by L'équipe de publication | Dec 10, 2023 | Evangelium
Saint Damasus I, Pope
A Spaniard, he was born about 305. Joining the Roman clergy, he was elected Pope in 366, in calamitous times. He held many synods against heretics and schismatics. He promoted the cult of the martyrs. He died in 384.
Entrance Antiphon: Jer 31: 10; Is 35: 4
Hear the word of the Lord, O nations; declare it to the distant lands: Behold, our Saviour will come; you need no longer fear.
Collect
May our prayer of petition rise before you, we pray, O Lord, that, with purity unblemished, we, your servants, may come, as we desire, to celebrate the great mystery of the Incarnation of your Only Begotten Son. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading: Isaiah 35: 1-10
Let the wilderness and the dry-lands exult, let the wasteland rejoice and bloom, let it bring forth flowers like the jonquil, let it rejoice and sing for joy. The glory of Lebanon is bestowed on it, the splendour of Carmel and Sharon; they shall see the glory of the Lord, the splendour of our God. Strengthen all weary hands, steady all trembling knees and say to all faint hearts, “Courage! Do not be afraid. Look, your God is coming, vengeance is coming, the retribution of God; he is coming to save you.” Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, the ears of the deaf unsealed, then the lame shall leap like a deer and the tongues of the dumb sing for joy; for water gushes in the desert, streams in the wasteland, the scorched earth becomes a lake, the parched land springs of water. The lairs where the jackals used to live become thickets of reed and papyrus… And through it will run a highway undefiled which shall be called the Sacred Way; the unclean may not travel by it, nor fools stray along it. No lion will be there nor any fierce beast roam about it, but the redeemed will walk there, for those the Lord has ransomed shall return. They will come to Zion shouting for joy, everlasting joy on their faces; joy and gladness will go with them and sorrow and lament be ended.
Psalm 84(85): 9-14
R/ Look, our God is coming to save us.
I will hear what the Lord God has to say, a voice that speaks of peace, peace for his people. His help is near for those who fear him and his glory will dwell in our land.
Mercy and faithfulness have met; justice and peace have embraced. Faithfulness shall spring from the earth and justice look down from heaven.
The Lord will make us prosper and our earth shall yield its fruit. Justice shall march before him and peace shall follow his steps.
Gospel Acclamation: Lk 3: 4, 6
Alleluia, alleluia! Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight, and all mankind shall see the salvation of God. Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 5: 17-26
Jesus was teaching one day, and among the audience there were Pharisees and doctors of the Law who had come from every village in Galilee, from Judaea and from Jerusalem. And the Power of the Lord was behind his works of healing. Then some men appeared, carrying on a bed a paralysed man whom they were trying to bring in and lay down in front of him. But as the crowd made it impossible to find a way of getting him in, they went up on to the flat roof and lowered him and his stretcher down through the tiles into the middle of the gathering, in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith he said, “My friend, your sins are forgiven you.” The scribes and the Pharisees began to think this over. “Who is this man talking blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” But Jesus, aware of their thoughts, made them this reply, “What are these thoughts you have in your hearts? Which of these is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? But to prove to you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,” – he said to the paralysed man – “I order you: get up, and pick up your stretcher and go home.” And immediately before their very eyes he got up, picked up what he had been lying on and went home praising God. They were all astounded and praised God, and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen strange things today.”
Prayer over the Offerings
Accept, we pray, O Lord, these offerings we make, gathered from among your gifts to us, and may what you grant us to celebrate devoutly here below gain for us the prize of eternal redemption. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Ps 105: 4-5; Is 38: 3
Come, O Lord, visit us in peace, that we may rejoice before you with a blameless heart.
Prayer after Communion
May these mysteries, O Lord, in which we have participated, profit us, we pray, for even now, as we walk amid passing things, you teach us by them to love the things of heaven and hold fast to what endures. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
The prophecy of the first reading is accomplished in today’s Gospel. The prophet Isaiah announced: “Courage! Do not be afraid. Look, your God is coming (…) he is coming to save you”. In the Gospel, through the power of God, Jesus cures a paralytic: “I order you, get up, pick up your stretcher and go home. And immediately (…) he got up, picked up what he had been lying on, and went home …” The Gospel reassures us today of the promise of salvation from God, but the daily experience of our faith sometimes gives us the contrary view. Faced with diverse and multiple difficulties, this promise of salvation seems an illusion and far from us. Only a perseverant faith in the promise of God’s salvation can lead us through. Jesus himself said “…not even a hair on your head will be lost. It is by your perseverance that you will have life…” (Lk 21: 19).
by L'équipe de publication | Dec 9, 2023 | Agenda Biblique
2EME DIMANCHE DE L’AVENT année B
Psautier ii
SAINTE Eulalie
Antienne d’ouverture Is 30, 19. 30
Peuple de Dieu, voici que le Seigneur va venir pour sauver tous les hommes. Le Seigneur fera retentir sa parole pour la joie de votre cœur.
Prière d’ouverture
Seigneur tout-puissant et miséricordieux, ne laisse pas le souci de nos tâches présentes entraver notre marche à la rencontre de ton Fils; Mais éveille en nous cette intelligence du cour qui nous prépare à l’accueillir et nous fait entrer dans sa propre vie. Lui qui.
1ère lecture : Is 40, 1-5.9-11
« Consolez, consolez mon peuple, dit votre Dieu. Parlez au cœur de Jérusalem et proclamez que son service est accompli, que son crime est pardonné, et qu’elle a reçu de la main du Seigneur double punition pour toutes ses fautes. » Une voix proclame : « Préparez à travers le désert le chemin du Seigneur. Tracez dans les terres arides une route aplanie pour notre Dieu. Tout ravin sera comblé, toute montagne et toute colline seront abaissées, les passages tortueux deviendront droits, et les escarpements seront changés en plaine. Alors la gloire du Seigneur se révélera et tous en même temps verront que la bouche du Seigneur a parlé. » Monte sur une haute montagne, toi qui portes la bonne nouvelle à Sion. Élève la voix avec force, toi qui portes la bonne nouvelle à Jérusalem. Élève la voix, ne crains pas. Dis aux villes de Juda : « Voici votre Dieu. » Voici le Seigneur Dieu : il vient avec puissance et son bras est victorieux. Le fruit de sa victoire l’accompagne et ses trophées le précèdent. Comme un berger, il conduit son troupeau : son bras rassemble les agneaux, il les porte sur son cœur, et il prend soin des brebis qui allaitent leurs petits.
Psaume : 84, 9ab.10, 11-12, 13-14
R/ Fais-nous voir, Seigneur, ton amour, et donne-nous ton salut.
J’écoute : que dira le Seigneur Dieu? Ce qu’il dit, c’est la paix pour son peuple. Salut est proche de ceux qui le craignent, et la gloire habitera notre terre.
Amour et vérité se rencontrent, justice et paix s’embrassent ; la vérité germera de la terre et du ciel se penchera la justice.
Le Seigneur donnera ses bienfaits, et notre terre donnera son fruit. La justice marchera devant lui, et ses pas traceront le chemin.
2ème lecture : 2P 3, 8-14
Frères bien-aimés, il y a une chose que vous ne devez pas oublier : pour le Seigneur, un seul jour est comme mille ans, et mille ans sont comme un seul jour. Le Seigneur n’est pas en retard pour tenir sa promesse, comme le pensent certaines personnes ; c’est pour vous qu’il patiente : car il n’accepte pas d’en laisser quelques-uns se perdre ; mais il veut que tous aient le temps de se convertir. Pourtant, le jour du Seigneur viendra comme un voleur. Alors les cieux disparaîtront avec fracas, les éléments en feu seront détruits, la terre, avec tout ce qu’on y a fait, sera brûlée. Ainsi, puisque tout cela est en voie de destruction, vous voyez quels hommes vous devez être, quelle sainteté de vie, quel respect de Dieu vous devez avoir, vous qui attendez avec tant d’impatience la venue du jour de Dieu (ce jour où les cieux embrasés seront détruits, où les éléments en feu se désagrégeront). Car ce que nous attendons, selon la promesse du Seigneur, c’est un ciel nouveau et une terre nouvelle où résidera la justice. Dans l’attente de ce jour, frères bien-aimés, faites donc tout pour que le Christ vous trouve nets et irréprochables, dans la paix.
Acclamation.
Alléluia. Alléluia. Préparez le chemin du Seigneur, aplanissez la route: tout homme verra le salut de Dieu. Alléluia.
Évangile : Mc 1, 1-8
Commencement de la Bonne Nouvelle de Jésus Christ, le Fils de Dieu. Il était écrit dans le livre du prophète Isaïe : Voici que j’envoie mon messager devant toi, pour préparer la route. À travers le désert, une voix crie : Préparez le chemin du Seigneur, aplanissez sa route. Et Jean le Baptiste parut dans le désert. Il proclamait un baptême de conversion pour le pardon des péchés. Toute la Judée, tout Jérusalem, venait à lui. Tous se faisaient baptiser par lui dans les eaux du Jourdain, en reconnaissant leurs péchés. Jean était vêtu de poil de chameau, avec une ceinture de cuir autour des reins, et il se nourrissait de sauterelles et de miel sauvage. Il proclamait : « Voici venir derrière moi celui qui est plus puissant que moi. Je ne suis pas digne de me courber à ses pieds pour défaire la courroie de ses sandales. Moi, je vous ai baptisés dans l’eau ; lui vous baptisera dans l’Esprit Saint. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Laisse-toi fléchir, Seigneur, par nos prières et nos pauvres offrandes; Nous ne pouvons pas invoquer nos mérites, viens par ta grâce à notre secours. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion Ba 5, 5; 4, 36
Lève-toi, Jérusalem, tiens-toi sur la hau
teur, et contemple la joie qui te vient de ton Dieu.
Prière après la communion
Pleins de reconnaissance pour cette eucharistie, nous te prions encore, Seigneur: Apprends-nous, dans la communion à ce mystère, le vrai sens des choses de ce monde et l’amour des biens éternels. Par Jésus.
Méditation
En ce dimanche, le thème du désert s’impose à nous. Se retirer « au désert », c’est refuser la facilité, le confort, l’obstination à vivre dans l’abomination de la désolation. Le « désert », c’est un lieu ouvert à perte de vue, où les routes ne sont pas tracées clairement. Il y a là l’idée d’une invitation à l’aventure. Le « désert », c’est aussi le lieu de la solitude et du silence. Comme tel, il y a une invitation à la rencontre intérieure. Impossible ici, de se distraire, de se réfugier vers les choses superficielles et les faux-semblants : l’homme s’y trouve face à lui-même, dépouillé et nu. Dans ce dépouillement et ce silence, Dieu va pouvoir se faire entendre. C’et l’appel à la vérité de notre être, quand les masques tombent. Oui, nous allons rencontrer Dieu à Noël, mais cela ne va pas se faire sans nous « préparer » à sa venue, sans nous purifier, sans travailler à nous convertir, à changer de vie. Concrètement, il s’agit de se retourner. Le mal que nous faisions, nous cessons de le faire. Le bien que nous ne faisions pas, nous nous mettons promptement et résolument à le faire.
by L'équipe de publication | Dec 9, 2023 | Evangelium
2nd Sunday of Advent
Psalter week II
Entrance Antiphon: Is 30: 19, 30
O people of Sion, behold, the Lord will come to save the nations, and the Lord will make the glory of his voice heard in the joy of your heart.
Collect
Almighty and merciful God, may no earthly undertaking hinder those who set out in haste to meet your Son, but may our learning of heavenly wisdom gain us admittance to his company. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading: Isaiah 40: 1-5, 9-11
“Console my people, console them,” says your God. “Speak to the heart of Jerusalem and call to her that her time of service is ended, that her sin is atoned for, that she has received from the hand of the Lord double punishment for all her crimes.” A voice cries, “Prepare in the wilderness a way for the Lord. Make a straight highway for our God across the desert. Let every valley be filled in, every mountain and hill be laid low. Let every cliff become a plain, and the ridges a valley; then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all mankind shall see it; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Go up on a high mountain, joyful messenger to Zion. Shout with a loud voice, joyful messenger to Jerusalem. Shout without fear, say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God.” Here is the Lord coming with power, his arm subduing all things to him. The prize of his victory is with him, his trophies all go before him. He is like a shepherd feeding his flock, gathering lambs in his arms, holding them against his breast and leading to their rest the mother ewes.
Psalm 84(85):9-14(Advent)
R/ Let us see, O Lord, your mercy, and give us your saving help.
I will hear what the Lord God has to say, a voice that speaks of peace, peace for his people. His help is near for those who fear him and his glory will dwell in our land.
Mercy and faithfulness have met; justice and peace have embraced. Faithfulness shall spring from the earth and justice look down from heaven.
The Lord will make us prosper and our earth shall yield its fruit. Justice shall march before him and peace shall follow his steps.
Second reading: 2 Peter 3:8-14
There is one thing, my friends, that you must never forget: that with the Lord, “a day” can mean a thousand years, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord is not being slow to carry out his promises, as anybody else might be called slow; but he is being patient with you all, wanting nobody to be lost and everybody to be brought to change his ways. The Day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then with a roar the sky will vanish, the elements will catch fire and fall apart, the earth and all that it contains will be burnt up. Since everything is coming to an end like this, you should be living holy and saintly lives while you wait and long for the Day of God to come, when the sky will dissolve in flames and the elements melt in the heat. What we are waiting for is what he promised: the new heavens and new earth, the place where righteousness will be at home. So then, my friends, while you are waiting, do your best to live lives without spot or stain so that he will find you at peace.
Gospel Acclamation: Lk 3: 6
Alleluia, alleluia! Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight, and all mankind shall see the salvation of God. Alleluia!
Gospel: Mark 1: 1-8
The beginning of the Good News about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is written in the book of the prophet Isaiah: Look, I am going to send my messenger before you; he will prepare your way. A voice cries in the wilderness: Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight. And so it was that John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. All Judaea and all the people of Jerusalem made their way to him, and as they were baptised by him in the river Jordan they confessed their sins. John wore a garment of camel-skin, and he lived on locusts and wild honey. In the course of his preaching he said, “Someone is following me, someone who is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to kneel down and undo the strap of his sandals. I have baptised you with water, but he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.”
Prayer over the Offerings
Be pleased, O Lord, with our humble prayers and offerings, and, since we have no merits to plead our cause, come, we pray, to our rescue with the protection of your mercy. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Bar 5: 5; 4: 36
Jerusalem, arise and stand upon the heights, and behold the joy whic comes to you from God.
Prayer after Communion
Replenished by the food of spiritual nourishment, we humbly beseech you, O Lord, that, through our partaking in this mystery, you may teach us to judge wisely the things of earth and hold firm to the things of heaven. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Our Gospel of today tells us that it is God’s servant who brings salvation to the world through the forgiveness of sins. Jesus Christ is this king, the prophet, the priest, the sacrificial lamb in the prophecy of Isaiah. He is the shepherd who will lead his sheep to pasture and carry the lamb on his shoulders. John the Baptist is the messenger of the Lord. He comes to announce that the presence of the awaited Saviour. John the Baptist is not the way but he shows us the Way; he is not the Saviour but rather his witness; he doesn’t forgive sins but he prepares men for forgiveness: “I baptize you with water but He will baptize you with fire and the Holy Spirit”. John the Baptist fulfils the mission and plays the role that we are called to play – to be witnesses of the Good News of Jesus Christ. In this Advent season, this Gospel reminds us of the witnessing that we have to bear to Christ, and that we ought to live as those baptized in water and the Spirit. Let our lives reflect the graces of our baptism so that we may be signs in our time, leading others to Jesus.
by L'équipe de publication | Dec 8, 2023 | Agenda Biblique
SAINTE Léocadie,
Vierge et Martyre
Sommée de renier sa foi, elle refusa de s’exécuter. Elle fut en guise de représailles bastonnée publiquement, humiliée avant d’être tuée.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 79, 4-2
Viens, Seigneur, montre-nous ton visage, et nous serons sauvés.
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu qui a envoyé ton Fils unique dans ce monde pour libérer l’homme de son péché, accorde à ceux qui t’appellent du fond du cœur d’être vraiment libres pour t’aimer. Par Jésus.
1ère lecture : Is 30, 19-21.23-26
Ainsi parle le Seigneur, le Dieu saint d’Israël : Peuple de Sion, toi qui habites Jérusalem, tu ne pleureras jamais plus. À l’appel de ton cri, le Seigneur te fera grâce. Dès qu’il t’aura entendu, il te répondra. Le Seigneur te donnera du pain dans la détresse, et de l’eau dans l’épreuve. Celui qui t’instruit ne se dérobera plus et tes yeux le verront. Tes oreilles entendront derrière toi une parole : « Voici le chemin, prends-le ! », et cela, que tu ailles à droite ou à gauche. Le Seigneur te donnera la pluie pour la semence que tu auras jetée en terre, et le pain que produira la terre sera riche et nourrissant. Ton bétail ira paître, ce jour-là, sur de vastes pâturages. Les bœufs et les ânes qui travaillent dans les champs mangeront un fourrage salé, étalé avec la pelle et la fourche. Sur toute haute montagne, sur toute colline élevée couleront des ruisseaux, au jour du grand massacre, quand tomberont les tours de défense. La lune brillera comme le soleil, le soleil brillera sept fois plus, – autant que sept jours de lumière – le jour où le Seigneur pansera les plaies de son peuple et guérira ses meurtrissures.
Psaume : 146 (147A), 1-2, 3-4, 5-6
R/ Heureux tous ceux qui attendent le Seigneur ! Is 30, 18 Ou : Alléluia !
Il est bon de fêter notre Dieu, il est beau de chanter sa louange! Le Seigneur rebâtit Jérusalem, il rassemble les déportés d’Israël. Il guérit les cœurs brisés et soigne leurs blessures. Il compte le nombre des étoiles, il donne à chacune un nom.
Il est grand, il est fort, notre Maître: nul n’a mesuré son intelligence. Le Seigneur élève les humbles et rabaisse jusqu’à terre les impies.
Acclamation
Alléluia, Alléluia. Le Seigneur est notre juge, il nous donne des lois, le Seigneur est notre roi : c’est lui qui nous sauve. Alléluia.
Évangile : Mt 9, 35 – 10, 1.5a.6-8
En ce temps-là, Jésus parcourait toutes les villes et tous les villages, enseignant dans leurs synagogues, proclamant l’Évangile du Royaume et guérissant toute maladie et toute infirmité. Voyant les foules, Jésus fut saisi de compassion envers elles parce qu’elles étaient désemparées et abattues comme des brebis sans berger. Il dit alors à ses disciples : « La moisson est abondante, mais les ouvriers sont peu nombreux. Priez donc le maître de la moisson d’envoyer des ouvriers pour sa moisson ». Alors Jésus appela ses douze disciples et leur donna le pouvoir d’expulser les esprits impurs et de guérir toute maladie et toute infirmité. Ces douze, Jésus les envoya en mission avec les instructions suivantes : « Allez vers les brebis perdues de la maison d’Israël. Sur votre route, proclamez que le royaume des Cieux est tout proche. Guérissez les malades, ressuscitez les morts, purifiez les lépreux, expulsez les démons. Vous avez reçu gratuitement: donnez gratuitement.»
Prière sur les offrandes
Permets, Seigneur, que le sacrifice de nos eucharisties te soit toujours offert dans ton Église, Pour accomplir le sacrement que tu nous as donné et pour réaliser la merveille de notre salut. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Ap 22, 12
Voici que je viens sans tarder, dit le Seigneur, et j’apporte avec moi le salaire que je vais donner a chacun selon ce qu’il aura.
Prière après la communion
Seigneur notre Dieu, nous attendons de ta miséricorde Que cette nourriture prise à ton autel nous empêche de céder à nos penchants mauvais et nous prépare aux fêtes qui approchent. Par Jésus.
Méditation
Les habitants de Jérusalem voient la menace assyrienne les dominer. Les armes de l’époque rasent toutes les villes et tuent tous les habitants, les personnes les plus valides seront emportées en déportation. C’est dans ce contexte dramatique qu’il faut lire les paroles d’espoir d’Isaïe, le prophète de l’espoir par excellence. En effet, il rêve d’un royaume messianique à venir où tout mal aurait disparu : famine, maladies, violences, injustices. C’est le retour de l’homme à son équilibre moral, qui amène aussi le retour de la nature à son harmonie et à sa fécondité du « paradis terrestre ». Dieu est celui qui ne se dérobe plus, qui se laisse voir ! Isaïe annonce pour la « fin des temps », qu’il sera possible d’atteindre Dieu et de Le voir. Jésus, le Messie de Dieu sera donc le Dieu touchable, le Dieu visible, le Dieu qui parle, le Dieu qui ne se dérobe plus, le Dieu accessible, le Dieu tout proche. Voilà pourquoi Mathieu dans l’évangile de ce jour le présente comme le Bon Pasteur, le bon berger qui voit la misère de son peuple et qui décide de donner la joie, la vie au peuple par le don de sa propre vie. Il est celui qui domine le mal et il associe l’homme à cette noble mission.
by L'équipe de publication | Dec 8, 2023 | Evangelium
SAINT Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin
He was born in 1474 in Mexico. As an adult he embraced Christianity and he and his wife were baptized. In 1531 the Mother of God appeared to him. Through the purity of his faith, his humility and his fervour, a church was built, in honour of Our Lady of Guadalupe. He devoted himself to the care of the sanctuary and the reception of pilgrims until his death in 1548.
Entrance Antiphon: Ps 79: 4, 2
Come and show us your face, O Lord, who are seated upon the Cherubim, and we will be saved.
Collect
O God, who sent your Only Begotten Son into this world to free the human race from its ancient enslavement, bestow on those who devoutly await him the grace of your compassion from on high, that we may attain the prize of true freedom. 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: Isaiah 30: 19-21, 23-26
Thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: People of Zion, you will live in Jerusalem and weep no more. He will be gracious to you when he hears your cry; when he hears he will answer. When the Lord has given you the bread of suffering and the water of distress, he who is your teacher will hide no longer, and you will see your teacher with your own eyes. Whether you turn to right or left, your ears will hear these words behind you, “This is the way, follow it.” He will send rain for the seed you sow in the ground, and the bread that the ground provides will be rich and nourishing. Your cattle will graze, that day, in wide pastures. Oxen and donkeys that till the ground will eat a salted fodder, winnowed with shovel and fork. On every lofty mountain, on every high hill there will be streams and watercourses, on the day of the great slaughter when the strongholds fall. Then moonlight will be bright as sunlight and sunlight itself be seven times brighter – like the light of seven days in one – on the day the Lord dresses the wound of his people and heals the bruises his blows have left.
Psalm 146(147):1-6
Happy are all who hope in the Lord.
Praise the Lord for he is good; sing to our God for he is loving: to him our praise is due. The Lord builds up Jerusalem and brings back Israel’s exiles.
He heals the broken-hearted, he binds up all their wounds. He fixes the number of the stars; he calls each one by its name.
Our Lord is great and almighty; his wisdom can never be measured. The Lord raises the lowly; he humbles the wicked to the dust.
Gospel Acclamation: Is55:6
Alleluia, alleluia! Seek the Lord while he is still to be found, call to him while he is still near. Alleluia!
Gospel: Matthew 9: 35-10: 1, 5, 6-8
Jesus made a tour through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom and curing all kinds of diseases and sickness. And when he saw the crowds he felt sorry for them because they were harassed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest.” He summoned his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits with power to cast them out and to cure all kinds of diseases and sickness. These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them as follows: “Go rather to the lost sheep of the House of Israel. And as you go, proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is close at hand. Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils. You received without charge, give without charge.”
Prayer over the Offerings
May the sacrifice of our worship, Lord, we pray, be offered to you unceasingly, to complete what was begun in sacred mystery and powerfully accomplish for us your saving work. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Rv 22: 12
Behold, I am coming soon and my recompense is with me, says the Lord, to bestow a reward according to the deeds of each.
Prayer after Communion
We implore your mercy, Lord, that this divine sustenance may cleanse us of our faults and prepare us for the coming feasts. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Seeing the amplified nature of his mission, Jesus invites us to pray to the master of the harvest: “the harvest is rich but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest.” Thus, continues the Gospel, Jesus summoned his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits with power to cast them out and cure all kinds of diseases and sickness. Such came the help of his disciples. As Christians today, we do not necessarily have the power to cast out unclean spirits, but we have received charisms – spiritual gifts – that help us continue the work of Christ in our society. For some it is the gift of evangelism, for others prophecy, the gift of discernment, diaconate, etc. All these have only one goal: help my neighbour to overcome the difficulties of life and be attached to the Lord. Does today’s Gospel speak to me? What gift, talent or charism have I received from the Lord? How do I use it for others’ benefit?
