by L'équipe de publication | Nov 8, 2023 | Evangelium
Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
The Lateran Basilica was built by the Emperor Constantine on the Lateran Hill in Rome in about 324. In honour of the basilica, “the mother and head of all the churches of the City and the World,” the feast has been extended to the whole Roman Rite as a sign of unity and love towards the See of Peter.
Entrance Antiphon: Rev 21: 2
I saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.
Collect
O God, who from living and chosen stones prepare an eternal dwelling for your majesty, increase in your Church the spirit of grace you have bestowed, so that by new growth your faithful people may build up the heavenly Jerusalem. 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: Ezekiel 47:1-2, 8-9,12
The angel brought me to the entrance of the Temple, where a stream came out from under the Temple threshold and flowed eastwards, since the Temple faced east. The water flowed from under the right side of the Temple, south of the altar. He took me out by the north gate and led me right round outside as far as the outer east gate where the water flowed out on the right-hand side. He said, “This water flows east down to the Arabah and to the sea; and flowing into the sea it makes its waters wholesome. Wherever the river flows, all living creatures teeming in it will live. Fish will be very plentiful, for wherever the water goes it brings health, and life teems wherever the river flows. Along the river, on either bank, will grow every kind of fruit tree with leaves that never wither and fruit that never fails; they will bear new fruit every month, because this water comes from the sanctuary. And their fruit will be good to eat and the leaves medicinal.”
Psalm 45 (46): 2-3, 5-6, 8-9
R/ The waters of a river give joy to God’s city, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is for us a refuge and strength, a helper close at hand, in time of distress, so we shall not fear though the earth should rock, though the mountains fall into the depths of the sea.
The waters of a river give joy to God’s city, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within, it cannot be shaken; God will help it at the dawning of the day.
The Lord of hosts is with us: the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Come, consider the works of the Lord, the redoubtable deeds he has done on the earth.
Gospel Acclamation: 2Ch7:16
Alleluia, alleluia! I have chosen and consecrated this house, says the Lord, for my name to be there forever. Alleluia!
Gospel: John 2:13-22
Just before the Jewish Passover Jesus went up to Jerusalem, and in the Temple he found people selling cattle and sheep and pigeons, and the money changers sitting at their counters there. Making a whip out of some cord, he drove them all out of the Temple, cattle and sheep as well, scattered the money changers” coins, knocked their tables over and said to the pigeon-sellers, “Take all this out of here and stop turning my Father’s house into a market.” Then his disciples remembered the words of scripture: Zeal for your house will devour me. The Jews intervened and said, “What sign can you show us to justify what you have done?” Jesus answered, “Destroy this sanctuary, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this sanctuary: are you going to raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking of the sanctuary that was his body, and when Jesus rose from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the scripture and the words he had said.
Prayer over the Offerings
Accept, we pray, O Lord, the offering made here and grant that by it those who seek your favour may receive in this place the power of the Sacraments and the answer to their prayers. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: 1 Pet 2: 5
Be built up like living stones, into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood.
Prayer after Communion
O God, who chose to foreshadow for us the heavenly Jerusalem through the sign of your Church on earth, grant, we pray, that, by our partaking of this Sacrament, we may be made the temple of your grace and may enter the dwelling place of your glory. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
The Temple – where the Ark of the Covenant was located – is God’s dwelling place among his people (1Kg 8:10). It is the very heart of the Jewish faith and the centre of the history of the people of Israel. How can merchants of oxen, sheep, doves, and money changers meet there and even settle there? This is blasphemy; desecration! Their mere presence and activities in the Temple testify to their lack of faith. Yes, they lack the basic “fear of God” which is fundamental in the life of every man (cf. Pr 1:7; 9:10). Dear friends, in order to avoid attracting the wrath of God, we must always pay attention to our words and actions in and around the Church. Beware of stealing, lying, invective, slander, misuse of the telephone, etc. especially in front of the Blessed Sacrament. May God always give us the spirit of discernment, the clear vision of what we should do and the strength to accomplish it.
by L'équipe de publication | Nov 7, 2023 | Agenda Biblique
SAINT Godefroy
Son monastère battait de l’aile avec seulement six moines quand ceux-ci le choisirent comme abbé. En quelque temps, le monastère de Nogent ans la Marne devint l’un des plus florissants. Après l’insistance de l’évêque de Reims, il accepte de devenir évêque d’Amiens. Ce qui lui en coûta en quelque sorte. Car la plupart des membres du clergé était à la solde des grands seigneurs.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 37, 22-23
Ne m’abandonne pas, Seigneur, mon Dieu, ne reste pas loin de moi. Hâte-toi de venir à mon aide, toi, ma force et mon salut.
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu de puissance et de miséricorde, c’est ta grâce qui donne à tes fidèles de pouvoir dignement te servir. Accorde-nous de progresser sans que rien nous arrête vers les biens que tu promets. Par Jésus.
1ère lecture: Rm 13, 8-10
Frères, n’ayez de dette envers personne, sauf celle de l’amour mutuel, car celui qui aime les autres a pleinement accompli la Loi. La Loi dit : Tu ne commettras pas d’adultère, tu ne commettras pas de meurtre, tu ne commettras pas de vol, tu ne convoiteras pas. Ces commandements et tous les autres se résument dans cette parole : Tu aimeras ton prochain comme toi-même. L’amour ne fait rien de mal au prochain. Donc, le plein accomplissement de la Loi, c’est l’amour.
Psaume : 111 (112), 1-2, 4-5, 8a.9
R/ L’homme de bien a pitié, il partage.
ou : Alléluia !
Heureux qui craint le Seigneur, qui aime entièrement sa volonté! Sa lignée sera puissante sur la terre ; la race des justes est bénie.
Lumière des cœurs droits, il s’est levé dans les ténèbres, homme de justice, de tendresse et de pitié. L’homme de bien a pitié, il partage ; il mène ses affaires avec droiture.
Son cœur est confiant, il ne craint pas : À pleines mains, il donne au pauvre ; à jamais se maintiendra sa justice, sa puissance grandira, et sa gloire!
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia. Si l’on vous insulte pour le nom du Christ, heureux êtes-vous : l’Esprit de Dieu repose sur vous. Alléluia.
Évangile : Luc 14, 25-33
En ce temps-là, de grandes foules faisaient route avec Jésus ; il se retourna et leur dit : « Si quelqu’un vient à moi sans me préférer à son père, sa mère, sa femme, ses enfants, ses frères et sœurs, et même à sa propre vie, il ne peut pas être mon disciple. Celui qui ne porte pas sa croix pour marcher à ma suite ne peut pas être mon disciple. Quel est celui d’entre vous qui, voulant bâtir une tour, ne commence par s’asseoir pour calculer la dépense et voir s’il a de quoi aller jusqu’au bout ? Car, si jamais il pose les fondations et n’est pas capable d’achever, tous ceux qui le verront vont se moquer de lui : “Voilà un homme qui a commencé à bâtir et n’a pas été capable d’achever !” Et quel est le roi qui, partant en guerre contre un autre roi, ne commence par s’asseoir pour voir s’il peut, avec dix mille hommes, affronter l’autre qui marche contre lui avec vingt mille ? S’il ne le peut pas, il envoie, pendant que l’autre est encore loin, une délégation pour demander les conditions de paix. Ainsi donc, celui d’entre vous qui ne renonce pas à tout ce qui lui appartienne ne peut pas être mon disciple. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Seigneur, que cette eucharistie soit pour toi une offrande pure, et pour nous, le don généreux de ta miséricorde. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Ps 15
Tu m’as montré, Seigneur, la route de la vie, tu m’as rempli de joie par ta présence.
Prière après la communion
De plus en plus, Seigneur, exerce en nous ta puissance: afin que, fortifiés par tes sacrements, nous devenions capables, avec ta grâce, d’entrer en possession des biens qu’ils promettent. Par Jésus.
Méditation
Être disciple du Christ est certes noble mais très exigeant. C’est une option préférentielle pour DIEU que nous devons connaître, aimer et servir. C’est aussi un engagement à une vie de sacrifices et un renoncement permanent à soi-même et à la mondanité. Nous chrétiens du temps présent avons de la peine à supporter le poids de nos Croix et à les porter avec Foi pour suivre le Christ. Pourtant notre salut est fonction de notre acceptation et détermination actuelle à suivre authentiquement notre Maître Jésus qui a Lui-même su porter sa Croix. Oui ! Porter sa Croix n’est pas un calvaire ! Par l’intercession de nos Saints patrons respectifs, puissions-nous nous inscrire à l’école du chemin de Croix pour notre salut et celui du monde entier.
by L'équipe de publication | Nov 7, 2023 | Evangelium
Blessed George Napier
He was born in Oxford and ordained priest in 1596. He worked secretly as a priest in 1603 in Oxfordshire. He was arrested in 1610: the possession of the holy oils and a breviary was considered sufficient evidence of priesthood and he was condemned to death. He was hanged, drawn and quartered at Oxford on 8 November 1610 and beatified by Pope Pius XI in 1929.
Entrance Antiphon: Ps 37: 22-23
Forsake me not, O Lord, my God; be not far from me! Make haste and come to my help, O Lord, my strong salvation!
Collect
Almighty and merciful God, by whose gift your faithful offer you right and praiseworthy service, grant, we pray, that we may hasten without stumbling to receive the things you have promised. 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: Romans 13:8-10
Avoid getting into debt, except the debt of mutual love. If you love your fellow men you have carried out your obligations. All the commandments: You shall not commit adultery, you shall not kill, you shall not steal, you shall not covet, and so on, are summed up in this single command: You must love your neighbour as yourself. Love is the one thing that cannot hurt your neighbour; that is why it is the answer to every one of the commandments.
Psalm 111(112):1-2,4-5,9
R/ Happy the man who takes pity and lends.
Happy the man who fears the Lord, who takes delight in all his commands. His sons will be powerful on earth; the children of the upright are blessed.
He is a light in the darkness for the upright: he is generous, merciful and just. The good man takes pity and lends, he conducts his affairs with honour.
Open-handed, he gives to the poor; his justice stands firm for ever. His head will be raised in glory.
Gospel Acclamation: Ps118:88
Alleluia, alleluia! Because of your love give me life, and I will do your will. Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 14:25-33
Great crowds accompanied Jesus on his way and he turned and spoke to them. “If any man comes to me without hating his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes and his own life too, he cannot be my disciple. Anyone who does not carry his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. And indeed, which of you here, intending to build a tower, would not first sit down and work out the cost to see if he had enough to complete it? Otherwise, if he laid the foundation and then found himself unable to finish the work, the onlookers would all start making fun of him and saying, ‘Here is a man who started to build and was unable to finish.’ Or again, what king marching to war against another king would not first sit down and consider whether with ten thousand men he could stand up to the other who advanced against him with twenty thousand? If not, then while the other king was still a long way off, he would send envoys to sue for peace. So in the same way, none of you can be my disciple unless he gives up all his possessions.”
Prayer over the Offerings
May these sacrificial offerings, O Lord, become for you a pure oblation, and for us a holy outpouring of your mercy. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Ps 15: 11
You will show me the path of life, the fullness of joy in your presence, O Lord.
Prayer after Communion
May the working of your power, O Lord, increase in us, we pray, so that, renewed by these heavenly Sacraments, we may be prepared by your gift for receiving what they promise. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Being a disciple of Christ is certainly noble but very demanding. It is a preferential option for GOD whom we must know, love and serve. It is also a commitment to a life of sacrifice and a permanent renunciation of self and worldliness. Christians of the present time find it difficult to bear the weight of our crosses, to carry them with faith and follow Christ. However, our salvation depends on our acceptance and determination to authentically follow our Master Jesus who Himself knew how to carry His Cross. No, carrying one’s Cross is not an ordeal! Through the intercession of our respective patron saints, may we gladly follow the Way of the Cross for our salvation and that of the whole world.
by L'équipe de publication | Nov 6, 2023 | Evangelium
SAINT Willibrord
He was the first of the great Anglo-Saxon missionaries to Europe and is remembered not just for his devotion in preaching the Gospel but also for his joyfulness of character and his holiness of life. He died at Echternach in Luxembourg in 739.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 37: 22-23
Forsake me not, O Lord, my God; be not far from me! Make haste and come to my help, O Lord, my strong salvation!
Collect
Almighty and merciful God, by whose gift your faithful offer you right and praiseworthy service, grant, we pray, that we may hasten without stumbling to receive the things you have promised. 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: Romans 12:5-16
All of us, in union with Christ, form one body, and as parts of it we belong to each other. Our gifts differ according to the grace given us. If your gift is prophecy, then use it as your faith suggests; if administration, then use it for administration; if teaching, then use it for teaching. Let the preachers deliver sermons, the almsgivers give freely, the officials be diligent, and those who do works of mercy do them cheerfully. Do not let your love be a pretence, but sincerely prefer good to evil. Love each other as much as brothers should, and have a profound respect for each other. Work for the Lord with untiring effort and with great earnestness of spirit. If you have hope, this will make you cheerful. Do not give up if trials come; and keep on praying. If any of the saints are in need you must share with them; and you should make hospitality your special care. Bless those who persecute you: never curse them, bless them. Rejoice with those who rejoice and be sad with those in sorrow. Treat everyone with equal kindness; never be condescending but make real friends with the poor. Do not allow yourself to become self-satisfied.
Psalm 130(131)
R/ Keep my soul in peace before you, O Lord.
O Lord, my heart is not proud nor haughty my eyes. I have not gone after things too great nor marvels beyond me.
Truly I have set my soul in silence and peace. A weaned child on its mother’s breast, even so is my soul.
O Israel, hope in the Lord both now and forever.
Gospel Acclamation: cf.Ep1:17,18
Alleluia, alleluia! May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our mind, so that we can see what hope his call holds for us. Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 14:15-24
One of those gathered round the table said to Jesus, “Happy the man who will be at the feast in the kingdom of God!” But he said to him, “There was a man who gave a great banquet, and he invited a large number of people. When the time for the banquet came, he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come along: everything is ready now.’ But all alike started to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have bought a piece of land and must go and see it. Please accept my apologies.’ Another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen and am on my way to try them out. Please accept my apologies.’ Yet another said, ‘I have just got married and so am unable to come.’ The servant returned and reported this to his master. Then the householder, in a rage, said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in here the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’ ‘Sir’, said the servant, ‘your orders have been carried out and there is still room.’ Then the master said to his servant, ‘Go to the open roads and the hedgerows and force people to come in to make sure my house is full; because, I tell you, not one of those who were invited shall have a taste of my banquet.’”
Prayer over the Offerings
May these sacrificial offerings, O Lord, become for you a pure oblation, and for us a holy outpouring of your mercy. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Ps 15: 11
You will show me the path of life, the fullness of joy in your presence, O Lord.
Prayer after Communion
May the working of your power, O Lord, increase in us, we pray, so that, renewed by these heavenly Sacraments, we may be prepared by your gift for receiving what they promise. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Dear friends, the Gospel of today introduces us to a meditative reflection on the heavenly banquet. This banquet is present (the Eucharist) and future (the Eschatology). Indeed, we must understand that God does not want his sacred house to be empty; he wants it full. He wants each of us to have a place at his heavenly table. That is why he invites each and every one. Yes, happy are all those who are invited to the Lord’s extraordinary meal and who respond favourably. But unfortunate are those who misuse their freedom, those who lack discernment, who close themselves to the Lord’s call/invitation and take paths contrary to that of eternal life.
by L'équipe de publication | Nov 6, 2023 | Agenda Biblique
SAINT Willibord, Evêque
Willibord (658-739), moine bénédictin de Ripon en Angleterre, puis de Rathmelsing en Irlande, fut envoyé en Frise (690) pour y porter l’évangile. Après avoir été sacré évêque par le pape Sergius 1er, il établit son siège à Utrecht et fonda plusieurs monastères, notamment celui d’Echternach où il mourut.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 37, 22-23
Ne m’abandonne pas, Seigneur, mon Dieu, ne reste pas loin de moi. Hâte-toi de venir à mon aide, toi, ma force et mon salut.
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu de puissance et de miséricorde, c’est ta grâce qui donne à tes fidèles de pouvoir dignement te servir. Accorde-nous de progresser sans que rien nous arrête vers les biens que tu promets. Par Jésus.
1ère lecture : Rm 12, 5-16b
Frères, nous qui sommes plusieurs, nous sommes un seul corps dans leChrist, et membres les uns des autres, chacun pour sa part. Et selon la grâce que Dieu nous a accordée, nous avons reçu des dons qui sont différents. Si c’est le don de prophétie, que ce soit à proportion du message confié ; si c’est le don de servir, que l’on serve ; si l’on est fait pour enseigner, que l’on enseigne ; pour réconforter, que l’on réconforte. Celui qui donne, qu’il soit généreux ; celui qui dirige,qu’il soit empressé ; celui qui pratique la miséricorde, qu’il ait le sourire. Que votre amour soit sans hypocrisie. Fuyez le mal avec horreur, attachez vous au bien. Soyez unis les uns aux autres par l’affection fraternelle, rivalisez de respect les uns pour les autres. Ne ralentissez pas votre élan, restez dans la ferveur de l’Esprit, servez leSeigneur, ayez la joie de l’espérance, tenez bon dans l’épreuve, soyez assidus à la prière. Partagez avec les fidèles qui sont dans le besoin, pratiquez l’hospitalité avec empressement. Bénissez ceux qui vous persécutent ; souhaitez-leur du bien, et non pas du mal. Soyez joyeux avec ceux qui sont dans la joie, pleurez avec ceux qui pleurent. Soyez bien d’accord les uns avec les autres ; n’ayez pas le goût des grandeurs, mais laissez-vous attirer par ce qui est humble.
Psaume : 130 (131), 1, 2, 3
R/ garde mon âme dans la paix près de toi Seigneur.
Seigneur, je n’ai pas le cœur fier ni le regard ambitieux ; je ne poursuis ni grands desseins, ni merveilles qui me dépassent.
Non, mais je tiens mon âme égale et silencieuse ; mon âme est en moi comme un enfant, comme un petit enfant contre sa mère.
Attends le Seigneur, Israël, maintenant et à jamais.
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia. Venez à moi, vous tous qui peinez sous le poids du fardeau, dit le Seigneur, et moi, je vous procurerai le repos. Alléluia.
Évangile : Lc 14, 14-24
En ce temps-là, au cours du repas chez un chef des pharisiens, en entendant parler Jésus, un des convives lui dit : « Heureux celui qui participera au repas dans le royaume de Dieu ! » Jésus lui dit : « Un homme donnait un grand dîner, et il avait invité beaucoup de monde. À l’heure du dîner, il envoya son serviteur dire aux invités : “Venez, tout est prêt.” Mais ils se mirent tous, unanimement, à s’excuser. Le premier lui dit : “J’ai acheté un champ, et je suis obligé d’aller le voir ; je t’en prie, excuse moi.” Un autredit : “J’ai acheté cinq paires de bœufs, et je pars les essayer ; je t’en prie, excuse-moi. ” Un troisième dit : “Je viens de me marier, et c’est pourquoi je ne peux pasenir.” De retour, le serviteur rapporta ces parole à sonmaître. Alors, pris de colère, le maître de maison dit à son serviteur : “Dépêche-toi d’aller sur les places et dans les rues de la ville ; les pauvres, les estropiés, les aveugles et les boiteux, amène les ici.” Le serviteur revint lui dire : “Maître, ce que tu as ordonné est exécuté, et il reste encore de la place.” Le maître dit alors au serviteur : “Va sur les routes et dans les sentiers, et fais entrer les gens de force, afin que ma maison soit remplie. Car, je vous le dis, aucun de ces hommes qui avaient été invités ne goûtera de mon dîner.” »
Prière sur les offrandes
Seigneur, que cette eucharistie soit pour toi une offrande pure, et pour nous, le don généreux de ta miséricorde. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Ps 15,11
Tu m’as montré, Seigneur, la route de la vie, tu m’as rempli de joie par ta présence.
Prière après la communion
De plus en plus, Seigneur, exerce en nous ta puissance : afin que, fortifiés par tes sacrements, nous devenions capables, avec ta grâce, d’entrer en possession des biens qu’ils promettent. Par Jésus.
Méditation
Chers amis, cette péricope évangélique nous introduit dans une méditation sur le banquet céleste. Ledit banquet est présent (Eucharistie) et futur (Eschatologie). En effet, nous devons comprendre que Dieu tient à ce que sa maison qui est sacrée ne soit pas vide mais remplie. Il tient à ce que chacun de nous ait sa place à sa table céleste. C’est pour cette raison qu’il invite tous et chacun. Oui ! Heureux tous ceux qui sont invités à l’extraordinaire repas du Seigneur et qui y répondent favorablement. Mais, Malheureux ceux qui font un mauvais usage de leur liberté, manquent de discernement, se ferment à l’appel/l’invitation du Seigneur et emprunte des chemins contraires à celui de la Vie éternelle.
