by L'équipe de publication | Jan 30, 2025 | Evangelium
Saint John Bosco,
Priest (1815 – 1888)
Psalter: Week III
Green
He was born in Piedmont of a peasant family, and he was brought up by his widowed mother. He became a priest, and his particular concern was for the young.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 131: 9
Your priests, O Lord, shall be clothed with justice; your holy ones shall ring out their joy.
Collect
O God, who raised up the Priest Saint John Bosco as a father and teacher of the young, grant, we pray, that, aflame with the same fire of love,we may seek out souls and serve you alone. 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: Hebrews 10:32-39
Remember all the sufferings that you had to meet after you received the light, in earlier days; sometimes by being yourselves publicly exposed to insults and violence, and sometimes as associates of others who were treated in the same way. For you not only shared in the sufferings of those who were in prison, but you happily accepted being stripped of your belongings, knowing that you owned something that was better and lasting. Be as confident now, then, since the reward is so great. You will need endurance to do God’s will and gain what he has promised. Only a little while now, a very little while, and the one that is coming will have come; he will not delay. The righteous man will live by faith, but if he draws back, my soul will take no pleasure in him. You and I are not the sort of people who draw back, and are lost by it; we are the sort who keep faithful until our souls are saved.
Responsorial Psalms: Psalm 36(37):3-6,23-24,39-40
R/The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.
If you trust in the Lord and do good, then you will live in the land and be secure. If you find your delight in the Lord, he will grant your heart’s desire.
Commit your life to the Lord, trust in him and he will act, so that your justice breaks forth like the light, your cause like the noon-day sun.
The Lord guides the steps of a man and makes safe the path of one he loves. Though he stumble he shall never fall for the Lord holds him by the hand.
The salvation of the just comes from the Lord, their stronghold in time of distress. The Lord helps them and delivers them and saves them: for their refuge is in him.
Gospel Acclamation: Ps118:27
Alleluia, alleluia! Make me grasp the way of your precepts, and I will muse on your wonders. Alleluia!
Gospel: Mark 4:26-34
Jesus said to the crowds: ‘This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man throws seed on the land. Night and day, while he sleeps, when he is awake, the seed is sprouting and growing; how, he does not know. Of its own accord the land produces first the shoot, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. And when the crop is ready, he loses no time: he starts to reap because the harvest has come.’ He also said, ‘What can we say the kingdom of God is like? What parable can we find for it? It is like a mustard seed which at the time of its sowing in the soil is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet once it is sown it grows into the biggest shrub of them all and puts out big branches so that the birds of the air can shelter in its shade.’ Using many parables like these, he spoke the word to them, so far as they were capable of understanding it. He would not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything to his disciples when they were alone.
Prayer over the Offerings
Receive, O Lord, we pray, the offerings placed on your altar in commemoration of Saint John Bosco, so that, as you brought him glory, you may, through these sacred mysteries, grant to us your pardon. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Mt 24: 46-47
Blessed is the servant whom the Lord finds watching when he comes. Amen I say to you:
He will put that servant in charge of all his property.
Prayer after Communion
May partaking at the heavenly table, almighty God, confirm and increase strength from on high in all who celebrate the feast day of Saint John Bosco, that we may preserve in integrity the gift of faith and walk in the path of salvation you trace for us. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Through two parables, Jesus imparts simple yet profound insights into the nature of God’s Kingdom and our role as active participants in its growth. Firstlly, He likens the Kingdom of God to a man scattering seed on the ground, observing its growth without a full understanding of the process. This underscores the mysterious and incomprehensible nature of God’s Kingdom. Our faith journey often involves trusting God even when His plans unfold in ways beyond our understanding. Secondly, Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed, initially the smallest of seeds but which grows into a large, fruitful plant. This image highlights the humble beginnings of God’s Kingdom, whether through the small acts of kindness we perform or simple prayers we offer. When nurtured by God’s grace, these seemingly small seeds can blossom into significant manifestations of His Kingdom on earth. As we reflect on these parables, let us contemplate how we can actively contribute to God’s Kingdom today. May we embody the resilience of the mustard seed, allowing God to cultivate our faith and transform our modest efforts into something beautiful for His glory.
by L'équipe de publication | Jan 29, 2025 | Evangelium
Saint Aedan of Ferns
(c.550 – 632)
Psalter: Week IV
Green
He was the son of an Irish tribal chieftain and studied under St Finian and St David. He was the first bishop of Ferns, in Ireland, and founded many churches and monasteries.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 95: 1, 6
O sing a new song to the Lord; sing to the Lord, all the earth. In his presence are majesty and splendour, strength and honour in his holy place.
Collect
Almighty ever-living God, direct our actions according to your good pleasure, that in the name of your beloved Son we may abound in good works. 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: Hebrews 10:19-25
Through the blood of Jesus we have the right to enter the sanctuary, by a new way which he has opened for us, a living opening through the curtain, that is to say, his body. And we have the supreme high priest over all the house of God. So as we go in, let us be sincere in heart and filled with faith, our minds sprinkled and free from any trace of bad conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us keep firm in the hope we profess, because the one who made the promise is faithful. Let us be concerned for each other, to stir a response in love and good works. Do not stay away from the meetings of the community, as some do, but encourage each other to go; the more so as you see the Day drawing near.
Responsorial Psalms: Psalm 23(24):1-6
R/ Such are the men who seek your face, O Lord.
The Lord’s is the earth and its fullness, the world and all its peoples. It is he who set it on the seas; on the waters he made it firm.
Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord? Who shall stand in his holy place? The man with clean hands and pure heart, who desires not worthless things.
He shall receive blessings from the Lord and reward from the God who saves him. Such are the men who seek him, seek the face of the God of Jacob.
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 4:21-25
Jesus said to the crowd, ‘Would you bring in a lamp to put it under a tub or under the bed? Surely you will put it on the lamp-stand? For there is nothing hidden but it must be disclosed, nothing kept secret except to be brought to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen to this.’ He also said to them, ‘Take notice of what you are hearing. The amount you measure out is the amount you will be given – and more besides; for the man who has will be given more; from the man who has not, even what he has will be taken away.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Accept our offerings, O Lord, we pray, and in sanctifying them grant that they may profit us for salvation. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Ps 33: 6
Look toward the Lord and be radiant; let your faces not be abashed.
Prayer after Communion
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, receiving the grace by which you bring us to new life, we may always glory in your gift. Through Christ our Lord., we may always glory in your gift. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Jesus uses the image of the lamp to convey crucial truths about our Christian journey. In this context, the lamp symbolises the light of faith bestowed upon us through Christ. Rather than conceiling or hoarding this light, we are urged to share and openly display it for all to see. As followers of Christ, our role is to serve as beacons of His light in the world, illuminating the path for those seeking the truth. By emphasising that « there is nothing hidden, but it must be disclosed, nothing kept secret except to be brought to light», Jesus invites us to live transparent and authentic lives guided by His teachings. Our actions, words, and intentions should radiate the light of Christ, bringing clarity and truth to a world often clouded by darkness and confusion. The Gospel also reminds us of the significance of the measure we use in sharing our light. We are called upon to be generous with the gifts and blessings we receive from God. The more we share His light, the more it multiplies not only in our lives but also in the lives of those around us. As we embark on each day, let us reflect the light of faith within us. May we dedicate ourselves to living as faithful disciples of Christ, sharing His light with others, and thereby bringing glory to His name.
by L'équipe de publication | Jan 29, 2025 | Agenda Biblique
sainte martine
Psautier: IV
Vert
Vierge martyre à Rome. Fille de nobles romains son père fut plusieurs fois consul. À la mort de ce dernier, elle vendit tous ses biens et consacra cette fortune à des œuvres de charité. Elle vécut sous le règne de l’empereur Alexandre devant qui elle refusa de renier sa foi et fut ainsi décapitée à Rome. Ses reliques furent découvertes en 1634.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 95, 1-6
Chantez au Seigneur un chant nouveau, chantez au Seigneur, terre entière : La splendeur et l’éclat, la puissance et la beauté brillent dans son Temple saint !
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu éternel et tout-puissant, dirige notre vie selon ton amour, Afin qu’au nom de ton Fils bien-aimé, nous portions des fruits en abondance. Par Jésus.
1 lecture : He 10, 19-25
Frères, c’est avec assurance que nous pouvons entrer dans le véritable sanctuaire grâce au sang de Jésus : nous avons là un chemin nouveau et vivant qu’il a inauguré en franchissant le rideau du Sanctuaire ; or, ce rideau est sa chair. Et nous avons le prêtre par excellence, celui qui est établi sur la maison de Dieu. Avançons-nous donc vers Dieu avec un cœur sincère et dans la plénitude de la foi, le cœur purifié de ce qui souille notre conscience, le corps lavé par une eau pure. Continuons sans fléchir d’affirmer notre espérance, car il est fidèle, celui qui a promis. Soyons attentifs les uns aux autres pour nous stimuler à vivre dans l’amour et à bien agir.Ne délaissons pas nos assemblées, comme certains en ont pris l’habitude, mais encourageons-nous, d’autant plus que vous voyez s’approcher le Jour du Seigneur.
Psaume 23 (24), 1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
R/ Voici le peuple de ceux qui cherchent ta face, Seigneur. (cf. 23, 6)
Au Seigneur, le monde et sa richesse, la terre et tous ses habitants !
C’est lui qui l’a fondée sur les mers et la garde inébranlable sur les flots.
Qui peut gravir la montagne du Seigneur et se tenir dans le lieu saint ?
L’homme au cœur pur, aux mains innocentes, qui ne livre pas son âme aux idoles.
Il obtient, du Seigneur, la bénédiction, et de Dieu son Sauveur, la justice.
Voici le peuple de ceux qui le cherchent ! Voici Jacob qui recherche ta face !
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia. Ta parole est la lumière de mes pas, la lampe de ma route. Alléluia. (Ps 118, 105)
Évangile Mc 4, 21-25
En ce temps-là, Jésus disait à la foule : « Est-ce que la lampe est apportée pour être mise sous le boisseau ou sous le lit ? N’est-ce pas pour être mise sur le lampadaire ? Car rien n’est caché, sinon pour être manifesté ; rien n’a été gardé secret, sinon pour venir à la clarté. Si quelqu’un a des oreilles pour entendre, qu’il entende ! » Il leur disait encore : « Faites attention à ce que vous entendez ! La mesure que vous utilisez sera utilisée aussi pour vous, et il vous sera donné encore plus. Car celui qui a, on lui donnera ; celui qui n’a pas, on lui enlèvera même ce qu’il a. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Dans ta bonté, Seigneur, accepte notre offrande: Qu’elle soit sanctifiée et serve ainsi à notre salut. Par Jésus.
Antienne de la communion : Ps 33, 6
Ensemble, approchez du Seigneur: resplendissez de sa lumière et sur votre visage il n’y aura plus d’ombre.
Prière après la communion
Permets, nous t’en prions, Dieu tout-puissant, qu’ayant reçu de toi la grâce d’une nouvelle vie, nous puissions nous en émerveiller toujours. Par Jésus.
Méditation
La plus grande difficulté qui fait aussi notre fragilité en tant que chrétiens, c’est de ne pas être entiers dans nos engagements de foi. Il nous faut, comme le dit la première lecture de ce jour, avoir un coeur sincère, pur de tout ce qui souille la conscience, toujours en assurance appuyée sur la fidélité de Dieu. Ces attitudes permettent de briller et de gravir la montagne du Seigneur pour nous tenir continuellement devant sa face. Dioeu a allumé en nous son feu d’amour; la vivacité de sa flamme dépend de la qualité de notre foi et de la générosité de notre coeur. Selon l’arithmétique de Dieu, donner n’est pas s’appauvrir mais multiplier le bien.
by L'équipe de publication | Jan 28, 2025 | Evangelium
Saints Sarbelius & Barbea
Psalter: Week III
Green
Two martyrs, brother and sister, who were put to death at Edessa during the persecutions of Emperor Trajan. Sarbelius, also called Sharbel, was a high priest at Edessa, in Mesopotamia.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 95: 1, 6
O sing a new song to the Lord; sing to the Lord, all the earth. In his presence are majesty and splendour, strength and honour in his holy place.
Collect
Almighty ever-living God, direct our actions according to your good pleasure, that in the name of your beloved Son we may abound in good works. 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: Hebrews 10:11-18
All the priests stand at their duties every day, offering over and over again the same sacrifices which are quite incapable of taking sins away. He, on the other hand, has offered one single sacrifice for sins, and then taken his place forever, at the right hand of God, where he is now waiting until his enemies are made into a footstool for him. By virtue of that one single offering, he has achieved the eternal perfection of all whom he is sanctifying. The Holy Spirit assures us of this; for he says, first: This is the covenant I will make with them when those days arrive; and the Lord then goes on to say: I will put my laws into their hearts and write them on their minds. I will never call their sins to mind, or their offences. When all sins have been forgiven, there can be no more sin offerings.
Responsorial Psalms: Psalm 109(110):1-4
R/ You are a priest for ever, a priest like Melchizedek of old.
The Lord’s revelation to my Master: ‘Sit on my right: your foes I will put beneath your feet.’
The Lord will wield from Zion your sceptre of power: rule in the midst of all your foes.
A prince from the day of your birth on the holy mountains; from the womb before the dawn I begot you.
The Lord has sworn an oath he will not change. ‘You are a priest for ever, a priest like Melchizedek of old.’
Gospel Acclamation: 1S3:9,Jn6:68
Alleluia, alleluia! Speak, Lord, your servant is listening: you have the message of eternal life. Alleluia!
Gospel: Mark 4:1-20
Jesus began to teach by the lakeside, but such a huge crowd gathered round him that he got into a boat on the lake and sat there. The people were all along the shore, at the water’s edge. He taught them many things in parables, and in the course of his teaching he said to them, ‘Listen! Imagine a sower going out to sow. Now it happened that, as he sowed, some of the seed fell on the edge of the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some seed fell on rocky ground where it found little soil and sprang up straightaway, because there was no depth of earth; and when the sun came up it was scorched and, not having any roots, it withered away. Some seed fell into thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it produced no crop. And some seeds fell into rich soil and, growing tall and strong, produced crop; and yielded thirty, sixty, even a hundredfold.’ And he said, ‘Listen, anyone who has ears to hear!’ When he was alone, the Twelve, together with the others who formed his company, asked what the parables meant. He told them, ‘The secret of the kingdom of God is given to you, but to those who are outside everything comes in parables, so that they may see and see again, but not perceive; may hear and hear again, but not understand; otherwise they might be converted and be forgiven.’ He said to them, ‘Do you not understand this parable? Then how will you understand any of the parables? What the sower is sowing is the word. Those on the edge of the path where the word is sown are people who have no sooner heard it than Satan comes and carries away the word that was sown in them. Similarly, those who receive the seed on patches of rock are people who, when first they hear the word, welcome it at once with joy. But they have no root in them, they do not last; should some trial come, or some persecution on account of the word, they fall away at once. Then there are others who receive the seed in thorns. These have heard the word, but the worries of this world, the lure of riches and all the other passions come in to choke the word, and so it produces nothing. And there are those who have received the seed in rich soil: they hear the word and accept it and yield a harvest, thirty and sixty and a hundredfold.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Accept our offerings, O Lord, we pray, and in sanctifying them grant that they may profit us for salvation. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Ps 33: 6
Look toward the Lord and be radiant; let your faces not be abashed.
Prayer after Communion
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, receiving the grace by which you bring us to new life we may always glory in your gift. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Jesus uses parables as a distinctive method of preaching, gradually unveiling the mysteries of the Kingdom of God to his listeners. In the Gospel, he uses the parable of the sower to encourage his listeners to open their hearts generously to the word of God and to put it into action. Similar to the sower scattering seeds, God extends His graces to all, regardless of wealth, education, courage, or fear. He sows His seed in us today and invites us to spread his word by teaching and exemplifying it in our personal lives. The efficacy of His word lies in its ability to inspire dedication and fidelity in many souls. The Gospel shines a light on the rich soil, which is the receptive heart that nurtures the seed with openness and care. In such a heart, the word takes root, grows deep, and bears fruit – some thirty, some sixty, some a hundredfold. Those fortunate enough to receive the seed in the rich soil of our souls bear the obligation to illuminate the path of Christ’s truth to our brothers and sisters who have fallen by the roadside in their faith. They represent the seed — the word of God — that has failed to find fertile soil to sprout and bear fruit. Through our prayers, we can help cultivate the barren soil and restore its fertility.
by L'équipe de publication | Jan 28, 2025 | Agenda Biblique
saint gildas,
saint valere
Psautier: III
Vert
Saint Gildas, dit « le sage », est né dans l’île de Bretagne ; il a reçu son éducation dans le Sud-est du pays de Galles actuel. Il s’établit sur le continent y fonda avec quelques compagnons l’abbaye de Rhuys, où il mourut en 570. L’abbaye de Rhuys a conservé son tombeau et développé son culte… Saint Gildas est connu sous les formes bretonnes de Sant Veltas ou Saint Gueltas.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 95, 1-6
Chantez au Seigneur un chant nouveau, chantez au Seigneur, terre entière : La splendeur et l’éclat, la puissance et la beauté brillent dans son Temple saint !
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu éternel et tout-puissant, dirige notre vie selon ton amour, Afin qu’au nom de ton Fils bien-aimé, nous portions des fruits en abondance. Par Jésus.
1 lecture : He 10, 11-18
Dans l’ancienne Alliance, tout prêtre, chaque jour, se tenait debout dans le Lieu saint pour le service liturgique, et il offrait à maintes reprises les mêmes sacrifices, qui ne peuvent jamais enlever les péchés. Jésus Christ, au contraire, après avoir offert pour les péchés un unique sacrifice, s’est assis pour toujours à la droite de Dieu. Il attend désormais que ses ennemis soient mis sous ses pieds. Par son unique offrande, il a mené pour toujours à leur perfection ceux qu’il sanctifie. L’Esprit Saint, lui aussi, nous l’atteste dans l’Écriture, car, après avoir dit: Voici quelle sera l’Alliance que j’établirai avec eux quand ces jours- là seront passés, le Seigneur dit : Quand je leur donnerai mes lois, je les inscrirai sur leurs cœurs et dans leur pensée et je ne me rappellerai plus leurs péchés ni leurs fautes. Or, quand le pardon est accordé, on n’offre plus le sacrifice pour le péché.
Psaume : 109 (110), 1, 2, 3, 4
R/ Tu es prêtre à jamais selon l’ordre de Melkisédek. (cf. 109, 4)
Oracle du Seigneur à mon seigneur : « Siège à ma droite, et je ferai de tes ennemis le marchepied de ton trône. »
De Sion, le Seigneur te présente le sceptre de ta force : « Domine jusqu’au cœur de l’ennemi. »
Le jour où paraît ta puissance, tu es prince, éblouissant de sainteté : « Comme la rosée qui naît de l’a rore, je t’ai engendré. » Le Seigneur l’a juré dans un serment irrévocable :
« Tu es prêtre à jamais selon l’ordre du roi Melkisédek. »
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia. La semence est la parole de Dieu ; le semeur est le Christ, celui qui le trouve demeure pour toujours. Alléluia.
Évangile : Mc 4, 1-20
En ce temps-là, Jésus se mit de nouveau à enseigner au bord de la mer de Galilée. Une foule très nombreuse se rassembla auprès de lui, si bien qu’il monta dans une barque où il s’assit. Il était sur la mer, et toute la foule était près de la mer, sur le rivage. Il leur enseignait beaucoup de choses en paraboles, et dans son enseignement il leur disait : « Écoutez ! Voici que le semeur sortit pour semer. Comme il semait, du grain est tombé au bord du chemin ; les oiseaux sont venus et ils ont tout mangé. Du grain est tombé aussi sur du sol pierreux, où il n’avait pas beaucoup de terre ; il a levé aussitôt, parce que la terre était peu profonde ; et lorsque le soleil s’est levé, ce grain a brûlé et, faute de racines, il a séché.Du grain est tombé aussi dans les ronces, les ronces ont poussé, l’ont étouffé, et il n’a pas donné de fruit. Mais d’autres grains sont tombés dans la bonne terre ; ils ont donné du fruit en poussant et en se développant, et ils ont produit trente, soixante, cent, pour un. » Et Jésus disait : « Celui qui a des oreilles pour entendre, qu’il entende ! »
Quand il resta seul, ceux qui étaient autour de lui avec les Douze l’interrogeaient sur les paraboles. Il leur disait : « C’est à vous qu’est donné le mystère du royaume de Dieu ; mais à ceux qui sont dehors, tout se présente sous forme de paraboles. Et ainsi, comme dit le prophète : Ils auront beau regarder de tous leurs yeux, ils ne verront pas ; ils auront beau écouter de toutes leurs oreilles, ils ne comprendront pas ; sinon ils se convertiraient et recevraient le pardon. » Il leur dit encore :« Vous ne saisissez pas cette parabole ? Alors, comment comprendrez-vous toutes les paraboles ? Le semeur sème la Parole. Il y a ceux qui sont au bord du chemin où la Parole est semée : quand ils l’entendent, Satan vient aussitôt et enlève la Parole semée en eux. Et de même, il y a ceux qui ont reçu la semence dans les endroits pierreux : ceux-là, quand ils entendent la Parole, ils la reçoivent aussitôt avec joie ; mais ils n’ont pas en eux de racine, ce sont les gens d’un moment ; que vienne la détresse ou la persécution à cause de la Parole, ils trébuchent aussitôt. Et il y en a d’autres qui ont reçu la semence dans les ronces : ceux-ci entendent la Parole, mais les soucis du monde, la séduction de la richesse et toutes les autres convoitises les envahissent et étouffent la Parole, qui ne donne pas de fruit. Et il y a ceux qui ont reçu la semence dans la bonne terre : ceux- là entendent la Parole, ils l’accueillent, et ils portent du fruit : trente, soixante, cent, pour un. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Dans ta bonté, Seigneur, accepte notre offrande: Qu’elle soit sanctifiée et serve ainsi à notre salut. Par Jésus.
Antienne de la communion : Ps 33, 6
Ensemble, approchez du Seigneur: resplendissez de sa lumière et sur votre visage il n’y aura plus d’ombre.
Prière après la communion
Permets, nous t’en prions, Dieu tout-puissant, qu’ayant reçu de toi la grâce d’une nouvelle vie, nous puissions nous en émerveiller toujours. Par Jésus.
Méditation
Il a accompli sa mission, il attend qu’à sa suite nous accomplissions la nôtre. Il nous a ouvert la piscine de miséricorde pour notre régénération, notre purification et notre guérison, il veut nous voir irréprochables. Il nous a donné autorité de domination sur les ennemis de sa volonté, il attend que nous fassions agir la puissance de sa résurrection en faveur de tous ceux qui sont sous leur autorité. Il a semé en nous la graine de la vie et du salut, il veut récolter le grain plein l’épi. Quel chrétien es-tu, stérile ? inconsistant ?amorphe ? paresseux ? impénitent ? bien assumé ou en voie d’assomption ?
