by L'équipe de publication | Apr 1, 2024 | Agenda Biblique
Saint François de Paule,
ermite , (1416-1507)
Blanc
Les fils de saint François d’Assise s’appelaient, par humilité, les ‘’Frères mineurs’’. Un ermite originaire de Paola en Calabre et portant le prénom du Poverello voulut, pour lui-même et ses disciples, une humilité plus radicale encore : ces religieux furent les ‘’Minimes’’ (les plus petits) ! François de Paule n’était pas prêtre, mais il avait le don des miracles. Le roi Louis XI, malade et redoutant la mort, entendit parler de lui et obtint du pape que le saint vînt en France. Il ne fut pas guéri par le thaumaturge, mais, sous son influence, il affronta la mort avec sérénité. Par la suite, François demeura à Plessis-Lès-Tours, d’où son ordre essaima.
Antienne d’ouverture : cf. Si 15, 3-4
Par l’eau du baptême, Dieu a répondu à notre soif du Christ. Les baptisés peuvent s’appuyer sur le Christ, ils ne fléchiront pas, ils ne seront jamais déçus, alléluia.
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu qui nous as fait passer de la mort à la vie, en nous offrant les sacrements de Pâques, poursuis toujours l’œuvre de ta grâce: que ton peuple trouve une liberté parfaite, et parvienne à la joie du ciel dont tu lui donnes déjà le goût sur la terre. Par Jésus.
1ère lecture : Act 2, 36-41
Le jour de la Pentecôte, Pierre disait à la foule : « Que toute la maison d’Israël le sache donc avec certitude : Dieu l’a fait Seigneur et Christ, ce Jésus que vous aviez crucifié. » Les auditeurs furent touchés au cœur; ils dirent à Pierre et aux autres Apôtres: « Frères, que devons-nous faire ? » Pierre leur répondit : «Convertissez-vous, et que chacun de vous soit baptisé au nom de Jésus Christ pour le pardon de ses péchés; vous recevrez alors le don du Saint-Esprit. Car la promesse est pour vous, pour vos enfants et pour tous ceux qui sont loin, aussi nombreux que le Seigneur notre Dieu les appellera.» Par bien d’autres paroles encore, Pierre les adjurait et les exhortait en disant : « Détournez-vous de cette génération tortueuse, et vous serez sauvés. » Alors, ceux qui avaient accueilli la parole de Pierre furent baptisés. Ce jour-là, environ trois mille personnes se joignirent à eux.
Psaume : 32 (33), 4-5, 18-19, 20.22
R/ Toute la terre, Seigneur, est remplie de ton amour. Ou : Alléluia ! cf. 32, 5b
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.
Dieu veille sur ceux qui le craignent, qui mettent leur espoir en son amour, pour les délivrer de la mort, les garder en vie aux jours de famine.
Nous attendons notre vie du Seigneur : il est pour nous un appui, un bouclier. Que ton amour, Seigneur, soit sur nous comme notre espoir est en toi !
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia. Voici le jour que fit le Seigneur, qu’il soit pour nous jour de fête et de joie ! Alléluia. (Ps 117, 24)
Évangile : Jean 20, 11-18
En ce temps-là, Marie Madeleine se tenait près du tombeau, au-dehors, tout en pleurs. Et en pleurant, elle se pencha vers le tombeau. Elle aperçoit deux anges vêtus de blanc, assis l’un à la tête et l’autre aux pieds, à l’endroit où avait reposé le corps de Jésus. Ils lui demandent : « Femme, pourquoi pleures-tu ? » Elle leur répond : «On a enlevé mon Seigneur, et je ne sais pas où on l’a déposé. » Ayant dit cela, elle se retourna ; elle aperçoit Jésus qui se tenait là, mais elle ne savait pas que c’était Jésus. Jésus lui dit: « Femme, pourquoi pleures-tu? Qui cherches-tu? » Le prenant pour le jardinier, elle lui répond : « Si c’est toi qui l’as emporté, dis-moi où tu l’as déposé, et moi, j’irai le prendre.» Jésus lui dit alors : « Marie ! » S’étant retournée, elle lui dit en hébreu: «Rabbouni ! », c’est-à-dire : Maître. Jésus reprend : « Ne me retiens pas, car je ne suis pas encore monté vers le Père. Va trouver mes frères pour leur dire que je monte vers mon Père et votre Père, vers mon Dieu et votre Dieu. » Marie Madeleine s’en va donc annoncer aux disciples: «J’ai vu le Seigneur ! », et elle raconta ce qu’il lui avait dit.
Prière sur les offrandes
Reçois avec bonté, Seigneur, les offrandes de ton peuple : garde-le sous ta protection, pour qu’il ne perde aucun des biens que tu lui donnes, et qu’il découvre ceux qui demeurent toujours. Par Jésus.
Antienne de la communion : cf. Col 3, 1-2
Ressuscités avec le Christ, recherchons les réalités d’en-haut: c’est là qu’est le Christ, assis à la droite de Dieu. Alléluia.
Prière après la communion
Écoute notre prière, Dieu tout-puissant : toi qui as donné à tes fidèles la grâce incomparable du baptême, prépare-les au bonheur éternel. Par Jésus.
Méditation
Cette scène se passe après que Pierre et Jean soient partis. Marie est un des cœurs reconnaissants par rapport à sa relation avec le Messie. Il était difficile pour elle d’être témoin oculaire du meurtre de Celui-là qui lui renouvelé la vie. Comme bonne disciple, Marie pleure l’injustice et les actes cruels commis à l’encontre de Celui qu’elle. Comment oublier tout le bien que le Seigneur me fais dans ma vie. Le geste de Marie est admirable. Et moi, qu’est-ce qui me fait pleurer et comment est-que je rends au Seigneur tout ce qu’il m’a fait et continuera à faire ? Je dois pleurer sur mes péchés et mes mauvaises habitudes.
by L'équipe de publication | Apr 1, 2024 | Evangelium
Saint Francis of Paola
(1436 – 1507)
White
He was born in Paola in Calabria. He founded the Order of Minims. He died on Good Friday, 2 April 1507, at Plessis in France.
Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Sir 15: 3-4
He gave them the water of wisdom to drink; it will be made strong in them and will not be moved; it will raise them up for ever, alleluia.
Collect
O God, who have bestowed on us paschal remedies, endow your people with heavenly gifts, so that, possessed of perfect freedom, they may rejoice in heaven over what gladdens them now on earth. 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 : Acts 2:36-41
On the day of Pentecost, Peter spoke to the Jews: ‘The whole House of Israel can be certain that God has made this Jesus whom you crucified both Lord and Christ.’ Hearing this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the apostles, ‘What must we do, brothers?’ ‘You must repent,’ Peter answered ‘and every one of you must be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise that was made is for you and your children, and for all those who are far away, for all those whom the Lord our God will call to himself.’ He spoke to them for a long time using many arguments, and he urged them, ‘Save yourselves from this perverse generation.’ They were convinced by his arguments, and they accepted what he said and were baptised. That very day about three thousand were added to their number.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 32:4-5,18-20,22
R/ The Lord fills the earth with his love.
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.
The Lord looks on those who revere him, on those who hope in his love, to rescue their souls from death, to keep them alive in famine.
Our soul is waiting for the Lord. The Lord is our help and our shield. May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you.
Gospel Acclamation : Ps117:24
Alleluia, alleluia! This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad. Alleluia!
Gospel : John 20:11-18
Mary stayed outside near the tomb, weeping. Then, still weeping, she stooped to look inside, and saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had been, one at the head, the other at the feet. They said, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ ‘They have taken my Lord away’ she replied ‘and I don’t know where they have put him.’ As she said this she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, though she did not recognise him. Jesus said, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said, ‘Sir, if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and remove him.’ Jesus said, ‘Mary!’ She knew him then and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbuni!’ – which means Master. Jesus said to her, ‘Do not cling to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go and find the brothers, and tell them: I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ So Mary of Magdala went and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord and that he had said these things to her.
Prayer over the Offerings
Accept in compassion, Lord, we pray, the offerings of your family, that under your protective care, they may never lose what they have received, but attain the gifts that are eternal. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Col 3: 1-2
If you have risen with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God; mind the things that are above, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
Hear us, almighty God, and, as you have bestowed on your family the perfect grace of Baptism, so prepare their hearts for the reward of eternal happiness. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Is today the day of the resurrection? Yes, of course! We are in the Easter octave, and the Gospel also attests to that. However, the first reading shows that the Pentecost had already happened. John presents Mary still weeping at the tomb and being encountered by her master (Rabbuni). Every gathering of the children of God is a resurrection experience. In the same way, it is also a Pentecost experience. It is the same Jesus who assured us that where two or three are gathered in his name that he is there in their midst. How ‘Pentecostal’ are our Christian gatherings? How ‘resurrectional’ are our meetings? Do we experience the presence of Jesus when we come to pray, or do we only care about temporal issues?
by L'équipe de publication | Mar 31, 2024 | Evangelium
Saint Ceallach
(1080 – 1129)
White
He became hereditary bishop of Armagh in 1105 and made many reforms; not least on his deathbed, when he abolished the hereditary principle by appointing St Malachy as his successor.
Entrance Antiphon : Ex 13: 5, 9
The Lord has led you into a land flowing with milk and honey, that the law of the Lord may always be on your lips, alleluia.
Collect
O God, who give constant increase to your Church by new offspring, grant that your servants may hold fast in their lives to the Sacrament they have received in faith. 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 : Acts 2:14,22-33
On the day of Pentecost Peter stood up with the Eleven and addressed the crowd in a loud voice: ‘Men of Israel, listen to what I am going to say: Jesus the Nazarene was a man commended to you by God by the miracles and portents and signs that God worked through him when he was among you, as you all know. This man, who was put into your power by the deliberate intention and foreknowledge of God, you took and had crucified by men outside the Law. You killed him, but God raised him to life, freeing him from the pangs of Hades; for it was impossible for him to be held in its power since, as David says of him: I saw the Lord before me always, for with him at my right hand nothing can shake me. So my heart was glad and my tongue cried out with joy; my body, too, will rest in the hope that you will not abandon my soul to Hades nor allow your holy one to experience corruption. You have made known the way of life to me, you will fill me with gladness through your presence.’ Brothers, no one can deny that the patriarch David himself is dead and buried: his tomb is still with us. But since he was a prophet, and knew that God had sworn him an oath to make one of his descendants succeed him on the throne, what he foresaw and spoke about was the resurrection of the Christ: he is the one who was not abandoned to Hades, and whose body did not experience corruption. God raised this man Jesus to life, and all of us are witnesses to that. Now raised to the heights by God’s right hand, he has received from the Father the Holy Spirit, who was promised, and what you see and hear is the outpouring of that Spirit.’
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 15:1-2,5,7-11
R/ Preserve me, Lord, I take refuge in you.
Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you. I say to the Lord: ‘You are my God. O Lord, it is you who are my portion and cup; it is you yourself who are my prize.’
I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel, who even at night directs my heart. I keep the Lord ever in my sight: since he is at my right hand, I shall stand firm.
And so my heart rejoices, my soul is glad; even my body shall rest in safety. For you will not leave my soul among the dead, nor let your beloved know decay.
You will show me the path of life, the fullness of joy in your presence, at your right hand happiness for ever.
Gospel Acclamation : Ps117:24
Alleluia, alleluia! This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad. Alleluia!
Gospel : Matthew 28:8-15
Filled with awe and great joy the women came quickly away from the tomb and ran to tell the disciples. And there, coming to meet them, was Jesus. ‘Greetings’ he said. And the women came up to him and, falling down before him, clasped his feet. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers that they must leave for Galilee; they will see me there. ‘While they were on their way, some of the guards went off into the city to tell the chief priests all that had happened. These held a meeting with the elders and, after some discussion, handed a considerable sum of money to the soldiers with these instructions, ‘This is what you must say, “His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.” And should the governor come to hear of this, we undertake to put things right with him ourselves and to see that you do not get into trouble.’ The soldiers took the money and carried out their instructions, and to this day that is the story among the Jews.
Prayer over the Offerings
Accept graciously, O Lord, we pray ,the offerings of your peoples, that, renewed by confession of your name and by Baptism, they may attain unending happiness. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Rm 6: 9
Christ, having risen from the dead, dies now no more; death will no longer have dominion over him, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
May the grace of this paschal Sacrament abound in our minds, we pray, O Lord, and make those you have set on the way of eternal salvation worthy of your gifts. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
No matter how hard one tries, the truth cannot be hidden for long. While the early witnesses to Christ’s resurrection fled in haste to spread the good news of his resurrection, the soldiers who guarded his tomb were bribed and urged by the chief priests to go and spread the lie that his disciples had stolen his body while they, the soldiers, were sleeping. It didn’t take much intelligence to figure out this was a ruse to hide the truth. Truth, like a furious lion, cannot be denied or contained. Christ’s message, miracles, and resurrection have survived calumnies and lies throughout the ages, and they continue to be new and powerful in this present age. Christ is the divine truth and cannot be defeated.
by L'équipe de publication | Mar 31, 2024 | Agenda Biblique
Saint Hugues, Évêque
Blanc
Homme austère et droit, Hugues (1053-1132) fut choisi comme arbitre dans maints conflits. Se convaincant régulièrement d’être indigne de l’épiscopat alors qu’il fut désigné comme évêque de Grenoble, il prendra courageusement parti pour le pape Pascal aux prises avec l’empereur d’Allemagne Henri IV.
Antienne d’ouverture
Le Seigneur s’est relevé d’entre les morts; c’est pour nous jour de fête et de joie, car il règne pour les siècles, alléluia.
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu qui agrandit toujours ton Église en lui donnant par le baptême de nouveaux enfants, accorde à tes fils d’être fidèles toute leur vie au sacrement qu’ils ont reçu dans la foi. Par Jésus.
1ère lecture : Act 2, 14.22b- 33
Le jour de la Pentecôte, Pierre, debout avec les onze autres Apôtres, éleva la voix et leur fit cette déclaration : « Vous, Juifs, et vous tous qui résidez à Jérusalem, sachez bien ceci, prêtez l’oreille à mes paroles. Il s’agit de Jésus le Nazaréen, homme que Dieu a accrédité auprès de vous en accomplissant par lui des miracles, des prodiges et des signes au milieu de vous, comme vous le savez vous-mêmes. Cet homme, livré selon le dessein bien arrêté et la prescience de Dieu, vous l’avez supprimé en le clouant sur le bois par la main des impies. Mais Dieu l’a ressuscité en le délivrant des douleurs de la mort, car il n’était pas possible qu’elle le retienne en son pouvoir. En effet, c’est de lui que parle David dans le psaume : Je voyais le Seigneur devant moi sans relâche : il est à ma droite, je suis inébranlable. C’est pourquoi mon cœur est en fête, et ma langue exulte de joie; ma chair elle-même reposera dans l’espérance: tu ne peux m’abandonner au séjour des morts ni laisser ton fidèle voir la corruption. Tu m’as appris des chemins de vie, tu me rempliras d’allégresse par ta présence. Frères, il est permis de vous dire avec assurance, au sujet du patriarche David, qu’il est mort, qu’il a été enseveli, et que son tombeau est encore aujourd’hui chez nous. Comme il était prophète, il savait que Dieu lui avait juré de faire asseoir sur son trône un homme issu de lui. Il a vu d’avance la résurrection du Christ, dont il a parlé ainsi : Il n’a pas été abandonné à la mort, et sa chair n’a pas vu la corruption. Ce Jésus, Dieu l’a ressuscité; nous tous, nous en sommes témoins. Élevé par la droite de Dieu, il a reçu du Père l’Esprit Saint qui était promis, et il l’a répandu sur nous, ainsi que vous le voyez et l’entendez.».
Psaume : 15 (16), 1-2a.5, 7-8, 9-10, 11
R/ Garde-moi, mon Dieu: j’ai fait de toi mon refuge. ou : Alléluia! (15, 1)
Garde-moi, mon Dieu : j’ai fait de toi mon refuge. J’ai dit au Seigneur: « Tu es mon Dieu ! Seigneur, mon partage et ma coupe : de toi dépend mon sort. »
Je bénis le Seigneur qui me conseille: même la nuit mon cœur m’avertit. Je garde le Seigneur devant moi sans relâche ; il est à ma droite: je suis inébranlable.
Mon cœur exulte, mon âme est en fête, ma chair elle-même repose en confiance : tu ne peux m’abandonner à la mort ni laisser ton ami voire la corruption.
Tu m’apprends le chemin de la vie: devant ta face, débordement de joie! À ta droite, éternité de délices!
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia. Voici le jour que fit le Seigneur, qu’il soit pour nous jour de fête et de joie ! Alléluia. (Ps 117, 24)
Évangile : Mathieu 28, 8-15
En ce temps-là, quand les femmes eurent entendu les paroles de l’ange, vite, elles quittèrent le tombeau, remplies à la fois de crainte et d’une grande joie, et elles coururent porter la nouvelle à ses disciples. Et voici que Jésus vint à leur rencontre et leur dit : «je vous salue. » Elles s’approchèrent, lui saisirent les pieds et se prosternèrent devant lui. Alors Jésus leur dit: «Soyez sans crainte, allez annoncer à mes frères qu’ils doivent se rendre en Galilée : c’est là qu’ils me verront.» Tandis qu’elles étaient en chemin, quelques-uns des gardes allèrent en ville annoncer aux grands prêtres tout ce qui s’était passé. Ceux-ci, après s’être réunis avec les anciens et avoir tenu conseil, donnèrent aux soldats une forte somme en disant : « Voici ce que vous direz : “Ses disciples sont venus voler le corps, la nuit pendant que nous dormions.” Et si tout cela vient aux oreilles du gouverneur, nous lui expliquerons la chose, et nous vous éviterons tout ennui. » Les soldats prirent l’argent et suivirent les instructions. Et cette explication s’est propagée chez les Juifs jusqu’à aujourd’hui.
Prière sur les offrandes
Accueille avec bonté, Seigneur, les offrandes de ton peuple ; renouvelé par la foi et le baptême, qu’il parvienne au bonheur sans fin. Par Jésus.
Antienne de la communion
Ressuscité d’entre les morts le Christ ne meurt plus ; sur lui, la mort n’a plus aucun pouvoir, alléluia.
Prière après la communion
Que la grâce du mystère pascal abonde et fructifie en nous, Dieu tout-puissant ; tu nous as mis sur le chemin du salut, aide-nous à répondre à tes bienfaits. Par Jésus.
Méditation
Ces femmes dont parle l’Evangile étaient réellement entrées dans la grotte où avait été déposé le corps du Seigneur et avaient vu de leurs propres yeux qu’il n’y était pas. Elles ont été frappées par une saine frayeur. Cette frayeur doit être ressentie par tous les croyants ; un état de choses qui donne un zèle incompréhensible. Elles ont couru parce qu’elles avaient un message à transmettre, un message glorieux. Nous sommes donc tous invités à être des témoins de la bonne nouvelle de la résurrection du Seigneur.
by L'équipe de publication | Mar 30, 2024 | Evangelium
Easter Sunday B
Psalter Proper
White
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 138: 18
I have risen, and I am with you still, alleluia. You have laid your hand upon me, alleluia. Too wonderful for me, this knowledge, alleluia, alleluia.
Collect
O God, who on this day, through your Only Begotten Son, have conquered death and unlocked for us the path to eternity, grant, we pray, that we who keep the solemnity of the Lord’s Resurrection may, through the renewal brought by your Spirit, rise up in the light of life. 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: Acts 10:34, 37-43
Peter addressed Cornelius and his household: “You must have heard about the recent happenings in Judaea; about Jesus of Nazareth and how he began in Galilee, after John had been preaching baptism. God had anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, and because God was with him, Jesus went about doing good and curing all who had fallen into the power of the devil. Now I, and those with me, can witness to everything he did throughout the countryside of Judaea and in Jerusalem itself: and also to the fact that they killed him by hanging him on a tree, yet three days afterwards God raised him to life and allowed him to be seen, not by the whole people but only by certain witnesses God had chosen beforehand. Now we are those witnesses – we have eaten and drunk with him after his resurrection from the dead – and he has ordered us to proclaim this to his people and to tell them that God has appointed him to judge everyone, alive or dead. It is to him that all the prophets bear this witness: that all who believe in Jesus will have their sins forgiven through his name.”
Psalm 117:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
R/This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad.
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.
The stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone. This is the work of the Lord, a marvel in our eyes.
Second reading: Colossians 3:1-4
Since you have been brought back to true life with Christ, you must look for the things that are in heaven, where Christ is, sitting at God’s right hand. Let your thoughts be on heavenly things, not on the things that are on the earth, because you have died, and now the life you have is hidden with Christ in God. But when Christ is revealed – and he is your life – you too will be revealed in all your glory with him.
Sequence
Christians, to the Paschal Victim offer sacrifice and praise. The sheep are ransomed by the Lamb; and Christ, the undefiled, hath sinners to his Father reconciled. Death with life contended: combat strangely ended! Life’s own Champion, slain, yet lives to reign. Tell us, Mary: say what thou didst see upon the way. The tomb the Living did enclose; I saw Christ’s glory as he rose! The angels there attesting; shroud with grave-clothes resting. Christ, my hope, has risen: he goes before you into Galilee. That Christ is truly risen from the dead we know. Victorious king, thy mercy show!
Gospel Acclamation: 1Cor5:7-8
Alleluia, alleluia! Christ, our Passover, has been sacrificed: let us celebrate the feast then, in the Lord. Alleluia!
Gospel: John 20:1-9
It was very early on the first day of the week and still dark, when Mary of Magdala came to the tomb. She saw that the stone had been moved away from the tomb and came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved. “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb” she said, “and we don’t know where they have put him.” So Peter set out with the other disciple to go to the tomb. They ran together, but the other disciple, running faster than Peter, reached the tomb first; he bent down and saw the linen cloths lying on the ground, but did not go in. Simon Peter who was following now came up, went right into the tomb, saw the linen cloths on the ground, and also the cloth that had been over his head; this was not with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in; he saw and he believed. Till this moment they had failed to understand the teaching of Scripture that he must rise from the dead.
Prayer over the Offerings
Exultant with paschal gladness, O Lord, we offer the sacrifice by which your Church is wondrously reborn and nourished. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: 1 Cor 5: 7-8
Christ our Passover has been sacrificed, alleluia; therefore let us keep the feast with the unleavened bread of purity and truth, alleluia, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
Look upon your Church, O God, with unfailing love and favour, so that, renewed by the paschal mysteries, she may come to the glory of the resurrection. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Alleluia resounds again today and will continue through this holy season and beyond. On Ash Wednesday, we stopped using Alleluia. However, since last night we have started using Alleluia again. Joyful news! Easter news! Our Saviour is not in a tomb. He is alive. He is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia. Resurrection comes with a lot of power. Christ’s Easter renews our profound conviction that human existence with all its elements of disappointment, frustration, sorrow and failure, has within it the seeds of new hope that it is possible to share Christ’s triumph over death and evil.
