Sunday 16 NOVEMBER

3th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Psalter: Week I

Green

Entrance Antiphon : Jer 29: 11, 12, 14

The Lord said: I think thoughts of peace and not of affliction. You will call upon me, and I will answer you, and I will lead back your captives from every place.

Collect

Grant us, we pray, O Lord our God, the constant gladness of being devoted to you, for it is full and lasting happiness to serve with constancy the author of all that is good. 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 : Malachi 3:19-20

The day is coming now, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and the evil-doers will be like stubble. The day that is coming is going to burn them up, says the Lord of Hosts, leaving them neither root nor stalk. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will shine out with healing in its rays.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 97(98):5-9

R/            The Lord comes to rule the peoples with fairness.

Sing psalms to the Lord with the harp with the sound of music. With trumpets and the sound of the horn acclaim the King, the Lord.

Let the sea and all within it, thunder; the world, and all its peoples. Let the rivers clap their hands and the hills ring out their joy at the presence of the Lord.

For the Lord comes, he comes to rule the earth. He will rule the world with justice  and the peoples with fairness.

Second reading : 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12

You know how you are supposed to imitate us: now we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we ever have our meals at anyone’s table without paying for them; no, we worked night and day, slaving and straining, so as not to be a burden on any of you. This was not because we had no right to be, but in order to make ourselves an example for you to follow. We gave you a rule when we were with you: do not let anyone have any food if he refuses to do any work. Now we hear that there are some of you who are living in idleness, doing no work themselves but interfering with everyone else’s. In the Lord Jesus Christ, we order and call on people of this kind to go on quietly working and earning the food that they eat.

Gospel Acclamation : Lk21:36

Alleluia, alleluia! Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to stand with confidence before the Son of Man. Alleluia!

Gospel : Luke 21:5-19

When some were talking about the Temple, remarking how it was adorned with fine stonework and votive offerings, Jesus said, ‘All these things you are staring at now – the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed.’ And they put to him this question: ‘Master,’ they said ‘when will this happen, then, and what sign will there be that this is about to take place?’  ‘Take care not to be deceived,’ he said ‘because many will come using my name and saying, “I am he” and, “The time is near at hand.” Refuse to join them. And when you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened, for this is something that must happen but the end is not so soon.’ Then he said to them, ‘Nation will fight against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes and plagues and famines here and there; there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.  ‘But before all this happens, men will seize you and persecute you; they will hand you over to the synagogues and to imprisonment, and bring you before kings and governors because of my name – and that will be your opportunity to bear witness. Keep this carefully in mind: you are not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relations and friends; and some of you will be put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.’

Prayer over the Offerings

Grant, O Lord, we pray, that what we offer in the sight of your majesty may obtain for us the grace of being devoted to you and gain us the prize of everlasting happiness. Through Christ our Lord.

Communion Antiphon : Ps 72: 28

To be near God is my happiness, to place my hope in God the Lord.

Prayer after Communion

We have partaken of the gifts of this sacred mystery, humbly imploring, O Lord, that what your Son commanded us to do in memory of him may bring us growth in charity. Through Christ our Lord.

Meditation

Some say that persecution serves as the best fertiliser for Christianity. Tertullian, one of the prominent Early Church Fathers of the second century, put it this way: “The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church.” In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus forewarns his disciples about the persecution that they will encounter. He says that this persecution, challenging at it may be, provides an opportunity for them to testify to their faith. This persecution will come from both within and outside the Church. When faced with persecution, the disciples can share their faith with others and show the world Christ’s love. Essentially, Jesus assures them that they will find salvation through perseverance in the face of persecution. Let us pray for the strength to endure persecution, remaining faithful witnesses to Christ, even while suffering.

Saturday 15 NOVEMBER

Saturday memorial of the Blessed

Virgin Mary

Saint Albert the Great, Bishop, Doctor

Psalter: Week IV

Green

He was born in Germany and joined the Dominican Order. He taught in a number of places including the University of Paris, where St Thomas Aquinas studied under him. He was one of the greatest philosophers of the Middle Ages. He made great efforts to secure peace between people and between cities. He died at Cologne in 1280.

Entrance Antiphon : Ps 87: 3

Let my prayer come into your presence. Incline your ear to my cry for help, O Lord.

Collect

Almighty and merciful God, graciously keep from us all adversity, so that, unhindered in mind and body alike, we may pursue in freedom of heart the things that are yours. 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 : Wisdom 18:14-16,19:6-9

When peaceful silence lay over all, and night had run the half of her swift course, down from the heavens, from the royal throne, leapt your all-powerful Word; into the heart of a doomed land the stern warrior leapt. Carrying your unambiguous command like a sharp sword, he stood, and filled the universe with death; he touched the sky, yet trod the earth. For, to keep your children from all harm, the whole creation, obedient to your commands, was once more, and newly, fashioned in its nature. Overshadowing the camp there was the cloud, where water had been, dry land was seen to rise, the Red Sea became an unimpeded way, the tempestuous flood a green plain; sheltered by your hand, the whole nation passed across, gazing at these amazing miracles. They were like horses at pasture, they skipped like lambs, singing your praises, Lord, their deliverer.

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 104(105):2-3,36-37,42-43

R/ Remember the wonders the Lord has done.

O sing to him, sing his praise; tell all his wonderful works! Be proud of his holy name, let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice.

He struck all the first-born in their land, the finest flower of their sons.  He led out Israel with silver and gold. In his tribes were none who fell behind.

For he remembered his holy word, which he gave to Abraham his servant. So he brought out his people with joy, his chosen ones with shouts of rejoicing.

Gospel Acclamation : Jm1:21

Alleluia, alleluia! Accept and submit to the word which has been planted in you and can save your souls. Alleluia!

Gospel : Luke 18:1-8

Jesus told his disciples a parable about the need to pray continually and never lose heart. ‘There was a judge in a certain town’ he said ‘who had neither fear of God nor respect for man. In the same town there was a widow who kept on coming to him and saying, “I want justice from you against my enemy!” For a long time he refused, but at last he said to himself, “Maybe I have neither fear of God nor respect for man, but since she keeps pestering me I must give this widow her just rights, or she will persist in coming and worry me to death.”’ And the Lord said ‘You notice what the unjust judge has to say? Now will not God see justice done to his chosen who cry to him day and night even when he delays to help them? I promise you, he will see justice done to them, and done speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find any faith on earth?’

Prayer over the Offerings

Look with favour, we pray, O Lord, upon the sacrificial gifts offered here, that, celebrating in mystery the Passion of your Son, we may honour it with loving devotion. Through Christ our Lord.

Communion Antiphon : Ps 22: 1-2

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose, near restful waters he leads me.

Prayer after Communion

Nourished by this sacred gift, O Lord, we give you thanks and beseech your mercy, that, by the pouring forth of your Spirit, the grace of integrity may endure in those your heavenly power has entered. Through Christ our Lord.

Meditation

Through the parable of the widow and the unjust judge in today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us a profound lesson on the significance of persistent prayer. He emphasises the importance of never giving up, even when there is no immediate answer. God, being loving and merciful, wants to answer our prayers. However, there are times when He delays to test our faith and teach us patience. Persistent prayer means praying without ceasing while applying the PUSH Formula (Pray Until Something Happens). God is always ready to answer our prayers. This approach is not about pressuring God but it is  about immersing oneself in God. It urges us to avoid treating God like a quick fix. It is not praying for the sake of praying. We are confident in his words: “Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you…” (Psalm 50:15); “Call to me, and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3). The parable illustrates that if a widow can receive justice from a wicked judge through her persistence, how much more can we expect blessings of mercy and grace from our loving Father? Let us not lose heart. Galatians 6:9 encourages us: “…for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Persistent prayer entails keeping our requests before God as we live for Him daily, believing that He will answer.

Samedi 15 novembre

Saint albert le grand,

eveque et docteur de l’eglise

BVM

Psautier: IV

Blanc

D’origine souabe, Albert de Lauingen (vers 1206-1280) est un esprit à la curiosité universelle, d’abord intéressé par les sciences naturelles. Touché par la prédication de Jourdain de Saxe, maître général des Dominicains, il entre dans cet ordre et se passionne pour la science de Dieu. Mais il ne renonce pas aux autres disciplines.

Antienne  d’ouverture : Ps 87, 2-3

Le Seigneur s’est choisi saint Albert Le Grand comme pretre, et, lui ouvrant ses tresors, il lui a donné de faire beaucoup de bien.

Prière  d’ouverture

Tu as voulu, Seigneur, que saint Albert mérite le nom de grand pour avoir su conciller sagesse humaine et foi diveine ; accorde-nous, à l’école d’un tel maitre, à travers nos progrès dans les sciences, de mieux te connaitre et de t’aimer d’avantage. Par Jésus.

1ère lecture : Sg 18, 14-16 ; 19, 6-9

Un silence paisible enveloppait toute chose, et la nuit de la Pâque était au milieu de son cours rapide; alors, du haut du ciel, venant de ton trône royal, Seigneur, ta Parole toute-puissante fondit en plein milieu de ce pays de détresse, comme un guerrier impitoyable, portant l’épée tranchante de ton décret inflexible. Elle s’arrêta, et sema partout la mort; elle touchait au ciel et marchait aussi sur la terre. La création entière, dans sa propre nature, était remodelée au service de tes décrets, pour que tes enfants soient gardés sains et saufs. On vit la nuée recouvrir le camp de son ombre, on vit la terre sèche émerger là où il n’y avait eu que de l’eau ; de la mer Rouge surgit un chemin sans obstacles et, des flots impétueux, une plaine verdoyante. C’est là que le peuple entier, protégé par ta main, traversa en contemplant des prodiges merveilleux. Ils étaient comme des chevaux dans un pré, ils bondissaient comme des agneaux et chantaient ta louange, Seigneur: tu les avais délivrés.

Psaume : 104 (105), 2-3, 36-37, 42-43

R/ Recherchez sans trêve   la face du Seigneur. ou : Alléluia ! 104,4b

Chantez et jouez pour lui, redites sans fin ses merveilles ; glorifiez-vous de son nom très saint : joie pour les cœurs qui cherchent Dieu !

Il frappe les fils aînés du pays, toute la fleur de la race ; il fait sortir les siens chargés d’argent et d’or ; pas un n’a flanché dans leurs tribus !

Il s’est ainsi souvenu de la parole sacrée et d’Abraham, son serviteur ; il a fait sortir en grande fête son peuple, ses élus, avec des cris de joie !

Acclamation

Alléluia. Alléluia. Par l’annonce de l’Évangile : Dieu vous appelle à partager la gloire de notre Seigneur Jésus Christ. Alléluia.

Évangile : Luc 18, 1-8

En ce temps-là, Jésus disait à ses disciples une parabole sur la nécessité pour eux de toujours prier sans se décourager : « Il y avait dans une ville un juge qui ne craignait pas Dieu et ne respectait pas les hommes. Dans cette même ville, il y avait une veuve qui venait lui demander: “Rends-moi justice contre mon adversaire. Longtemps il refusa; puis il se dit : “Même si je ne crains pas Dieu et ne respecte personne, comme cette veuve commence à m’ennuyer, je vais lui rendre justice pour qu’elle ne vienne plus sans cesse m’assommer.”» Le Seigneur ajouta : « Écoutez bien ce que dit ce juge dépourvu de justice ! Et Dieu ne ferait pas justice à ses élus, qui crient vers lui jour et nuit? Les fait-il attendre? Je vous le déclare : bien vite, il leur fera justice. Cependant, le Fils de l’homme, quand il viendra, trouvera-t-il la foi sur la terre ? »

Prière  sur  les  offrandes

En célébrant, Seigneur, la mémoire des saints, nous offrons ce sacrifice, à ta louange ; c’est en lui que nous mettons notre espoir : qu’il nous délivre du mal aujourd’hui et demain. Lui qui.

Antienne  de  communion : Ps 22

Le bon pasteur, le vrai berger, donne sa vie pour ses brebis.

Prière  après  la  communion

Que cette communion, Seigneur notre Dieu, ravive en nous l’ardeur de charité et nous brule de ce feu qui dévorait saint Albert Le Grand alors qu’il se dépensait pour ton Église. Par Jésus.

Méditation :

Jésus partage la parabole de la veuve persistante pour nous enseigner la persévérance dans la prière. Cette veuve incarne la persévérance inébranlable, ne se lassant pas de plaider sa cause devant le juge inique. Son exemple nous rappelle l’importance de persévérer dans nos prières. Méditons sur notre propre vie de prière. Sommes-nous persévérants, confiants que Dieu entend nos supplications ? La persévérance dans la prière renforce notre relation avec Dieu et fortifie notre foi. En suivant l’exemple de la veuve, continuons de prier avec foi, sachant que Dieu, qui est juste et bienveillant, répondra à nos besoins en temps voulu. Que notre persévérance dans la prière nous rapproche davantage de Sa grâce et de Sa volonté.

FRIDAY 14 NOVEMBER

Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque

(1647 – 1690)

Psalter: Week IV

Green

He was born in what is now Herefordshire, the illegitimate son of the daughter of a local king. He founded monasteries in south-east Wales, was the teacher of Saints Teilo and Samson among others, and exercised the functions of a bishop.

Entrance Antiphon : Ps 87: 3

Let my prayer come into your presence. Incline your ear to my cry for help, O Lord.

Collect

Almighty and merciful God, graciously keep from us all adversity, so that, unhindered in mind and body alike, we may pursue in freedom of heart the things that are yours. 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 : Wisdom 13:1-9

Naturally stupid are all men who have not known God and who, from the good things that are seen, have not been able to discover Him-who-is, or, by studying the works, have failed to recognise the Artificer. Fire however, or wind, or the swift air, the sphere of the stars, impetuous water, heaven’s lamps, are what they have held to be the gods who govern the world. If, charmed by their beauty, they have taken things for gods, let them know how much the Lord of these excels them, since the very Author of beauty has created them. And if they have been impressed by their power and energy, let them deduce from these how much mightier is he that has formed them, since through the grandeur and beauty of the creatures we may, by analogy, contemplate their Author. Small blame, however, attaches to these men, for perhaps they only go astray in their search for God and their eagerness to find him; living among his works, they strive to comprehend them and fall victim to appearances, seeing so much beauty. Even so, they are not to be excused: if they are capable of acquiring enough knowledge to be able to investigate the world, how have they been so slow to find its Master?

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 18(19):2-5

R/ The heavens proclaim the glory of God.

The heavens proclaim the glory of God, and the firmament shows forth the work of his hands. Day unto day takes up the story and night unto night makes known the message.

No speech, no word, no voice is heard yet their span extends through all the earth, their words to the utmost bounds of the world.

Gospel Acclamation : Heb4:12

Alleluia, alleluia! The word of God is something alive and active: it can judge secret emotions and thoughts. Alleluia!

Gospel : Luke 17:26-37

Jesus said to the disciples: ‘As it was in Noah’s day, so will it also be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating and drinking, marrying wives and husbands, right up to the day Noah went into the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all. It will be the same as it was in Lot’s day: people were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, but the day Lot left Sodom, God rained fire and brimstone from heaven and it destroyed them all. It will be the same when the day comes for the Son of Man to be revealed. ‘When that day comes, anyone on the housetop, with his possessions in the house, must not come down to collect them, nor must anyone in the fields turn back either. Remember Lot’s wife. Anyone who tries to preserve his life will lose it; and anyone who loses it will keep it safe. I tell you, on that night two will be in one bed: one will be taken, the other left; two women will be grinding corn together: one will be taken, the other left.’ The disciples interrupted. ‘Where, Lord?’ they asked. He said, ‘Where the body is, there too will the vultures gather.’

Prayer over the Offerings

Look with favour, we pray, O Lord, upon the sacrificial gifts offered here, that, celebrating in mystery the Passion of your Son, we may honour it with loving devotion. Through Christ our Lord.

Communion Antiphon : Ps 22: 1-2

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose, near restful waters he leads me.

Prayer after Communion

Nourished by this sacred gift, O Lord, we give you thanks and beseech your mercy, that, by the pouring forth of your Spirit, the grace of integrity may endure in those your heavenly power has entered. Through Christ our Lord.

Meditation

A Christian must possess the dual qualities of “watchfulness” and “readiness.” In the Gospel, Jesus warns us that we must be ready for his return at any time. We must not be so caught up in our daily busy lives that we forget about God and His Kingdom. We must be watchful and ready for the day Jesus will return. It is essential to clarify that Jesus is not urging us to live in fear of death. Instead, he encourages us to be confident in our salvation and to prepare to meet Him when our time comes. Demonstrating detachment from material possessions is a way of proving that we are watchful and ready. That aligns with Jesus’ statement that “Anyone who tries to preserve his life will lose it, and anyone who loses it will keep it safe.” Detaching ourselves from our temporary possessions frees us from burdens that might hinder our prompt response to God’s call. Let our prayers be centred on being watchful and ready for the day of Jesus’ return. May Christ’s coming help us to detach ourselves from material possessions and refocus on our relationship with God.

Vendredi 14 novembre

  Saint sidoine

Psautier: IV

Vert

Sidoine avait été pris par les corsaires en Irlande et vendu comme esclave aux moines de l’abbaye normande de Jumièges, qui allaient racheter les captifs dans les ports de le l’Angleterre. Ils lui rendirent ainsi sa liberté. Moine lui-même à Jumièges durant quelques années, il fonda à son tour l’abbaye de Saint-Saëns, qui, bien que détruite par les invasions normandes, a laissé son nom à la localité.

Antienne  d’ouverture : Ps 87, 2-3

Seigneur, mon Dieu et mon salut, que ma prière parvienne jusqu’à toi, entends-moi qui t’implore.

Prière  d’ouverture

Dieu qui es bon et tout-puissant, éloigne de nous tout ce qui nous arrête, afin que sans aucune entrave, ni d’esprit ni de corps, nous soyons libres pour accomplir ta volonté. Par Jésus.

1ère lecture : Sagesse 13, 1-9

De nature, ils sont inconsistants, tous ces gens qui restent dans l’ignorance de Dieu : à partir de ce qu’ils voient de bon, ils n’ont pas été capables de connaître Celui qui est; en examinant ses œuvres, ils n’ont pas reconnu l’Artisan. Mais c’est le feu, le vent, la brise légère, la ronde des étoiles, la violence des flots, les luminaires du ciel gouvernant le cours du monde, qu’ils ont regardés comme des dieux.  S’ils les ont pris pour des dieux, sous le charme de leur beauté, ils doivent savoir combien le Maître de ces choses leur est supérieur, car l’Auteur même de la beauté est leur créateur. Et si c’est leur puissance et leur efficacité qui les ont frappés, ils doivent comprendre, à partir de ces choses, combien est plus puissant Celui qui les a faites. Car à travers la grandeur et la beauté des créatures, on peut contempler, par analogie, leur Auteur.  Et pourtant, ces hommes ne méritent qu’un blâme léger; car c’est peut-être en cherchant Dieu et voulant le trouver, qu’ils se sont égarés: plongés au milieu de ses œuvres, ils poursuivent leur recherche et se laissent prendre aux apparences: ce qui s’offre à leurs yeux est si beau !  Encore une fois, ils n’ont pas d’excuse. S’ils ont poussé la science à un degré tel qu’ils sont capables d’avoir une idée sur le cours éternel des choses, comment n’ont-ils pas découvert plus vite. Celui qui en est le Maître ?

Psaume : 18a (19), 2-3, 4-5ab

R/ Les cieux proclament la gloire de Dieu.

Les cieux proclament la gloire de Dieu, le firmament raconte l’ouvrage de ses mains. Le jour au jour en livre le récit et la nuit à la nuit en donne connaissance.

Pas de paroles dans ce récit, pas de voix qui s’entende ; mais sur toute la terre en paraît le message et la nouvelle, aux limites du monde.

Acclamation

Alléluia. Alléluia. Redressez-vous et relevez la tête, car votre rédemption approche. Alléluia.

Évangile : Luc 17, 26-37

En ce temps-là, Jésus disait à ses disciples « Comme cela s’est passé dans les jours de Noé, ainsi en sera-t-il dans les jours du Fils de l’homme.  On mangeait, on buvait, on prenait femme, on prenait mari, jusqu’au jour où Noé entra dans l’arche et où survint le déluge qui les fit tous périr. Il en était de même dans les jours de Loth: on mangeait, on buvait, on achetait, on vendait, on plantait, on bâtissait mais le jour où Loth sortit de Sodome, du ciel tomba une pluie de feu et de soufre qui les fit tous périr ; cela se passera de la même manière le jour où le Fils de l’homme se révélera. En ce jour-là, celui qui sera sur sa terrasse et aura ses affaires dans sa maison, qu’il ne descende pas pour les emporter; et de même celui qui sera dans son champ, qu’il ne retourne pas en arrière.    Rappelez-vous la femme de Loth. Qui cherchera à conserver sa vie la perdra. Et qui la perdra la sauvegardera. Je vous le dis : Cette nuit-là, deux personnes seront dans le même lit : l’une sera prise, l’autre laissée. Deux femmes seront ensemble en train de moudre du grain : l’une sera prise, l’autre laissée.» Prenant alors la parole, les disciples lui demandèrent : « Où donc, Seigneur ? » Il leur répondit: « Là où sera le corps, là aussi se rassembleront les vautours.»

Prière  sur  les  offrandes

Sur les offrandes que nous présentons, Seigneur, jette un regard de pardon et de paix. Qu’en célébrant la passion de ton Fils, nous entrions de tout cœur dans son mystère. Lui qui.

Antienne  de  communion : Ps 22

Mon berger, c’est le Seigneur: je ne manque de rien. Sur de frais pâturages, il me laisse reposer. Il me mène auprès des eaux tranquilles et me fait revivre.

Prière  après  la  communion

Fortifiés par cette nourriture sainte, nous t’adressons, Seigneur, nos actions de grâce et nous implorons ta miséricorde. Que l’Esprit Saint fasse persévérer dans la droiture ceux qui ont reçu la force d’en haut. Par Jésus.

Méditation :

Jésus parle de Son retour et de la fin des temps.  Il nous avertit de rester vigilants et prêts, car Son retour sera inattendu. Méditons sur notre préparation spirituelle. Sommes-nous prêts à rencontrer le Seigneur lorsque ce jour viendra ? Vivons-nous une vie de foi, d’amour et de justice ? En restant fidèles à notre appel chrétien, nous vivons dans l’attente joyeuse de l’avènement de Christ. Que notre vie quotidienne reflète notre espérance en Son retour, et que nous soyons prêts à Le rencontrer avec foi et confiance.