by L'équipe de publication | Aug 3, 2024 | Evangelium
18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Psalter: Week 2
Saint Pierre Julien
Green
Entrance Antiphon: Ps 69: 2, 6
O God, come to my assistance; O Lord, make haste to help me! You are my rescuer, my help; O Lord, do not delay.
Collect
Draw near to your servants, O Lord, and answer their prayers with unceasing kindness, that, for those who glory in you as their Creator and guide, you may restore what you have created and keep safe what you have restored. 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: Exodus 16:2-4,12-15
The whole community of the sons of Israel began to complain against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness and said to them, ‘Why did we not die at the Lord’s hand in the land of Egypt, when we were able to sit down to pans of meat and could eat bread to our heart’s content! As it is, you have brought us to this wilderness to starve this whole company to death!’ Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Now I will rain down bread for you from the heavens. Each day the people are to go out and gather the day’s portion; I propose to test them in this way to see whether they will follow my law or not. ‘I have heard the complaints of the sons of Israel. Say this to them, “Between the two evenings you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have bread to your heart’s content. Then you will learn that I, the Lord, am your God.”’ And so it came about: quails flew up in the evening, and they covered the camp; in the morning there was a coating of dew all round the camp. When the coating of dew lifted, there on the surface of the desert was a thing delicate, powdery, as fine as hoarfrost on the ground. When they saw this, the sons of Israel said to one another, ‘What is that?’ not knowing what it was. ‘That’ said Moses to them ‘is the bread the Lord gives you to eat.’
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 77(78):3-4,23-25,54
R/ The Lord gave them bread from heaven.
The things we have heard and understood, the things our fathers have told us, these we will not hide from their children but will tell them to the next generation:
the glories of the Lord and his might and the marvellous deeds he has done, Yet he commanded the clouds above and opened the gates of heaven. He rained down manna for their food, and gave them bread from heaven.
Mere men ate the bread of angels. He sent them abundance of food; So he brought them to his holy land, to the mountain which his right hand had won.
Second reading: Ephesians 4:17,20-24
I want to urge you in the name of the Lord, not to go on living the aimless kind of life that pagans live. Now that is hardly the way you have learnt from Christ, unless you failed to hear him properly when you were taught what the truth is in Jesus. You must give up your old way of life; you must put aside your old self, which gets corrupted by following illusory desires. Your mind must be renewed by a spiritual revolution so that you can put on the new self that has been created in God’s way, in the goodness and holiness of the truth.
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: John 6:24-35
When the people saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into boats and crossed to Capernaum to look for Jesus. When they found him on the other side, they said to him, ‘Rabbi, when did you come here?’ Jesus answered: ‘I tell you most solemnly, you are not looking for me because you have seen the signs but because you had all the bread you wanted to eat. Do not work for food that cannot last, but work for food that endures to eternal life, the kind of food the Son of Man is offering you, for on him the Father, God himself, has set his seal.’ Then they said to him, ‘What must we do if we are to do the works that God wants?’ Jesus gave them this answer, ‘This is working for God: you must believe in the one he has sent.’ So they said, ‘What sign will you give to show us that we should believe in you? What work will you do? Our fathers had manna to eat in the desert; as scripture says: He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ Jesus answered: ‘I tell you most solemnly, it was not Moses who gave you bread from heaven, it is my Father who gives you the bread from heaven, the true bread; for the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’ ‘Sir,’ they said ‘give us that bread always.’ Jesus answered: ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never be hungry; he who believes in me will never thirst.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Graciously sanctify these gifts, O Lord, we pray, and, accepting the oblation of this spiritual sacrifice, make of us an eternal offering to you. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Wis 16: 20
You have given us, O Lord, bread from heaven, endowed with all delights and sweetness in every taste.
Prayer after Communion
Accompany with constant protection, O Lord, those you renew with these heavenly gifts and, in your never-failing care for them, make them worthy of eternal redemption. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
« Do not work for food that cannot last.” Jesus’ warning comes from the way the people he fed struggled to find him. He realised that they were looking for him not because they were spiritually hungry but because they ate and were filled physically. They were not looking for him because they had eaten and were spiritually satisfied, but because they ate the bread and were satisfied. Today’s Gospel continues to reveal Christ as the spiritual food that we should be concerned about. Why is this food given much weight? The first reason is its nature and its union with God. That food gets the first place because it gives life to the world. This life should be distinguished from the usual way of life. It is divine life that lasts forever: « He who comes to me will never be hungry; he who believes in me will never thirst.» So, it is an invitation to see the goodness of God and his union with us, in a way that makes our presence here on earth hopeful.
by L'équipe de publication | Aug 3, 2024 | Agenda Biblique
18eme DIMANCHE DU TEMPS ORDINAIRE
Psautier ii
Saint Pierre Julien
VERT
Elle venait de la Grèce d’Asie et s’était installée à Philippe, port de la mer Egée, pour son commerce de tissu et de pourpre. C’est là qu’elle rencontra saint Paul et saint Luc (Ac 16, 11). Ils vinrent habiter chez elle.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 69, 2. 6
Viens me délivrer, Seigneur, Dieu, viens vite à mon secours. Tu es mon aide et mon libérateur, Seigneur, ne tarde pas.
Prière d’ouverture
Assiste tes enfants, Seigneur, et montre à ceux qui t’implorent ton inépuisable bonté. C’est leur fierté de t’avoir pour Créateur et Providence, restaure pour eux ta création, et l’ayant renouvelée, protège-la. Par Jésus Christ.
1ère lecture : Ex 16, 2-4.12-15
En ces jours-là, dans le désert, toute la communauté des fils d’Israël récriminait contre Moïse et son frère Aaron. Les fils d’Israël leur dirent : « Ah ! Il aurait mieux valu mourir de la main du Seigneur, au pays d’Égypte, quand nous étions assis près des marmites de viande, quand nous mangions du pain à satiété ! Vous nous avez fait sortir dans ce désert pour faire mourir de faim tout ce peuple assemblé ! » Le Seigneur dit à Moïse : « Voici que, du ciel, je vais faire pleuvoir du pain pour vous. Le peuple sortira pour recueillir chaque jour sa ration quotidienne, et ainsi je vais le mettre à l’épreuve : je verrai s’il marchera, ou non, selon ma loi. J’ai entendu les récriminations des fils d’Israël. Tu leur diras: ‘Au coucher du soleil, vous mangerez de la viande et, le lendemain matin, vous aurez du pain à satiété. Alors vous saurez que moi, le Seigneur, je suis votre Dieu.’ » Le soir même, surgit un vol de cailles qui recouvrirent le camp ; et, le lendemain matin, il y avait une couche de rosée autour du camp. Lorsque la couche de rosée s’évapora, il y avait, à la surface du désert, une fine croûte, quelque chose de fin comme du givre, sur le sol. Quand ils virent cela, les fils d’Israël se dirent l’un à l’autre : « Mann hou ? » (ce qui veut dire : Qu’est-ce que c’est ?), car ils ne savaient pas ce que c’était. Moïse leur dit : « C’est le pain que le Seigneur vous donne à manger. »
Psaume : 77 (78), 3.4ac, 23-24,25.52a.54a
R/ Le Seigneur donne le pain du ciel !
Nous avons entendu et nous savons ce que nos pères nous ont raconté : et nous le redirons à l’âge qui vient, les titres de gloire du Seigneur.
Il commande aux nuées là-haut, il ouvre les écluses du ciel : pour les nourrir il fait pleuvoir la manne, il leur donne le froment du ciel.
Chacun se nourrit du pain des Forts, il les pourvoit de vivres à satiété. Tel un berger, il conduit son peuple. Il le fait entrer dans son domaine sacré.
2ème lecture : Ep 4, 17.20-24
Frères, je vous le dis, j’en témoigne dans le Seigneur : vous ne devez plus vous conduire comme les païens qui se laissent guider par le néant de leur pensée. Mais vous, ce n’est pas ainsi que l’on vous a appris à connaître le Christ, si du moins l’annonce et l’enseignement que vous avez reçus à son sujet s’accordent à la vérité qui est en Jésus. Il s’agit de vous défaire de votre conduite d’autrefois, c’est-à-dire de l’homme ancien corrompu par les convoitises qui l’entraînent dans l’erreur. Laissez-vous renouveler par la transformation spirituelle de votre pensée. Revêtez-vous de l’homme nouveau, créé, selon Dieu, dans la justice et la sainteté conformes à la vérité.
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia. L’homme ne vit pas seulement de pain, mais de toute parole qui sort de la bouche de Dieu. Alléluia. (Mt 4, 4b)
Evangile : Jn 6, 24-35
En ce temps-là, quand la foule vit que Jésus n’était pas là, ni ses disciples, les gens montèrent dans les barques et se dirigèrent vers Capharnaüm à la recherche de Jésus. L’ayant trouvé sur l’autre rive, ils lui dirent : « Rabbi, quand es-tu arrivé ici ? » Jésus leur répondit : « Amen, amen, je vous le dis : vous me cherchez, non parce que vous avez vu des signes, mais parce que vous avez mangé de ces pains et que vous avez été rassasiés. Travaillez non pas pour la nourriture qui se perd, mais pour la nourriture qui demeure jusque dans la vie éternelle, celle que vous donnera le Fils de l’homme, lui que Dieu, le Père, a marqué de son sceau. » Ils lui dirent alors : « Que devons-nous faire pour travailler aux œuvres de Dieu ? » Jésus leur répondit : « L’œuvre de Dieu, c’est que vous croyiez en celui qu’il a envoyé. » Ils lui dirent alors : « Quel signe vas-tu accomplir pour que nous puissions le voir, et te croire ? Quelle œuvre vas-tu faire? Au désert, nos pères ont mangé la manne ; comme dit l’Écriture : Il leur a donné à manger le pain venu du ciel.» Jésus leur répondit : « Amen, amen, je vous le dis : ce n’est pas Moïse qui vous a donné le pain venu du ciel ; c’est mon Père qui vous donne le vrai pain venu du ciel. Car le pain de Dieu, c’est celui qui descend du ciel et qui donne la vie au monde. » Ils lui dirent alors : « Seigneur, donne-nous toujours de ce pain-là. » Jésus leur répondit : « Moi, je suis le pain de la vie. Celui qui vient à moi n’aura jamais faim ; celui qui croit en moi n’aura jamais soif. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Dans ta bonté, Seigneur, sanctifie ces dons. Accepte le sacrifice spirituel de cette eucharistie, et fais de nous-mêmes une éternelle offrande à ta gloire. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion Sg 16, 20
Tu nous donnes, Seigneur, la vraie manne, ce pain venu du ciel qui comble tous les désirs.
Prière après la communion
Seigneur, entoure d’une constante protection ceux que tu as renouvelés par le pain du ciel. Puisque tu ne cesses de les réconforter, rends-les dignes de l’éternel salut. Par Jésus.
Méditation Une foule vient à Jésus, assoiffée de miracles et de sensationnel… Mais lui connaît le cœur de l’homme, sans mépriser ce désir, va le mener pas à pas, de questions en réponses, en des abîmes de profondeurs. Les questions posées portent sur le visible et l’immédiat : la réponse apportée par le Christ concerne tout l’homme, corps et âme, et tous les hommes, pas seulement ceux qui l’ont connu durant sa vie terrestre ! Nous croyons parfois que nous serions plus heureux avec du pain en abondance, une nouvelle voiture ou un talent qui nous vaudrait l’admiration de tous. Le Seigneur nous répond inlassablement que nous ne pouvons trouver le bonheur qu’en sa présence et sa présence nous est à chaque instant de notre vie.
by L'équipe de publication | Aug 2, 2024 | Agenda Biblique
Sainte Lydie
vert/blanc
Elle venait de la Grèce d’Asie et s’était installée à Philippe, port de la mer Egée, pour son commerce de tissu et de pourpre. C’est là qu’elle rencontra saint Paul et saint Luc (Ac 16, 11). Ils vinrent habiter chez elle.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 67, 6-7. 36
Adorons Dieu dans sa sainte demeure. Il fait habiter les siens tous ensemble dans sa maison, c’est lui qui donne force et puissance à son peuple.
Prière d’ouverture
Tu protèges, Seigneur, ceux qui comptent sur toi, sans toi rien n’est fort et rien n’est saint. Multiplie pour nous tes gestes de miséricorde afin que, sous ta conduite, en faisant un bon usage des biens qui passent, nous puissions déjà nous attacher à ceux qui demeurent. Par Jésus Christ.
1ère lecture : Jr 26,11-16.24
En ces jours-là, les prêtres et les prophètes dirent aux princes et à tout le peuple : « Cet homme mérite la mort, car il a prophétisé contre cette ville ; vous l’avez entendu de vos oreilles. » À son tour Jérémie s’adressa à tous les princes et à tout le peuple : « C’est le Seigneur qui m’a envoyé prophétiser contre cette Maison et contre cette ville, et dire toutes les paroles que vous avez entendues. Et maintenant, rendez meilleurs vos chemins et vos actes, écoutez la voix du Seigneur votre Dieu ; alors il renoncera au malheur qu’il a proféré contre vous. Quant à moi, me voici entre vos mains, faites de moi ce qui vous semblera bon et juste. Mais sachez-le bien : si vous me faites mourir, vous allez vous charger d’un sang innocent, vous-mêmes et cette ville et tous ses habitants. Car c’est vraiment le Seigneur qui m’a envoyé vers vous proclamer toutes ces paroles pour que vous les entendiez.» Alors les princes et tout le peuple dirent aux prêtres et aux prophètes : « Cet homme ne mérite pas la mort, car c’est au nom du Seigneur notre Dieu qu’il nous a parlé. » Quelques-uns des anciens du pays se levèrent pour dire à toute l’assemblée du peuple : « Michée de Morésheth, qui était prophète au temps d’Ézékias, roi de Juda, a déclaré à tout le peuple de Juda : Ainsi parle le Seigneur de l’univers : Sion sera un champ qu’on laboure, Jérusalem, un monceau de décombres, et la montagne du Temple, des lieux sacrés envahis par la forêt. Est-ce que le roi de Juda, Ézékias, et tous les gens de Juda l’ont fait mourir ? Le roi n’a-t-il pas craint le Seigneur, n’a-t-il pas apaisé le visage du Seigneur, si bien que le Seigneur a renoncé au malheur qu’il avait proféré contre eux ? Et nous, nous irions faire ce grand mal à nous-mêmes ? »
Psaume : 68,15-16.30-31.33-34
R/C’est l’heure de ta grâce, Dieu, réponds-moi
Tire-moi de la boue, sinon je m’enfonce: que j’échappe à ceux qui me haïssent, à l’abîme des eaux.
Que les flots ne me submergent pas, que le gouffre ne m’avale, que la gueule du puits ne se ferme pas sur moi.
Et moi, humilié, meurtri, que ton salut, Dieu, me redresse. Et je louerai le nom de Dieu par un cantique, je vais le magnifier, lui rendre grâce.
Les pauvres l’ont vu, ils sont en fête: « Vie et joie, à vous qui cherchez Dieu ! » Car le Seigneur écoute les humbles, il n’oublie pas les siens emprisonnés.
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia! Heureux ceux qui sont persécutés pour la justice, car le royaume des Cieux est à eux ! Alléluia! (Mt 5, 10)
Évangile : Mt 14, 1-12
En ce temps-là, Hérode, qui était au pouvoir en Galilée, apprit la renommée de Jésus et dit à ses serviteurs : « Celui-là, c’est Jean le Baptiste, il est ressuscité d’entre les morts, et voilà pourquoi des miracles se réalisent par lui. » Car Hérode avait fait arrêter Jean, l’avait fait enchaîner et mettre en prison. C’était à cause d’Hérodiade, la femme de son frère Philippe. En effet, Jean lui avait dit : « Tu n’as pas le droit de l’avoir pour femme.» Hérode cherchait à le faire mourir, mais il eut peur de la foule qui le tenait pour un prophète. Lorsqu’arriva l’anniversaire d’Hérode, la fille d’Hérodiade dansa au milieu des convives, et elle plut à Hérode. Alors il s’engagea par serment à lui donner ce qu’elle demanderait. Poussée par sa mère, elle dit : « Donne-moi ici, sur un plat, la tête de Jean le Baptiste.» Le roi fut contrarié ; mais à cause de son serment et des convives, il commanda de la lui donner. Il envoya décapiter Jean dans la prison. La tête de celui-ci fut apportée sur un plat et donnée à la jeune fille, qui l’apporta à sa mère. Les disciples de Jean arrivèrent pour prendre son corps, qu’ils ensevelirent; puis ils allèrent l’annoncer à Jésus.
Prière sur les offrandes
Accepte, Seigneur, ces offrandes prélevées pour toi sur tes propres largesses. Que ces mystères très saints, où ta grâce opère avec puissance, sanctifient notre vie de tous les jours et nous conduisent aux joies éternelles. Par Jésus
Antienne de communion : Ps 102, 2
Bénis le Seigneur, ô mon âme, n’oublie aucun de ses bienfaits.
Prière après la communion
Nous avons communié, Seigneur, à ce sacrement, mémorial de la passion de ton Fils. Fais servir à notre salut le don que lui-même nous a légué dans son immense amour. Lui qui.
Méditation
Voilà un épisode qui a de quoi faire frémir. Il montre combien un cœur endurci, celui d’Hérode, ne peut entendre un avis contraire au sien. Jean-Baptiste lui a tout simplement dit qu’il ne lui est pas permis de prendre la femme de son frère. Plutôt que de réfléchir, Hérode et Hérodiade se réfugient dans la violence et la haine. Ils suppriment la voix du précurseur. Jean-Baptiste vit la passion du Christ avant l’heure. Voilà comment les paroles des justes sont incomprises et mal interprétées. Voilà de quoi nous faire réfléchir sur la façon dont nous accueillons le Christ, sa parole et sa lumière. Jusqu’où sommes-nous prêts à aller?
by L'équipe de publication | Aug 2, 2024 | Evangelium
Saint Germanus of Auxerre
(c.378 – 448)
Green/White
After pursuing a legal career and being governor of a province, he was consecrated bishop of Auxerre in Gaul. He strongly fought the heresy of Pelagianism. His mission was successful, and he also led the native Britons to a victory against the invading pagan Picts and Saxons. He died at Ravenna in the late 440s.
Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Ps 67: 6-7, 36
God is in his holy place, God who unites those who dwell in his house; he himself gives might and strength to his people.
Collect
O God, protector of those who hope in you, without whom nothing has firm foundation, nothing is holy, bestow in abundance your mercy upon us and grant that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may use the good things that pass in such a way as to hold fast even now to those that ever endure. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading : Jeremiah 26:11-16,24
The priests and prophets addressed the officials and all the people, ‘This man deserves to die, since he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears.’ Jeremiah, however, replied to the people as follows: ‘The Lord himself sent me to say all the things you have heard against this Temple and this city. So now amend your behaviour and actions, listen to the voice of the Lord your God: if you do, he will relent and not bring down on you the disaster he has pronounced against you. For myself, I am as you see in your hands. Do whatever you please or think right with me. But be sure of this, that if you put me to death, you will be bringing innocent blood on yourselves, on this city and on its citizens, since the Lord has truly sent me to you to say all these words in your hearing.’ The officials and all the people then said to the priests and prophets, ‘This man does not deserve to die: he has spoken to us in the name of the Lord our God.’ Jeremiah had a protector in Ahikam son of Shaphan, so he was not handed over to the people to be put to death.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 68:15-16,30-31,33-34
R/ In your great love, answer me, O God.
Rescue me from sinking in the mud; save me from my foes. Save me from the waters of the deep lest the waves overwhelm me. Do not let the deep engulf me nor death close its mouth on me.
As for me in my poverty and pain let your help, O God, lift me up. I will praise God’s name with a song; I will glorify him with thanksgiving.
The poor when they see it will be glad and God-seeking hearts will revive; for the Lord listens to the needy and does not spurn his servants in their chains.
Gospel Acclamation : cf.Lk8:15
Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed are those who, with a noble and generous heart, take the word of God to themselves and yield a harvest through their perseverance. Alleluia!
Gospel : Matthew 14:1-12
Herod the tetrarch heard about the reputation of Jesus, and said to his court, ‘This is John the Baptist himself; he has risen from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.’ Now it was Herod who had arrested John, chained him up and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. For John had told him, ‘It is against the Law for you to have her.’ He had wanted to kill him but was afraid of the people, who regarded John as a prophet. Then, during the celebrations for Herod’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and so delighted Herod that he promised on oath to give her anything she asked. Prompted by her mother she said, ‘Give me John the Baptist’s head, here, on a dish.’ The king was distressed but, thinking of the oaths he had sworn and of his guests, he ordered it to be given her, and sent and had John beheaded in the prison. The head was brought in on a dish and given to the girl who took it to her mother. John’s disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went off to tell Jesus.
Prayer over the Offerings
Accept, O Lord, we pray, the offerings which we bring from the abundance of your gifts, that through the powerful working of your grace, these most sacred mysteries may sanctify our present way of life and lead us to eternal gladness. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Ps 102: 2
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and never forget all his benefits.
Prayer after Communion
We have consumed, O Lord, this divine Sacrament, the perpetual memorial of the Passion of your Son; grant, we pray, that this gift, which he himself gave us with love beyond all telling, may profit us for salvation. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
“Give me John the Baptist’s head, here, on a dish.” Herod had deeply internalised a life of immoral values. These immoral values had eventually formed an integral part of his character and identity as a father and an authority. He therefore interpreted the prophetic pronouncements from John the Baptist as a real threat to his person and authority. Just like Herod and Herodias, the natural defensive strategy would be an attempt to eliminate the sources of threat. What Herod failed to understand is that decapitation of a prophet doesn’t mean decapitation of the Truth. John the Baptism was only illuminating an already existing truth. Because, moral truths are deeply engrained in each person’s heart. As such, they can be momentarily obscured or silenced but never eliminated. Herodias had manipulated her daughter to influence the office which Herod represented. Internalised immoral values can easily find their transmission into the family and governance structures. How do we respond when we are told truths that we don’t appreciate? How do we stand for the Gospel truth in the midst of threats?
by L'équipe de publication | Aug 1, 2024 | Evangelium
Saint Eusebius of Vercelli
(283 – 371)
Green
He was born in Sardinia around 340 and was made the first bishop of Vercelli in Piedmont. He was a strong supporter of orthodoxy, and in 355 was sent into exile by the Emperor for refusing to sign the condemnation of St Athanasius that had been passed by the Council of Milan.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 67: 6-7, 36
God is in his holy place, God who unites those who dwell in his house; he himself gives might and strength to his people.
Collect
O God, protector of those who hope in you, without whom nothing has firm foundation, nothing is holy, bestow in abundance your mercy upon us and grant that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may use the good things that pass in such a way as to hold fast even now to those that ever endure. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading: Jeremiah 26:1-9
At the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word was addressed to Jeremiah by the Lord, ‘The Lord says this: Stand in the court of the Temple of the Lord. To all the people of the towns of Judah who come to worship in the Temple of the Lord you must speak all the words I have commanded you to tell them; do not omit one syllable. Perhaps they will listen and each turn from his evil way: if so, I shall relent and not bring the disaster on them which I intended for their misdeeds. Say to them, “The Lord says this: If you will not listen to me by following my Law which I put before you, by paying attention to the words of my servants the prophets whom I send so persistently to you, without your ever listening to them, I will treat this Temple as I treated Shiloh, and make this city a curse for all the nations of the earth.”’ The priests and prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah say these words in the Temple of the Lord. When Jeremiah had finished saying everything that the Lord had ordered him to say to all the people, the priests and prophets seized hold of him and said, ‘You shall die! Why have you made this prophecy in the name of the Lord, “This Temple will be like Shiloh, and this city will be desolate, and uninhabited”?’ And the people were all crowding round Jeremiah in the Temple of the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm
68(69):5,8-10,14
R/ In your great love, answer me, O God.
More numerous than the hairs on my head are those who hate me without cause. Those who attack me with lies are too much for my strength.
How can I restore what I have never stolen?
It is for you that I suffer taunts, that shame covers my face, that I have become a stranger to my brothers, an alien to my own mother’s sons. I burn with zeal for your house and taunts against you fall on me.
This is my prayer to you, my prayer for your favour. In your great love, answer me, O God, with your help that never fails.
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: Matthew 13:54-58
Coming to his home town, Jesus taught the people in their synagogue in such a way that they were astonished and said, ‘Where did the man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers? This is the carpenter’s son, surely? Is not his mother the woman called Mary, and his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Jude? His sisters, too, are they not all here with us? So where did the man get it all?’ And they would not accept him. But Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is only despised in his own country and in his own house’, and he did not work many miracles there because of their lack of faith.
Prayer over the Offerings
Accept, O Lord, we pray, the offerings which we bring from the abundance of your gifts, that through the powerful working of your grace these most sacred mysteries may sanctify our present way of life and lead us to eternal gladness. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Ps 102: 2
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and never forget all his benefits.
Prayer after Communion
We have consumed, O Lord, this divine Sacrament, the perpetual memorial of the Passion of your Son; grant, we pray, that this gift, which he himself gave us with love beyond all telling, may profit us for salvation. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation This is the carpenter’s son, surely? Jesus is definitely the carpenter’s son. But there is much more about him than His carpentry ancestry. He is the second person of the Triune God. He is also the Word through whom all creation came into being. God’s ingenuity to constantly re-emerge from the ordinary and familiar often destabilises our long-held perceptions of God’s presence. This explains why both Jesus son of Mary and Jeremiah son of Hilkiah were dismissed by their very own people. The people were so familiar with Jesus’ earthly nativity, his father’s trade and his everyday voice to understand the novelty of his divine nativity and Prophetic voice. Quite often, we are so fixated on familiar narratives and recurring life events to notice the prophetic messages and moments. We therefore continue to silence the moral voices and ignore revelatory messaging from events and people around us. We cannot limit the unlimited God on how, where and through whom he should manifest Himself.
