by L'équipe de publication | Sep 18, 2024 | Evangelium
Saint Januarius, Bishop, Martyr
Green
According tradition, he was a bishop of Benevento who was martyred at Puteoli in the early fourth century. His body lies in Naples, where his cult is taken very seriously indeed.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Sir 36: 18
Give peace, O Lord, to those who wait for you, that your prophets be found true. Hear the prayers of your servant, and of your people Israel.
Collect
Look upon us, O God, Creator and ruler of all things, and, that we may feel the working of your mercy, grant that we may serve you with all our heart. 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: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Brothers, I want to remind you of the Gospel I preached to you, the Gospel that you received and in which you are firmly established; because the Gospel will save you only if you keep believing exactly what I preached to you – believing anything else will not lead to anything. Well then, in the first place, I taught you what I had been taught myself, namely that Christ died for our sins, in accordance with the Scriptures; that he was buried; and that he was raised to life on the third day, in accordance with the Scriptures; that he appeared first to Cephas and secondly to the Twelve. Next he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died; then he appeared to James, and then to all the apostles; and last of all he appeared to me too; it was as though I was born when no one expected it. I am the least of the apostles; in fact, since I persecuted the Church of God, I hardly deserve the name apostle; but by God’s grace that is what I am, and the grace that he gave me has not been fruitless. On the contrary, I, or rather the grace of God that is with me, have worked harder than any of the others; but what matters is that I preach what they preach, and this is what you all believed.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 117:1-2,15-17,28
R/Give thanks to the Lord for he is good.
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, for his love has no end. Let the sons of Israel say: ‘His love has no end. ’
The Lord’s right hand has triumphed; his right hand raised me up. I shall not die, I shall live and recount his deeds.
You are my God, I thank you. My God, I praise you. I will thank you for you have given answer and you are my Saviour.
Gospel Acclamation: 2Co5:19
Alleluia, alleluia! God in Christ was reconciling the world to himself, and he has entrusted to us the news that they are reconciled.
Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 7:36-50
One of the Pharisees invited Jesus to a meal. When he arrived at the Pharisee’s house and took his place at table, a woman came in, who had a bad name in the town. She had heard he was dining with the Pharisee and had brought with her an alabaster jar of ointment. She waited behind him at his feet, weeping, and her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them away with her hair; then she covered his feet with kisses and anointed them with the ointment. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, ‘If this man were a prophet, he would know who this woman is that is touching him and what a bad name she has.’ Then Jesus took him up and said, ‘Simon, I have something to say to you.’ ‘Speak, Master’ was the reply. ‘There was once a creditor who had two men in his debt; one owed him five hundred denarii, the other fifty. They were unable to pay, so he pardoned them both. Which of them will love him more?’ ‘The one who was pardoned more, I suppose’ answered Simon. Jesus said, ‘You are right.’ Then he turned to the woman. ‘Simon,’ he said ‘you see this woman? I came into your house, and you poured no water over my feet, but she has poured out her tears over my feet and wiped them away with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but she has been covering my feet with kisses ever since I came in. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. For this reason I tell you that her sins, her many sins, must have been forgiven her, or she would not have shown such great love. It is the man who is forgiven little who shows little love.’ Then he said to her, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ Those who were with him at table began to say to themselves, ‘Who is this man, that he even forgives sins?’ But he said to the woman, ‘Your faith has saved you; go in peace.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Look with favour on our supplications, O Lord, and in your kindness accept these, your servants’ offerings, that what each has offered to the honour of your name may serve the salvation of all. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Ps 35: 8
How precious is your mercy, O God! The children of men seek shelter in the shadow of your wings.
Prayer after Communion
May the working of this heavenly gift, O Lord, we pray, take possession of our minds and bodies, so that its effects, and not our own desires, may always prevail in us. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
The host of Jesus seems to be scandalised by the act of this woman regarded to be sinful. Surely with a sinister look to the woman, the Pharisee held on to her past mistakes and found her unworthy, not only to be around the Master, but also to even touch him. Through this parable Jesus opened the eyes of all those in the dinner, prompting Simon to confess that in fact no matter how sinful that woman was, she will be pardoned just as the creditor pardoned both men, even the one owing him much. They thought that Jesus didn’t know or understand the behaviour of that woman, while in fact it was them who didn’t understand the love of that woman and her burning desire to be forgiven. The Gospel says, “she had heard…” (7:37) where Jesus was, meaning perhaps that she had been longing to find him and be pardoned.
by L'équipe de publication | Sep 17, 2024 | Agenda Biblique
Sainte NADEGE
Saint LAMBERT
vert/blanc
En langue slave, Nadège veut dire ‘’espérance’’. Cette sainte mourut Vierge et martyre à Rome avec sa mère Sophie et ses deux sœurs.
Antienne d’ouverture : Si 36,18
Donne la paix, Seigneur, à ceux qui t’espèrent: ne fais pas mentir les paroles de tes prophètes. Exauce la prière de ton peuple.
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu créateur et maître de toutes choses, regarde-nous. Et pour que nous ressentions l’effet de ton amour, accorde-nous de te servir avec un cœur sans partage. Par Jésus Christ.
1ère lecture : 1 Co 12, 31-13, 13
Frères, recherchez avec ardeur les dons les plus grands. Et maintenant, je vais vous indiquer le chemin par excellence. J’aurais beau parler toutes les langues des hommes et des anges, si je n’ai pas la charité, s’il me manque l’amour, je ne suis qu’un cuivre qui résonne, une cymbale retentissante. J’aurais beau être prophète, avoir toute la science des mystères et toute la connaissance de Dieu, j’aurais beau avoir toute la foi jusqu’à transporter les montagnes, s’il me manque l’amour, je ne suis rien. J’aurais beau distribuer toute ma fortune aux affamés, j’aurais beau me faire brûler vif, s’il me manque l’amour, cela ne me sert à rien. L’amour prend patience ; l’amour rend service; l’amour ne jalouse pas ; il ne se vante pas, ne se gonfle pas d’orgueil ; il ne fait rien d’inconvenant ; il ne cherche pas son intérêt ; il ne s’emporte pas ; il n’entretient pas de rancune ; il ne se réjouit pas de ce qui est injuste, mais il trouve sa joie dans ce qui est vrai; il supporte tout, il fait confiance en tout il espère tout, il endure tout. L’amour ne passera jamais. Les prophéties seront dépassées, le don des langues cessera, la connaissance actuelle sera dépassée. En effet, notre connaissance est partielle,nos prophéties sont partielles. Quand viendra l’achèvement, ce qui est partiel sera dépassé. Quand j’étais petit enfant, je parlais comme un enfant, je pensais comme un enfant, je raisonnais comme un enfant. Maintenant que je suis un homme, j’ai dépassé ce qui était propre à l’enfant. Nous voyons actuellement de manière confuse, comme dans un miroir; ce jour-là, nous verrons face à face. Actuellement, ma connaissance est partielle ; ce jour-là, je connaîtrai parfaitement, comme j’ai été connu. Ce qui demeure aujourd’hui, c’est la foi, l’espérance et la charité ; mais la plus grande des trois,c’est la charité.
Psaume : 32, 2-3, 4-5, 12 et 22
R/ Heureux le peuple que le Seigneur s’est choisi pour domaine.
Rendez grâce au Seigneur sur la cithare, jouez pour lui sur la harpe à dix cordes. Chantez-lui le cantique nouveau,de tout votre art soutenez l’ovation.
Oui, elle est droite, la parole du Seigneur ; il est fidèle en tout ce qu’il fait.Il aime le bon droit et la justice ; la terre est remplie de son amour.
Heureux le peuple dont le Seigneur est le Dieu, heureuse la nation qu’il s’est choisie pour domaine !
Que ton amour, Seigneur, soit sur nous comme notre espoir est en toi !
Acclamation : Jean 6, 63c, 68c
Alléluia, alléluia. Tes paroles, Seigneur, sont esprit et elles sont vie ; tu as les paroles de la vie éternelle. Alléluia, alléluia.
Évangile : Luc 7, 31-35
En ce temps-là, Jésus disait à la foule: « À qui donc vais-je comparer les gens de cette génération? À qui ressemblent-ils ? Ils ressemblent à des gamins assis sur la place, qui s’interpellent en disant: “Nous avons joué de la flûte, et vous n’avez pas dansé. Nous avons chanté des lamentations, et vous n’avez pas pleuré.” Jean le Baptiste est venu, en effet ; il ne mange pas de pain, il ne boit pas de vin, et vous dites : “C’est un possédé ! Le Fils de l’homme est venu ; il mange et il boit, et vous dites : “Voilà un glouton et un ivrogne, un ami des publicains et des pécheurs.” Mais, par tous ses enfants, la sagesse de Dieu a été reconnue juste. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Sois favorable à nos prières, Seigneur, et reçois avec bonté nos offrandes. Que les dons apportés par chacun à la gloire de ton nom servent au salut de tous. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Ps 35, 8
Qu’il est précieux, ton amour, ô mon Dieu! En lui s’abritent les hommes.
Prière après la communion
Que la grâce de cette communion, Seigneur, saisisse nos esprits et nos corps, Afin que son influence, et non pas notre sentiment, domine toujours en nous. Par Jésus.
Méditation Nous sommes des étourdis. Tout au long de notre vie, tout au long d’une journée, Dieu nous fait signe et nous passons, nous ne voyons rien. Nous sommes des étourdis. Dans la rue, cette femme âgée qui peine à porter ses provisions. Dans notre immeuble, ces enfants auxquels nous ne prêtons pas attention, sinon pour dire qu’ils font du bruit. Au travail, cet homme qui arrive un matin plus rayonnant que d’habitude. Ce sont des fils de Dieu au travers desquels Dieu nous fait signe. Les signes de Dieu sont toujours inattendus, étonnants. Ils correspondent rarement à ce que nous attendions. Les signes de Dieu sont des grâces, des dons gratuits de Dieu. Ne soyons plus étourdis, mais attentifs. Que Dieu nous donne la sagesse, sa façon pour lui de voir tout être, tout événement, sa façon de voir notre propre vie. Car la sagesse, c’est Dieu lui-même à l’action, Dieu se révélant dans son dessein d’amour.
by L'équipe de publication | Sep 17, 2024 | Evangelium
Saint Joseph of Cupertino
(1603 – 1663)
Green/White
Joseph of Cupertino was an Italian Conventual Franciscan friar who is honored as a Christian mystic and saint. He was said to have been remarkably unclever, but prone to miraculous levitation and intense ecstatic visions that left him gaping.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Sir 36: 18
Give peace, O Lord, to those who wait for you, that your prophets be found true. Hear the prayers of your servant, and of your people Israel.
Collect
Look upon us, O God, Creator and ruler of all things, and, that we may feel the working of your mercy, grant that we may serve you with all our heart. 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: 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13
Be ambitious for the higher gifts. And I am going to show you a way that is better than any of them. If I have all the eloquence of men or of angels, but speak without love, I am simply a gong booming or a cymbal clashing. If I have the gift of prophecy, understanding all the mysteries there are, and knowing everything, and if I have faith in all its fullness, to move mountains, but without love, then I am nothing at all. If I give away all that I possess, piece by piece, and if I even let them take my body to burn it, but am without love, it will do me no good whatever. Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous; love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish; it does not take offence and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people’s sins but delights in the truth; it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes. Love does not come to an end. But if there are gifts of prophecy, the time will come when they must fail; or the gift of languages, it will not continue for ever; and knowledge – for this, too, the time will come when it must fail. For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophesying is imperfect; but once perfection comes, all imperfect things will disappear. When I was a child, I used to talk like a child, and think like a child, and argue like a child, but now I am a man, all childish ways are put behind me. Now we are seeing a dim reflection in a mirror; but then we shall be seeing face to face. The knowledge that I have now is imperfect; but then I shall know as fully as I am known. In short, there are three things that last: faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 32:2-5,12,22
R/Happy the people the Lord has chosen as his own.
Give thanks to the Lord upon the harp, with a ten-stringed lute sing him songs. O sing him a song that is new, play loudly, with all your skill.
For the word of the Lord is faithful and all his works to be trusted. The Lord loves justice and right and fills the earth with his love.
They are happy, whose God is the Lord, the people he has chosen as his own. May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you.
Gospel Acclamation: cf.1Th2:13
Alleluia, alleluia! Accept God’s message for what it really is: God’s message, and not some human thinking. Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 7:31-35
Jesus said to the people: ‘What description can I find for the men of this generation? What are they like? They are like children shouting to one another while they sit in the market-place: ‘“We played the pipes for you, and you wouldn’t dance; we sang dirges, and you wouldn’t cry.” ‘For John the Baptist comes, not eating bread, not drinking wine, and you say, “He is possessed.” The Son of Man comes, eating and drinking, and you say, “Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” Yet Wisdom has been proved right by all her children.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Look with favour on our supplications, O Lord, and in your kindness accept these, your servants’ offerings, that what each has offered to the honour of your name may serve the salvation of all. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon
How precious is your mercy, O God! The children of men seek shelter in the shadow of your wings.
Prayer after Communion
May the working of this heavenly gift, O Lord, we pray, take possession of our minds and bodies, so that its effects, and not our own desires, may always prevail in us. Through Christ our Lord.
Mediation
Jesus’ message is a proclamation of the Good News and of great joy for those who will listen. It is also a warning for those who refuse. Why did the message of John the Baptist and the message of Jesus meet with resistance and deaf ears? Like the generation of Jesus’ time, our age is marked by indifference and contempt, especially in regards to the things of heaven. Only the humble of heart can find joy in God’s grace and favour. The gospel reflects people’s judgmental attitude. Sometimes we take so much pleasure in criticizing those who take on leadership positions in the community. We always have something negative to say. Jesus wants us to see the wisdom in the leadership of these people and help them to serve better. However, the greatest error would be to try to please everyone by compromising the positions you truly believe in. No matter what you do, there are people who would still find problems with you. What is recommended is to be the best we can be and stand firm in the truths that we hold.
by L'équipe de publication | Sep 16, 2024 | Agenda Biblique
Saint ROBERT BELLARMIN,
évêque et docteur de l’Eglise
vert/blanc
Jésuite de la deuxième génération, ce Toscan (1542-1621) fut un brillant professeur à Louvain, puis au Collège Romain, où il fut le père spirituel de Louis de Gonzague. A une époque où la controverse avec les protestants battait son plein, il mit ses dons de polémiste au service de l’Église et du pape.
Antienne d’ouverture : Si 36, 18
Donne la paix, Seigneur, à ceux qui t’espèrent: ne fais pas mentir les paroles de tes prophètes. Exauce la prière de ton peuple.
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu créateur et maître de toutes choses, regarde-nous. Et pour que nous ressentions l’effet de ton amour, accorde-nous de te servir avec un cœur sans partage. Par Jésus Christ.
1ère lecture : 1 Co 12, 12-14.27-31a
Frères, prenons une comparaison: le corps ne fait qu’un, il a pourtant plusieurs membres ; et tous les membres, malgré leur nombre, ne forment qu’un seul corps. Il en est ainsi pour le Christ. C’est dans un unique Esprit, en effet, que nous tous, Juifs ou païens, esclaves ou hommes libres, nous avons été baptisés pour former un seul corps. Tous, nous avons été désaltérés par un unique Esprit. Le corps humain se compose non pas d’un seul, mais de plusieurs membres. Or, vous êtes corps du Christ et, chacun pour votre part, vous êtes membres de ce corps. Parmi ceux que Dieu a placés ainsi dans l’Église, il y a premièrement des apôtres, deuxièmement des prophètes, troisièmement ceux qui ont charge d’enseigner ; ensuite, il y a les miracles, puis les dons de guérison, d’assistance, de gouvernement, le don de parler diverses langues mystérieuses. Tout le monde évidemment n’est pas apôtre, tout le monde n’est pas prophète, ni chargé d’enseigner; tout le monde n’a pas à faire des miracles, à guérir, à dire des paroles mystérieuses, ou à les interpréter. Recherchez donc avec ardeur les dons les plus grands.
Psaume : 99 (100), 1-2, 3, 4, 5
R/ Nous sommes son peuple, son troupeau.
Acclamez le Seigneur, terre entière, servez le Seigneur dans l’allégresse, venez à lui avec des chants de joie !
Reconnaissez que le Seigneur est Dieu : il nous a faits, et nous sommes à lui, nous, son peuple, son troupeau.
Venez dans sa maison lui rendre grâce, dans sa demeure chanter ses louanges; rendez-lui grâce et bénissez son nom !
Oui, le Seigneur est bon, éternel est son amour, sa fidélité demeure d’âge en âge.
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia. Un grand prophète s’est levé parmi nous, et Dieu a visité son peuple. Alléluia. (Lc 7, 16)
Évangile : Lc 7, 11-17
En ce temps-là, Jésus se rendit dans une ville appelée Naïm. Ses disciples faisaient route avec lui, ainsi qu’une grande foule. Il arriva près de la porte de la ville au moment où l’on emportait un mort pour l’enterrer ; c’était un fils unique, et sa mère était veuve. Une foule importante de la ville accompagnait cette femme. Voyant celle-ci, le Seigneur fut saisi de compassion pour elle et lui dit: « Ne pleure pas. » Il s’approcha et toucha le cercueil ; les porteurs s’arrêtèrent, et Jésus dit : « Jeune homme, je te l’ordonne, lève-toi. » Alors le mort se redressa et se mit à parler. Et Jésus le rendit à sa mère. La crainte s’empara de tous, et ils rendaient gloire à Dieu en disant: « Un grand prophète s’est levé parmi nous, et Dieu a visité son peuple. » Et cette parole sur Jésus se répandit dans la Judée entière et dans toute la région.
Prière sur les offrandes
Sois favorable à nos prières, Seigneur, et reçois avec bonté nos offrandes. Que les dons apportés par chacun à la gloire de ton nom servent au salut de tous. Par Jésus.
Antienne de la communion : Ps 35, 8
Qu’il est précieux, ton amour, ô mon Dieu! En lui s’abritent les hommes.
Prière après la communion
Que la grâce de cette communion, Seigneur, saisisse nos esprits et nos corps, Afin que son influence, et non pas notre sentiment, domine toujours en nous. Par Jésus.
Méditation Dans ce récit, saint Luc parle tout d’abord de Jésus pour nous dire qu’il se rend à Naïm, puis ce Jésus devient le Seigneur au moment où il rencontre le cortège funèbre. Ce changement de dénomination nous invite à contempler en Jésus le Seigneur de la vie. La mort, l’échec de l’homme sont insupportables à Dieu, comme l’échec de l’homme est l’échec de Dieu. Dieu a fait l’homme pour la vie, car il est le Vivant. En Jésus Christ, il nous révèle que la mort ne lui est pas supportable, mais, bien plus, qu’il est capable de faire surgir la Vie là même où la mort a fait son œuvre. La pitié du Seigneur de la Vie n’est pas ici un vague sentiment humain. Elle exprime un cri profond du Vivant capable de transformer en vie ce que le péché de l’homme a laissé s’installer en mort. Pour Dieu, la mort est toujours un sommeil : Je te l’ordonne, réveille-toi. Notre espérance se situe dans cette foi qui fait que pour nous, Jésus est Seigneur. Dieu plus fort que le mal, que la mort même. De toute situation, le Seigneur est capable de faire une Résurrection.
by L'équipe de publication | Sep 16, 2024 | Evangelium
Saint Robert Bellarmine,
Bishop, Doctor (1542 – 1621)
Green/White
He was born in Montepulciano, in Tuscany, and became a Jesuit. He wrote two catechisms and some devotional commentaries on the Psalms and on the Seven Last Words.
Entrance Antiphon Cf. Sir 36: 18
Give peace, O Lord, to those who wait for you, that your prophets be found true. Hear the prayers of your servant, and of your people Israel.`
Collect
Look upon us, O God, Creator and ruler of all things, and, that we may feel the working of your mercy, grant that we may serve you with all our heart. 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: 1 Corinthians 12:12-14,27-31
Just as a human body, though it is made up of many parts, is a single unit because all these parts, though many, make one body, so it is with Christ. In the one Spirit we were all baptised, Jews as well as Greeks, slaves as well as citizens, and one Spirit was given to us all to drink. Nor is the body to be identified with any one of its many parts. Now you together are Christ’s body; but each of you is a different part of it. In the Church, God has given the first place to apostles, the second to prophets, the third to teachers; after them, miracles, and after them the gift of healing; helpers, good leaders, those with many languages. Are all of them apostles, or all of them prophets, or all of them teachers? Do they all have the gift of miracles, or all have the gift of healing? Do all speak strange languages, and all interpret them? Be ambitious for the higher gifts.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 99:1-5
R/ We are his people, the sheep of his flock.
Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing for joy.
Know that he, the Lord, is God. He made us, we belong to him, we are his people, the sheep of his flock.
Go within his gates, giving thanks. Enter his courts with songs of praise. Give thanks to him and bless his name.
Indeed, how good is the Lord, eternal his merciful love. He is faithful from age to age.
Gospel Acclamation: cf.2Tim1:10
Alleluia, alleluia! Our Saviour Jesus Christ abolished death and he has proclaimed life through the Good News. Alleluia!
Gospel Luke 7:11-17
Jesus went to a town called Nain, accompanied by his disciples and a great number of people. When he was near the gate of the town it happened that a dead man was being carried out for burial, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a considerable number of the townspeople were with her. When the Lord saw her he felt sorry for her. ‘Do not cry’ he said. Then he went up and put his hand on the bier and the bearers stood still, and he said, ‘Young man, I tell you to get up.’ And the dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him to his mother. Everyone was filled with awe and praised God saying, ‘A great prophet has appeared among us; God has visited his people.’ And this opinion of him spread throughout Judaea and all over the countryside.
Prayer over the Offerings
Look with favour on our supplications, O Lord, and in your kindness, accept these, your servants’ offerings, that what each has offered to the honour of your name may serve the salvation of all. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Ps 35: 8
How precious is your mercy, O God! The children of men seek shelter in the shadow of your wings.
Prayer after Communion
May the working of this heavenly gift, O Lord, we pray, take possession of our minds and bodies, so that its effects, and not our own desires, may always prevail in us. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
«The man sat up and began to speak.» This passage highlights the compassion of Jesus for a vulnerable woman without the support of husband or son. Jesus «sees» the grieving widow and «has compassion on her.» This story brings back vivid memories of the Prophet Elijah. It shows Jesus’ power to raise the dead to new life as evidence of his divine identity. As he tells the messengers sent by John the Baptist right after this healing, «The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, and the dead are raised». Someone cries out: “A great prophet has risen among us!” and another voice shouts “God has looked favourably on his people”. Jesus never really respected the “no touching” rule. More than once, he dared to touch the untouchable: lepers, a woman with the issue of blood, and dead bodies. In bringing the widow’s son to life Jesus broke a scientific rule, a law of nature.
