be martyred, being beheaded by King Herod Agrippa I to please the Jewish opponents of Christianity. He was buried in Jerusalem.
Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Mt 4: 18, 21
As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother mending their nets and he called them.
Collect
Almighty ever-living God, who consecrated the first fruits of your Apostles by the blood of Saint James, grant, we pray, that your Church may be strengthened by his confession of faith and constantly sustained by his protection. 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 : 2 Corinthians 4:7-15
We are only the earthenware jars that hold this treasure, to make it clear that such an overwhelming power comes from God and not from us. We are in difficulties on all sides, but never cornered; we see no answer to our problems, but never despair; we have been persecuted, but never deserted; knocked down, but never killed; always, wherever we may be, we carry with us in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus, too, may always be seen in our body. Indeed, while we are still alive, we are consigned to our death every day, for the sake of Jesus, so that in our mortal flesh the life of Jesus, too, may be openly shown. So death is at work in us, but life in you. But as we have the same spirit of faith that is mentioned in Scripture – I believed, and therefore I spoke – we too believe and therefore we too speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus to life will raise us with Jesus in our turn, and put us by his side and you with us. You see, all this is for your benefit, so that the more grace is multiplied among people, the more thanksgiving there will be, to the glory of God.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 125:1-6
R/ Those who are sowing in tears will sing when they reap.
When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage, it seemed like a dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, on our lips there were songs.
The heathens themselves said: ‘What marvels the Lord worked for them!’ What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad.
3. Deliver us, O Lord, from our bondage as streams in dry land. Those who are sowing in tears will sing when they reap.
They go out, they go out, full of tears, carrying seed for the sowing: they come back, they come back, full of song, carrying their sheaves.
Gospel Acclamation : cf.Jn15:16
Alleluia, alleluia! I chose you from the world to go out and bear fruit, fruit that will last, says the Lord. Alleluia!
Gospel : Matthew 20:20-28
The mother of Zebedee’s sons came with her sons to make a request of him, and bowed low; and he said to her, ‘What is it you want?’ She said to him, ‘Promise that these two sons of mine may sit one at your right hand and the other at your left in your kingdom.’ ‘You do not know what you are asking’ Jesus answered. ‘Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?’ They replied, ‘We can.’ ‘Very well,’ he said ‘you shall drink my cup, but as for seats at my right hand and my left, these are not mine to grant; they belong to those to whom they have been allotted by my Father.’ When the other ten heard this they were indignant with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know that among the pagans the rulers lord it over them, and their great men make their authority felt. This is not to happen among you. No; anyone who wants to be great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be your slave, just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Cleanse us, Lord, by the saving baptism of your Son’s Passion, so that on the Feast of Saint James, whom you willed to be the first among the Apostles to drink of Christ’s chalice of suffering, we may offer a sacrifice pleasing to you. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon
They drank the chalice of the Lord, and became the friends of God.
Prayer after Communion
Help us, O Lord, we pray, through the intercession of the blessed Apostle James, on whose feast day we have received with joy your holy gifts. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
James is one of the first disciples to join Jesus and the first of the apostle to die. He is one of the three apostles whom Jesus selected to witness some of the important events in his life, including his transfiguration and agony at Gethsemane. After the Pentecost, James spread the Gospel in Israel and then travelled to Spain. He faced many challenges and hardships in his ministry and accepted everything for the greater glory of God. James could do many great things because he allowed God to guide and lead him on his way. After his ministry in Spain, James returned to Jerusalem, where he was captured and beheaded by the sword under Herod Agrippa I. James’ missionary contributions, and martyrdom should inspire us in our following of Jesus.
