by L'équipe de publication | Sep 29, 2023 | Evangelium
SAINT Jerome
He was born in Dalmatia. He founded a monastery, a hospice, and a school, and settled down to the most important work of his life, the translation of the Bible into Latin, a translation which, with some revisions, is still in use today. He died at Bethlehem.
Entrance Antiphon: Ps 1: 2-3
Blessed indeed is he who ponders the law of the Lord day and night: he will yield his fruit in due season.
Collect
O God, who gave the Priest Saint Jerome a living and tender love for Sacred Scripture, grant that your people may be ever more fruitfully nourished by your Word and find in it the fount 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: Zechariah 2: 5-9, 14-15
Raising my eyes, I saw a vision. It was this: there was a man with a measuring line in his hand. I asked him, “Where are you going?” He said, “To measure Jerusalem, to find out her breadth and her length.” And then, while the angel who was talking to me stood still, another angel came forward to meet him. He said to him, “Run, and tell that young man this, ‘Jerusalem is to remain unwalled, because of the great number of men and cattle there will be in her. But I – it is the Lord who speaks – I will be a wall of fire for her all round her, and I will be her glory in the midst of her.’ Sing, rejoice, daughter of Zion; for I am coming to dwell in the middle of you – it is the Lord who speaks. Many nations will join the Lord, on that day; they will become his people.”
Psalm Jeremiah 31:10-12, 13
R/ The Lord will guard us, as a shepherd guards his flock.
O nations, hear the word of the Lord, proclaim it to the far-off coasts. Say: ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him, and guard him as a shepherd guards his flock.’
For the Lord has ransomed Jacob, has saved him from an overpowering hand. They will come and shout for joy on Mount Zion, they will stream to the blessings of the Lord.
Then the young girls will rejoice and will dance, the men, young and old, will be glad. I will turn their mourning into joy, I will console them, give them gladness for grief.
Gospel Acclamation: Ac16:14
Alleluia, alleluia! Open our heart, O Lord, to accept the words of your Son. Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 9:43-45
At a time when everyone was full of admiration for all he did, Jesus said to his disciples, “For your part, you must have these words constantly in your mind: The Son of Man is going to be handed over into the power of men.” But they did not understand him when he said this; it was hidden from them so that they should not see the meaning of it, and they were afraid to ask him about what he had just said.
Prayer over the Offerings
Grant us, O Lord, that, having meditated on your Word, following the example of Saint Jerome, we may more eagerly draw near to offer your majesty the sacrifice of salvation. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Jer 15: 16
Lord God, your words were found and I consumed them; your word became the joy and the happiness of my heart.
Prayer after Communion
May these holy gifts we have received, O Lord, as we rejoice in celebrating Saint Jerome, stir up the hearts of your faithful so that, attentive to sacred teachings, they may understand the path they are to follow and, by following it, obtain life everlasting. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
This is the second time Jesus is talking about his imminent passion. He talks of His passion just after having healed a possessed man. Remember, many were still full of admiration for the miracle he just operated. But wanted his disciples to enter more deeply into the mystery of salvation. They, on the contrary, were filled with fear. They could not understand how his suffering could be the price of our salvation. This fear also prevented them from freely finding out the meaning of the parable from the Master himself. Let us pray for the intelligence to understand the word of our Lord. We definitely have to accompany Jesus in His passion, but if we do not understand His words, we cannot recognise the situations in life that can help us in do this. Are we prepared to endure Christ’s passion with him in our lives? When we are broken by the troubles of this life, Jesus is always walking very close to us. He gives us the courage to take one more step, for He says: “My grace is enough for you”. We must not be afraid to participate in the passion of Christ.
by L'équipe de publication | Sep 28, 2023 | Evangelium
Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels
Feast
St Michael is mentioned in the Apocalypse as the leader of the heavenly host; St Gabriel appears in Daniel and was also the bearer of the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary. St Raphael in the Book of Tobit heals Tobit of his blindness. His name means God heals.
Entrance Antiphon: Ps 102: 20
Bless the Lord, all you his angels, mighty in power, fulfilling his word, and heeding his voice.
Collect
O God, who dispose in marvellous order ministries both angelic and human, graciously grant that our life on earth may be defended by those who watch over us as they minister perpetually to you in heaven. 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: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
As I watched, thrones were set in place and one of great age took his seat. His robe was white as snow, the hair of his head as pure as wool. His throne was a blaze of flames, its wheels were a burning fire. A stream of fire poured out, issuing from his presence. A thousand thousand waited on him, ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. A court was held and the books were opened. I gazed into the visions of the night. And I saw, coming on the clouds of heaven, one like a son of man. He came to the one of great age and was led into his presence. On him was conferred sovereignty, glory and kingship, and men of all peoples, nations and languages became his servants. His sovereignty is an eternal sovereignty which shall never pass away, nor will his empire ever be destroyed.
Psalm 137(138):1-5
R/ In the presence of the angels I will bless you, O Lord.
I thank you, Lord, with all my heart: you have heard the words of my mouth. In the presence of the angels I will bless you. I will adore before your holy temple.
I thank you for your faithfulness and love, which excel all we ever knew of you. On the day I called, you answered; you increased the strength of my soul.
All earth’s kings shall thank you when they hear the words of your mouth. They shall sing of the Lord’s ways: ‘How great is the glory of the Lord!’
Gospel Acclamation: Ps102:21
Alleluia, alleluia! Give thanks to the Lord, all his hosts, his servants who do his will. Alleluia!
Gospel: John 1:47-51
When Jesus saw Nathanael coming, he said of him, “There is an Israelite who deserves the name, incapable of deceit.” “How do you know me?” said Nathanael. “Before Philip came to call you,” said Jesus “I saw you under the fig tree.” Nathanael answered, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are the King of Israel.” Jesus replied, “You believe that just because I said: I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.’ And then he added ‘I tell you most solemnly, you will see heaven laid open and, above the Son of Man, the angels of God ascending and descending.”
Prayer over the Offerings
We offer you a sacrifice of praise, O Lord, humbly entreating, that, as these gifts are borne by the ministry of Angels into the presence of your majesty, so you may receive them favourably and make them profitable for our salvation. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Ps 137: 1
I will thank you, Lord, with all my heart; in the presence of the Angels I will praise you.
Prayer after Communion
Having been nourished with heavenly Bread, we beseech you humbly, O Lord, that, drawing from it new strength, under the faithful protection of your Angels, we may advance boldly along the way of salvation. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Today, the Church celebrates the feast of three archangels. Michael (Who is like God?), who plays the role of defending us from evil. He is the angel who won the battle over Satan when the latter rebelled against God. If Jesus could be tempted, then we should rest assured that the devil is always around us, so we need the intervention of Archangel Michael. Gabriel (Strength of God) announced to Zachariah the forthcoming birth of John the Baptist, and to Mary the birth of Jesus. Do we listen to the message of God in our lives through this Archangel? Raphael is the archangel who looked after Tobias on his journey. He helped Tobit and his family in their sufferings and misfortunes. Raphael recalls our Guardian Angels. Do our guardian angels feel unemployed because we give them very little or no attention? The Gospel of this feast reminds us that Jesus is the message of God, and God speaks and acts through him.
by L'équipe de publication | Sep 28, 2023 | Agenda Biblique
SAINTS Michel, Gabriel et Raphaël, archanges
Les anges fidèles à Dieu sont envoyés aux hommes pour leur révéler les desseins de leur Créateur commun et pour les protéger des attaques des démons. Les noms des anges que l’Eglise unit dans son culte, en ce jour où fut consacrée la basilique romaine de Michel, sont tirés de la Bible.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 102,20
Messagers du Seigneur, bénissez le Seigneur, vous, les invincibles porteurs de ses ordres, prompts à exécuter sa parole. .
Prière d’ouverture
Dans ta sagesse admirable, Seigneur, tu assignes leurs fonctions aux anges et aux hommes; fais que nous soyons protégés sur cette terre par ceux qui dans le ciel servent toujours devant ta face. Par Jésus.
1ère lecture : : Dn 7, 9-10.13-14
La nuit, au cours d’une vision, moi, Daniel, je regardais : des trônes furent disposés, et un Vieillard prit place ; son habit était blanc comme la neige, et les cheveux de sa tête, comme de la laine immaculée ; son trône était fait de flammes de feu, avec des roues de feu ardent. Un fleuve de feu coulait, qui jaillissait devant lui. Des milliers de milliers le servaient, des myriades de myriades se tenaient devant lui. Le tribunal prit place et l’on ouvrit des livres. Je regardais, au cours des visions de la nuit, et je voyais venir, avec les nuées du ciel, comme un Fils d’homme; il parvint jusqu’au Vieillard, et on le fit avancer devant lui. Et il lui fut donné domination, gloire et royauté ; tous les peuples, toutes les nations et les gens de toutes langues le servirent. Sa domination est une domination éternelle, qui ne passera pas, et sa royauté, une royauté qui ne sera pas détruite.
Psaume : 137 (138), 1-2a, 2bc-3, 4-5
R/ Je chanterai le Seigneur, en présence des anges
De tout mon cœur, Seigneur, je te rends grâce : tu as entendu les paroles de ma bouche. Je te chante en présence des anges, vers ton temple sacré, je me prosterne.
Je rends grâce à ton nom pour ton amour et ta vérité, car tu élèves, au-dessus de tout, ton nom et ta parole. Le jour où tu répondis à mon appel, tu fis grandir en mon âme la force.
Tous les rois de la terre te rendent grâce quand ils entendent les paroles de ta bouche. Ils chantent les chemins du Seigneur : « Qu’elle est grande, la gloire du Seigneur ! »
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia. Tous les anges du Seigneur, bénissez le Seigneur : à lui, haute gloire, louange éternelle! Alléluia. (Dn 3, 58)
Évangile : Jn 1, 47-51
En ce temps-là, lorsque Jésus vit Nathanaël venir à lui, il déclara à son sujet : « Voici vraiment un Israélite : il n’y a pas de ruse en lui.» Nathanaël lui demande : « D’où me connais-tu ? » Jésus lui répond: « Avant que Philippe t’appelle, quand tu étais sous le figuier, je t’ai vu. » Nathanaël lui dit : « Rabbi, c’est toi le Fils de Dieu ! C’est toi le roi d’Israël ! » Jésus reprend : « Je te dis que je t’ai vu sous le figuier, et c’est pour cela que tu crois ! Tu verras des choses plus grandes encore. » Et il ajoute : « Amen, amen, je vous le dis : vous verrez le ciel ouvert, et les anges de Dieu monter et descendre au-dessus du Fils de l’homme. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Avec nos humbles prières, Seigneur, nous t’offrons le sacrifice d’action de grâce ; puisque les anges le portent en présence de ta gloire, daigne l’accueillir avec bonté, et fais qu’il nous obtienne le salut. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Ps 137
Si vous ne changez pas, pour devenir comme les petits enfants, dit le Seigneur, vous n’entrerez pas dans le Royaume des cieux.
Prière après la communion
Déjà réconfortés par le pain du ciel, nous te supplions humblement, Seigneur : puissions-nous avec ces forces neuves, et sous la protection des anges, avancer d’un pas ferme dans la voie du salut. Par Jésus.
Méditation
Aujourd’hui, l’Église célèbre la fête des Archanges. Il s’agit des créatures spirituelles de Dieu appelés anges, c’est-à-dire messagers. Dans l’Église, nous il existe trois classes d’anges, à savoir : Les archanges, les anges gardiens et les anges mineurs. Leurs noms sont donnés en raison des fonctions qu’ils exercent et non par ordre d’importance ou de grandeur. Les Archanges sont les esprits tutélaires, envoyés pour des missions spéciales, attachées à leurs noms. Il en est ainsi de Michel, Gabriel et Raphaël. Tous leurs noms se terminent par le suffixe –el, en référence à Dieu appelé Elohim dans l’Ancien Testament. L’archange Michel fait savoir à Lucifer et à ses anges que personne ne peut être comme Dieu en force et en majesté. Michel mène également une bataille victorieuse contre les anges de Lucifer qui sont jetés sur la terre. Nous nous souvenons également de Gabriel, le messager de Dieu qui porte à Marie la bonne nouvelle de la venue au monde du Sauveur. Nous nous souvenons enfin de la guérison de Tobit par l’action de l’archange Raphael.
by L'équipe de publication | Sep 27, 2023 | Evangelium
SAINT Wenceslaus
He was born into the Bohemian royal family. As King, he worked hard to promote order in his kingdom and the free exercise of Christianity. He was murdered by those who opposed this. He is the patron saint of the Czech Republic.
Entrance Antiphon
I am the salvation of the people, says the Lord. Should they cry to me in any distress, I will hear them, and I will be their Lord for ever.
Collect
O God, who founded all the commands of your sacred Law upon love of you and of our neighbour, grant that, by keeping your precepts, we may merit to attain eternal 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 : Haggai 1:1-8
In the second year of King Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the Lord was addressed through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, high commissioner of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, as follows, “The Lord of Hosts says this, This people says: The time has not yet come to rebuild the Temple of the Lord. (And the word of the Lord was addressed through the prophet Haggai, as follows:) Is this a time for you to live in your panelled houses, when this House lies in ruins? So now, the Lord of Hosts says this: Reflect carefully how things have gone for you. You have sown much and harvested little; you eat but never have enough, drink but never have your fill, put on clothes but do not feel warm. The wage earner gets his wages only to put them in a purse riddled with holes. So go to the hill country, fetch wood, and rebuild the House: I shall then take pleasure in it, and be glorified there, says the Lord.”
Psalm 149: 1-6, 9
R/ The Lord takes delight in his people.
Sing a new song to the Lord, his praise in the assembly of the faithful. Let Israel rejoice in its Maker, let Zion’s sons exult in their king.
Let them praise his name with dancing and make music with timbrel and harp. For the Lord takes delight in his people. He crowns the poor with salvation.
Let the faithful rejoice in their glory, shout for joy and take their rest. Let the praise of God be on their lips: this honour is for all his faithful.
Gospel Acclamation: Ps118:18
Alleluia, alleluia! Open my eyes, O Lord, that I may consider the wonders of your law. Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 9:7-9
Herod the tetrarch had heard about all that was being done by Jesus; and he was puzzled, because some people were saying that John had risen from the dead, others that Elijah had reappeared, still others that one of the ancient prophets had come back to life. But Herod said, “John? I beheaded him. So who is this I hear such reports about?” And he was anxious to see Jesus.
Prayer over the Offerings
Receive with favour, O Lord, we pray, the offerings of your people, that what they profess with devotion and faith may be theirs through these heavenly mysteries. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Ps 118: 4-5
You have laid down your precepts to be carefully kept; may my ways be firm in keeping your statutes.
Prayer after Communion
Graciously raise up, O Lord, those you renew with this Sacrament, that we may come to possess your redemption both in mystery and in the manner of our life. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
The same Herod who beheaded John the Baptist now anxiously longs to see Jesus. This creates confusion and pushes us to reflect on the different reasons why people may want to come close to others. There are different reasons – positive or negative – why people may want to know others. But a true disciple is filled with pure desire to know Jesus more each day and to grow in faith. Lord, faith is a pre-requisite for sight. It is only by truly accepting you and embracing your ways that I can hope to see you. Lord, help me to know you more clearly, love you more dearly, and follow you more closely, day by day. Amen.
by L'équipe de publication | Sep 27, 2023 | Agenda Biblique
SAINT Venceslas, Martyr
Duc de Bohême, Venceslas (vers 907-929) joint à l’action de chef politique le souci de christianiser son pays. Pour cela, il s’appuie sur l’Eglise de Germanie. Son frère Boleslas, resté païen, et opposé à sa politique, fit assassiner le jeune duc, alors qu’il se rendait à l’église. Le peuple l’honora comme un martyr.
Antienne d’ouverture : Sg 1, 7
« Je suis le sauveur de mon peuple, dit le Seigneur, s’il crie vers moi dans les épreuves, je l’exauce; je suis son Dieu pour toujours. »
Prière d’ouverture
Seigneur, tu as voulu que toute la loi consiste à t’aimer et à aimer son prochain. Donne-nous de garder tes commandements, et de parvenir ainsi à la vie éternelle. Par Jésus.
1ère lecture : Agée 1, 1-8
La deuxième année du règne de Darius, le premier jour du sixième mois, la parole du Seigneur fut adressée, par l’intermédiaire d’Aggée, le prophète, à Zorobabel fils de Salathiel, gouverneur de Juda, et à Josué fils de Josédeq, le grand prêtre : Ainsi parle le Seigneur de l’univers : Ces gens-là disent : « Le temps n’est pas encore venu de rebâtir la maison du Seigneur ! » Or, voilà ce que dit le Seigneur par l’intermédiaire d’Aggée, le prophète : Et pour vous, est-ce bien le temps d’être installés dans vos maisons luxueuses, alors que ma Maison est en ruine? Et maintenant, ainsi parle le Seigneur de l’univers : Rendez votre cœur attentif à vos chemins: Vous avez semé beaucoup, mais récolté peu ; vous mangez, mais sans être rassasiés ; vous buvez, mais sans être désaltérés ; vous vous habillez, mais sans vous réchauffer; et le salarié met son salaire dans une bourse trouée. Ainsi parle le Seigneur de l’univers: Rendez votre cœur attentif à vos chemins : Allez dans la montagne, rapportez du bois pour rebâtir la maison de Dieu. Je prendrai plaisir à y demeurer, et j’y serai glorifié – déclare le Seigneur.
Psaume : 149, 1-2, 3-4, 5-6a.9b
R/ Le Seigneur aime son peuple ! ou : Alléluia !
Chantez au Seigneur un chant nouveau, louez-le dans l’assemblée de ses fidèles ! En Israël, joie pour son créateur ; dans Sion, allégresse pour son Roi !
Dansez à la louange de son nom, jouez pour lui, tambourins et cithares ! Car le Seigneur aime son peuple, il donne aux humbles l’éclat de la victoire.
3Que les fidèles exultent, glorieux, criant leur joie à l’heure du triomphe. Qu’ils proclament les éloges de Dieu, c’est la fierté de ses fidèles.
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia. Moi, je suis le Chemin, la Vérité et la Vie, dit le Seigneur. Personne ne va vers le Père sans passer par moi. Alléluia.
Évangile : Lc 9, 7-9
En ce temps-là, Hérode, qui était au pouvoir en Galilée, entendit parler de tout ce qui se passait et il ne savait que penser. En effet, certains disaient que Jean le Baptiste était ressuscité d’entre les morts. D’autres disaient : « C’est le prophète Élie qui est apparu.» D’autres encore : « C’est un prophète d’autrefois qui est ressuscité. » Quant à Hérode, il disait : « Jean, je l’ai fait décapiter. Mais qui est cet homme dont j’entends dire de telles choses ? » Et il cherchait à le voir.
Prière sur les offrandes
Reçois favorablement, Seigneur, les offrandes de ton peuple, Pour qu’il obtienne dans le mystère eucharistique les biens auxquels il croit de tout son cœur. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Ps 118
Tu nous as ordonné, Seigneur, de garder fidèlement tes préceptes ; puissions-nous avancer au droit chemin selon tes commandements.
Prière après la communion
Seigneur, que ton aide accompagne toujours ceux que tu as nourris de tes sacrements, afin qu’ils puissent, dans ces mystères et par toute leur vie, recueillir les fruits de la rédemption. Par Jésus.
Méditation
Hérode le tétrarque entend des histoires sur ce que fait Jésus. Le terme «tétrarque» désigne le chef de la quatrième partie d’un royaume. En effet, le royaume de son père Hérode le Grand avait été divisé entre ses quatre fils. Hérode est perplexe devant ce qu’il entend dire de Jésus, et il cherche à le voir. Il s’agit tout simplement d’une curiosité, d’un désir d’hédoniste et de chercheur de nouveauté. Voir Jésus, au sens évangélique, est quelque chose de totalement différent. Cela ne peut arriver qu’à ceux qui ont les yeux de la foi et qui peuvent voir dans la personne de Jésus la présence et la puissance de Dieu. Nous nous souvenons peut-être de la demande de certains «Grecs» à Philippe de voir Jésus. Si nous connaissons Jésus dans sa souffrance et sa mort comme chemin vers une vie nouvelle, alors nous pouvons affirmer que nous l’avons vu. Voir Jésus aujourd’hui, c’est accepter totalement son mode de vie et à le suivre jusqu’au bout, à travers la croix, vers la vie éternelle.
