Wednesday 05 NOVEMBER

Saint  Elizabeth

Psalter: Week III

Green

Saint Elizabeth, Mary’s cousin, was the mother of John the Baptist. She has the distinction of being one of the first to know about Mary’s great blessing as the Mother of God.

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.

Responsorial Psalm : 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

Addressing the crowds in the Gospel, Jesus delivers a solid and hard statement to talk about the essence of being his disciple. He asserts that those who come to him must “hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters — yes, even their own life.” This proclamation signifies that discipleship demands a willingness to sacrifice everything for Jesus, including the readiness to carry one’s cross and to suffer for Jesus. It is therefore clear that discipleship comes with a cost, and just as one would calculate the cost before constructing a tower, following Jesus necessitates careful consideration of the sacrifices involved. Discipleship, therefore, entails being willing to relinquish everything for the sake of Jesus, renouncing possessions, and ensuring they do not wield control over our lives. We must be willing to let go of anything that may stand between us and Jesus. Undoubtedly, the path of Christ’s discipleship is challenging, requiring sacrifice and unwavering commitment. However, the rewards are profound, as Jesus promises true life and happiness to those who follow him. The question arises: Are we willing to sacrifice everything for him? If our answer is yes, we are on the right path to true discipleship.

Mardi 04 novembre

Saint  charles borromee,

eveque

Psautier:  III

Blanc

A vingt-deux ans, Charles Borromée (1538-1584) était cardinal et secrétaire d’Etat de son oncle, le pape Pie IV. Grâce à son action, le concile de Trente fut repris et mené à son terme en 1563. Archevêque de Milan, il se dépensa pour réaliser la réforme prescrite par le concile. Il visita son diocèse avec un zèle pastoral inlassable et se dévoua, au risque de sa vie, lors de la peste de 1576.

Antienne  d’ouverture : Ps 37, 22-23

« Je prendrai soin de mon troupeau, dit le Seigneur ; je lui donnerai moi-même un berger pour le conduire. Et moi, le Seigneur, je serai leur Dieu. »

Prière  d’ouverture

Maintiens dans ton peuple, Seigneur, l’esprit qui animait saint Charles Borromée ; ainsi ton Église, sans cesse renouvelée et toujours plus fidèle à l’Évangile, pourra montrer au monde le vrai visage du Christ. Lui qui.

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

Regarde, Seigneur, les offrandes apportées à ton autel en souvenir de saint Charles ; de même que tu as fait de lui un évêque remarquable pour sa vigilance et toutes ses vertus pastorales, accorde-nous, par la puissance de ce sacrifice, de porter des fruits en abondance. Par Jésus.

Antienne  de  communion : Ps 15,11

« Si quelqu’un veut marcher à ma suite, dit le Seigneur, qu’il renonce à lui-même, qu’il prenne sa croix, et qu’il me suive. »

Prière  après  la  communion

Que cette communion, nous t’en prions, Seigneur, nous donne la force d’âme qui rendit saint Charles fidèle à sa mission et débordant de charité. Par Jésus.

Méditation :

Paul nous encourage à reconnaître que nous formons un seul corps en Christ, chacun ayant des dons uniques. Comme les membres d’un corps, nous avons des rôles différents à jouer, mais tous sont essentiels pour le bon fonctionnement de l’ensemble. C’est pourquoi, Jésus nous rappelle l’invitation de Dieu à participer à Sa grâce et à Son royaume. Cette parabole souligne l’inclusion de tous, même des plus humbles et des marginalisés. Elle nous rappelle que Dieu offre Sa grâce à tous, peu importe notre statut social. Méditons sur notre réponse à l’invitation divine. Sommes-nous ouverts à la grâce de Dieu et prêts à partager cette grâce avec les autres ? Cherchons à répondre à l’appel de Dieu en invitant ceux qui sont dans le besoin à Sa table, afin que tous puissent partager dans la joie de Son royaume.

TUESDAY 04 NOVEMBER

Saint  Charles Borromeo, Bishop

(1538 – 1584)

Psalter: Week III

Green/White

Charles Borromeo was a leading figure of the Catholic Reformation. He worked on the catechism, the Missal and the Breviary, and reformed his own diocese as well as he could from a distance through trusted deputies. Charles died on 3 November 1584 at the age of 46.

Entrance Antiphon

The Lord chose him for himself as high priest, and, opening his treasure house, made him rich in all good things.

Collect

Preserve in the midst of your people, we ask, O Lord, the spirit with which you filled the Bishop Saint Charles Borromeo, that your Church may be constantly renewed and, by conforming herself to the likeness of Christ, may show his face to the world.  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.

Responsorial Psalm: 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

Look, O Lord, upon the offering placed on your altar in commemoration of Saint Charles, and grant by the power of this sacrifice that, as you made him an attentive pastor, outstanding in the merit of his virtues, so you may make us abound in good fruit by our works. Through Christ our Lord.

Communion Antiphon : Jn 10: 11

The Good Shepherd has laid down his life for his sheep.

Prayer after Communion

May the sacred mysteries of which we have partaken, O Lord, we pray, give us that determination which made Saint Charles faithful in ministry and fervent in charity. Through Christ our Lord.

Meditation

The Gospel parable imparts three vital lessons: firstly, God’s invitation to salvation is all-encompassing and extends to everyone; secondly, we should not take this invitation for granted and must express gratitude, accepting it with joy; thirdly, we are urged to willingly share God’s love with others because when we say that God’s invitation to salvation is open to everyone, it means that no one is left behind. In effect, the man in the parable invites many guests, but when they all make excuses, he turns towards the marginalised in society. This action shows us that God’s love is accessible to everyone, regardless of our social status, abilities, or sins. Secondly, the parable teaches us not to take God’s invitation for granted. The guests in the parable make excuses not to attend the banquet. We, too, often make excuses not to pray, attend Mass, or serve others. We should be grateful for God’s invitation, and accept it with joy. Thirdly, the parable underscores the importance of sharing God’s love with others. The servant in the parable went out to the streets and lanes of the town to share the love with those who needed it most. Similarly, we are called to be  instruments of God’s love and compassion in the world, reaching out to those most in need.

Lundi 03 novembre

Saint martin de porres,

religieux

Psautier:  III

Vert/Blanc

Né à Lima, Martin (1579-1639) était métis. Infirmier de son état, il entra dans le Tiers-Ordre dominicain. Il puisa dans la prière la sagesse qui inspirait ses catéchismes. Sa générosité dans le don de soi à tous le fit appeler par Jean XXIII ‘’Martin de la charité’’.

Antienne  d’ouverture : Ps 37, 22

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 11, 29-36

Frères, les dons  gratuits de Dieu et son appel sont sans repentance. Jadis, en effet, vous avez refusé de croire en Dieu, et maintenant, par suite du refus de croire d’une partie d’Israël,vous avez obtenu miséricorde ; de même, maintenant, ce sont eux qui ont refusé de croire, par suite de la miséricorde que vous avez obtenue, mais c’est pourqu’ils obtiennent miséricorde, eux aussi. Dieu, en effet, a enfermé tous les hommes dans le refus de croire pour faire à tous miséricorde. Quelle profondeur dans la richesse, la sagesse et la connaissance de Dieu ! Ses décisions sont insondables, ses chemins sont impénétrables !Qui a connu la pensée du Seigneur ? Qui a été son conseiller ? Qui lui a donné en premier et mériter ait de recevoir en retour ? Car tout est de lui, et par lui, et pour lui. À lui la gloire pour l’éternité ! Amen.

Psaume : 68 (69), 30-31, 33-34, 36-37

R/  Dans ton grand amour, Dieu réponds-moi.

Me voici, humilié, meurtri, que ton salut, Dieu, me redresse.Et je louerai le nom de Dieu par un cantique, je vais le magnifier, lui rendre grâce.

Les pauvres l’ont vu,ils sont enfête : « Vie et joie, à vous qui cherchez Dieu ! » Car le Seigneur écoute les humbles, il n’oublie pas les siens emprisonnés.

Car Dieu viendra sauver Sion et rebâtir les villes de Juda. Il en fera une habitation, un héritage : patrimoine pour les descendants de ses serviteurs, demeure pour ceux qui aiment son nom.

Acclamation

Alléluia. Alléluia. Si vous demeurez dans ma parole, vous êtes vraiment mes disciples ; alors vous connaîtrez la vérité, dit le Seigneur. Alléluia.

Evangile : Lc 14, 12-14

En ce temps-là, Jésus disait au chef des pharisiens qui l’avait invité : « Quand tu donnes un déjeuner ou un dîner, n’invite pas tes amis,ni tes frères, ni tes parents, ni de riches voisins ; sinon, eux aussi te rendraient l’invitation et ce serait pour toi un don en retour. Au contraire, quand tu donnes une réception, invite des pauvres, des estropiés, des boiteux, des aveugles ; heureux seras-tu, parce qu’ils n’ont rien à te donner en retour : cela te sera rendu à la résurrection des justes. »

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 : 

Méditons sur ces paroles de Jésus qui nous enseigne une leçon profonde sur l’humilité et la générosité. Elles nous rappellent l’importance de donner sans attendre de récompense terrestre. Lorsque nous aidons ceux qui sont dans le besoin, lorsque nous montrons de la compassion envers les marginaux de la société, nous suivons l’exemple de Jésus et préparons notre place dans le royaume de Dieu. La véritable générosité vient du cœur, sans calcul ni attente. En pratiquant cette générosité désintéressée, nous sommes bénis par la grâce divine et honorés dans le royaume céleste. Cherchons donc à offrir un amour inconditionnel et une assistance à ceux qui en ont besoin, sachant que notre récompense ultime vient de Dieu

Monday 03 NOVEMBER

Saint Martin de Porres, Religious

(1579 – 1639)

Psalter: Week III

White

He was born in Lima in Peru, the illegitimate son of a Spanish nobleman and a black ex-slave. He entered the Dominican Order and spent his life working for the sick and the poor. He had a great devotion to the Holy Eucharist. He has been named as a patron saint of those of mixed race.

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 11:29-36

God never takes back his gifts or revokes his choice. Just as you changed from being disobedient to God, and now enjoy mercy because of their disobedience, so those who are disobedient now – and only because of the mercy shown to you – will also enjoy mercy eventually. God has imprisoned all men in their own disobedience only to show mercy to all mankind. How rich are the depths of God – how deep his wisdom and knowledge – and how impossible to penetrate his motives or understand his methods! Who could ever know the mind of the Lord? Who could ever be his counsellor? Who could ever give him anything or lend him anything? All that exists comes from him; all is by him and for him. To him be glory for ever! Amen.

Responsorial Psalm : Psalm 68(69):30-31,33-34,36-37

R/ In your great love, answer me, O God.

As for me in my poverty and pain let your help, O God, lift me up. I will praise God’s name with a song; I will glorify him with thanksgiving.

The poor when they see it will be glad and God-seeking hearts will revive; for the Lord listens to the needy and does not spurn his servants in their chains.

For God will bring help to Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah and men shall dwell there in possession. The sons of his servants shall inherit it; those who love his name shall dwell there.

Gospel Acclamation : Ps118:18

Alleluia, alleluia! Open my eyes, O Lord, that I may consider the wonders of your law. Alleluia!

Gospel : Luke 14:12-14

Jesus said to his host, one of the leading Pharisees, ‘When you give a lunch or a dinner, do not ask your friends, brothers, relations or rich neighbours, for fear they repay your courtesy by inviting you in return. No; when you have a party, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; that they cannot pay you back means that you are fortunate, because repayment will be made to you when the virtuous rise again.’

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

The world often promotes “calculated giving,” where individuals tend to give only to those who will give them something in return. However, in today’s Gospel, Jesus encourages us to understand that genuine hospitality is not about expecting favours in return, rather, it is about giving freely to those in need. When we invite the poor and the marginalised to our tables, we show them kindness and open ourselves to the blessings that arise from selfless generosity.  Many people need our help — the poor, the homeless, the sick, the lonely, as well as the refugees and the immigrants. We should recognise them as our brothers and sisters in Christ, who are deserving of our compassion and generosity. Let us unlock the door to our hearts and homes to those in need, showcasing Christ’s love and compassion without expecting any form of compensation.  May God bless you all.