by L'équipe de publication | Jul 24, 2024 | Evangelium
Psalter: Proper
Saint James, Apostle – Feast
(44)
Red
He was the brother of St John and, like him, a fisherman. He was one of the witnesses of the Transfiguration and one of those who slept through most of the Agony in the Garden. He was the first of the apostles to be martyred, being beheaded by King Herod Agrippa I to please the Jewish opponents of Christianity. He was buried in Jerusalem.
Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Mt 4: 18, 21
As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother mending their nets and he called them.
Collect
Almighty ever-living God, who consecrated the first fruits of your Apostles by the blood of Saint James, grant, we pray, that your Church may be strengthened by his confession of faith and constantly sustained by his protection. 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 : 2 Corinthians 4:7-15
We are only the earthenware jars that hold this treasure, to make it clear that such an overwhelming power comes from God and not from us. We are in difficulties on all sides, but never cornered; we see no answer to our problems, but never despair; we have been persecuted, but never deserted; knocked down, but never killed; always, wherever we may be, we carry with us in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus, too, may always be seen in our body. Indeed, while we are still alive, we are consigned to our death every day, for the sake of Jesus, so that in our mortal flesh the life of Jesus, too, may be openly shown. So death is at work in us, but life in you. But as we have the same spirit of faith that is mentioned in Scripture – I believed, and therefore I spoke – we too believe and therefore we too speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus to life will raise us with Jesus in our turn, and put us by his side and you with us. You see, all this is for your benefit, so that the more grace is multiplied among people, the more thanksgiving there will be, to the glory of God.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 125:1-6
R/ Those who are sowing in tears will sing when they reap.
When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage, it seemed like a dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, on our lips there were songs.
The heathens themselves said: ‘What marvels the Lord worked for them!’ What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad.
3. Deliver us, O Lord, from our bondage as streams in dry land. Those who are sowing in tears will sing when they reap.
They go out, they go out, full of tears, carrying seed for the sowing: they come back, they come back, full of song, carrying their sheaves.
Gospel Acclamation : cf.Jn15:16
Alleluia, alleluia! I chose you from the world to go out and bear fruit, fruit that will last, says the Lord. Alleluia!
Gospel : Matthew 20:20-28
The mother of Zebedee’s sons came with her sons to make a request of him, and bowed low; and he said to her, ‘What is it you want?’ She said to him, ‘Promise that these two sons of mine may sit one at your right hand and the other at your left in your kingdom.’ ‘You do not know what you are asking’ Jesus answered. ‘Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?’ They replied, ‘We can.’ ‘Very well,’ he said ‘you shall drink my cup, but as for seats at my right hand and my left, these are not mine to grant; they belong to those to whom they have been allotted by my Father.’ When the other ten heard this they were indignant with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know that among the pagans the rulers lord it over them, and their great men make their authority felt. This is not to happen among you. No; anyone who wants to be great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be your slave, just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Cleanse us, Lord, by the saving baptism of your Son’s Passion, so that on the Feast of Saint James, whom you willed to be the first among the Apostles to drink of Christ’s chalice of suffering, we may offer a sacrifice pleasing to you. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon
They drank the chalice of the Lord, and became the friends of God.
Prayer after Communion
Help us, O Lord, we pray, through the intercession of the blessed Apostle James, on whose feast day we have received with joy your holy gifts. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
James is one of the first disciples to join Jesus and the first of the apostle to die. He is one of the three apostles whom Jesus selected to witness some of the important events in his life, including his transfiguration and agony at Gethsemane. After the Pentecost, James spread the Gospel in Israel and then travelled to Spain. He faced many challenges and hardships in his ministry and accepted everything for the greater glory of God. James could do many great things because he allowed God to guide and lead him on his way. After his ministry in Spain, James returned to Jerusalem, where he was captured and beheaded by the sword under Herod Agrippa I. James’ missionary contributions, and martyrdom should inspire us in our following of Jesus.
by L'équipe de publication | Jul 24, 2024 | Agenda Biblique
Saint Jacques, Apôtre
Rouge
L’Apôtre Jacques le Majeur qui, depuis le 9e siècle attire les pèlerins sur les routes de Compostelle, fut, avec Jean son frère et avec Simon-Pierre, le témoin de la transfiguration et de l’agonie de Jésus.
Antienne d’ouverture
Comme il cheminait le long de la mer de Galilée, Jésus aperçut Jacques, fils de Zébédée, et Jean son frère, en train d’arranger leurs filets ; et il les appela.
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu tout-puissant, puisque saint Jacques fut le premier de tes Apôtres à offrir sa vie pour l’évangile, accorde à ton Eglise de trouver dans son témoignage une force, et dans sa protection un appui. Par Jésus Christ.
1ère lecture : 2 Co 4, 7-15
Frères, nous portons un trésor comme dans des vases d’argile ; ainsi, on voit bien que cette puissance extraordinaire appartient à Dieu et ne vient pas de nous. En toute circonstance, nous sommes dans la détresse, mais sans être angoissés; nous sommes déconcertés, mais non désemparés; nous sommes pourchassés, mais non pas abandonnés; terrassés, mais non pas anéantis. Toujours nous portons, dans notre corps, la mort de Jésus, afin que la vie de Jésus, elle aussi, soit manifestée dans notre corps. En effet, nous, les vivants, nous sommes continuellement livrés à la mort à cause de Jésus, afin que la vie de Jésus, elle aussi, soit manifestée dans notre condition charnelle vouée à la mort. Ainsi la mort fait son œuvre en nous, et la vie en vous. L’Écriture dit : J’ai cru, c’est pourquoi j’ai parlé. Et nous aussi, qui avons le même esprit de foi, nous croyons et c’est pourquoi nous parlons. Car, nous le savons, celui qui a ressuscité le Seigneur Jésus nous ressuscitera, nous aussi, avec Jésus et il nous placera près de lui avec vous. Et tout cela, c’est pour vous, afin que la grâce plus largement répandue dans un plus grand nombre fasse abonder l’action de grâce pour la gloire de Dieu.
Psaume : 125 (126), 1-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6
R/ Quelles merveilles le Seigneur fit pour nous ! 125, 3a
Quand le Seigneur ramena les captifs à Sion, nous étions comme en rêve! Alors notre bouche était pleine de rires, nous poussions des cris de joie.
Alors on disait parmi les nations : « Quelles merveilles fait pour eux le Seigneur ! » Quelles merveilles le Seigneur fit pour nous : nous étions en grande fête !
Ramène, Seigneur, nos captifs, comme les torrents au désert. Qui sème dans les larmes moissonne dans la joie
Il s’en va, il s’en va en pleurant, il jette la semence ; il s’en vient, il s’en vient dans la joie, il rapporte les gerbes.
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia. C’est moi qui vous ai choisis du milieu du monde, afin que vous alliez, que vous portiez du fruit et que votre fruit demeure, dit le Seigneur. Alléluia. (cf. Jn 15, 16)
Évangile : Mt 20, 20-28
En ce temps-là, la mère de Jacques et de Jean, fils de Zébédée, s’approcha de Jésus avec ses fils Jacques et Jean et elle se prosterna pour lui faire une demande. Jésus lui dit : « Que veux-tu ? » Elle répondit : « Ordonne que mes deux fils que voici siègent, l’un à ta droite et l’autre à ta gauche dans ton Royaume. » Jésus répondit : « Vous ne savez pas ce que vous demandez. Pouvez-vous boire la coupe que je vais boire ?» Ils lui disent : « Nous le pouvons. » Il leur dit : « Ma coupe, vous la boirez; quant à siéger à ma droite et à ma gauche, ce n’est pas à moi de l’accorder ; il y a ceux pour qui cela est préparé par mon Père. » Les dix autres, qui avaient entendu, s’indignèrent contre les deux frères. Jésus les appela et dit : « Vous le savez : les chefs des nations les commandent en maîtres et les grands font sentir leur pouvoir. Parmi vous, il ne devra pas en être ainsi : celui qui veut devenir grand parmi vous sera votre serviteur ; et celui qui veut être parmi vous le premier sera votre esclave. Ainsi, le Fils de l’homme n’est pas venu pour être servi mais pour servir et donner sa vie en rançon pour la multitude. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Purifie-nous, Seigneur, par le baptême de la passion de ton Fils, et nous pourrons t’offrir un sacrifice qui te plaise en la fête de saint Jacques qui fut le premier des Apôtres à boire à la coupe du Christ. Lui qui.
Antienne de communion
Les deux frères Jacques et Jean ont partagé la coupe du Seigneur, ils sont devenus les amis de Dieu.
Prière après la communion
A la prière de l’Apôtre saint Jacques, viens à notre aide, Seigneur, en ce jour où pour célébrer sa fête nous avons reçu dans la joie tes dons sacrés. Par Jésus.
Méditation
Ce récit présente la mauvaise conception que nous pouvons avoir du règne de Dieu, ainsi que l’expriment Jacques et Jean, disciples appréciés du Seigneur. Alors que la passion commence avec la montée de Jésus à Jérusalem, ses disciples se livrent à une lutte de positionnement. Ils veulent occuper les premiers postes dans le règne de Dieu. Cela signifie qu’ils ne connaissent pas sa radicalité : il n’a rien à voir avec les royautés de cette terre. Celui qui veut occuper le premier poste dans le règne de Dieu doit être le serviteur, tel que Jésus l’a été. Et il doit aussi s’attendre à la calomnie, au rejet, à la crucifixion et à la mort atroce. Notre programme à la suite du Christ est donc la pleine solidarité.
by L'équipe de publication | Jul 23, 2024 | Evangelium
Saint Declan
Green/White
He was an early Irish bishop and abbot. He is sometimes said to be one of four bishops to have preceded Saint Patrick in Ireland in the early 5th century (See also Saints Ailbhe, Ciaran, and Ibar), although he is also made a contemporary of Saint David in the mid-6th century.
Entrance Antiphon : Ps 53: 6, 8
See, I have God for my help. The Lord sustains my soul. I will sacrifice to you with willing heart, and praise your name, O Lord, for it is good.
Collect
Show favour, O Lord, to your servants and mercifully increase the gifts of your grace, that, made fervent in hope, faith and charity, they may be ever watchful in keeping your commands. 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 1:1,4-10
The words of Jeremiah son of Hilkiah, of a priestly family living at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin. The word of the Lord was addressed to me, saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you came to birth I consecrated you; I have appointed you as prophet to the nations.’ I said, ‘Ah, Lord; look, I do not know how to speak: I am a child!’ But the Lord replied, ‘Do not say, “I am a child.” Go now to those to whom I send you and, say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to protect you – it is the Lord who speaks!’ Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me: ‘There! I am putting my words into your mouth. Look, today I am setting you over nations and over kingdoms, to tear up and to knock down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.’
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm
70(71):1-6,15,17
R/ My lips will tell of your help.
In you, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your justice rescue me, free me: pay heed to me and save me.
Be a rock where I can take refuge, a mighty stronghold to save me; for you are my rock, my stronghold. Free me from the hand of the wicked.
It is you, O Lord, who are my hope, my trust, O Lord, since my youth. On you I have leaned from my birth, from my mother’s womb you have been my help.
My lips will tell of your justice and day by day of your help. O God, you have taught me from my youth and I proclaim your wonders still.
Gospel Acclamation : Ps118:36,29
Alleluia, alleluia! Bend my heart to your will, O Lord, and teach me your law. Alleluia!
Gospel : Matthew 13:1-9
Jesus left the house and sat by the lakeside, but such large crowds gathered round him that he got into a boat and sat there. The people all stood on the beach, and he told them many things in parables. He said, ‘Imagine a sower going out to sow. As he sowed, some seeds fell on the edge of the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Others fell on patches of rock where they found little soil and sprang up straight away, because there was no depth of earth; but as soon as the sun came up they were scorched and, not having any roots, they withered away. Others fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Others fell on rich soil and produced their crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Listen, anyone who has ears!’
Prayer over the Offerings
O God, who in the one perfect sacrifice, brought to completion varied offerings of the law, accept, we pray, this sacrifice from your faithful servants and make it holy as you blessed the gifts of Abel, so that what each has offered to the honour of your majesty may benefit the salvation of all. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Ps 110: 4-5
The Lord, the gracious, the merciful, has made a memorial of his wonders; he gives food to those who fear him.
Prayer after Communion
Graciously be present to your people, we pray, O Lord, and lead those you have imbued with heavenly mysteries to pass from former ways to newness of life. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
The different soils in the parable represent the different kinds of responses to the ministry of Jesus. Some are unreceptive because they do not understand his words and are closer to the evil one. Some respond with immediate enthusiasm but do not persevere through trials and persecutions. Disappointments and dissuasions block their growth. Some others hear the word, but the worries of this world and their attachments to possessions choke the word preventing them from bearing fruits. The true follower of Christ hears the word, understands it, and bears fruit. Many do not respond positively to the words of Jesus, but those who respond produce an abundant harvest. What is your response to the words of Jesus? Are you a true follower of Christ?
by L'équipe de publication | Jul 23, 2024 | Agenda Biblique
Sainte CHRISTINE
vert/blanc
Elle était très souvent ravie en extase, elle semblait morte. On lui fit même un jour son enterrement. Or pendant le chant du Requiem, elle se leva de son cercueil ouvert et s’envola jusqu’à la voûte de l’église.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 53, 6. 8
Voici que le Seigneur vient m’aider, Dieu, mon appui entre tous. De grand cœur j’offrirai le sacrifice, je rendrai grâce à son nom, car il est bon !
Prière d’ouverture
Sois favorable à tes fidèles, Seigneur, et multiplie les dons de ta grâce. Entretiens en eux la foi, l’espérance et la charité, pour qu’ils soient attentifs à garder tes commandements. Par Jésus Christ.
1ère lecture : Jr 1,1.4-10
Paroles de Jérémie, fils de Helkias, l’un des prêtres qui étaient à Anatoth, au pays de Benjamin. La parole du Seigneur me fut adressée: « Avant même de te façonner dans le sein de ta mère, je te connaissais ; avant que tu viennes au jour, je t’ai consacré ; je fais de toi un prophète pour les nations.» Et je dis : « Ah ! Seigneur mon Dieu! Vois donc : je ne sais pas parler, je suis un enfant ! » Le Seigneur reprit : « Ne dis pas : “Je suis un enfant ! ” Tu iras vers tous ceux à qui je t’enverrai ; tout ce que je t’ordonnerai, tu le diras. Ne les crains pas, car je suis avec toi pour te délivrer – oracle du Seigneur. » Puis le Seigneur étendit la main et me toucha la bouche. Il me dit: « Voici, je mets dans ta bouche mes paroles ! Vois : aujourd’hui, je te donne autorité sur les nations et les royaumes, pour arracher et renverser, pour détruire et démolir, pour bâtir et planter. »
Psaume : 70,1-3.5-6.15.17
R/Ma bouche annonce ton salut, Seigneur
En toi, Seigneur, j’ai mon refuge : garde-moi d’être humilié pour toujours. Dans ta justice, défends-moi, libère-moi, tends l’oreille vers moi, et sauve-moi.
Sois le rocher qui m’accueille, toujours accessible ; tu as résolu de me sauver : ma forteresse et mon roc, c’est toi ! Mon Dieu, libère-moi des mains de l’impie.
Seigneur mon Dieu, tu es mon espérance, mon appui dès ma jeunesse. Toi, mon soutien dès avant ma naissance, tu m’as choisi dès le ventre de ma mère
Ma bouche annonce tout le jour tes actes de justice et de salut. Mon Dieu, tu m’as instruit dès ma jeunesse, jusqu’à présent, j’ai proclamé tes merveilles.
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia ! La semence est la parole de Dieu, le semeur est le Christ; celui qui le trouve demeure pour toujours. Alléluia ! (cf. Mt 13, 4.23)
Évangile : Mt 13, 1-9
Ce jour-là, Jésus était sorti de la maison, et il était assis au bord de la mer. Auprès de lui se rassemblèrent des foules si grandes qu’il monta dans une barque où il s’assit ; toute la foule se tenait sur le rivage. Il leur dit beaucoup de choses en paraboles : « Voici que le semeur sortit pour semer. Comme il semait des grains sont tombés au bord du chemin et les oiseaux sont venus tout manger. D’autres sont tombés sur le sol pierreux, où ils n’avaient pas beaucoup de terre; ils ont levé aussitôt, parce que la terre était peu profonde. Le soleil s’étant levé, ils ont brûlé et, faute de racines, ils ont séché. D’autres sont tombés dans les ronces; les ronces ont poussé et les ont étouffés. D’autres sont tombés dans la bonne terre et ils ont donné du fruit à raison de cent, ou soixante, ou trente pour un. Celui qui a des oreilles, qu’il entende ! »
Prière sur les offrandes
Dans l’unique et parfait sacrifice de la croix, tu as porté à leur achèvement, Seigneur, les sacrifices de l’ancienne loi. Reçois cette offrande des mains de tes fidèles et daigne la sanctifier comme tu as béni les présents d’Abel, que les dons offerts par chacun pour te glorifier servent au salut de tous. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Ps 110, 4-5
Le Seigneur a mis le comble à son amour en nous laissant le mémorial de ses merveilles, à ses amis, il a donné le signe d’un repas qui leur rappelle à jamais son alliance.
Prière après la communion
Dieu très bon, reste auprès de ton peuple, car sans toi notre vie tombe en ruine. Fais passer à une vie nouvelle ceux que tu as initiés aux sacrements de ton Royaume. Par Jésus.
Méditation
La parabole du semeur évoque les obstacles qui freinent le règne de Dieu dans son développement terrestre. Le semeur jette à la volée la semence. Avec la semaille, naît l’espérance, bien qu’un quart de la semence se perde. Malgré cette grande perte, le semeur prend le risque et espère. Jésus ne met pas l’accent sur la semence qui se perd, mais sur la grande récolte obtenue qui est au-dessus de tous les calculs. C’est ce qui arrive avec le règne de Dieu : la semence divine est presqu’invisible pour une abondante récolte. Sachons mettre l’accent sur ce que les autres ont de positif, malgré leurs multiples défauts ? Ce n’est que dans ce que les autres ont de positif qu’une vie fraternelle est possible.
by L'équipe de publication | Jul 22, 2024 | Evangelium
Saint Bridget of Sweden, Religious (1303 – 1391)
Green/White
She was married to a nobleman and had eight children. At the age of 30 she was summoned to the court of the King of Sweden, where she served as lady-in-waiting to the queen. She tried without much success to moderate the riotous and indecent life of the royal court.
Entrance Antiphon : Ps 53: 6, 8
See, I have God for my help. The Lord sustains my soul. I will sacrifice to you with willing heart, and praise your name, O Lord, for it is good.
Collect
Show favour, O Lord, to your servants, and mercifully increase the gifts of your grace, that, made fervent in hope, faith and charity, they may be ever watchful in keeping your commands. 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 : Micah 7:14-15,18-20
With shepherd’s crook, O Lord, lead your people to pasture, the flock that is your heritage, living confined in a forest with meadow land all around. Let them pasture in Bashan and Gilead as in the days of old. As in the days when you came out of Egypt grant us to see wonders. What god can compare with you: taking fault away, pardoning crime, not cherishing anger for ever but delighting in showing mercy? Once more have pity on us, tread down our faults, to the bottom of the sea throw all our sins. Grant Jacob your faithfulness, and Abraham your mercy, as you swore to our fathers from the days of long ago.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 84:2-8
R/ Let us see, O Lord, your mercy.
O Lord, you once favoured your land and revived the fortunes of Jacob, you forgave the guilt of your people and covered all their sins. You averted all your rage, you calmed the heat of your anger.
Revive us now, God, our helper! Put an end to your grievance against us. Will you be angry with us for ever, will your anger never cease?
Will you not restore again our life that your people may rejoice in you? Let us see, O Lord, your mercy, and give us your saving help.
Gospel Acclamation : 1Jn2:5
Alleluia, alleluia! Whenever anyone obeys what Christ has said, God’s love comes to perfection in him. Alleluia!
Gospel : Matthew 12:46-50
Jesus was speaking to the crowds when his mother and his brothers appeared; they were standing outside and were anxious to have a word with him. But to the man who told him this Jesus replied, ‘Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?’ And stretching out his hand towards his disciples he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven, he is my brother and sister and mother.’
Prayer over the Offerings
O God, who in the one perfect sacrifice, brought to completion varied offerings of the law, accept, we pray, this sacrifice from your faithful servants and make it holy as you blessed the gifts of Abel, so that what each has offered to the honour of your majesty may benefit the salvation of all. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Ps 110: 4-5
The Lord, the gracious, the merciful, has made a memorial of his wonders; he gives food to those who fear him.
Prayer after Communion
Graciously be present to your people, we pray, O Lord, and lead those you have imbued with heavenly mysteries to pass from former ways to newness of life. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
When Jesus began his public ministry, many gathered around him to follow him. The followers stayed with him, listened and obeyed his words, creating a deeper relationship with him than natural family bonds. The disciples who formed as part of his family united with him by doing the will of the Father. Jesus’ response to the information concerning the presence of his mother and brothers does not undermine the importance of Jesus’ mother. She is the first and the best disciple of Jesus. She obeyed the will of the Father and believed his word (Luke 1:38, 45). Thus she is not only the natural mother of Jesus but also the preeminent member of his family of disciples. Are you a member of the family of Jesus? Do you discern the will of the Father and do it?
