Saturday 05 July

Saturday memorial of the Blessed

Virgin Mary

Saint Antony Mary Zaccaria (1502 – 1539)

Psalter: Week I

Green

He was born in Cremona in Lombardy and started by studying medicine, but soon decided to become a priest instead and was ordained in 1528. He founded a religious Congregation, the Barnabites, whose aim was the reform of the clergy and laity.

Entrance Antiphon : Ps 46: 2

All peoples, clap your hands. Cry to God with shouts of joy!

Collect

O God, who through the grace of adoption, chose us to be children of light; grant, we pray, that we may not be wrapped in the darkness of error but always be seen to stand in the bright light of truth. 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: Genesis 27:1-5,15-29

Isaac had grown old, and his eyes were so weak that he could no longer see. He summoned his elder son Esau, ‘My son!’ he said to him, and the latter answered, ‘I am here.’ Then he said, ‘See, I am old and do not know when I may die. Now take your weapons, your quiver and bow; go out into the country and hunt me some game. Make me the kind of savoury I like and bring it to me, so that I may eat, and give you my blessing before I die.’ Rebekah happened to be listening while Isaac was talking to his son Esau. So when Esau went into the country to hunt game for his father, Rebekah took her elder son Esau’s best clothes, which she had in the house, and dressed her younger son Jacob in them, covering his arms and the smooth part of his neck with the skins of the kids. Then she handed the savoury and the bread she had made to her son Jacob. He presented himself before his father and said, ‘Father.’ ‘I am here;’ was the reply ‘who are you, my son?’ Jacob said to his father, ‘I am Esau your first-born; I have done as you told me. Please get up and take your place and eat the game I have brought and then give me your blessing.’ Isaac said to his son, ‘How quickly you found it, my son!’ ‘It was the Lord your God’ he answered ‘who put it in my path.’ Isaac said to Jacob, ‘Come here, then, and let me touch you, my son, to know if you are my son Esau or not.’ Jacob came close to his father Isaac, who touched him and said, ‘The voice is Jacob’s voice but the arms are the arms of Esau!’ He did not recognize him, for his arms were hairy like his brother Esau’s, and so he blessed him. He said, ‘Are you really my son Esau?’ And he replied, ‘I am.’ Isaac said, ‘Bring it here that I may eat the game my son has brought, and so may give you my blessing.’ He brought it to him and he ate; he offered him wine, and he drank. His father Isaac said to him, ‘Come closer, and kiss me, my son.’ He went closer and kissed his father, who smelled the smell of his clothes .He blessed him, saying: ‘Yes, the smell of my son is like the smell of a fertile field blessed by the Lord. May God give you dew from heaven, and the richness of the earth, abundance of grain and wine! May nations serve you and peoples bow down before you! Be master of your brothers; may the sons of your mother bow down before you! Cursed be he who curses you; blessed be he who blesses you!’

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 134(135):1-6

R/ Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good.

Praise the name of the Lord, praise him, servants of the Lord, who stand in the house of the Lord in the courts of the house of our God.

Praise the Lord for the Lord is good. Sing a psalm to his name for he is loving. For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself and Israel for his own possession.

For I know the Lord is great, that our Lord is high above all gods. The Lord does whatever he wills, in heaven, on earth, in the seas.

Gospel Acclamation: Ps118:135      

Alleluia, alleluia! Let your face shine on your servant, and teach me your decrees. Alleluia!

Gospel: Matthew 9:14-17  

John’s disciples came to him and said, ‘Why is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not?’ Jesus replied, ‘Surely the bridegroom’s attendants would never think of mourning as long as the bridegroom is still with them? But the time will come for the bridegroom to be taken away from them, and then they will fast. No one puts a piece of unshrunken cloth on to an old cloak, because the patch pulls away from the cloak and the tear gets worse. Nor do people put new wine into old wineskins; if they do, the skins burst, the wine runs out, and the skins are lost. No; they put new wine into fresh skins and both are preserved.’

Prayer over the Offerings

O God, who graciously accomplish the effects of your mysteries, grant, we pray, that the deeds by which we serve you may be worthy of these sacred gifts. Through Christ our Lord.

Communion Antiphon : Cf. Ps 102: 1

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all within me, his holy name.

Prayer after Communion

May this divine sacrifice we have offered and received fill us with life, O Lord, we pray, so that, bound to you in lasting charity, we may bear fruit that lasts for ever. Through Christ our Lord.

Meditation

When we undertake fasting, it is crucial to examine our true motives. Is Jesus truly as the centre of our fasting? Is it for the glorification of His name, or are there other underlying reasons? The incident involving John the Baptist’s disciples, who are upset with Jesus’ disciples for not fasting, serves as a poignant reminder. Jesus uses this opportunity to teach about the essence of fasting. While fasting is recommended, Jesus says that our focus should be on Him. This should translate into humility and genuine love for others. Our fasting should lead us to become more compassionate individuals, eager to bring joy to others. Ultimately, fasting should be a means to draw closer to Christ and reflect His love in our actions towards others.

Friday 04 July

Saint Elizabeth of Portugal

(1271 – 1336)

Psalter: Week I

Green

She was married to King Denis of Portugal, by whom she had two children. She set up hospitals, orphanages, and other institutions, patiently endured her husband’s infidelities. On her husband’s death in 1325 she retired from public affairs and devoted herself to prayer and the service of the poor

Entrance Antiphon : Ps 46: 2

All peoples, clap your hands. Cry to God with shouts of joy!

Collect

O God, who through the grace of adoption, chose us to be children of light; grant, we pray, that we may not be wrapped in the darkness of error but always be seen to stand in the bright light of truth. 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: Genesis 23:1-4,19,24:1-8,62-67

The length of Sarah’s life was a hundred and twenty-seven years. She died at Kiriath-arba, or Hebron, in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went in to mourn and grieve for her.Then leaving his dead, Abraham spoke to the sons of Heth: ‘I am a stranger and a settler among you,’ he said. ‘Let me own a burial-plot among you, so that I may take my dead wife and bury her.’After this, Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the cave of the field of Machpelah opposite Mamre, in the country of Canaan.

 By now Abraham was an old man well on in years, and the Lord had blessed him in every way. Abraham said to the eldest servant of his household, the steward of all his property, ‘Place your hand under my thigh, I would have you swear by the Lord, God of heaven and God of earth, that you will not choose a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I live. Instead, go to my own land and my own kinsfolk to choose a wife for my son Isaac.’ The servant asked him, ‘What if the woman does not want to come with me to this country? Must I take your son back to the country from which you came?’ Abraham answered, ‘On no account take my son back there. The Lord, God of heaven and God of earth, took me from my father’s home, and from the land of my kinsfolk, and he swore to me that he would give this country to my descendants. He will now send his angel ahead of you, so that you may choose a wife for my son there. And if the woman does not want to come with you, you will be free from this oath of mine. Only do not take my son back there.’ Isaac, who lived in the Negeb, had meanwhile come into the wilderness of the well of Lahai Roi. Now Isaac went walking in the fields as evening fell, and looking up saw camels approaching. And Rebekah looked up and saw Isaac. She jumped down from her camel, and asked the servant, ‘Who is that man walking through the fields to meet us?’ The servant replied, ‘That is my master’; then she took her veil and hid her face. The servant told Isaac the whole story, and Isaac led Rebekah into his tent and made her his wife; and he loved her. And so Isaac was consoled for the loss of his mother.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 105(106):1-5

R/ O give thanks to the Lord for he is good.

O give thanks to the Lord for he is good; for his love endures forever. Who can tell the Lord’s mighty deeds? Who can recount all his praise?

They are happy who do what is right, who at all times do what is just. O Lord, remember me out of the love you have for your people.

Come to me, Lord, with your help that I may see the joy of your chosen onesand may rejoice in the gladness of your nation and share the glory of your people.

Gospel Acclamation: Ps24:4,5         

Alleluia, alleluia! Teach me your paths, my God,make me walk in your truth.Alleluia!

Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13    

As Jesus was walking on, he saw a man named Matthew sitting by the customs house, and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he got up and followed him. While he was at dinner in the house it happened that a number of tax collectors and sinners came to sit at the table with Jesus and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your master eat with tax collectors and sinners?’ When he heard this he replied, ‘It is not the healthy who need the doctor, but the sick. Go and learn the meaning of the words: What I want is mercy, not sacrifice. And indeed I did not come to call the virtuous, but sinners.’

Prayer over the Offerings

O God, who graciously accomplish the effects of your mysteries, grant, we pray, that the deeds by which we serve you may be worthy of these sacred gifts. Through Christ our Lord.

Communion Antiphon : Cf. Ps 102: 1

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all within me, his holy name.

Prayer after Communion

May this divine sacrifice we have offered and received fill us with life, O Lord, we pray, so that, bound to you in lasting charity, we may bear fruit that lasts for ever. Through Christ our Lord.

Meditation

Many individuals in the Bible experience greatness after being given a second chance. Matthew, a tax collector is hated by the Jews and considered a sinner. No one wants to associate with him except his fellow tax collectors and sinners. However, Jesus shows him mercy by offering him a second chance. Often, we express our love for God through words and prayers, but we fail to demonstrate mercy in our lives. Jesus urges us to express our love for Him by patiently tolerating others and giving them the opportunity to turn over a new leaf. We are called to view others through the compassionate lens and heart of Christ, refraining from passing judgement or condemnation.

Vendredi 04 JUILLET

Sainte Elisabeth du portugal ;

Saint florent

Psautier: I

Vert

Mariée à Denis, roi de Portugal, Élisabeth (1271-1336) joua un rôle de pacificatrice dans la famille royale. Elle s’occupait aussi activement des pauvres. Veuve en 1325, elle finit ses jours comme tertiaire franciscaine à Coïmbre.

Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 46, 2

Tous les peuples, battez des mains, acclamez Dieu par vos cris de joie.

Prière d’ouverture

Tu as voulu, Seigneur, qu’en recevant ta grâce nous devenions des fils de lumière; Ne permets pas que l’erreur nous plonge dans la nuit, mais accorde-nous d’être toujours rayonnants de ta vérité. Par Jésus.

1ère lecture : Gn 23, 1-4.19 ; 24, 1-8.62-67

Sara vécut cent vingt-sept ans. Elle mourut à Kiriath-Arba, c’est-à-dire à Hébron, dans le pays de Canaan. Abraham s’y rendit pour le deuil et les lamentations. Puis il laissa le corps pour aller parler aux Hittites qui habitaient le pays : « Je ne suis qu’un immigré, un hôte, parmi vous ; accordez-moi d’acquérir chez vous une propriété funéraire où je pourrai enterrer cette morte. » Abraham ensevelit sa femme Sara dans la caverne du champ de Macpéla, qui est en face de Mambré, c’est-à-dire à Hébron, dans le pays de Canaan. Abraham était vieux, avancé en âge, et le Seigneur l’avait béni en toute chose. Abraham dit au plus ancien serviteur de sa maison, l’intendant de tous ses biens : « Je te fais prêter serment par le Seigneur, Dieu du ciel et Dieu de la terre : tu ne prendras pas pour mon fils une épouse parmi les filles des Cananéens au milieu desquels j’habite. Mais tu iras dans mon pays, dans ma parenté, chercher une épouse pour mon fils Isaac. » Le serviteur lui demanda : « Et si cette femme ne consent pas à me suivre pour venir ici? Devrai-je alors ramener ton fils dans le pays d’où tu es sorti ? » Abraham lui répondit : « Garde- toi d’y ramener mon fils ! Le Seigneur, le Dieu du ciel, lui qui m’a pris de la maison de mon père et du pays de ma parenté, m’a déclaré avec serment : “À ta descendance je donnerai le pays que voici.” C’est lui qui enverra son ange devant toi, et tu prendras là-bas une épouse pour mon fils. Si cette femme ne consent pas à te suivre, tu seras dégagé du serment que je t’impose. Mais, en tout cas, tu n’y ramèneras pas mon fils. » Un jour, Isaac s’en revenait du puits de Lahaï-Roï. Il habitait alors le Néguev. Il était sorti à la tombée du jour, pour se promener dans la campagne, lorsque, levant les yeux, il vit arriver des chameaux. Rébecca, levant les yeux elle aussi, vit Isaac. Elle sauta à bas de son chameau et dit au serviteur : « Quel est cet homme qui vient dans la campagne à notre rencontre? » Le serviteur répondit : « C’est mon maître. » Alors elle prit son voile et s’en couvrit. Le serviteur raconta à Isaac tout ce qu’il avait fait. Isaac introduisit Rébecca dans la tente de sa mère Sara; il l’épousa, elle devint sa femme, et il l’aima. Et Isaac se consola de la mort de sa mère.

Psaume : 105 (106), 1-2, 3-4ab, 4c- 5

R/ Rendez grâce au Seigneur : Il est bon !

Rendez grâce au Seigneur : Il est bon ! Éternel est son amour ! Qui dira les hauts faits du Seigneur, qui célébrera ses louanges ?

Heureux qui pratique la justice, qui observe le droit en tout temps! Souviens- toi de moi, Seigneur, dans ta bienveillance pour ton peuple.

Toi qui le sauves, visite-moi : que je voie le bonheur de tes élus ; que j’aie part à la joie de ton peuple, à la fierté de ton héritage. 

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. (Mt 11, 28)

Évangile : Mt 9, 9-13

En ce temps-là, Jésus vit, en passant, un homme, du nom de Matthieu, assis à son bureau de collecteur d’impôt. Il lui dit : « Suis-moi. » L’homme se leva et le suivit. Comme Jésus était à table à la maison, voici que beaucoup de publicains (c’est-à-dire des collecteurs d’impôts) et beaucoup de pécheurs vinrent prendre place avec lui et ses disciples. Voyant cela, les pharisiens disaient à ses disciples : « Pourquoi votre maître mange-t-il avec les publicains et les pécheurs ? » Jésus, qui avait entendu, déclara : « Ce ne sont pas les gens bien portants qui ont besoin du médecin, mais les malades. Allez apprendre ce que signifie : Je veux la miséricorde, non le sacrifice. En effet, je ne suis pas venu appeler des justes, mais des pécheurs. »

Prière sur les offrandes

Dieu qui agis avec puissance dans tes sacrements, Fais que le peuple assemblé pour te servir soit accordé à la sainteté de tes propres dons. Par Jésus.

Antienne de communion : Ps 102, 2

Bénis le Seigneur, ô mon âme, n’oublie aucun de ses bienfaits.

Prière après la communion

Que le corps et le sang de Jésus Christ, offert en sacrifice et reçu en communion, nous donnent la vie, Seigneur: Reliés à toi par une charité qui ne passera jamais, nous porterons des fruits qui demeurent. Par Jésus.

Méditation

Jésus appelle Matthieu, un publicain pécheur, et se laisse inviter par lui, entouré d’autres pécheurs. En faisant cela, Jésus offre son amitié et la communion avec Dieu à ceux qui en ont le plus besoin. En lui, c’est Dieu lui-même qui se laisse inviter à la table des pauvres pécheurs. Nous savons que le comportement de Jésus, à cette occasion, a été l’une des raisons qui poussèrent le Sanhédrin à rendre une sentence de mort. C’est le mystère du paradoxe chrétien : le Dieu qui vient sauver les hommes est jugé par ceux qui se prennent pour des justes ; le Dieu qui offre son amitié scandalise ceux qui ne connaissent pas la miséricorde. Seuls ceux qui, comme Matthieu, sentent qu’ils sont pécheurs, auront le bonheur de voir Dieu assis à leur table et échapperont à l’orgueil de se croire justes.

Thursday 03 July

Saint Thomas the Apostle-

Feast

Psalter: Week I

Red

Thomas the Apostle (also called Didymus which means «the twin») was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. He is informally called doubting Thomas because he doubted Jesus’ resurrection when first told, (in the Gospel of John), followed later by his confession of faith, «My Lord and my God», on seeing Jesus’ wounded body.

Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 117: 28, 21

You are my God, and I confess you; you are my God, and I exalt you; I will thank you, for you became my saviour.

Collect

Grant, almighty God, that we may glory in the Feast of the blessed Apostle Thomas, so that we may always be sustained by his intercession and, believing, may have life in the name of Jesus Christ your Son, whom Thomas acknowledged as the Lord. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

First reading: Ephesians 2:19-22

You are no longer aliens or foreign visitors: you are citizens like all the saints, and part of God’s household. You are part of a building that has the apostles and prophets for its foundations, and Christ Jesus himself for its main cornerstone. As every structure is aligned on him, all grow into one holy temple in the Lord; and you too, in him, are being built into a house where God lives, in the Spirit.

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 116(117):1-2

R/ Go out to the whole world; proclaim the Good News.

O praise the Lord, all you nations, acclaim him all you peoples!

Strong is his love for us; he is faithful forever.

Gospel Acclamation: Jn20:29    

Alleluia, alleluia! Jesus said: ‘You believe because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.’ Alleluia!

Gospel: John 20:24-29   

Thomas, called the Twin, who was one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. When the disciples said, ‘We have seen the Lord’, he answered, ‘Unless I see the holes that the nails made in his hands and can put my finger into the holes they made, and unless I can put my hand into his side, I refuse to believe.’ Eight days later the disciples were in the house again and Thomas was with them. The doors were closed, but Jesus came in and stood among them. ‘Peace be with you’ he said. Then he spoke to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here; look, here are my hands. Give me your hand; put it into my side. Doubt no longer but believe.’ Thomas replied, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him: ‘You believe because you can see me. Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.’

Prayer over the Offerings              

We render you, O Lord, the service that is your due, humbly imploring you to keep safe your gifts in us, as we honour the confession of the Apostle Saint Thomas and offer you a sacrifice of praise. Through Christ our Lord.

Communion Antiphon: Cf. Jn 20: 27          

Bring your hand and feel the place of the nails, and do not be unbelieving but believing.

Prayer after Communion              

O God, as we truly receive in this Sacrament the Body of your Only Begotten Son,grant, we pray, that we may recognize him with the Apostle Thomas by faith as our Lord and our Godand proclaim him by our deeds and by our life. Who lives and reigns forever and ever.

Meditation

Today, we celebrate the feast of Saint Thomas the Apostle, known as the “Doubting Thomas” and the patron saint of those in doubt. Despite his doubt, he boldy professes his faith to the Lord: “My Lord and my God!” Thomas, alongside Saint Peter, stands out as one of the few apostles who openly affirm their faith in Jesus. Reflecting on our own lives, we often grapple with doubts, whether concerning our faith, doctrines, or various life circumstances. However, Jesus shows how much He loves his disciples by granting them second chances. Our doubts, failures, and weaknesses should ultimately lead us to a deeper and stronger faith in God.

Jeudi 03 JUILLET

Saint Thomas,

Apotre

Psautier: I

Rouge

Grâce au quatrième évangile, nous connaissons le surnom de Didyme (c’est-à-dire le jumeau) qu’on donnait à Thomas, et nous découvrons son visage d’homme lucide et réaliste. Il ne se fait aucune illusion sur le sort qui attend son Maître à Jérusalem : « Allons-y, dit-il, pour mourir avec lui ! » (Jn 11,16) Sa recherche de la vérité est loyale ; il ne craint pas de reconnaître son ignorance et son doute. Quand les disciples voient le Seigneur, Thomas ne se contente pas de leur témoignage.

Antienne d’ouverture

C’est toi mon Dieu, je te rends grâce, mon Dieu, je t’exalte ! je te rends grâce, car tu es mon Sauveur.

Prière d’ouverture

En ce jour où nous célébrons l’Apôtre saint Thomas, accorde-nous, Dieu tout-puissant, de reprendre courage ; fais que nous ayons la vie en comprenant à notre tour que Jésus Christ est Seigneur. Lui qui.

1ère lecture : Éphésiens 2, 19-22

Frères, maintenant, dans le Christ Jésus, vous n’êtes plus des étrangers ni des gens de passage, vous êtes citoyens du peuple saint, membres de la famille de Dieu, car vous avez été intégrés dans la construction qui a pour fondations les Apôtres et les prophètes ; et la pierre angulaire, c’est le Christ Jésus lui-même. En lui, toute la construction s’élève harmonieusement pour devenir un temple saint dans le Seigneur. En lui, vous êtes, vous aussi, des éléments de la construction pour devenir par l’Esprit Saint la demeure de Dieu.

Psaume  : 116, 1, 2

R/ Allez dans le monde entier. Proclamez l’Évangile.

Louez le Seigneur, tous les peuples ; fêtez-le, tous les pays!

Son amour envers nous s’est montré le plus fort ; éternelle est la fidélité du Seigneur !

Acclamation

Alléluia. Alléluia. Thomas, parce que tu m’as vu, tu crois, dit le Seigneur. Heureux ceux qui croient sans avoir vu! Alléluia. (Jn 20, 29)

Évangile : Jean 20, 24-29

L’un des Douze, Thomas (dont le nom signifie : Jumeau), n’était pas avec eux quand Jésus était venu. Les autres disciples lui disaient : « Nous avons vu le Seigneur ! » Mais il leur déclara : « Si je ne vois pas dans ses mains la marque des clous, si je ne mets pas mon doigt à l’endroit des clous, si je ne mets pas la main dans son côté, non, je ne croirai pas ! » Huit jours plus tard, les disciples se trouvaient de nouveau dans la maison, et Thomas était avec eux. Jésus vient, alors que les portes étaient verrouillées, et il était là au milieu d’eux. Il dit : « La paix soit avec vous ! » Puis il dit à Thomas : « Avance ton doigt ici, et vois mes mains ; avance ta main, et mets-la dans mon côté : cesse d’être incrédule, sois croyant.» Thomas lui dit alors : « Mon Seigneur et mon Dieu ! » Jésus lui dit: « Parce que tu m’as vu, tu crois. Heureux ceux qui croient sans avoir vu. »

Prière sur les offrandes

En te rendant l’hommage que doivent des serviteurs, nous t’adressons, Seigneur, cette prière: entretiens-en nous tes dons, par le sacrifice de louange que nous t’offrons aujourd’hui. Par Jésus.

Antienne de communion  : Jn 20

Jésus dit à Thomas : « Avance ta main, touche du doigt à l’endroit des clous ; ne sois pas incrédule, sois croyant. »

Prière après la communion

Nous avons reçu réellement, Seigneur, dans ce sacrement le corps de ton fils unique : avec l’Apôtre saint Thomas, nous confessons qu’il est notre Seigneur et notre Dieu, donne-nous de savoir le proclamer par toute notre vie. Par Jésus.

Méditation

Saint Thomas est le premier dans l’Évangile de saint Jean à appeler Jésus du saint nom de Dieu : Mon Seigneur et mon Dieu (Jean 20,28). C’est un privilège tout particulier que saint Jean réserve à l’apôtre Thomas. Depuis trois ans que Jésus forme ses disciples, certaines réalités comme sa mort et sa Résurrection étaient trop fortes pour être assimilées. Thomas avait déjà eu l’occasion de proposer à Jésus de mourir avec lui (Jean 11,16). Maintenant que Jésus était mort et qu’il n’avait pourtant rien fait pour empêcher qu’il soit tué, Thomas portait en lui le poids de la honte et de la culpabilité. Mais Jésus avait une excellente pédagogie pour réaffirmer dans leur vocation de disciples, des gens qui se sentaient ainsi coupables. Voilà qu’il leur propose une rencontre personnelle. Et, aussitôt, ils renouvellent leur engagement envers lui, et ceci avec une profondeur accrue. Dans leur rencontre avec le Ressuscité, Marie de Magdala et saint Thomas connaissent et comprennent Jésus en profondeur.