by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | Apr 24, 2019 | Evangelium
Easter Thursday
ST MARK THE EVANGELIST
He was a cousin of Barnabas and accompanied the apostle Paul on his first missionary journey; later he followed him to Rome. He is credited with founding the Church in Alexandria.
White
Entrance Antiphon: Wis 10: 20-21
They praised in unison your conquering hand, O Lord, for wisdom opened mouths that were mute and gave eloquence to the tongues of infants, alleluia.
Collect
O God, who have united the many nations in confessing your name, grant that those reborn in the font of Baptism may be one in the faith of their hearts and the homage of their deeds. 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: Acts 3:11-26
Everyone came running towards Peter and John in great excitement, to the Portico of Solomon, as it is called, where the man was still clinging to Peter and John. When Peter saw the people he addressed them, ‘Why are you so surprised at this? Why are you staring at us as though we had made this man walk by our own power or holiness? You are Israelites, and it is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our ancestors, who has glorified his servant Jesus, the same Jesus you handed over and then disowned in the presence of Pilate after Pilate had decided to release him. It was you who accused the Holy One, the Just One, you who demanded the reprieve of a murderer while you killed the prince of life. God, however, raised him from the dead, and to that fact we are the witnesses; and it is the name of Jesus which, through our faith in it, has brought back the strength of this man whom you see here and who is well known to you. It is faith in that name that has restored this man to health, as you can all see. ‘Now I know, brothers, that neither you nor your leaders had any idea what you were really doing; this was the way God carried out what he had foretold, when he said through all his prophets that his Christ would suffer. Now you must repent and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, and so that the Lord may send the time of comfort. Then he will send you the Christ he has predestined, that is Jesus, whom heaven must keep till the universal restoration comes which God proclaimed, speaking through his holy prophets. Moses, for example, said: The Lord God will raise up a prophet like myself for you, from among your own brothers; you must listen to whatever he tells you. The man who does not listen to that prophet is to be cut off from the people. In fact, all the prophets that have ever spoken, from Samuel onwards, have predicted these days. ‘You are the heirs of the prophets, the heirs of the covenant God made with our ancestors when he told Abraham: in your offspring all the families of the earth will be blessed. It was for you in the first place that God raised up his servant and sent him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways.’
Psalm 8:2,5-9
R) How great is your name, O Lord our God, through all the earth!
1) How great is your name, O Lord our God, through all the earth! What is man that you should keep him in mind, mortal man that you care for him?
2) Yet you have made him little less than a god; with glory and honour you crowned him, gave him power over the works of your hand, put all things under his feet.
3) All of them, sheep and cattle, yes, even the savage beasts, birds of the air, and fish that make their way through the waters.
Gospel Acclamation: Ps117:24
Alleluia, alleluia!This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad. Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 24:35-48
The disciples told their story of what had happened on the road and how they had recognised Jesus at the breaking of bread. They were still talking about all this when Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you!’ In a state of alarm and fright, they thought they were seeing a ghost. But he said, ‘Why are you so agitated, and why are these doubts rising in your hearts? Look at my hands and feet; yes, it is I indeed. Touch me and see for yourselves; a ghost has no flesh and bones as you can see I have.’ And as he said this he showed them his hands and feet. Their joy was so great that they still could not believe it, and they stood there dumbfounded; so he said to them, ‘Have you anything here to eat?’ And they offered him a piece of grilled fish, which he took and ate before their eyes. Then he told them, ‘This is what I meant when I said, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, in the Prophets and in the Psalms has to be fulfilled.’ He then opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, ‘So you see how it is written that the Christ would suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that, in his name, repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses to this.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Graciously be pleased, O Lord, to accept the sacrificial gifts we offer joyfully both for those who have been reborn and in hope of your increased help from heaven. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. 1 Pt 2: 9
O chosen people, proclaim the mighty works of him, who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
Hear, O Lord, our prayers, that this most holy exchange, by which you have redeemed us, may bring your help in this present life and ensure for us eternal gladness. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
The time has come for us to open our minds to the intelligence of the Scriptures. Understanding the mysteries of God by meditating the Scriptures is a grace we need to ask for. To participate in evangelisation, we must be immersed in the Word of God. We must put into practice the recommendations of Christ in our communities and families by promoting peace. It is this peace that Peter announces in his sermon, and that the paralytic who is healed attests to. You want us to live in peace in this world which you shaped by your own hands, Lord. Help us to really love you and participate in making the world a better place to live in by the grace of your Spirit.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | Apr 23, 2019 | Evangelium
Easter Wednesday
ST FIDELIS OF SIGMARINGEN (1578 – 1622)
He was born in Sigmaringen in Germany. He joined the Capuchin Friars at the age of 35 and led a harsh life of prayer and vigils. He was murdered by a Calvinist mob at Seewis on 24 April 1622.
White
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Mt 25: 34
Come, you blessed of my Father; receive the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, alleluia.
Collect
O God, who gladden us year by year with the solemnity of the Lord’s Resurrection, graciously grant, that, by celebrating these present festivities, we may merit through them to reach eternal joys. 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: Acts 3:1-10
Once, when Peter and John were going up to the Temple for the prayers at the ninth hour, it happened that there was a man being carried past. He was a cripple from birth; and they used to put him down every day near the Temple entrance called the Beautiful Gate so that he could beg from the people going in. When this man saw Peter and John on their way into the Temple he begged from them. Both Peter and John looked straight at him and said, ‘Look at us.’ He turned to them expectantly, hoping to get something from them, but Peter said, ‘I have neither silver nor gold, but I will give you what I have: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk!’ Peter then took him by the hand and helped him to stand up. Instantly his feet and ankles became firm, he jumped up, stood, and began to walk, and he went with them into the Temple, walking and jumping and praising God. Everyone could see him walking and praising God, and they recognised him as the man who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple. They were all astonished and unable to explain what had happened to him.
Psalm 104 (105):1-4, 6-9
R/ Let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice.
1) Give thanks to the Lord, tell his name, make known his deeds among the peoples. O sing to him, sing his praise; tell all his wonderful works!
2) Be proud of his holy name, let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice. Consider the Lord and his strength; constantly seek his face.
3) children of Abraham, his servant, O sons of the Jacob he chose. He, the Lord, is our God: his judgements prevail in all the earth.
4)He remembers his covenant for ever, his promise for a thousand generations, the covenant he made with Abraham, the oath he swore to Isaac.
Gospel Acclamation: Ps117:24
Alleluia, alleluia! This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad. Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 24:13-35
Two of the disciples of Jesus were on their way to a village called Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking together about all that had happened. Now as they talked this over, Jesus himself came up and walked by their side; but something prevented them from recognising him. He said to them, ‘What matters are you discussing as you walk along?’ They stopped short, their faces downcast. Then one of them, called Cleopas, answered him, ‘You must be the only person staying in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have been happening there these last few days.’ ‘What things?’ he asked. ‘All about Jesus of Nazareth’ they answered ‘who proved he was a great prophet by the things he said and did in the sight of God and of the whole people; and how our chief priests and our leaders handed him over to be sentenced to death, and had him crucified. Our own hope had been that he would be the one to set Israel free. And this is not all: two whole days have gone by since it all happened; and some women from our group have astounded us: they went to the tomb in the early morning, and when they did not find the body, they came back to tell us they had seen a vision of angels who declared he was alive. Some of our friends went to the tomb and found everything exactly as the women had reported, but of him they saw nothing.’ Then he said to them, ‘You foolish men! So slow to believe the full message of the prophets! Was it not ordained that the Christ should suffer and so enter into his glory?’ Then, starting with Moses and going through all the prophets, he explained to them the passages throughout the scriptures that were about himself. When they drew near to the village to which they were going, he made as if to go on; but they pressed him to stay with them. ‘It is nearly evening’ they said ‘and the day is almost over.’ So he went in to stay with them. Now while he was with them at table, he took the bread and said the blessing; then he broke it and handed it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognised him; but he had vanished from their sight. Then they said to each other, ‘Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked to us on the road and explained the scriptures to us?’ They set out that instant and returned to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven assembled together with their companions, who said to them, ‘Yes, it is true. The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.’ Then they told their story of what had happened on the road and how they had recognised him at the breaking of bread.
Prayer over the Offerings
Receive, we pray, O Lord, the sacrifice which has redeemed the human race, and be pleased to accomplish in us salvation of mind and body. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Lk 24: 35
The disciples recognized the Lord Jesus in the breaking of the bread, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
We pray, O Lord, that the reverent reception of the Sacrament of your Son may cleanse us from our old ways and transform us into a new creation. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
The power of Christ is manifested in his disciples through the works they accomplish. Peter and John healed the paralytic at the “Beautiful Gate”, in the name of Jesus with deep humility. Like the disciples of Emmaus, I recognize you Lord in the Eucharist, at adoration, at prayers and within my brothers and sisters. In this, I improve my regard for others and myself. May I not be blinded by indifference. The world needs my involvement, my attention, and my prayers. An ardent thirst for you resides in my heart. Come and live in me and fill me with your peace and justice.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | Apr 23, 2019 | Agenda Biblique
Saint Fidèle de Sigmaringen, prêtre et martyr
Fils du bourgmestre de Sigmaringen sur le haut Danube, Marc Rey (1578-1622) est surnommé, pendant ses études, le ‘’philosophe chrétien’’. Précepteur de trois princes, puis avocat à Colmar, il entre à trente-cinq ans chez les Capucins où il prend le nom de Fidèle. Missionnaire ardent, il cherche à ramener les chrétiens à l’unité et meurt pour la foi catholique en Suisse, après avoir pardonné à ses meurtriers.
Blanc
Antienne D’ouverture : Mt 25, 34
« Venez, les bénis de mon Père, dit le Seigneur, recevez en héritage le royaume préparé pour vous depuis la création du monde » Alléluia.
Prière D’ouverture
Dieu qui nous donne chaque année la joie de fêter la résurrection du Seigneur, ouvre-nous, à travers ces fêtes d’ici-bas, le chemin vers la joie éternelle. Par Jésus Christ.
Première lecture : Act 3, 1-10
En ces jours-là, Pierre et Jean montaient au Temple pour la prière de l’après-midi, à la neuvième heure. On y amenait alors un homme, infirme de naissance, que l’on installait chaque jour à la porte du Temple, appelée la « Belle-Porte », pour qu’il demande l’aumône à ceux qui entraient. Voyant Pierre et Jean qui allaient entrer dans le Temple, il leur demanda l’aumône. Alors Pierre, ainsi que Jean, fixa les yeux sur lui, et il dit : « Regarde-nous ! » L’homme les observait, s’attendant à recevoir quelque chose de leur part. Pierre déclara : « De l’argent et de l’or, je n’en ai pas; mais ce que j’ai, je te le donne: au nom de Jésus Christ le Nazaréen, lève-toi et marche. » Alors, le prenant par la main droite, il le releva et, à l’instant même, ses pieds et ses chevilles s’affermirent. D’un bond, il fut debout et il marchait. Entrant avec eux dans le Temple, il marchait, bondissait, et louait Dieu. Et tout le peuple le vit marcher et louer Dieu. On le reconnaissait: c’est bien lui qui était assis à la « Belle-Porte» du Temple pour demander l’aumône. Et les gens étaient frappés de stupeur et désorientés devant ce qui lui était arrivé.
Psaume 104 (105), 1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9
R/ Joie pour les cœurs qui cherchent Dieu ! ou : Alléluia ! 104,3b
1. Rendez grâce au Seigneur, proclamez son nom, annoncez parmi les peuples ses hauts faits ; chantez et jouez pour lui, redites sans fin ses merveilles.
2. Glorifiez-vous de son nom très saint : joie pour les cœurs qui cherchent Dieu! Cherchez le Seigneur et sa puissance, recherchez sans trêve sa face.
3. Vous, la race d’Abraham son serviteur, les fils de Jacob, qu’il a choisis. Le Seigneur, c’est lui notre Dieu: ses jugements font loi pour l’univers.
4. Il s’est toujours souvenu de son alliance, parole édictée pour mille générations : promesse faite à Abraham, garantie par serment à Isaac.
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia.Voici le jour que fit le Seigneur, qu’il soit pour nous jour de fête et de joie! Alléluia.(Ps 117, 24)
Évangile : Luc 24, 13-35
Le même jour (c’est-à-dire le premier jour de la semaine), deux disciples faisaient route vers un village appelé Emmaüs, à deux heures de marche de Jérusalem, et ils parlaient entre eux de tout ce qui s’était passé. Or, tandis qu’ils s’entretenaient et s’interrogeaient, Jésus lui-même s’approcha, et il marchait avec eux. Mais leurs yeux étaient empêchés de le reconnaître. Jésus leur dit: «De quoi discutez-vous en marchant?» Alors, ils s’arrêtèrent, tout tristes. L’un des deux, nommé Cléophas, lui répondit: «Tu es bien le seul étranger résidant à Jérusalem qui ignore les événements de ces jours-ci. » Il leur dit: « Quels événements ? » Ils lui répondirent : « Ce qui est arrivé à Jésus de Nazareth, cet homme qui était un prophète puissant par ses actes et ses paroles devant Dieu et devant tout le peuple : comment les grands prêtres et nos chefs l’ont livré, ils l’ont fait condamner à mort et ils l’ont crucifié. Nous, nous espérions que c’était lui qui allait délivrer Israël. Mais avec tout cela, voici déjà le troisième jour qui passe depuis que c’est arrivé. A vrai dire, des femmes de notre groupe nous ont remplis de stupeur. Quand, dès l’aurore, elles sont allées au tombeau, elles n’ont pas trouvé son corps ; elles sont venues nous dire qu’elles avaient même eu une vision : des anges, qui disaient qu’il est vivant. Quelques-uns de nos compagnons sont allés au tombeau, et ils ont trouvé les choses comme les femmes l’avaient dit ; mais lui, ils ne l’ont pas vu. » Il leur dit alors : « Esprits sans intelligence ! Comme votre cœur est lent à croire tout ce que les prophètes ont dit! Ne fallait-il pas que le Christ souffrît cela pour entrer dans sa gloire ? » Et, partant de Moïse et de tous les Prophètes, il leur interpréta, dans toute l’Écriture, ce qui le concernait. Quand ils approchèrent du village où ils se rendaient, Jésus fit semblant d’aller plus loin. Mais ils s’efforcèrent de le retenir: «Reste avec nous, car le soir approche et déjà le jour baisse. » Il entra donc pour rester avec eux. Quand il fut à table avec eux, ayant pris le pain, il prononça la bénédiction et, l’ayant rompu, il le leur donna. Alors leurs yeux s’ouvrirent, et ils le reconnurent, mais il disparut à leurs regards. Ils se dirent l’un à l’autre : « Notre cœur n’était-il pas brûlant en nous, tandis qu’il nous parlait sur la route et nous ouvrait les Écritures ? » À l’instant même, ils se levèrent et retournèrent à Jérusalem. Ils y trouvèrent réunis les onze Apôtres et leurs compagnons, qui leur dirent : «Le Seigneur est réellement ressuscité : il est apparu à Simon-Pierre.» À leur tour, ils racontaient ce qui s’était passé sur la route, et comment le Seigneur s’était fait reconnaître par eux à la fraction du pain.
Prière sur les offrandes
Accueille, Seigneur, le sacrifice qui rachète les hommes; et dans ton action bienveillante, procure-nous le salut de l’esprit et du corps. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : cf. Lc 24, 35
Au soir de la résurrection, les disciples reconnurent le Seigneur quand il rompit le pain, alléluia.
Prière après la communion
Nous te le demandons, Seigneur: que cette communion au mystère de ton Fils nous fasse entrer, libres de tout vieillissement, dans la nouvelle création. Par Jésus.
MÉDITATION
Le pouvoir du Christ, se manifeste en ses disciples à travers les œuvres qu’ils réalisent. Pierre et Jean apportent la guérison au paralytique de la « Belle Porte », ceci au nom de Jésus, dans une humilité profonde. Comme les disciples d’Emmaüs, je te reconnais Seigneur à l’eucharistie, à l’adoration, dans la prière et au milieu de mes frères. En cela j’améliore mon regard sur moi-même et sur les autres. Que l’indifférence ne nous aveugle pas. Notre monde a besoin de notre engagement, de notre attention, de nos prières. Une soif ardente du Seigneur habite notre cœur. Qu’il habite en nous et nous comble de paix et de Justice.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | Apr 22, 2019 | Agenda Biblique
Saint Georges, martyr
Celui que les Orientaux appellent ‘’le grand martyr’’ fut décapité à Lydda (Lod) en Palestine, vers 303. Sa légende le montre triomphant d’un dragon et en fait le type du chevalier affrontant les forces du mal. Il est le patron de l’Angleterre depuis le temps des Croisades.
Blanc
Antienne D’ouverture : cf. Si 15, 3-4
Par l’eau du baptême, Dieu a répondu à notre soif du Christ. Les baptisés peuvent s’appuyer sur le Christ, ils ne fléchiront pas, ils ne seront jamais déçus, alléluia.
Prière D’ouverture
Dieu qui nous as fait passer de la mort à la vie, en nous offrant les sacrements de Pâques, poursuis toujours l’œuvre de ta grâce: que ton peuple trouve une liberté parfaite, et parvienne à la joie du ciel dont tu lui donnes déjà le goût sur la terre. Par Jésus.
Première lecture : Act 2, 36-41
Le jour de la Pentecôte, Pierre disait à la foule : « Que toute la maison d’Israël le sache donc avec certitude : Dieu l’a fait Seigneur et Christ, ce Jésus que vous aviez crucifié. » Les auditeurs furent touchés au cœur; ils dirent à Pierre et aux autres Apôtres: « Frères, que devons-nous faire ? » Pierre leur répondit : «Convertissez-vous, et que chacun de vous soit baptisé au nom de Jésus Christ pour le pardon de ses péchés; vous recevrez alors le don du Saint-Esprit. Car la promesse est pour vous, pour vos enfants et pour tous ceux qui sont loin, aussi nombreux que le Seigneur notre Dieu les appellera.» Par bien d’autres paroles encore, Pierre les adjurait et les exhortait en disant : « Détournez-vous de cette génération tortueuse, et vous serez sauvés. » Alors, ceux qui avaient accueilli la parole de Pierre furent baptisés. Ce jour-là, environ trois mille personnes se joignirent à eux.
Psaume : 32 (33), 4-5, 18-19, 20.22
R/ Toute la terre, Seigneur, est remplie de ton amour. Ou : Alléluia ! cf. 32, 5b
1. Oui, elle est droite, la parole du Seigneur ; il est fidèle en tout ce qu’il fait. Il aime le bon droit et la justice ; la terre est remplie de son amour.
2. Dieu veille sur ceux qui le craignent, qui mettent leur espoir en son amour, pour les délivrer de la mort, les garder en vie aux jours de famine.
3. Nous attendons notre vie du Seigneur : il est pour nous un appui, un bouclier. Que ton amour, Seigneur, soit sur nous comme notre espoir est en toi !
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia.Voici le jour que fit le Seigneur, qu’il soit pour nous jour de fête et de joie ! Alléluia.
(Ps 117, 24)
Évangile : Jean 20, 11-18
En ce temps-là, Marie Madeleine se tenait près du tombeau, au-dehors, tout en pleurs. Et en pleurant, elle se pencha vers le tombeau. Elle aperçoit deux anges vêtus de blanc, assis l’un à la tête et l’autre aux pieds, à l’endroit où avait reposé le corps de Jésus. Ils lui demandent : « Femme, pourquoi pleures-tu ? » Elle leur répond : «On a enlevé mon Seigneur, et je ne sais pas où on l’a déposé. » Ayant dit cela, elle se retourna ; elle aperçoit Jésus qui se tenait là, mais elle ne savait pas que c’était Jésus. Jésus lui dit : « Femme, pourquoi pleures-tu? Qui cherches-tu ? » Le prenant pour le jardinier, elle lui répond : « Si c’est toi qui l’as emporté, dis-moi où tu l’as déposé, et moi, j’irai le prendre.» Jésus lui dit alors : « Marie ! » S’étant retournée, elle lui dit en hébreu: «Rabbouni ! », c’est-à-dire : Maître. Jésus reprend : « Ne me retiens pas, car je ne suis pas encore monté vers le Père. Va trouver mes frères pour leur dire que je monte vers mon Père et votre Père, vers mon Dieu et votre Dieu. » Marie Madeleine s’en va donc annoncer aux disciples: «J’ai vu le Seigneur ! », et elle raconta ce qu’il lui avait dit.
Prière sur les offrandes
Reçois avec bonté, Seigneur, les offrandes de ton peuple : garde-le sous ta protection, pour qu’il ne perde aucun des biens que tu lui donnes, et qu’il découvre ceux qui demeurent toujours. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : cf. Col 3, 1-2
Ressuscités avec le Christ, recherchons les réalités d’en-haut: c’est là qu’est le Christ, assis à la droite de Dieu. Alléluia.
Prière après La communion
Écoute notre prière, Dieu tout-puissant : toi qui as donné à tes fidèles la grâce incomparable du baptême, prépare-les au bonheur éternel. Par Jésus.
MÉDITATION
La foi est un acte d’abandon et de confiance. Très souvent, on accorde peu de crédit aux dires des femmes. Aujourd’hui, c’est une grande nouvelle qu’elles apportent. Comment y croire ? Notre foi est faible Ô notre Dieu! Tu nous as remis dans l’œuvre du salut malgré tous nos péchés et notre incrédulité. Permets qu’à travers le feu de notre baptême, nous recevions la force de vivre de nouveau dans l’honnêteté et le partage. Jésus notre salut et notre libération nous ouvre à la fraternité. Une famille nouvelle voit le jour.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | Apr 22, 2019 | Evangelium
Easter Tuesday
ST GEORGE (D. C.303)
He was martyred at Lydda (now in Israel) in about 303, during the persecution of Diocletian. His cult spread quickly through both the East and the West
White
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Sir 15: 3-4
He gave them the water of wisdom to drink; it will be made strong in them and will not be moved; it will raise them up for ever, alleluia.
Collect
O God, who have bestowed on us paschal remedies, endow your people with heavenly gifts,
so that, possessed of perfect freedom, they may rejoice in heaven over what gladdens them now on earth. 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: Acts 2:36-41
On the day of Pentecost, Peter spoke to the Jews: ‘The whole House of Israel can be certain that God has made this Jesus whom you crucified both Lord and Christ.’ Hearing this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the apostles, ‘What must we do, brothers?’ ‘You must repent,’ Peter answered ‘and every one of you must be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise that was made is for you and your children, and for all those who are far away, for all those whom the Lord our God will call to himself.’ He spoke to them for a long time using many arguments, and he urged them, ‘Save yourselves from this perverse generation.’ They were convinced by his arguments, and they accepted what he said and were baptised. That very day about three thousand were added to their number.
Psalm 32 (33):4-5, 18-20, 22
R/ The Lord fills the earth with his love.
1) The word of the Lord is faithful and all his works to be trusted. The Lord loves justice and right and fills the earth with his love.
2) The Lord looks on those who revere him, on those who hope in his love, to rescue their souls from death, to keep them alive in famine.
3) Our soul is waiting for the Lord. The Lord is our help and our shield. May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you.
Gospel Acclamation: Ps 117:24
Alleluia, alleluia!This day was made by the Lord: we rejoice and are glad. Alleluia!
Gospel: John 20:11-18
Mary stayed outside near the tomb, weeping. Then, still weeping, she stooped to look inside, and saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had been, one at the head, the other at the feet. They said, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ ‘They have taken my Lord away’ she replied ‘and I don’t know where they have put him.’ As she said this she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, though she did not recognise him. Jesus said, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said, ‘Sir, if you have taken him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and remove him.’ Jesus said, ‘Mary!’ She knew him then and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbuni!’ – which means Master. Jesus said to her, ‘Do not cling to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go and find the brothers, and tell them: I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’ So Mary of Magdala went and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord and that he had said these things to her.
Prayer over the Offerings
Accept in compassion, Lord, we pray, the offerings of your family, that under your protective care they may never lose what they have received, but attain the gifts that are eternal. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Col 3: 1-2
If you have risen with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God; mind the things that are above, alleluia.
Prayer after Communion
Hear us, almighty God, and, as you have bestowed on your family the perfect grace of Baptism, so prepare their hearts for the reward of eternal happiness. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Faith is an act of abandonment and trust. Very often, little credit is given to the words of women. Yet they bring us such great news today! Do we receive this news in faith, or do we doubt? Our faith is weak O our God! You have brought us back into the work of creation despite our sins and disbelief. Continually renew and strengthen our faith in you and in the resurrection of your Son Jesus, and grant that through the fire of our baptism, we may receive the grace to live anew in honesty and charity. Jesus, our source of salvation and liberation, teach us to love one another like brothers and sisters.
