by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | Mar 12, 2020 | Evangelium
friday 13 March 2020
Blessed Agnello of Pissa
He was admitted into the Franciscan Order by St. Francis himself.
His reputation for sanctity and prudence stood high amongst his fellows.
Violet
Entrance Antiphon: Ps 30: 2, 5
In you, O Lord, I put my trust, let me never be put to shame; release me from the snare they have hidden for me, for you indeed are my refuge.
Collect
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, purifying us by the sacred practice of penance, you may lead us in sincerity of heart to attain the holy things to come. 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 37:3-4,12-13,17-28
Israel loved Joseph more than all his other sons, for he was the son of his old age, and he had a coat with long sleeves made for him. But his brothers, seeing how his father loved him more than all his other sons, came to hate him so much that they could not say a civil word to him. His brothers went to pasture their father’s flock at Shechem. Then Israel said to Joseph, ‘Are not your brothers with the flock at Shechem? Come, I am going to send you to them.’ So Joseph went after his brothers and found them at Dothan. They saw him in the distance, and before he reached them they made a plot among themselves to put him to death. ‘Here comes the man of dreams’ they said to one another. ‘Come on, let us kill him and throw him into some well; we can say that a wild beast devoured him. Then we shall see what becomes of his dreams.’ But Reuben heard, and he saved him from their violence. ‘We must not take his life’ he said. ‘Shed no blood,’ said Reuben to them ‘throw him into this well in the wilderness, but do not lay violent hands on him’ – intending to save him from them and to restore him to his father. So, when Joseph reached his brothers, they pulled off his coat, the coat with long sleeves that he was wearing, and catching hold of him they threw him into the well, an empty well with no water in it. They then sat down to eat. Looking up they saw a group of Ishmaelites who were coming from Gilead, their camels laden with gum, tragacanth, balsam and resin, which they were taking down into Egypt. Then Judah said to his brothers, ‘What do we gain by killing our brother and covering up his blood? Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, but let us not do any harm to him. After all, he is our brother, and our own flesh.’ His brothers agreed. Now some Midianite merchants were passing, and they drew Joseph up out of the well. They sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty silver pieces, and these men took Joseph to Egypt.
Psalm 104(105):16-21
R/ Remember the wonders the Lord has done.
- The Lord called down a famine on the land; he broke the staff that supported them. He had sent a man before them, Joseph, sold as a slave.
- His feet were put in chains, his neck was bound with iron, until what he said came to pass and the word of the Lord proved him true.
- Then the king sent and released him the ruler of the people set him free, making him master of his house and ruler of all he possessed.
Gospel Acclamation: Jn 3:16
Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus! God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son: everyone who believes in him has eternal life. Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus!
Gospel: Matthew 21:33-43,45-46
Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people, ‘Listen to another parable. There was a man, a landowner, who planted a vineyard; he fenced it round, dug a winepress in it and built a tower; then he leased it to tenants and went abroad. When vintage time drew near he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his produce. But the tenants seized his servants, thrashed one, killed another and stoned a third. Next he sent some more servants, this time a larger number, and they dealt with them in the same way. Finally he sent his son to them. “They will respect my son” he said. But when the tenants saw the son, they said to each other, “This is the heir. Come on, let us kill him and take over his inheritance.” So they seized him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. Now when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?’ They answered, ‘He will bring those wretches to a wretched end and lease the vineyard to other tenants who will deliver the produce to him when the season arrives.’ Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the scriptures: It was the stone rejected by the builders that became the keystone. This was the Lord’s doing and it is wonderful to see?‘I tell you, then, that the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.’ When they heard his parables, the chief priests and the scribes realised he was speaking about them, but though they would have liked to arrest him they were afraid of the crowds, who looked on him as a prophet.
Prayer over the Offerings
May your merciful grace prepare your servants, O God, for the worthy celebration of these mysteries, and lead them to it by a devout way of life. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: 1 Jn 4: 10
God loved us, and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.
Prayer after Communion
Having received this pledge of eternal salvation, we pray, O Lord, that we may set our course so well as to attain the redemption you promise. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
One of the factors that hinder God’s blessings in our life is greed. This greed is backed up by our insatiable nature. God blessed us in different ways but because we do not acknowledge these blessings, we in up being jealous and seizing up other people’s blessings. Greed is simply a lack of appreciation for what God has done in our lives. Blessings are not personal, but instead are meant to bless others. Many times we hear people ask for abundant blessings but yet cannot account for the blessings God has shown them. We can only give account of our blessing by showing love to our brothers and sisters who are less privileged. Do not feel angry when God call you to account. Share you blessing and God will promote you to higher blessings.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | Mar 11, 2020 | Evangelium
thursday 12 March 2020
St. Fina
She lived as a poor hermit whom cared for the poor the best that she could. Saint Fina lived according to the Rule of Saint Benedict and had a vision of Saint Gregory which foretold the date of her death.
Violet
Entrance Antiphon: Ps 138: 23-24
Test me, O God, and know my thoughts. See that my path is not wicked, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Collect
O God, who delight in innocence and restore it,direct the hearts of your servants to yourself, that, caught up in the fire of your Spirit, we may be found steadfast in faith and effective in works. 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: Jeremiah 17:5-10
The Lord says this: ‘A curse on the man who puts his trust in man, who relies on things of flesh, whose heart turns from the Lord. He is like dry scrub in the wastelands: if good comes, he has no eyes for it, he settles in the parched places of the wilderness, a salt land, uninhabited. ‘A blessing on the man who puts his trust in the Lord, with the Lord for his hope. He is like a tree by the waterside that thrusts its roots to the stream: when the heat comes it feels no alarm, its foliage stays green; it has no worries in a year of drought, and never ceases to bear fruit. ‘The heart is more devious than any other thing, perverse too: who can pierce its secrets? I, the Lord, search to the heart, I probe the loins, to give each man what his conduct and his actions deserve.’
Psalm 1:1-4,6
R/ Happy the man who has placed his trust in the Lord.
- Happy indeed is the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked; nor lingers in the way of sinners nor sits in the company of scorners, but whose delight is the law of the Lord and who ponders his law day and night.
- He is like a tree that is planted beside the flowing waters, that yields its fruit in due season and whose leaves shall never fade; and all that he does shall prosper.
- Not so are the wicked, not so! For they like winnowed chaff shall be driven away by the wind for the Lord guards the way of the just but the way of the wicked leads to doom.
Gospel Acclamation: Lk15:18
Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory! I will leave this place and go to my father and say: ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.’ Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory!
Gospel: Luke 16:19-31
Jesus said to the Pharisees: ‘There was a rich man who used to dress in purple and fine linen and feast magnificently every day. And at his gate there lay a poor man called Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to fill himself with the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. Dogs even came and licked his sores. Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to the bosom of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. ‘In his torment in Hades he looked up and saw Abraham a long way off with Lazarus in his bosom. So he cried out, “Father Abraham, pity me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in agony in these flames.” “My son,” Abraham replied “remember that during your life good things came your way, just as bad things came the way of Lazarus. Now he is being comforted here while you are in agony. But that is not all: between us and you a great gulf has been fixed, to stop anyone, if he wanted to, crossing from our side to yours, and to stop any crossing from your side to ours.” ‘The rich man replied, “Father, I beg you then to send Lazarus to my father’s house, since I have five brothers, to give them warning so that they do not come to this place of torment too.” “They have Moses and the prophets,” said Abraham “let them listen to them.” “Ah no, father Abraham,” said the rich man “but if someone comes to them from the dead, they will repent.” Then Abraham said to him, “If they will not listen either to Moses or to the prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone should rise from the dead.”’
Prayer over the Offerings
By this present sacrifice, we pray, O Lord, sanctify our observance, that what Lenten discipline outwardly declares it may inwardly bring about. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Ps 118: 1
Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord.
Prayer after Communion
May this sacrifice, O God, remain active in its effects and work ever more strongly within us. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Jesus presents to us today the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. First, the parable shows the unreliable nature of humanity. Lazarus comes to this rich man to ask for his daily bread, but feels disappointed and dies. God, who is filled with compassion accepts Lazarus and keeps him in His abundance. As we live on earth, we are faced by disappointments by trusted allies, friends and even relations. The psalmist will say, “those who put their trust in God are like Mount Zion that can never be shaken”. It is only in God that we have our firm foundation. Put your trust in God and you shall be saved.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | Mar 11, 2020 | Agenda Biblique
Saint Maximilien
Il avait 20 ans quand il comparut devant le proconsul romain pour avoir refusé d’être enrôlé dans l’armée. Réfractaire, il se voulait soldat du Christ et refusa de porter au cou la médaille à l’effigie de l’empereur. C’est pour cette raison qu’il fut condamné à mort en 295.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 138, 23-24
Scrute-moi, mon Dieu, et tu connaîtras mon cœur. Vois si le mal ne fait pas en moi son chemin et conduis-moi sur le chemin d’éternité.
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu qui aimes l’innocence et la fais recouvrer, oriente vers toi le cœur de tes fidèles, pour que, dociles à ton Esprit, ils soient fermes dans la foi et vraiment efficaces. Par Jésus Christ.
1ère lecture : Jr 17, 5-10
Ainsi parle le Seigneur : Maudit soit l’homme qui met sa foi dans un mortel, qui s’appuie sur un être de chair, tandis que son cœur se détourne du Seigneur. Il sera comme un buisson sur une terre désolée, il ne verra pas venir le bonheur. Il aura pour demeure les lieux arides du désert, une terre salée, inhabitable. Béni soit l’homme qui met sa foi dans le Seigneur, dont le Seigneur est la confiance. Il sera comme un arbre, planté près des eaux, qui pousse, vers le courant, ses racines. Il ne craint pas quand vient la chaleur : son feuillage reste vert. L’année de la sécheresse, il est sans inquiétude : il ne manque pas de porter du fruit. Rien n’est plus faux que le cœur de l’homme, il est incurable. Qui peut le connaître ? Moi, le Seigneur, qui pénètre les cœurs et qui scrute les reins, afin de rendre à chacun selon sa conduite, selon le fruit de ses actes.
Psaume : 1, 1-2, 3, 4.6
R/ Heureux est l’homme qui met sa foi dans le Seigneur.
- Heureux est l’homme qui n’entre pas au conseil des méchants, qui ne suit pas le chemin des pécheurs, ne siège pas avec ceux qui ricanent, mais se plaît dans la loi du Seigneur et murmure sa loi jour et nuit !
- Il est comme un arbre planté près d’un ruisseau, qui donne du fruit en son temps, et jamais son feuillage ne meurt ; tout ce qu’il entreprend réussira, tel n’est pas le sort des méchants.
- Mais ils sont comme la paille balayée par le vent : au jugement, les méchants ne se lèveront pas, ni les pécheurs au rassemblement des justes. Le Seigneur connaît le chemin des justes, mais le chemin des méchants se perdra.
Acclamation : Lc 8,15
Ta parole, Seigneur, est vérité, et ta loi, délivrance. Heureux ceux qui ont entendu la Parole dans un cœur bon et généreux, qui la retiennent et portent du fruit par leur persévérance. Ta parole, Seigneur, est vérité, et ta loi, délivrance.
Evangile : Lc 16, 19-31
En ce temps-là, Jésus disait aux pharisiens : « Il y avait un homme riche, vêtu de pourpre et de lin fin, qui faisait chaque jour des festins somptueux. Devant son portail gisait un pauvre nommé Lazare, qui était couvert d’ulcères. Il aurait bien voulu se rassasier de ce qui tombait de la table du riche ; mais les chiens, eux, venaient lécher ses ulcères. Or le pauvre mourut, et les anges l’emportèrent auprès d’Abraham. Le riche mourut aussi, et on l’enterra. Au séjour des morts, il était en proie à la torture ; levant les yeux, il vit Abraham de loin et Lazare tout près de lui. Alors il cria : “Père Abraham, prends pitié de moi et envoie Lazare tremper le bout de son doigt dans l’eau pour me rafraîchir la langue, car je souffre terriblement dans cette fournaise. – Mon enfant, répondit Abraham, rappelle- toi : tu as reçu le bonheur pendant ta vie, et Lazare, le malheur pendant la sienne. Maintenant, lui, il trouve ici la consolation, et toi, la souffrance. Et en plus de tout cela, un grand abîme a été établi entre vous et nous, pour que ceux qui voudraient passer vers vous ne le puissent pas, et que, de là- bas non plus, on ne traverse pas vers nous.” Le riche répliqua : “Eh bien ! père, je te prie d’envoyer Lazare dans la maison de mon père. En effet, j’ai cinq frères : qu’il leur porte son témoignage, de peur qu’eux aussi ne viennent dans ce lieu de torture !” Abraham lui dit: “Ils ont Moïse et les Prophètes: qu’ils les écoutent! – Non, père Abraham, dit- il, mais si quelqu’un de chez les morts vient les trouver, ils se convertiront.” Abraham répondit : “S’ils n’écoutent pas Moïse ni les Prophètes, quelqu’un pourra bien ressusciter d’entre les morts : ils ne seront pas convaincus.” »
Prière sur les offrandes
Par cette Eucharistie, Seigneur, sanctifie nos œuvres de pénitence, pour que l’entraînement du carême aboutisse à la vraie conversion du cœur. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion: Ps 118,1
Heureux, les hommes d’une conduite irréprochable qui suivent la loi du Seigneur.
Prière après la communion :
Que cette communion, Seigneur, demeure agissante en nous et prolonge son effet dans notre vie. Par Jésus.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | Mar 10, 2020 | Agenda Biblique
Sainte Rosine
Très vénérée dans le diocèse d’Augsbourg, son nom vient du latin « Rosa », la Rose.
Antienne d’ouverture
Ne m’abandonne pas, Seigneur, mon Dieu, ne reste pas si loin ! Viens vite, à mon aide, Seigneur, mon salut. (Ps 37, 22-23)
Prière d’ouverture :
Donne à ta famille, Seigneur, de progresser en faisant toujours ce qui est bon ; assure-lui le nécessaire en cette vie pour la conduire aux biens du Royaume. Par Jésus Christ.
1ère lecture : Jr 18, 18-20
Mes ennemis ont dit : « Allons, montons un complot contre Jérémie. La loi ne va pas disparaître par manque de prêtre, ni le conseil, par manque de sage, ni la parole, par manque de prophète. Allons, attaquons-le par notre langue, ne faisons pas attention à toutes ses paroles. » Mais toi, Seigneur, fais attention à moi, écoute ce que disent mes adversaires. Comment peut-on rendre le mal pour le bien ? Ils ont creusé une fosse pour me perdre. Souviens-toi que je me suis tenu en ta présence pour te parler en leur faveur, pour détourner d’eux ta colère.
Psaume : 30 (31), 5-6, 14, 15-16
R/ Sauve- moi, mon Dieu, par ton amour.
- Tu m’arraches au filet qu’ils m’ont tendu ; oui, c’est toi mon abri. En tes mains je remets mon esprit tu me rachètes, Seigneur, Dieu de vérité.
- J’entends les calomnies de la foule : de tous côtés c’est l’épouvante. Ils ont tenu conseil contre moi, ils s’accordent pour m’ôter la vie.
- Moi, je suis sûr de toi, Seigneur, je dis : « Tu es mon Dieu ! » Mes jours sont dans ta main : délivre-moi des mains hostiles qui s’acharnent.
Acclamation :
Gloire et louange à toi, Seigneur Jésus ! Moi, je suis la lumière du monde, dit le Seigneur. Celui qui me suit aura la lumière de la vie. Gloire et louange à toi, Seigneur Jésus !
Evangile : Mt 20, 17-28
En ce temps-là, Jésus, montant à Jérusalem, prit à part les Douze disciples et, en chemin, il leur dit : « Voici que nous montons à Jérusalem. Le Fils de l’homme sera livré aux grands prêtres et aux scribes, ils le condamneront à mort et le livreront aux nations païennes pour qu’elles se moquent de lui, le flagellent et le crucifient ; le troisième jour, il ressuscitera. » Alors la mère des fils de Zébédée s’approcha de Jésus avec ses fils Jacques et Jean, et elle se prosterna pour lui faire une demande. Jésus lui dit : « Que veux-tu ? » Elle répondit : « Ordonne que mes deux fils que voici siègent, l’un à ta droite et l’autre à ta gauche, dans ton Royaume. » Jésus répondit : « Vous ne savez pas ce que vous demandez. Pouvez-vous boire la coupe que je vais boire ? » Ils lui disent : « Nous le pouvons. » Il leur dit : « Ma coupe, vous la boirez ; quant à siéger à ma droite et à ma gauche, ce n’est pas à moi de l’accorder ; il y a ceux pour qui cela est préparé par mon Père. » Les dix autres, qui avaient entendu, s’indignèrent contre les deux frères. Jésus les appela et dit : « Vous le savez : les chefs des nations les commandent en maîtres, et les grands font sentir leur pouvoir. Parmi vous, il ne devra pas en être ainsi : celui qui veut devenir grand parmi vous sera votre serviteur ; et celui qui veut être parmi vous le premier sera votre esclave. Ainsi, le Fils de l’homme n’est pas venu pour être servi, mais pour servir, et donner sa vie en rançon pour la multitude. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Regarde avec bonté, Seigneur, les dons que nous te présentons ; et par ceux que tu nous feras en échange, dégage-nous de nos péchés pour nous rendre libres en toi. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion: Mt 20, 28
Le Fils de l’homme n’est pas venu pour être servi, mais pour servir, et donner sa vie en rançon pour la multitude.
Prière après la communion :
Dans cette communion, Seigneur, tu as voulu nous donner un gage de notre immortalité : permets donc qu’elle nous ouvre les portes de ton Royaume. Par Jésus.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | Mar 10, 2020 | Evangelium
wednesday 11 March 2020
St Aengus (- 824)
He was born near Clonenagh, Ireland. He was first a hermit and later joined the monastery of Tallaght. He was a co-author of a martyrology written in 790. He died on 11 March 824.
Violet
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
Keep your family, O Lord, schooled always in good works, and so comfort them with your protection here as to lead them graciously to gifts on high. 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: Jeremiah 18:18-20
‘Come on,’ they said, ‘let us concoct a plot against Jeremiah; the priest will not run short of instruction without him, nor the sage of advice, nor the prophet of the word. Come on, let us hit at him with his own tongue; let us listen carefully to every word he says.’ Listen to me, O Lord, hear what my adversaries are saying. Should evil be returned for good? For they are digging a pit for me. Remember how I stood in your presence to plead on their behalf, to turn your wrath away from them.
Psalm 30(31):5-6,14-16
R/ Save me in your love, O Lord.
- Release me from the snares they have hidden for you are my refuge, Lord. Into your hands I commend my spirit. It is you who will redeem me, Lord.
- I have heard the slander of the crowd, fear is all around me, as they plot together against me, as they plan to take my life.
- But as for me, I trust in you, Lord; I say: ‘You are my God. My life is in your hands, deliver me from the hands of those who hate me.’
Gospel Acclamation: Jn6:63,68
Glory to you, O Christ, you are the Word of God! Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life; you have the message of eternal life. Glory to you, O Christ, you are the Word of God!
Gospel: Matthew 20:17-28
Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, and on the way he took the Twelve to one side and said to them, ‘Now we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man is about to be handed over to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the pagans to be mocked and scourged and crucified; and on the third day he will rise again.’ Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came with her sons to make a request of him, and bowed low; and he said to her, ‘What is it you want?’ She said to him, ‘Promise that these two sons of mine may sit one at your right hand and the other at your left in your kingdom.’ ‘You do not know what you are asking’ Jesus answered. ‘Can you drink the cup that I am going to drink?’ They replied, ‘We can.’ ‘Very well,’ he said ‘you shall drink my cup, but as for seats at my right hand and my left, these are not mine to grant; they belong to those to whom they have been allotted by my Father.’ When the other ten heard this they were indignant with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know that among the pagans the rulers lord it over them, and their great men make their authority felt. This is not to happen among you. No; anyone who wants to be great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be your slave, just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Look with favour, Lord, on the sacrificial gifts we offer you, and by this holy exchange undo the bonds of our sins. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Mt 20: 28
The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Prayer after Communion
Grant, we pray, O Lord our God, that what you have given us as the pledge of immortality may work for our eternal salvation. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
The true reality of every Christian is that you can never avoid persecution, because the ways of the spirit will always conflict with the ways of the world. When Jesus says, “He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world”, he simply affirms our earthly battles against principalities and powers. These principalities are principles of corruption in the world, which the world would want us to be among. The powers are the forces that coerce us to submit to these corrupt practices in the world. Do not submit because in Christ we are assured of victory.
