by L'équipe de publication | Nov 5, 2024 | Evangelium
All Saints of Africa
Green
Today we celebrate the feast of all the Saints of Africa who, down through the ages, have followed the Lord with courage, love and dedication. Many of these saints are unknown to us, while others are remembered in various countries on account of their exemplary life of discipleship.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 37: 22-23
Forsake me not, O Lord, my God; be not far from me! Make haste and come to my help, O Lord, my strong salvation!
Collect
Almighty and merciful God, by whose gift your faithful offer you right and praiseworthy service, grant, we pray, that we may hasten without stumbling to receive the things you have promised. 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: Philippians 2:12-18
My dear friends, continue to do as I tell you, as you always have; not only as you did when I was there with you, but even more now that I am no longer there; and work for your salvation ‘in fear and trembling.’ It is God, for his own loving purpose, who puts both the will and the action into you. Do all that has to be done without complaining or arguing and then you will be innocent and genuine, perfect children of God among a deceitful and underhand brood, and you will shine in the world like bright stars because you are offering it the word of life. This would give me something to be proud of for the Day of Christ, and would mean that I had not run in the race and exhausted myself for nothing. And then, if my blood has to be shed as part of your own sacrifice and offering – which is your faith – I shall still be happy and rejoice with all of you, and you must be just as happy and rejoice with me.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 26(27):1,4,13-14
R/ The Lord is my light and my help.
The Lord is my light and my help; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; before whom shall I shrink?
There is one thing I ask of the Lord, for this I long, to live in the house of the Lord, all the days of my life, to savour the sweetness of the Lord, to behold his temple.
I am sure I shall see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. Hope in him, hold firm and take heart. Hope in the Lord!
Gospel Acclamation: Ps118:88
Alleluia, alleluia! Because of your love give me life, and I will do your will. Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 14:25-33
Great crowds accompanied Jesus on his way and he turned and spoke to them. ‘If any man comes to me without hating his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes and his own life too, he cannot be my disciple. Anyone who does not carry his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. ‘And indeed, which of you here, intending to build a tower, would not first sit down and work out the cost to see if he had enough to complete it? Otherwise, if he laid the foundation and then found himself unable to finish the work, the onlookers would all start making fun of him and saying, “Here is a man who started to build and was unable to finish.” Or again, what king marching to war against another king would not first sit down and consider whether with ten thousand men he could stand up to the other who advanced against him with twenty thousand? If not, then while the other king was still a long way off, he would send envoys to sue for peace. So in the same way, none of you can be my disciple unless he gives up all his possessions.’
Prayer over the Offerings
May these sacrificial offerings, O Lord, become for you a pure oblation, and for us a holy outpouring of your mercy. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Ps 15: 11
You will show me the path of life, the fullness of joy in your presence, O Lord.
Prayer after Communion
May the working of your power, O Lord, increase in us, we pray, so that, renewed by these heavenly Sacraments, we may be prepared by your gift for receiving what they promise. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Jesus is the prince of peace, but in today’s gospel, one is taken aback when he says, if anyone comes to me, he must hate his father and mother. These are called the hard sayings of Jesus. These words of Jesus are harsh and seem contrary to the same message for which Jesus came to earth – love, peace, unity and salvation for all. In these days of political correctness, Jesus would have received a myriad of backlash for preaching hate and disobedience to parents. But he uses this metaphor to teach his disciples about the cost of discipleship. God wants total commitment from his disciples to the point of a painful separation from their loved ones. A true disciple must prioritise Christ; he must love him above all else because whoever loves father and mother more than me is not worthy of me (Matt 10; 37-38). Jesus wants me to understand that even what I treasure most comes after him. He ranks over and above all. He invites you and me to choose him over and above all other persons and things, even our dearest relations, friends and possessions so that we may share in his life.
by L'équipe de publication | Nov 4, 2024 | Evangelium
Saint Elizabeth
Green
St Elizabeth, Mary’s cousin, was the mother of John the Baptist. She has the distinction of being one of the first to know about Mary’s great blessing as the Mother of God.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 37: 22-23
Forsake me not, O Lord, my God; be not far from me! Make haste and come to my help, O Lord, my strong salvation!
Collect
Almighty and merciful God, by whose gift your faithful offer you right and praiseworthy service, grant, we pray, that we may hasten without stumbling to receive the things you have promised. 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: Philippians 2:5-11
In your minds you must be the same as Christ Jesus: His state was divine, yet he did not cling to his equality with God but emptied himself to assume the condition of a slave, and became as men are; and being as all men are, he was humbler yet, even to accepting death, death on a cross. But God raised him high and gave him the name which is above all other names so that all beings in the heavens, on earth and in the underworld, should bend the knee at the name of Jesus and that every tongue should acclaim Jesus Christ as Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm
21(22):26-32
R/ You are my praise, O Lord, in the great assembly.
My vows I will pay before those who fear the Lord. The poor shall eat and shall have their fill. They shall praise the Lord, those who seek him. May their hearts live for ever and ever!
All the earth shall remember and return to the Lord, all families of the nations worship before him; for the kingdom is the Lord’s, he is ruler of the nations. They shall worship him, all the mighty of the earth.
And my soul shall live for him, my children serve him. They shall tell of the Lord to generations yet to come, declare his faithfulness to peoples yet unborn: ‘These things the Lord has done.’
Gospel Acclamation:
cf.Ep1:17,18
Alleluia, alleluia! May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our mind, so that we can see what hope his call holds for us. Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 14:15-24
One of those gathered round the table said to Jesus, ‘Happy the man who will be at the feast in the kingdom of God!’ But he said to him, ‘There was a man who gave a great banquet, and he invited a large number of people. When the time for the banquet came, he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, “Come along: everything is ready now.” But all alike started to make excuses. The first said, “I have bought a piece of land and must go and see it. Please accept my apologies.” Another said, “I have bought five yoke of oxen and am on my way to try them out. Please accept my apologies.” Yet another said, “I have just got married and so am unable to come.” ‘The servant returned and reported this to his master. Then the householder, in a rage, said to his servant, “Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in here the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.” “Sir” said the servant “your orders have been carried out and there is still room.” Then the master said to his servant, “Go to the open roads and the hedgerows and force people to come in to make sure my house is full; because, I tell you, not one of those who were invited shall have a taste of my banquet.”’
Prayer over the Offerings
May these sacrificial offerings, O Lord, become for you a pure oblation, and for us a holy outpouring of your mercy. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Ps 15: 11
You will show me the path of life, the fullness of joy in your presence, O Lord.
Prayer after Communion
May the working of your power, O Lord, increase in us, we pray, so that, renewed by these heavenly Sacraments, we may be prepared by your gift for receiving what they promise. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the story of a man who prepared a great feast and sent out his servants to tell the guests to come for the food, but the guests offered a litany of excuses. Jesus uses this parable to refer to the lukewarm attitude of the Jews towards the gospel and the Messiah. The Jews were waiting for the Messiah, but when he came and invited them to the Lord’s banquet, they made excuses and turned down his invitation. Consequently, he took the good news to the Gentiles. Today God is inviting us to be nourished with his Word and the Eucharist at mass, but we often make flimsy excuses and stay away from the church. Some claim that the priests’ sermons are too long and boring; others say they are busy with work, while others complain that mass time is too early to prepare the kids. But remember, nothing should be more important than the spiritual well-being of our souls. Today Jesus stands at our door and knocks. He will come into our life if we hear his voice and open the door.
by L'équipe de publication | Nov 4, 2024 | Agenda Biblique
Sainte Sylvie
VERT
Sylvie, grande dame romaine, consacra sa vie à son fils, le pape Grégoire le Grand. Elle était si attentive qu’elle se préoccupait des détails des menus des repas afin qu’il soit en parfaite santé.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 37, 22-23
Ne m’abandonne pas, Seigneur, mon Dieu, ne reste pas loin de moi. Hâte-toi de venir à mon aide, toi, ma force et mon salut.
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu de puissance et de miséricorde, c’est ta grâce qui donne à tes fidèles de pouvoir dignement te servir. Accorde-nous de progresser sans que rien nous arrête vers les biens que tu promets. Par Jésus Christ.
1ère lecture : Philippiens 2 , 5-11
Frères, ayez en vous les dispositions
qui sont dans le Christ Jésus : Le Christ Jésus, ayant la condition de Dieu, ne retint pas jalousement le rang qui l’égalait à Dieu. Mais il s’est anéanti, prenant la condition de serviteur, devenant semblable aux hommes. Reconnu homme à son aspect, il s’est abaissé, devenant obéissant jusqu’à la mort, et la mort de la croix. C’est pourquoi Dieu l’a exalté : il l’a doté du Nom
qui est au-dessus de tout nom, afin qu’au nom de Jésus tout genou fléchisse au ciel, sur terre et aux enfers, et que toute langue proclame : « Jésus Christ est Seigneur»
à la gloire de Dieu le Père.
Psaume : 21 (22), 26-32
R/ Tu seras ma louange, Seigneur,
dans la grande assemblée. (Ps 21, 26a)
Devant ceux qui te craignent, je tiendrai mes promesses. Les pauvres mangeront : ils seront rassasiés ; ils loueront le Seigneur, ceux qui le cherchent. « à vous, toujours, la vie et la joie ! »
La terre entière se souviendra et reviendra vers le Seigneur, chaque famille de nations se prosternera devant lui : « Oui, au Seigneur la royauté, le pouvoir sur les nations ! »
Et moi, je vis pour lui : ma descendance le servira ; on annoncera le Seigneur aux générations à venir. On proclamera sa justice au peuple qui va naître :
Acclamation : cf. Ep1, 17,18
Alléluia. Alléluia. Venez à moi, vous tous qui peinez sous le poids du fardeau, dit le Seigneur, et moi, je vous procurerai le repos. Alléluia. (Mt 11, 28)
Évangile : Luc 14, 15-24
En ce temps-là, au cours du repas chez un chef des pharisiens, en entendant parler Jésus, un des convives lui dit : « Heureux celui qui participera au repas dans le royaume de Dieu ! » Jésus lui dit: « Un homme donnait un grand dîner, et il avait invité beaucoup de monde. À l’heure du dîner, il envoya son serviteur dire aux invités :
“Venez, tout est prêt.” Mais ils se mirent tous, unanimement, à s’excuser. Le premier lui dit : “J’ai acheté un champ, et je suis obligé d’aller le voir ; je t’en prie, excuse-moi.” Un autre dit : “J’ai acheté cinq paires de bœufs, et je pars les essayer ; je t’en prie, excuse-moi.” Un troisième dit : “Je viens de me marier, et c’est pourquoi je ne peux pas venir.” De retour, le serviteur rapporta ces paroles à son maître. Alors, pris de colère, le maître de maison dit à son serviteur : “Dépêche-toi d’aller sur les places et dans les rues de la ville ; les pauvres, les estropiés, les aveugles et les boiteux, amène-les ici.” Le serviteur revint lui dire : “Maître, ce que tu as ordonné est exécuté, et il reste encore de la place.” Le maître dit alors au serviteur : “Va sur les routes et dans les sentiers, et fais entrer les gens de force, afin que ma maison soit remplie. Car, je vous le dis, aucun de ces hommes qui avaient été invités ne goûtera de mon dîner.”»
Prière sur les offrandes
Seigneur, que cette eucharistie soit pour toi une offrande pure, et pour nous, le don généreux de ta miséricorde. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Ps 15,11
Tu m’as montré, Seigneur, la route de la vie, tu m’as rempli de joie par ta présence.
Prière après la communion
De plus en plus, Seigneur, exerce en nous ta puissance : afin que, fortifiés par tes sacrements, nous devenions capables, avec ta grâce, d’entrer en possession des biens qu’ils promettent. Par Jésus.
Méditation
Venez maintenant, tout est prêt. Cette parole est comme le leitmotiv d’une hymne à la joie. Dieu invite les hommes à se réjouir avec lui. Le festin de l’amitié, chez tous les peuples, par toute la terre, signifie communication, confiance, désir de l’entente et de la bonne humeur. Ici, l’hôte a tout prévu pour que ses invités goûtent la joie véritable, la joie du salut. La générosité du maître n’a pas de limites. Encore faut-il répondre, par le cœur plus que les lèvres. Les gens appelés dans les rues et les chemins ont rempli la salle. L’Évangile ne dit pas ce qu’ils ont répondu; leur réponse ce fut de venir, le cœur plein de joie. Les croyants traditionnels, eux, ne sont pas exclus. Invités dès le baptême, qu’ils s’avancent et n’hésitent pas à prendre la place qui leur est destinée. « Entrez tous dans la joie de votre Maître », disait saint Jean Chrysostome dans un sermon de Pâques, « le festin est prêt ; participez tous ; que personne ne s’en aille affamé. Que tous se délectent au banquet de la foi. »
by L'équipe de publication | Nov 3, 2024 | Agenda Biblique
Saint Charles Borromée,
Evêque
Blanc
A vingt-deux ans, Charles Borromée (1538-1584) était cardinal et secrétaire d’Etat de son oncle, le pape Pie IV. Grâce à son action, le concile de Trente fut repris et mené à son terme en 1563. Archevêque de Milan, il se dépensa pour réaliser la réforme prescrite par le concile. Il visita son diocèse avec un zèle pastoral inlassable et se dévoua, au risque de sa vie, lors de la peste de 1576.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ez 34
« Je prendrai soin de mon troupeau, dit le Seigneur ; je lui donnerai moi-même un berger pour le conduire. Et moi, le Seigneur, je serai leur Dieu. »
Prière d’ouverture
Maintiens dans ton peuple, Seigneur, l’esprit qui animait saint Charles Borromée ; ainsi ton Église, sans cesse renouvelée et toujours plus fidèle à l’Évangile, pourra montrer au monde le vrai visage du Christ. Lui qui.
1ère Lecture : Philippiens 2, 1-4
Frères, s’il est vrai que, dans le Christ, on se réconforte les uns les autres, si l’on s’encourage avec amour, si l’on est en communion dans l’Esprit, si l’on a de la tendresse et de la compassion, alors, pour que ma joie soit complète, ayez les mêmes dispositions, le même amour, les mêmes sentiments ; recherchez l’unité. Ne soyez jamais intrigants ni vaniteux,
mais ayez assez d’humilité pour estimer les autres supérieurs à vous-mêmes. Que chacun de vous ne soit pas préoccupé de ses propres intérêts ; pensez aussi à ceux des autres.
Psaume : 130 (131), 1, 2, 3
R/ Garde mon âme dans la paix
près de toi, Seigneur.
Seigneur, je n’ai pas le cœur fier ni le regard ambitieux ; je ne poursuis ni grands desseins,ni merveilles qui me dépassent.
Non, mais je tiens mon âme égale et silencieuse ; mon âme est en moi comme un enfant, comme un petit enfant contre sa mère.
Attends le Seigneur, Israël, maintenant et à jamais.
Acclamation : Ps 118, 18
Alléluia. Alléluia. Si vous demeurez dans ma parole, vous êtes vraiment mes disciples ; alors vous connaîtrez la vérité, dit le Seigneur. Alléluia. (Mt 11, 28)
Évangile : Luc 14, 12-14
En ce temps-là, Jésus disait au chef des pharisiens qui l’avait invité : « Quand tu donnes un déjeuner ou un dîner, n’invite pas tes amis, ni tes frères, ni tes parents, ni de riches voisins ; sinon, eux aussi te rendraient l’invitation et ce serait pour toi un don en retour. Au contraire, quand tu donnes une réception, invite des pauvres, des estropiés, des boiteux, des aveugles ; heureux seras-tu, parce qu’ils n’ont rien à te donner en retour : cela te sera rendu à la résurrection des justes. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Regarde, Seigneur, les offrandes apportées à ton autel en souvenir de saint Charles ; de même que tu as fait de lui un évêque remarquable pour sa vigilance et toutes ses vertus pastorales, accorde-nous, par la puissance de ce sacrifice, de porter des fruits en abondance. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Mt 16, 24
« Si quelqu’un veut marcher à ma suite, dit le Seigneur, qu’il renonce à lui-même, qu’il prenne sa croix, et qu’il me suive. »
Prière après la communion
Que cette communion, nous t’en prions, Seigneur, nous donne la force d’âme qui rendit saint Charles fidèle à sa mission et débordant de charité. Par Jésus.
Méditation L’Évangile est une école de convivialité. Aussi, Jésus ne veut-il pas nous interdire de recevoir des êtres chers : parents, amis, relations. Mais, dans le discours à son hôte, il insiste sur la gratuité du don. Avec ceux que nous connaissons bien, que nous aimons et qui nous aiment en retour, nous avons déjà notre récompense : l’affection et l’estime de qui appartient à notre cercle familier. Il y a lieu de ne pas oublier ceux qui nous sont plus lointains par la distance ou la condition sociale (sans-abri, immigrés, isolés, etc.). Tous ceux-là, tendus vers nous, représentent le visage et la condition du Christ. C’est par notre attitude à leur égard que nous serons jugés à la « résurrection des justes ». Ici encore, même dans cette perspective ultime, la gratuité demeure. Si nous avons à traduire en actes l’amour envers les hommes nos frères, ce n’est pas pour gagner plus tard une rétribution, mais en réponse à la grâce d’avoir été acceptés et accueillis par Dieu. En d’autres termes, l’évangile de ce jour est un appel à vivre dès à présent la vie de l’amour agissant.
by L'équipe de publication | Nov 3, 2024 | Evangelium
Saint Charles Borromeo, Bishop (1538 – 1584)
White
Charles Borromeo was a leading figure of the Catholic Reformation. He worked on the catechism, the Missal and the Breviary, and reformed his own diocese as well as he could from a distance through trusted deputies. Charles died on 3 November 1584 at the age of 46.
Entrance Antiphon
The Lord chose him for himself as high priest, and, opening his treasure house, made him rich in all good things.
Collect
Preserve in the midst of your people, we ask, O Lord, the spirit with which you filled the Bishop Saint Charles Borromeo, that your Church may be constantly renewed and, by conforming herself to the likeness of Christ, may show his face to the world. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading : Philippians 2:1-4
If our life in Christ means anything to you, if love can persuade at all, or the Spirit that we have in common, or any tenderness and sympathy, then be united in your convictions and united in your love, with a common purpose and a common mind. That is the one thing which would make me completely happy. There must be no competition among you, no conceit; but everybody is to be self-effacing. Always consider the other person to be better than yourself, So that nobody thinks of his own interests first but everybody thinks of other people’s interests instead.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 130:1-3
R/ Keep my soul in peace before you, O Lord.
O Lord, my heart is not proud nor haughty my eyes. I have not gone after things too great nor marvels beyond me.
Truly I have set my soul in silence and peace. A weaned child on its mother’s breast, even so is my soul.
O Israel, hope in the Lord both now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation : Ps118:18
Alleluia, alleluia! Open my eyes, O Lord, that I may consider the wonders of your law. Alleluia!
Gospel : Luke 14:12-14
Jesus said to his host, one of the leading Pharisees, ‘When you give a lunch or a dinner, do not ask your friends, brothers, relations or rich neighbours, for fear they repay your courtesy by inviting you in return. No; when you have a party, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; that they cannot pay you back means that you are fortunate, because repayment will be made to you when the virtuous rise again.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Look, O Lord, upon the offering placed on your altar in commemoration of Saint Charles, and grant by the power of this sacrifice that, as you made him an attentive pastor, outstanding in the merit of his virtues, so you may make us abound in good fruit by our works. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Jn 10: 11
The Good Shepherd has laid down his life for his sheep.
Prayer after Communion
May the sacred mysteries of which we have partaken, O Lord, we pray, give us that determination which made Saint Charles faithful in ministry and fervent in charity. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
An adage goes, “What a man has done for another is a debt which the other is obliged to reciprocate.” The tendency is to do good to those who will eventually pay us back with the same coin. We tend to invite only our friends, brothers, relatives, and the rich to our feast. No one throws a party for the poor, the disabled, the lame and the blind. Ethics of the Gospel go beyond this natural tendency in man. St. Paul extols the infinite wisdom of God, who, in his superabundance, extends his mercy to Jews and Gentiles alike. We reap God’s blessings when we do good to those who cannot repay us.
