by L'équipe de publication | Feb 26, 2026 | Evangelium
ST. GABRIEL OF OUR LADY OF SORROW
SAINT GREGORY OF NAREK
Psalter I | VIOLET
He was educated by the Jesuits and initially displayed a keen interest in secular life. After facing personal tragedies, he experienced a profound conversion and felt a strong call to religious life. He was known for his deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Passion of Christ with a particular fondness for Our Lady of Sorrows. His spirit of prayer, love for the poor, and consideration for others made a deep impression on his community. He died from tuberculosis at the young age of 23.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 24:17-18
Set me free from my distress, O Lord. See my lowliness and suffering, and take away all my sins.
Collect
Grant that your faithful, O Lord, we pray, may be so conformed to the paschal observances, that the bodily discipline now solemnly begun may bear fruit in the souls of all. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
First reading: Ezekiel 18:21-28
Thus says the Lord God: If the wicked man turns away from all the sins he committed, if he keeps all my statutes and does what is right and just, he shall surely live, he shall not die. None of the crimes he committed shall be remembered against him; he shall live because of the virtue he has practiced. Do I indeed derive any pleasure from the death of the wicked? says the Lord God. Do I not rather rejoice when he turns from his evil way that he may live? And if the virtuous man turns from the path of virtue to do evil, the same kind of abominable things that the wicked man does, can he do this and still live? None of his virtuous deeds shall be remembered, because he has broken faith and committed sin; because of this, he shall die. You say, “The Lord’s way is not fair!” Hear now, house of Israel: Is it my way that is unfair, or rather, are not your ways unfair? When someone virtuous turns away from virtue to commit iniquity, and dies, it is because of the iniquity he committed that he must die. But if the wicked, turning from the wickedness he has committed, does what is right and just, he shall preserve his life; since he has turned away from all the sins that he committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7bc-8
R/ If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, who can stand?
- Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication.
- If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand? But with you is forgiveness, that you may be revered.
- I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in his word. My soul waits for the Lord more than sentinels wait for the dawn. Let Israel wait for the Lord.
- For with the Lord is kindness and with him is plenteous redemption; And he will redeem Israel from all their iniquities.
Saint Biography
He was educated by the Jesuits and initially displayed a keen interest in secular life. After facing personal tragedies, he experienced a profound conversion and felt a strong call to religious life. He was known for his deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Passion of Christ with a particular fondness for Our Lady of Sorrows. His spirit of prayer, love for the poor, and consideration for others made a deep impression on his community. He died from tuberculosis at the young age of 23.
Gospel Acclamation: Ezekiel 18:31
Cast away from you all the crimes you have committed, says the Lord, and make for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.
Gospel: Matthew 5:20-26
Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven. “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment. But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment, and whoever says to his brother, Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin, and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ will be liable to fiery Gehenna. Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court. Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Amen, I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny.”
Prayer over the Offerings
Accept the sacrificial offerings, O Lord, by which, in your power and kindness, you willed us to be reconciled to yourself and our salvation to be restored. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Ez 33:11
As I live, says the Lord, I do not desire the death of the sinner, but rather that he turn back and live.
Prayer after Communion
May the holy refreshment of your Sacrament restore us anew, O Lord, and, cleansing us of old ways, take us up into the mystery of salvation. Through Christ our Lord.
Prayer over the People
Look with favour on your people, O Lord, that what their observance outwardly declares it may inwardly bring about. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
“Go and be reconciled with your brother.” It is easy to think that the fifth commandment, “You must not kill”, does not concern you, because you have never killed anyone. If you stop at this level, then you are like the scribes and Pharisees, who paid attention to the words of the Law and did not embrace the spirit of the Law. Embracing the spirit of this commandment means going beyond the act of killing to look at those thoughts, intentions, words and acts that hurt others and poison your relationship with them. The anger, resentment and jealousy that you feel, which make you insult a person, tell lies about him, tarnish his reputation and make life difficult for him, make you a murderer; you have killed that person in your heart. The fifth commandment therefore requires you to rid your heart of those evil thoughts and motives. It requires you to approach that person you are angry with or who is angry with you, and make peace with him. Take the resolution today to cleanse your heart of all evil intentions and ameliorate your relationship with those around you.
by L'équipe de publication | Feb 25, 2026 | Agenda Biblique
SAINT NESTOR
(Violet)
Il était évêque de Magydos, dans le sud de l’actuelle Turquie, quand éclata la persécution de Dèce. Nombreux furent alors les chrétiens qui apostasièrent pour sauver leur vie. Craignant que ses fidèles n’en fassent autant, il leur conseilla des fuir et lui-même se laissa arrêter. Conduit devant le gouverneur, il fut condamné à mourir, comme son maître, par crucifixion.
Antienne d’ouverture : PS 24, 17-18
Dégage-moi de mes tourments, Seigneur. Vois ma misère et ma peine, enlève tous mes péchés.
Prière d’ouverture
Accorde à tes fidèles, Seigneur, de s’appliquer de toute leur âme à la préparation de pâques : que le renoncement imposé à notre corps porte en chacun de nous des fruits spirituels. Par Jésus Christ.
Première lecture : Est 4, 17
En ces jours-là, la reine Esther, dans l’angoisse mortelle qui l’étreignait, chercha refuge auprès du Seigneur. Se prosternant à terre avec ses servantes du matin jusqu’au soir, elle disait : « Dieu d’Abraham, Dieu d’Isaac, Dieu de Jacob, tu es béni. Viens à mon secours car je suis seule, et je n’ai pas d’autre défenseur que toi, Seigneur. Car je vais jouer avec le danger. Dans les livres de mes ancêtres, Seigneur, j’ai appris que ceux qui te plaisent, tu les libères pour toujours, Seigneur. Et maintenant, aide-moi, car je suis solitaire et je n’ai que toi, Seigneur mon Dieu. Maintenant, viens me secourir car je suis orpheline, et mets sur mes lèvres un langage harmonieux quand je serai en présence de ce lion ; fais que je trouve grâce devant lui, et change son cœur : qu’il se mette à détester celui qui nous combat, qu’il le détruise avec tous ses partisans. Et nous, libère-nous de la main de nos ennemis ; rends-nous la joie après la détresse et le bien-être après la souffrance. » – Parole du Seigneur.
Psaume : 137 (138), 1-2a, 2bc-3, 7c-8
R/ Quand je crie vers toi, Seigneur, tu réponds à mon appel. (cf. Ps 137, 3a)
- 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.
- Ta droite me rend vainqueur. Le Seigneur fait tout pour moi ! Seigneur, éternel est ton amour : n’arrête pas l’œuvre de tes mains.
Acclamation
Gloire et louange à toi, Seigneur Jésus ! Crée en moi un cœur pur, ô mon Dieu ; rends-moi la joie d’être sauvé. Gloire et louange à toi, Seigneur Jésus ! (Ps 50, 12a.14a)
Évangile : Mt 7, 7-12
En ce temps-là, Jésus disait à ses disciples : « Demandez, on vous donnera ; cherchez, vous trouverez ; frappez, on vous ouvrira. En effet, quiconque demande reçoit ; qui cherche trouve ; à qui frappe, on ouvrira. Ou encore : lequel d’entre vous donnera une pierre à son fils quand il lui demande du pain ? ou bien lui donnera un serpent, quand il lui demande un poisson ? Si donc vous, qui êtes mauvais, vous savez donner de bonnes choses à vos enfants, combien plus votre Père qui est aux cieux donnera-t-il de bonnes choses à ceux qui les lui demandent ! Donc, tout ce que vous voudriez que les autres fassent pour vous, faites-le pour eux, vous aussi : voilà ce que disent la Loi et les Prophètes. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Accepte, Seigneur, notre fervent sacrifice; qu’il sanctifie notre vie, en nous donnant ta grâce, et nous obtienne ton pardon. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion
«Vraiment, dit le Seigneur, tout ce que vous avez fait à l’un de ces petits qui sont mes frères, c’est à moi que vous l’avez fait. Venez les bénis de mon Père, recevez en héritage le royaume préparé pour vous depuis la création du monde.»
Prière après la communion
Fais-nous trouver dans cette communion, Seigneur, un secours pour l’âme et pour le corps, afin que nous goûtions la joie d’être tout entiers sauvés par ce sacrement. Par Jésus.
Méditation
Dieu est un refuge pour tous ceux qui croient en lui. Dans le manque comme dans l’abondance, nous devons savoir compter sur lui. Il y a des choses que Dieu nous donne sans attendre que nous les lui demandions et des choses qu’il voudrait que nous demandions pour lui manifester notre intérêt. Cependant, tout passe part l’attitude que nous avons envers les autres. Même “s’il fait tomber la pluie sur le juste et le méchant”, n’oublions pas que “les supplications du juste agissent avec beaucoup de perfection” auprès de Dieu. Dieu a donc besoin que nous ayons un Coeur bon pour nous répondre. Il a besoin que nous “nous fassions pour les autres, ce que nous voudrions qu’il fasse pour nous. »
by L'équipe de publication | Feb 25, 2026 | Evangelium
SAINT ALEXANDER OF ALEXANDRIA
Psalter I | VIOLET
He served as the Bishop of Alexandria. He fought against the growing influence of Arianism. He excommunicated Arius, the leader of the Arian heresy and played a key role in the First Council of Nicaea, where the Nicene Creed was formulated, affirming the divinity of Jesus Christ. He was admired for his love of God, eloquence, and justice, according to contemporary accounts.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 5: 2-3
To my words give ear, O Lord; give heed to my sighs. Attend to the sound of my cry, my King and my God.
Collect
Bestow on us, we pray, O Lord, a spirit of always pondering on what is right and of hastening to carry it out, and, since without you we cannot exist, may we be enabled to live according to your will. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
First reading: Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25
Queen Esther, seized with mortal anguish, had recourse to the Lord. She lay prostrate upon the ground, together with her handmaids, from morning until evening, and said: “God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob, blessed are you. Help me, who am alone and have no help but you, for I am taking my life in my hand. As a child I used to hear from the books of my forefathers that you, O Lord, always free those who are pleasing to you. Now help me, who am alone and have no one but you, O Lord, my God. “And now, come to help me, an orphan. Put in my mouth persuasive words in the presence of the lion and turn his heart to hatred for our enemy, so that he and those who are in league with him may perish. Save us from the hand of our enemies; turn our mourning into gladness and our sorrows into wholeness.”
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 7c-8
R/ Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.
- I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth; in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise; I will worship at your holy temple and give thanks to your name.
- Because of your kindness and your truth; for you have made great above all things nyour [sic] name and your promise. When I called, you answered me; you built up strength within me.
- Your right hand saves me. The Lord will complete what he has done for me; your kindness, O Lord, endures forever; forsake not the work of your hands.
Saint Biography
He served as the Bishop of Alexandria. He fought against the growing influence of Arianism. He excommunicated Arius, the leader of the Arian heresy and played a key role in the First Council of Nicaea, where the Nicene Creed was formulated, affirming the divinity of Jesus Christ. He was admired for his love of God, eloquence, and justice, according to contemporary accounts.
Gospel Acclamation: Psalm 51:12a, 14a
A clean heart create for me, God; give me back the joy of your salvation.
Gospel: Matthew 7:7-12
Jesus said to his disciples: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asked for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asked for a fish? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him. “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.”
Prayer over the Offerings
Be merciful, O Lord, to those who approach you in supplication, and, accepting the oblations and prayers of your people, turn the hearts of us all towards you. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Mt 7: 8
Everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Prayer after Communion
We pray, O Lord our God, that, as you have given these most sacred mysteries to be the safeguard of our salvation, so you may make them a healing remedy for us, both now and in time to come. Through Christ our Lord.
Prayer over the People
May the mercy they have hoped for, O Lord, come to those who make supplication to you, and may the riches of heaven be given them, that they may know what it is right to ask and receive what they have sought. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
“Ask and, it will be given to you.” Jesus assures us that we will receive from our heavenly Father whatever we ask him. Many of us would disagree with this statement, because we can all cite instances in which we asked God for something and we did not receive it. Saint James provides a possible answer to this worry: “You do not have what you want because you do not ask for it. And when you ask, you do not receive it, because your motives are bad; you ask for things to use for your own pleasures” (James 4: 2 – 3). Sometimes, we do not receive what we ask for because we ask for the wrong things and our intentions are bad. We ask for things that are not necessary or important; we ask for things that can lead us away from God; we ask for things with the intention of satisfying desires that do not honour God. Clearly, it is not enough to ask; we also have to know what to ask. We should learn to ask God not for what we want, but for what he knows is good for us. In addition, we need to know how to ask; we should ask God with faith and perseverance, but also with humility, leaving him the freedom to answer us when and how he deems it best to do so.
by L'équipe de publication | Feb 24, 2026 | Agenda Biblique
BIENHEUREUX ROMEO
(Violet)
Il était religieux carme. Il se rendait en Terre Sainte quand la peste le fit mourir à Lucques en Toscane.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 24
Rappelle-toi, Seigneur, les tendresses, l’amitié, que tu nous as montrées depuis toujours. Que jamais le mal n’ait raison de nous ; délivre-nous de toutes nos angoisses.
Prière d’ouverture
Regarde, Seigneur, avec bienveillance ton peuple qui cherche à mieux te servir : tandis qu’en nous imposant des privations nous maîtrisons notre corps, permets qu’en agissant selon le bien, nous obtenions un esprit nouveau. Par Jésus Christ.
1ère lecture : Jon 3, 1-10
La parole du Seigneur fut adressée à Jonas: « Lève-toi, va à Ninive, la grande ville païenne, proclame le message que je te donne sur elle. » Jonas se leva et partit pour Ninive, selon la parole du Seigneur. Or, Ninive était une ville extraordinairement grande : il fallait trois jours pour la traverser. Jonas la parcourut une journée à peine en proclamant : « Encore quarante jours, et Ninive sera détruite ! » Aussitôt, les gens de Ninive crurent en Dieu. Ils annoncèrent un jeûne, et tous, du plus grand au plus petit, se vêtirent de toile à sac. La chose arriva jusqu’au roi de Ninive. Il se leva de son trône, quitta son manteau, se couvrit d’une toile à sac, et s’assit sur la cendre. Puis il fit crier dans Ninive ce décret du roi et de ses grands : « Hommes et bêtes, gros et petit bétail, ne goûteront à rien, ne mangeront pas et ne boiront pas. Hommes et bêtes, on se couvrira de toile à sac, on criera vers Dieu de toute sa force, chacun se détournera de sa conduite mauvaise et de ses actes de violence. Qui sait si Dieu ne se ravisera pas et ne se repentira pas, s’il ne reviendra pas de l’ardeur de sa colère ? Et alors nous ne périrons pas ! » En voyant leur réaction, et comment ils se détournaient de leur conduite mauvaise, Dieu renonça au châtiment dont il les avait menacés.
Psaume : 50 (51), 3-4, 12-13, 18-19
R/ Tu ne repousses pas, ô mon Dieu, un cœur brisé et broyé.
- Pitié pour moi, mon Dieu, dans ton amour, selon ta grande miséricorde, efface mon péché. Lave-moi tout entier de ma faute, purifie moi de mon offense.
- Crée en moi un cœur pur, ô mon Dieu, renouvelle et raffermis au fond de moi mon esprit. Ne me chasse pas loin de ta face, ne me reprends pas ton esprit saint.
- Si j’offre un sacrifice, tu n’en veux pas, tu n’acceptes pas d’holocauste. Le sacrifice qui plaît à Dieu, c’est un esprit brisé ; tu ne repousses pas, ô mon Dieu, un cœur brisé et broyé.
Acclamation
Gloire à toi, Seigneur, honneur, puissance et majesté ! (cf. Jl 2, 12-13)
Évangile : Lc 11, 29-32
En ce temps-là, comme les foules s’amassaient, Jésus se mit à dire : « Cette génération est une génération mauvaise : elle cherche un signe, mais en fait de signe il ne lui sera donné que le signe de Jonas. Car Jonas a été un signe pour les habitants de Ninive ; il en sera de même avec le Fils de l’homme pour cette génération. Lors du Jugement, la reine de Saba se dressera en même temps que les hommes de cette génération, et elle les condamnera. En effet, elle est venue des extrémités de la terre pour écouter la sagesse de Salomon, et il y a ici bien plus que Salomon. Lors du Jugement, les habitants de Ninive se lèveront en même temps que cette génération, et ils la condamneront ; en effet, ils se sont convertis en réponse à la proclamation faite par Jonas, et il y a ici bien plus que Jonas. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Nous te présentons, Seigneur notre Dieu, les biens que tu nous donnes pour qu’ils te soient consacrés : en devenant pour nous un sacrement, qu’ils nous apportent l’éternelle guérison. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Ps 5, 12
Qu’ils obtiennent la joie, Seigneur, ceux qui t’espèrent, une joie éternelle en ta présence.
Prière après la communion
Tu ne cesses de nous proposer, Seigneur, les sacrements qui soutiennent nos forces ; fais que cette nourriture nous donne la vie éternelle. Par Jésus.
Méditation
Le plus grand miracle que le Christ a donné au monde c’est sa résurrection des morts. Et son corollaire c’est l’amour du prochain. Notre monde présent est marqué par une totale indifférence aux souffrances du prochain. Pendant que certains courent vers des miracles supra naturels, d’autres ont juste besoin d’un morceau de pain, d’un paracétamol, d’un sourire pour croire encore à la vie et proclamer le miracle de Dieu accompli pour eux. Et c’est là que se trouve le vrai miracle, le miracle authentique et non dans des faits supra naturels.
by L'équipe de publication | Feb 24, 2026 | Evangelium
SAINT ETHELBERT
Psalter I | VIOLET
He embraced Christianity and supported the Christian faith, but did not enforce conversions on his subjects. He founded the abbeys of Christ Church, Sts. Peter and Paul in Canterbury, and St. Andrew’s in Rochester. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of Christianity in England and is recognized as a saint in some traditions.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 24:6, 2, 22
Remember your compassion, O Lord, and your merciful love, for they are from of old. Let not our enemies exult over us. Redeem us, O God of Israel, from all our distress.
Collect
Look kindly, Lord, we pray, on the devotion of your people, that those who by self-denial are restrained in body may by the fruit of good works be renewed in mind. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
First reading: Jonah 3:1-10
The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: “Set out for the great city of Nineveh, and announce to it the message that I will tell you.” So Jonah made ready and went to Nineveh, according to the Lord’s bidding. Now Nineveh was an enormously large city; it took three days to go through it. Jonah began his journey through the city, and had gone but a single day’s walk announcing, “Forty days more and Nineveh shall be destroyed,” when the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast and all of them, great and small, put on sackcloth. When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in the ashes. Then he had this proclaimed throughout Nineveh, by decree of the king and his nobles: “Neither man nor beast, neither cattle nor sheep, shall taste anything; they shall not eat, nor shall they drink water. Man and beast shall be covered with sackcloth and call loudly to God; every man shall turn from his evil way and from the violence he has in hand. Who knows, God may relent and forgive, and withhold his blazing wrath, so that we shall not perish.” When God saw by their actions how they turned from their evil way, he repented of the evil that he had threatened to do to them; he did not carry it out.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19
R/ A heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
- Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense. Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me.
- A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me.
- For you are not pleased with sacrifices; should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it. My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit; a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.
Saint Biography
He embraced Christianity and supported the Christian faith, but did not enforce conversions on his subjects. He founded the abbeys of Christ Church, Sts. Peter and Paul in Canterbury, and St. Andrew’s in Rochester. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of Christianity in England and is recognized as a saint in some traditions.
Gospel Acclamation: Joel 2:12-13
Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart for I am gracious and merciful.
Gospel: Luke 11:29-32
While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.”
Prayer over the Offerings
We offer to you, O Lord, what you have given to be dedicated to your name, that, just as for our benefit you make these gifts a Sacrament, so you may let them become for us an eternal remedy. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Ps 5: 12
All who take refuge in you shall be glad, O Lord, and ever cry out their joy, and you shall dwell among them.
Prayer after Communion
O God, who never cease to nourish us by your Sacrament, grant that the refreshment you give us through it may bring us unending life. Through Christ our Lord.
Prayer over the People
Watch over your people, Lord, and in your kindness cleanse them from all sins, for if evil has no dominion over them, no trial can do them harm. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
“A humbled, contrite heart you will not spurn.” Psalm 50(51) is the prayer of a sinner who humbly acknowledges his sin and sincerely asks God for forgiveness. This is the attitude that the people of Nineveh adopted when they heard Jonah’s preaching; they believed in God, fasted, prayed and changed their ways. This is the attitude that Jesus, unfortunately, did not see in the people of his generation; despite all his miracles and his teaching, they had not changed. Acknowledgement of our sinfulness and conversion are the first step to establishing communion with God. But quite often we refuse to take this step; we look for arguments to justify the wrong things we do; we are too proud to accept our faults in our relationships with others; we refuse to go for confession, and even when we go, sometimes we are not sincere. As long as we refuse to acknowledge our wrongdoing, humbly ask God for forgiveness, and sincerely strive to change, we can never come close to God. Let us pray for the grace of humble and contrite hearts.
