by L'équipe de publication | Oct 1, 2024 | Evangelium
Psalter: Proper
The Holy Guardian Angels
White
The doctrine that every individual soul has a guardian angel is not an article of faith, but it is present in both the Old and New Testaments. As Jesus says, “see that you never despise any of these little ones, for I tell you that their angels in heaven always gaze on the face of my Father in heaven” Matthew 18:10-14. This feast reminds us that God cares for each of us, individually.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Dn 3: 58
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord, praise and exalt him above all for ever.
Collect
O God, who in your unfathomable providence are pleased to send your holy Angels to guard us, hear our supplication as we cry to you, that we may always be defended by their protection and rejoice eternally in their company. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
First reading Job 9:1-13,14-16
Job spoke to his friends: Indeed, I know it is as you say: how can man be in the right against God? If any were so rash as to challenge him for reasons, one in a thousand would be more than they could answer. His heart is wise, and his strength is great: who then can successfully defy him? He moves the mountains, though they do not know it; he throws them down when he is angry. He shakes the earth, and moves it from its place, making all its pillars tremble. The sun, at his command, forbears to rise, and on the stars he sets a seal. He and no other stretched out the skies, and trampled the Sea’s tall waves. The Bear, Orion too, are of his making, the Pleiades and the Mansions of the South. His works are great, beyond all reckoning, his marvels, past all counting. Were he to pass me, I should not see him, nor detect his stealthy movement. Were he to snatch a prize, who could prevent him, or dare to say, ‘What are you doing?’ God never goes back on his anger, Rahab’s minions still lie at his feet. How dare I plead my cause, then, or choose arguments against him? Suppose I am in the right, what use is my defence? For he whom I must sue is judge as well. If he deigned to answer my citation, could I be sure that he would listen to my voice?
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 87:10-15
R/ Let my prayer come into your presence, O Lord.
I call to you, Lord, all the day long; to you I stretch out my hands. Will you work your wonders for the dead? Will the shades stand and praise you?
Will your love be told in the grave or your faithfulness among the dead? Will your wonders be known in the dark or your justice in the land of oblivion?
As for me, Lord, I call to you for help: in the morning my prayer comes before you. Lord, why do you reject me? Why do you hide your face?
Gospel Acclamation: Ps118:105
Alleluia, alleluia! Your word is a lamp for my steps and a light for my path. Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 9:57-62
As Jesus and his disciples travelled along they met a man on the road who said to him, ‘I will follow you wherever you go.’ Jesus answered, ‘Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.’ Another to whom he said, ‘Follow me’, replied, ‘Let me go and bury my father first.’ But he answered, ‘Leave the dead to bury their dead; your duty is to go and spread the news of the kingdom of God.’ Another said, ‘I will follow you, sir, but first let me go and say goodbye to my people at home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Once the hand is laid on the plough, no one who looks back is fit for the kingdom of God. ’
Prayer over the Offerings
Receive, O Lord, the offerings we bring before you as we venerate your holy Angels, and graciously grant that under their constant protection we may be delivered from present dangers
and brought happily to life eternal. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Ps 137: 1
In the presence of the Angels I will praise you, my God.
Prayer after Communion
As you are pleased to nourish us for eternal lif with so great a Sacrament, O Lord, direct us by the ministry of Angels into the way of salvation and peace. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Jesus’ invitation to follow him requires total commitment and complete freedom. Following Jesus is a long-term commitment. Jesus made the journey to Jerusalem, where he would freely respond to God’s will, “Let thy will be done.” “Now it happened that as the time drew near for him to be taken up, he resolutely turned his face towards Jerusalem.” So many followers had witnessed the miracles of Jesus, felt his healing touch and shared God’s love; they had not fully understood what it meant to follow him. “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head”. He was simply trying to tell his disciples that although they had shared so many beautiful moments, there would definitely be rough parts to carrying out the Father’s will. The other two are convenient followers and would follow him when their schedule permits them. There are priorities in discipleship, and if one means to follow Jesus, then Jesus must come first place. We must notice our tendencies to get distracted and be determined in our hearts to follow Him.
by L'équipe de publication | Sep 30, 2024 | Agenda Biblique
Sainte THÉRÈSE DE L’ENFANT-JÉSUS, Vierge
Blanc
Thérèse Martin (1873-1897) a vingt-quatre ans quand elle meurt, quasi inconnue, au Carmel de Lisieux, après une vie de fidélité silencieuse, animée par un amour ardent de Jésus et du prochain.
Antienne d’ouverture : Dt 32, 10–12
Le Seigneur a entouré sainte Thérèse il l’a instruite, il l’a gardée comme la prunelle de l’œil. Comme l’aigle qui déploie ses ailes et emporte ses petits le Seigneur seul l’a conduite.
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu qui ouvres ton royaume aux petits et aux humbles, donne-nous de marcher avec confiance sur les pas de Sainte Thérèse de l’Enfant-Jésus, pour obtenir ainsi la révélation de ta gloire. Par Jésus Christ.
1ère lecture : Jb 3, 1-3.11-17.20-23
Job ouvrit la bouche et maudit le jour de sa naissance. Il prit la parole et dit : « Périssent le jour qui m’a vu naître et la nuit qui a déclaré : “Un homme vient d’être conçu !” Pourquoi ne suis-je pas mort dès le sein de ma mère, n’ai-je pas expiré au sortir de son ventre ? Pourquoi s’est-il trouvé deux genoux pour me recevoir, deux seins pour m’allaiter ? Maintenant je serais étendu, au calme, je dormirais d’un sommeil reposant, avec les rois et les conseillers de la terre qui se bâtissent des mausolées, ou avec les princes qui ont de l’or et remplissent d’argent leurs demeures. Ou bien, comme l’avorton que l’on dissimule, je n’aurais pas connu l’existence, comme les petits qui n’ont pas vu le jour. Là, au séjour des morts, prend fin l’agitation des méchants, là reposent ceux qui sont exténués. Pourquoi Dieu donne-t-il la lumière à un malheureux, la vie à ceux qui sont pleins d’amertume, qui aspirent à la mort sans qu’elle vienne, qui la recherchent plus avidement qu’un trésor ? Ils se réjouiraient, ils seraient dans l’allégresse, ils exulteraient s’ils trouvaient le tombeau. Pourquoi Dieu donne-t-il la vie à un homme dont la route est sans issue, et qu’il enferme de toutes parts ? »
Psaume : 87 (88), 2-3, 4-5, 6, 7-8
R/Que ma prière parvienne jusqu’à toi, Seigneur !
Seigneur, mon Dieu et mon salut, dans cette nuit où je crie en ta présence, que ma prière parvienne jusqu’à toi, ouvre l’oreille à ma plainte.
Car mon âme est rassasiée de malheur, ma vie est au bord de l’abîme ; on me voit déjà descendre à la fosse, je suis comme un homme fini.
Ma place est parmi les morts, avec ceux que l’on a tués, enterrés, ceux dont tu n’as plus souvenir, qui sont exclus, et loin de ta main.
Tu m’as mis au plus profond de la fosse, en des lieux engloutis, ténébreux ; le poids de ta colère m’écrase, tu déverses tes flots contre moi.
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia ! Tous les anges du Seigneur, bénissez le Seigneur : à lui, haute gloire, louange éternelle! Alléluia ! (cf. Mc 10, 45)
Évangile : Luc9, 51-56.
À ce moment là, Comme s’accomplissait le temps où il allait être enlevé au ciel, Jésus, le visage déterminé, prit la route de Jérusalem. Il envoya, en avant de lui, des messagers ; ceux-ci se mirent en route et entrèrent dans un village de Samaritains pour préparer sa venue. Mais on refusa de le recevoir, parce qu’il se dirigeait vers Jérusalem. Voyant cela, les disciples Jacques et Jean dirent : « Seigneur, veux-tu que nous ordonnions qu’un feu tombe du ciel et les détruise ? » Mais Jésus, se retournant, les réprimanda. Puis ils partirent pour un autre village..
Prière sur les offrandes
Nous proclamons tes merveilles, Seigneur, en fêtant sainte Thérèse, et nous te supplions humblement : tu aimais sa vie simple et courageuse ; accepte l’hommage de notre liturgie. Par Jésus .
Antienne de la communion : Mt 18, 3
Si vous ne changez pas, pour devenir comme les petits enfants, dit le Seigneur, vous n’entrerez pas dans le Royaume des cieux.
Prière après la communion
Par le sacrement que tu nous as donné, Seigneur, brûle – nous de cette charité qui incitait sainte Thérèse là s’abandonner là la grâce et a se passionner pour le salut de tous les hommes. Par Jésus .
Méditation
Le monde actuel exalte la violence. Les clichés qui nous sont offerts au quotidien montrent constamment le fort qui écrase le faible. L’innocent est condamné par une justice laissée à la solde de celui qui gouverne, la veuve et l’orphelin sont maltraités par les oncles, tantes et parfois des inconnus qui s’accaparent leurs biens. L’attitude de Jésus nous interpelle et nous enseigne que notre pouvoir, notre avoir ne doit pas être mis au service de la violence. La véritable puissance réside non pas dans l’anéantissement du prochain mais dans la garantie que nous lui donnons d’avoir la vie sauve quelque soit la circonstance. « Jésus les réprimanda» parcequ’ils avaient souhaité abuser de leur autorité et de leur pouvoir. Une attitude qui relève de la faiblesse de notre amour pour le prochain. Demandons au Seigneur par l’intercession de Sainte Thérèse de l’enfant Jésus de nous aider à aimer et à poser des actes d’amour sans cesse.
by L'équipe de publication | Sep 30, 2024 | Evangelium
Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin,
Doctor – Feast (1873 – 1897)
White
She was born in France on 2 January 1873 and entered the Carmel of Lisieux in 1888. Though her faith was seriously tested by sickness she grew in sanctity. She died at the age of 24 in 1897 with the following words: “I am not dying, I am entering life”. Her example of holiness has been received with great enthusiasm by all the faithful and even outside Christianity.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Deut 32:10-12
The Lord nurtured her and taught her; he guarded her as the apple of his eye. As the eagle spreads its wings to carry its young, he bore her on his shoulders. The Lord alone was her leader.
Collect
God of love, you have promised your kingdom to those who are willing to become like little children. Help us to follow the way of Saint Thérèse with confidence so that by her prayers we may come to know your eternal glory. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
First reading: Job 3:1-3,11-17,20-23
Job broke the silence and cursed the day of his birth. This is what he said: May the day perish when I was born, and the night that told of a boy conceived. Why did I not die new-born, not perish as I left the womb? Why were there two knees to receive me, two breasts for me to suck? Had there not been, I should now be lying in peace, wrapped in a restful slumber, with the kings and high viziers of earth who build themselves vast vaults, or with princes who have gold and to spare and houses crammed with silver. Or put away like a still-born child that never came to be, like unborn babes that never see the light. Down there, bad men bustle no more, there the weary rest. Why give light to a man of grief? Why give life to those bitter of heart, who long for a death that never comes, and hunt for it more than for a buried treasure? They would be glad to see the grave-mound and shout with joy if they reached the tomb. Why make this gift of light to a man who does not see his way, whom God baulks on every side?
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 87:2-8
Let my prayer come into your presence, O Lord.
Lord my God, I call for help by day; I cry at night before you. Let my prayer come into your presence. O turn your ear to my cry..
For my soul is filled with evils; my life is on the brink of the grave. I am reckoned as one in the tomb: I have reached the end of my strength.
Like one alone among the dead; like the slain lying in their graves; like those you remember no more, cut off, as they are, from your hand.
You have laid me in the depths of the tomb, in places that are dark, in the depths. Your anger weighs down upon me: I am drowned beneath your waves.
Gospel Acclamation: Ps118:36,29
Alleluia, alleluia! Bend my heart to your will, O Lord, and teach me your law.Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 9:51-56
As the time drew near for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely took the road for Jerusalem and sent messengers ahead of him. These set out, and they went into a Samaritan village to make preparations for him, but the people would not receive him because he was making for Jerusalem. Seeing this, the disciples James and John said, ‘Lord, do you want us to call down fire from heaven to burn them up?’ But he turned and rebuked them, and they went off to another village.
Prayer over the Offerings
Lord, we praise the wonder of your grace in Saint Thérèse. As you were pleased with the witness she offered, be pleased also to accept this service of ours. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Mt 18:3
Unless you change and become like little children, says the Lord, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.
Prayer after Communion
Lord, by the power of your love Saint Thérèse offered herself completely to you and prayer for the salvation of all. May the sacraments we have received fill us with love and bring us forgiveness. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
The Samaritans would not welcome Jesus and his disciples because they are destined for Jerusalem. The attitude of the Samaritans suggests that they have an axe to grind with Jerusalem. According to James and John, they should get what their attitude merits – fire from heaven to consume them all. Jesus rebukes James and John. By so doing, Jesus teaches that violence in response to violence, hatred in response to hatred, rejection in response to rejection, can never be a solution to any problem. What is your attitude to those who disagree with you? How do we relate with those who have a different opinion from ours? Jesus invites us today to offer peace in return for war, love in return for hatred, acceptance in return for rejection.
by L'équipe de publication | Sep 29, 2024 | Agenda Biblique
Saint Jérôme,
Prêtre et Docteur de l’Eglise
Blanc
‘’Ignorer les Ecritures, c’est ignorer le Christ’’. Cette maxime de Jérôme (vers 340-420) est la clé de sa vie, toute consacrée à traduire et à commenter la Bible. Venu à Rome pour faire ses études, le jeune Dalmate s’y enthousiasme pour la vie de l’esprit.
Antienne d’ouverture
Que les paroles de Dieu soient toujours sur tes lèvres ; médite-les jour et nuit, veille à les accomplir en tout ce qu’elles contiennent : alors ta vie prendra sens et valeur.
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu qui as donné à saint Jérôme de goûter la sainte Écriture et d’en vivre intensément, fais que ton peuple soit davantage nourri de ta Parole et trouve en elle une source de vie. Par Jésus.
1ère lecture : Jb 1, 6-22
Le jour où les fils de Dieu se rendaient à l’audience du Seigneur, le Satan, l’Adversaire, lui aussi, vint parmi eux. Le Seigneur lui dit : « D’où viens-tu ? » L’Adversaire répondit : « De parcourir la terre et d’y rôder. » Le Seigneur reprit: « As-tu remarqué mon serviteur Job ? Il n’a pas son pareil sur la terre: c’est un homme intègre et droit, qui craint Dieu et s’écarte du mal. » L’Adversaire riposta : « Est-ce pour rien que Job craint Dieu ? N‘as-tu pas élevé une clôture pour le protéger, lui, sa maison et tout ce qu’il possède ? Tu as béni son travail, et ses troupeaux se multiplient dans le pays. Mais étends seulement la main, et touche à tout ce qu’il possède: je parie qu’il te maudira en face! » Le Seigneur dit à l’Adversaire : « Soit ! Tu as pouvoir sur tout ce qu’il possède, mais tu ne porteras pas la main sur lui.» Et l’Adversaire se retira. Le jour où les fils et les filles de Job étaient en train de festoyer et de boire du vin dans la maison de leur frère aîné, un messager arriva auprès de Job et lui dit : « Les bœufs étaient en train de labourer et les ânesses étaient au pâturage non loin de là. Les Bédouins se sont jetés sur eux et les ont enlevés, et ils ont passé les serviteurs au fil de l’épée. Moi seul, j’ai pu m’échapper pour te l’annoncer. » Il parlait encore quand un autre survint et lui dit : « Le feu du ciel est tombé, il a brûlé troupeaux et serviteurs, et les a dévorés. Moi seul, j’ai pu m’échapper pour te l’annoncer. » Il parlait encore quand un troisième survint et lui dit : « Trois bandes de Chaldéens se sont emparées des chameaux, ils les ont enlevés et ils ont passé les serviteurs au fil de l’épée. Moi seul, j’ai pu m’échapper pour te l’annoncer. » Il parlait encore quand un quatrième survint et lui dit: « Tes fils et tes filles étaient en train de festoyer et de boire du vin dans la maison de leur frère aîné, lorsqu’un ouragan s’est levé du fond du désert et s’est rué contre la maison. Ébranlée aux quatre coins, elle s’est écroulée sur les jeunes gens, et ils sont morts. Moi seul, j’ai pu m’échapper pour te l’annoncer. » Alors Job se leva, il déchira son manteau et se rasa la tête, il se jeta à terre et se prosterna. Puis il dit : « Nu je suis sorti du ventre de ma mère, nu j’y retournerai. Le Seigneur a donné, le Seigneur a repris : Que le nom du Seigneur soit béni ! » En tout cela, Job ne commit pas de péché. Il n’adressa à Dieu aucune parole déplacée.
Psaume : 16 (17), 1, 3, 4b-5, 7
R/Toi, le Dieu qui répond : écoute-moi, entends ce que je dis.
Seigneur, écoute la justice ! Entends ma plainte, accueille ma prière : mes lèvres ne mentent pas.
Tu sondes mon cœur, tu me visites la nuit, tu m’éprouves, sans rien trouver ; mes pensées n’ont pas franchi mes lèvres.
J’ai gardé le chemin prescrit ; j’ai tenu mes pas sur tes traces : jamais mon pied n’a trébuché.
Montre les merveilles de ta grâce, toi qui libères de l’agresseur ceux qui se réfugient sous ta droite.
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia! Le Fils de l’homme est venu pour servir, et donner sa vie en rançon pour la multitude. Alléluia! (cf. Mc 10, 45)
Évangile : Lc 9, 46-50
En ce temps-là, une discussion survint entre les disciples pour savoir qui, parmi eux, était le plus grand. Mais Jésus, sachant quelle discussion occupait leur cœur, prit un enfant, le plaça à côté de lui et leur dit : « Celui qui accueille en mon nom cet enfant, il m’accueille, moi. Et celui qui m’accueille accueille celui qui m’a envoyé. En effet, le plus petit d’entre vous tous, c’est celui-là qui est grand. » Jean, l’un des Douze, dit à Jésus : « Maître, nous avons vu quelqu’un expulser des démons en ton nom ; nous l’en avons empêché, car il ne marche pas à ta suite avec nous. » Jésus lui répondit : « Ne l’en empêchez pas : qui n’est pas contre vous est pour vous. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Permets, Seigneur notre Dieu, qu’après avoir accueilli ta Parole en nos cœurs, à l’exemple de saint Jérôme, nous mettions plus d’empressement à t’offrions le sacrifice du salut. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion
Quand tes paroles se présentaient, Seigneur, je les dévorais. Ta Parole faisait mes délices et la joie de mon cœur.
Prière après la communion
Permets, Seigneur notre Dieu, que cette communion reçue en la fête de saint Jérôme réveille le cœur de tes fidèles : attentifs aux enseignements de l’Écriture, ils verront quel chemin il faut suivre ; en le suivant, ils parviendront à la vie éternelle. Par Jésus.
Méditation
L’Église nous enseigne également, par le concile Vatican II, que « les joies et les espoirs, les tristesses et les angoisses… des pauvres surtout et de tous ceux qui souffrent, sont aussi les joies et les espoirs, les tristesses et les angoisses des disciples du Christ » (Gaudium et Spes 1). Les chrétiens devraient se sentir fiers, non seulement parce qu’ils ont reçu le don de pouvoir chasser les démons, guérir les malades et faire de petits ou de grands miracles, mais également, à l’appel de la justice sociale, de prendre soin des pauvres et de ceux qui souffrent. En ce temps de rencontre des cultures, et face aux différentes idéologies, il nous faut nous débarrasser de nos préjugés, réunir tout le monde sur la vérité acceptée par tous, établir ainsi une base de dialogue et collaborer ensemble sur cette même base pour faire avancer la justice sociale. Une telle collaboration exige qu’on abandonne toute idée préconçue et que l’on accepte la différence des mentalités.
by L'équipe de publication | Sep 29, 2024 | Evangelium
Saint Jerome,
Priest, Doctor (340 – 420)
White
He was born in Dalmatia. He founded a monastery, a hospice, and a school, and settled down to the most important work of his life, the translation of the Bible into Latin, a translation which, with some revisions, is still in use today. He died at Bethlehem.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 1: 2-3
Blessed indeed is he who ponders the law of the Lord day and night: he will yield his fruit in due season.
Collect
O God, who gave the Priest Saint Jerome a living and tender love for Sacred Scripture, grant that your people may be ever more fruitfully nourished by your Word and find in it the fount of life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
First reading Job 1:6-22
One day the Sons of God came to attend on the Lord, and among them was Satan. So the Lord said to Satan, ‘Where have you been?’ ‘Round the earth,’ he answered ‘roaming about.’ So the Lord asked him, ‘Did you notice my servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth: a sound and honest man who fears God and shuns evil.’ ‘Yes,’ Satan said ‘but Job is not God-fearing for nothing, is he? Have you not put a wall round him and his house and all his domain? You have blessed all he undertakes, and his flocks throng the countryside. But stretch out your hand and lay a finger on his possessions: I warrant you, he will curse you to your face.’ ‘Very well,’ the Lord said to Satan ‘all he has is in your power. But keep your hands off his person.’ So Satan left the presence of the Lord. On the day when Job’s sons and daughters were at their meal and drinking wine at their eldest brother’s house, a messenger came to Job. ‘Your oxen’ he said ‘were at the plough, with the donkeys grazing at their side, when the Sabaeans swept down on them and carried them off. Your servants they put to the sword: I alone escaped to tell you.’ He had not finished speaking when another messenger arrived. ‘The fire of God’ he said ‘has fallen from the heavens and burnt up all your sheep, and your shepherds too: I alone escaped to tell you.’ He had not finished speaking when another messenger arrived. ‘The Chaldaeans,’ he said ‘three bands of them, have raided your camels and made off with them. Your servants they put to the sword: I alone escaped to tell you.’ He had not finished speaking when another messenger arrived. ‘Your sons and daughters’ he said ‘were at their meal and drinking wine at their eldest brother’s house, when suddenly from the wilderness a gale sprang up, and it battered all four corners of the house which fell in on the young people. They are dead: I alone escaped to tell you.’ Job rose and tore his gown and shaved his head. Then falling to the ground he worshipped and said: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, naked I shall return. The Lord gave, the Lord has taken back. Blessed be the name of the Lord!’ In all this misfortune Job committed no sin nor offered any insult to God.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 16:1-3,6-7
R/Turn your ear to me, O Lord; hear my words.
Lord, hear a cause that is just, pay heed to my cry. Turn your ear to my prayer: no deceit is on my lips.
From you may my judgement come forth. Your eyes discern the truth. You search my heart, you visit me by night. You test me and you find in me no wrong.
I am here and I call, you will hear me, O God. Turn your ear to me; hear my words. Display your great love, you whose right hand saves your friends from those who rebel against them.
Gospel Acclamation: Jn14:6
Alleluia, alleluia! I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, says the Lord; No one can come to the Father except through me. Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 9:46-50
An argument started between the disciples about which of them was the greatest. Jesus knew what thoughts were going through their minds, and he took a little child and set him by his side and then said to them, ‘Anyone who welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For the least among you all, that is the one who is great.’ John spoke up. ‘Master,’ he said ‘we saw a man casting out devils in your name, and because he is not with us we tried to stop him.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘You must not stop him: anyone who is not against you is for you.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Grant us, O Lord, that, having meditated on your Word, following the example of Saint Jerome, we may more eagerly draw near to offer your majesty the sacrifice of salvation. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Jer 15: 16
Lord God, your words were found and I consumed them; your word became the joy and the happiness of my heart.
Prayer after Communion
May these holy gifts we have received, O Lord, as we rejoice in celebrating Saint Jerome, stir up the hearts of your faithful so that, attentive to sacred teachings, they may understand the path they are to follow and, by following it, obtain life everlasting. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
The period of Jesus’ public ministry served as schooling ground for the apostles as he prepared them to carry on what he started. We have a similar experience when seminarians are sent to do pastoral work at the direction of the parish priest. He does this in preparation for his own ordination. Jesus also gave his closest collaborators a sort of on-the-job training. The disciples had been arguing on the spots to the taken in Jesus’ kingdom. Many good and well-intentioned people too may easily fall into the temptation of pride and greed, it happens. Jesus gave a challenging lesson with these words: “whoever receives this child in my name receives me and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” Jesus amplified this teaching on greatness during the Last Supper by his example. He is very patient with the apostles. Despite their human defects and ours, the Lord still loves us and never gives up on us.
