by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | Apr 6, 2019 | Evangelium
FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT:
PSALTER I
Violet
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 42: 1-2
Give me justice, O God, and plead my cause against a nation that is faithless. From the deceitful and cunning rescue me, for you, O God, are my strength.
Collect
By your help, we beseech you, Lord our God, may we walk eagerly in that same charity with which, out of love for the world, your Son handed himself over to death. 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: Isaiah 43:16-21
Thus says the Lord, who made a way through the sea, a path in the great waters; who put chariots and horse in the field and a powerful army which lay there never to rise again, snuffed out, put out like a wick: No need to recall the past, no need to think about what was done before. See, I am doing a new deed, even now it comes to light; can you not see it? Yes, I am making a road in the wilderness, paths in the wilds. The wild beasts will honour me, jackals and ostriches, because I am putting water in the wilderness (rivers in the wild) to give my chosen people drink. The people I have formed for myself will sing my praises.
Psalm 125 (126):1-6
R/ What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad.
1) When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage, it seemed like a dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, on our lips there were songs.
2) The heathens themselves said: ‘What marvels the Lord worked for them!’ What marvels the Lord worked for us! Indeed we were glad.
3) Deliver us, O Lord, from our bondage as streams in dry land. Those who are sowing in tears will sing when they reap.
4)They go out, they go out, full of tears, carrying seed for the sowing: they come back, they come back, full of song, carrying their sheaves.
Second reading: Philippians 3:8-14
I believe nothing can happen that will outweigh the supreme advantage of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For him I have accepted the loss of everything, and I look on everything as so much rubbish if only I can have Christ and be given a place in him. I am no longer trying for perfection by my own efforts, the perfection that comes from the Law, but I want only the perfection that comes through faith in Christ, and is from God and based on faith. All I want is to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and to share his sufferings by reproducing the pattern of his death. That is the way I can hope to take my place in the resurrection of the dead. Not that I have become perfect yet: I have not yet won, but I am still running, trying to capture the prize for which Christ Jesus captured me. I can assure you my brothers, I am far from thinking that I have already won. All I can say is that I forget the past and I strain ahead for what is still to come; I am racing for the finish, for the prize to which God calls us upwards to receive in Christ Jesus.
Gospel Acclamation: Joel 2:12-13
Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory! Now, now – it is the Lord who speaks – come back to me with all your heart, for I am all tenderness and compassion. Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory!
Gospel: John 8:1-11
Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At daybreak he appeared in the Temple again; and as all the people came to him, he sat down and began to teach them. The scribes and Pharisees brought a woman along who had been caught committing adultery; and making her stand there in full view of everybody, they said to Jesus, ‘Master, this woman was caught in the very act of committing adultery, and Moses has ordered us in the Law to condemn women like this to death by stoning. What have you to say?’ They asked him this as a test, looking for something to use against him. But Jesus bent down and started writing on the ground with his finger. As they persisted with their question, he looked up and said, ‘If there is one of you who has not sinned, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.’ Then he bent down and wrote on the ground again. When they heard this they went away one by one, beginning with the eldest, until Jesus was left alone with the woman, who remained standing there. He looked up and said, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir’ she replied. ‘Neither do I condemn you,’ said Jesus ‘go away, and do not sin any more.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Hear us, almighty God, and, having instilled in your servants the teachings of the Christian faith, graciously purify them by the working of this sacrifice. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon
Has no one condemned you, woman? No one, Lord. Neither shall I condemn you. From now on, sin no more.
Prayer after Communion
We pray, almighty God, that we may always be counted among the members of Christ, in whose Body and Blood we have communion. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Prayer over the People
Bless, O Lord, your people, who long for the gift of your mercy, and grant that what, at your prompting, they desire they may receive by your generous gift. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Meditation
The logic of Jesus is different from that of the Pharisees, who constantly brandish the Law as a source of sanctions. After instructing the crowd, Jesus finds himself faced with a case of accusation of a woman caught in adultery, that is, a case of sin according to the Law. Here he invites us to focus not on the sins of the “other”, but on our own sins. He makes us see our own faces when we are mean. We are not good-looking when we condemn others. All of us are children of God and our inheritance is Love. The death and resurrection of Jesus is the peak of the perfection of this Love. St Paul, who has experienced this, retains in him that spiritual richness to the detriment of the material one. The power of God is the support of the righteous.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | Apr 6, 2019 | Agenda Biblique
5èmeDimanche du Carême
Saint Jean-Baptiste de la Salle, prêtre
Psautier I
Violet
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 42, 1-2
Rends-moi justice, ô mon Dieu, soutiens ma cause contre un peuple sans foi ; De l’homme qui ruse et qui trahit, libère-moi, Dieu qui es mon recours.
Prière d’ouverture
Que ta grâce nous obtienne, Seigneur, d’imiter avec joie la charité du Christ qui a donné sa vie par amour pour le monde. Lui qui. Ou bien pour les catéchumènes :
Donne, Seigneur, à ceux que tu as appelés au baptême la connaissance des mystères du salut, Pour qu’ils puissent renaître de l’eau et de l’Esprit et fassent partie de ton Église. Par Jésus Christ.
Première lecture : Isaïe 43, 16-21
Ainsi parle le Seigneur, lui qui fit un chemin dans la mer, un sentier dans les eaux puissantes, lui qui mit en campagne des chars et des chevaux, des troupes et de puissants guerriers ; les voilà tous couchés pour ne plus se relever, ils se sont éteints, consumés comme une mèche. Le Seigneur dit : « Ne faites plus mémoire des événements passés, ne songez plus aux choses d’autrefois. Voici que je fais une chose nouvelle : elle germe déjà, ne la voyez-vous pas ? Oui, je vais faire passer un chemin dans le désert, des fleuves dans les lieux arides. Les bêtes sauvages me rendront gloire – les chacals et les autruches – parce que j’aurai fait couler de l’eau dans le désert, des fleuves dans les lieux arides, pour désaltérer mon peuple, celui que j’ai choisi. Ce peuple que je me suis façonné redira ma louange. »
Psaume (Ps 125 (126), 1-2ab, 2cd-3, 4-5, 6)
R/ Quelles merveilles le Seigneur fit pour nous : nous étions en grande fête! (Ps 125, 3)
- Quand le Seigneur ramena les captifs à Sion, nous étions comme en rêve! Alors notre bouche était pleine de rires, nous poussions des cris de joie.
- Alors on disait parmi les nations: «Quelles merveilles fait pour eux le Seigneur ! » Quelles merveilles le Seigneur fit pour nous : nous étions en grande fête !
- Ramène, Seigneur, nos captifs, comme les torrents au désert. Qui sème dans les larmes moissonne dans la joie.
- Il s’en va, il s’en va en pleurant, il jette la semence; il s’en vient, il s’en vient dans la joie, il rapporte les gerbes.
Deuxième lecture : Philippiens 3, 8-14
Frères, tous les avantages que j’avais autrefois, je les considère comme une perte à cause de ce bien qui dépasse tout: la connaissance du Christ Jésus, mon Seigneur. À cause de lui, j’ai tout perdu ; je considère tout comme des ordures, afin de gagner un seul avantage, le Christ, et, en lui, d’être reconnu juste, non pas de la justice venant de la loi de Moïse mais de celle qui vient de la foi au Christ, la justice venant de Dieu, qui est fondée sur la foi. Il s’agit pour moi de connaître le Christ, d’éprouver la puissance de sa résurrection et de communier aux souffrances de sa Passion, en devenant semblable à lui dans sa mort, avec l’espoir de parvenir à la résurrection d’entre les morts. Certes, je n’ai pas encore obtenu cela, je n’ai pas encore atteint la perfection, mais je poursuis ma course pour tâcher de saisir, puisque j’ai moi-même été saisi par le Christ Jésus. Frères, quant à moi, je ne pense pas avoir déjà saisi cela. Une seule chose compte : oubliant ce qui est en arrière, et lancé vers l’avant, je cours vers le but en vue du prix auquel Dieu nous appelle là-haut dans le Christ Jésus.
Acclamation
Gloire à toi, Seigneur. Gloire à toi.Maintenant, dit le Seigneur, revenez à moi de tout votre cœur, car je suis tendre et miséricordieux. Gloire à toi, Seigneur. Gloire à toi. (Cf. Jl 2, 12b.13c)
Évangile : Jn 8, 1-11
En ce temps-là, Jésus s’en alla au mont des Oliviers. Dès l’aurore, il retourna au Temple. Comme tout le peuple venait à lui, il s’assit et se mit à enseigner. Les scribes et les pharisiens lui amènent une femme qu’on avait surprise en situation d’adultère. Ils la mettent au milieu, et disent à Jésus: « Maître, cette femme a été surprise en flagrant délit d’adultère. Or, dans la Loi, Moïse nous a ordonné de lapider ces femmes-là. Et toi, que dis-tu ? » Ils parlaient ainsi pour le mettre à l’épreuve, afin de pouvoir l’accuser. Mais Jésus s’était baissé et, du doigt, il écrivait sur la terre. Comme on persistait à l’interroger, il se redressa et leur dit : « Celui d’entre vous qui est sans péché, qu’il soit le premier à lui jeter une pierre. » Il se baissa de nouveau et il écrivait sur la terre. Eux, après avoir entendu cela, s’en allaient un par un, en commençant par les plus âgés. Jésus resta seul avec la femme toujours là au milieu. Il se redressa et lui demanda : «Femme, où sont-ils donc? Personne ne t’a condamnée ? » Elle répondit : « Personne, Seigneur. » Et Jésus lui dit : « Moi non plus, je ne te condamne pas. Va, et désormais ne pèche plus. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Exauce tes serviteurs, Dieu tout-puissant: Tu les as initiés à la foi chrétienne, qu’ils soient purifiés par ce sacrifice. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Jn 8, 10-11
« Femme, dit Jésus, personne ne t’a condamnée ? – Personne, Seigneur. – Moi non plus, je ne te condamne pas. Va, et désormais ne pèche plus. »
Prière après la communion
Accorde-nous, Dieu tout-puissant, d’être toujours comptés parmi les membres du Christ, nous qui communions à son corps et à son sang. Lui qui.
MÉDITATION
La logique de Jésus est déroutante face à celle des Pharisiens qui brandissent sans cesse la Loi comme puissance de sanctions. Après avoir instruit la foule, Jésus se retrouve face à un cas d’accusation d’une femme prise en situation d’adultère. Et donc de péché selon la Loi. Ici Jésus n’oriente pas son regard sur les péchés de l’autre, mais sur les miens. Il me fait voir mon propre visage quand je suis méchant. Je ne suis pas beau à voir quand j’accuse les autres. C’est pourquoi l’on doit se retirer pour cacher cette laideur, l’enlever et rendre notre cœur sensible. Tous nous sommes enfants de Dieu et notre héritage est l’Amour. La mort et la résurrection de Jésus est le sommet de la perfection de cet Amour. St Paul qui en a fait l’expérience garde en lui cette richesse spirituelle au détriment de la celle matérielle. La puissance de Dieu est l’appui des Justes. C’est la merveille que nous conte Isaïe dans les œuvres du Seigneur pour son peuple Israël. Lui qui est le maître de notre histoire, Il proclame sa puissance en ressuscitant le Christ Jésus, pour confondre les puissants et relever les faibles.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | Apr 5, 2019 | Evangelium
Saint William of Eskilsoe
(1125 – 1203)
He was born in 1125 and was a French religious who willingly led a life with few comforts. He spent many hours in prayer and became a scholar of religious law. An account written after his death described him as “famous for his life and miracles.” He died in 1203.
Violet
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 17: 5, 7
The waves of death rose about me; the pains of the netherworld surrounded me. In my anguish I called to the Lord, and from his holy temple he heard my voice.
Collect
May the working of your mercy, O Lord, we pray, direct our hearts aright, for without your grace we cannot find favour in your sight. 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 11:18-20
The Lord revealed it to me; I was warned. O Lord, that was when you opened my eyes to their scheming. I for my part was like a trustful lamb being led to the slaughter-house, not knowing the schemes they were plotting against me, ‘Let us destroy the tree in its strength, let us cut him off from the land of the living, so that his name may be quickly forgotten!’ But you, the Lord of Hosts, who pronounce a just sentence, who probe the loins and heart, let me see the vengeance you will take on them, for I have committed my cause to you.
Psalm 7:2-3, 9-12
R/ Lord God, I take refuge in you.
1) Lord God, I take refuge in you. From my pursuer save me and rescue me, lest he tear me to pieces like a lion and drag me off with no one to rescue me.
2) Give judgement for me, Lord; I am just and innocent of heart. Put an end to the evil of the wicked! Make the just stand firm, you who test mind and heart, O just God!
3) God is the shield that protects me, who saves the upright of heart. God is a just judge slow to anger; but he threatens the wicked every day.
Gospel Acclamation: Ezk 33:11
Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus! I take pleasure, not in the death of a wicked man – it is the Lord who speaks – but in the turning back of a wicked man who changes his ways to win life. Praise and honour to you, Lord Jesus!
Gospel: John 7:40-52
Several people who had been listening to Jesus said, ‘Surely he must be the prophet’, and some said, ‘He is the Christ’, but others said, ‘Would the Christ be from Galilee? Does not scripture say that the Christ must be descended from David and come from the town of Bethlehem?’ So the people could not agree about him. Some would have liked to arrest him, but no one actually laid hands on him. The police went back to the chief priests and Pharisees who said to them, ‘Why haven’t you brought him?’ The police replied, ‘There has never been anybody who has spoken like him.’ ‘So’ the Pharisees answered ‘you have been led astray as well? Have any of the authorities believed in him? Any of the Pharisees? This rabble knows nothing about the Law – they are damned.’ One of them, Nicodemus – the same man who had come to Jesus earlier – said to them, ‘But surely the Law does not allow us to pass judgement on a man without giving him a hearing and discovering what he is about?’ To this they answered, ‘Are you a Galilean too? Go into the matter, and see for yourself: prophets do not come out of Galilee.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Be pleased, O Lord, we pray, with these oblations you receive from our hands, and, even when our wills are defiant, constrain them mercifully to turn to you. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. 1Pt 1: 18-19
By the precious Blood of Christ, the Blood of a spotless and unblemished Lamb, we have been redeemed.
Prayer after Communion
May your holy gifts purify us, O Lord, we pray, and by their working render us fully pleasing to you. Through Christ our Lord.
Prayer over the People
Look upon your people, O Lord, and, as they draw near to the coming festivities, bestow upon them abundance of heavenly grace, that, helped by the consolations of this world, they may be impelled more readily towards higher goods that cannot be seen. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Meditation
There is fierce confrontation between Jesus and the high priests and the Pharisees, who are full of hate. They want Jesus to die, although his popularity increases. Despite this, we notice the division among the leaders about the true identity of Jesus. Just like yesterday, there is still the fear of whether some of the leaders have accepted his teaching. The people are divided, as some say he is the Messiah while others say he is a bigot. The interpretations of the prophecies about him are as varied as the views about his personality. The elders are confused about whom he is and what to do with him. That confusion has not cleared until date. Many of us are still confused about what to do with Jesus in our lives. He says he stands at the door of our hearts knocking. Will you open today, or will you remain in this confusion and reject the Son of God?
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | Apr 5, 2019 | Agenda Biblique
Sainte Irène
Quand éclata la persécution à Salonique, elle s’enfuit comme beaucoup d’autres personnes dans la montagne pour se réfugier. Quelque temps après, elle se reprocha cette lâcheté et revint à la maison. Elle y fut arrêtée. Ayant refusé d’apostasier, elle fut brulée vive, toute jeune, en 304.
Violet
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 17, …20
Les flots de la mort m’étreignaient, les torrents infernaux me happaient ; dans mon angoisse, j’appelai le Seigneur. Lui qui me retire du gouffre des eaux, il m’a libéré, car il m’aime.
Prière d’ouverture
Sans toi, Seigneur, il nous est impossible de te plaire : dans la tendresse que tu nous portes, guide-nous, dirige nos cœurs. Par Jésus Christ.
Première lecture : Jérémie 11, 18-20
« Seigneur, tu m’as fait savoir, et maintenant je sais, tu m’as fait voir leurs manœuvres. Moi, j’étais comme un agneau docile qu’on emmène à l’abattoir, et je ne savais pas qu’ils montaient un complot contre moi. Ils disaient : “Coupons l’arbre à la racine, retranchons-le de la terre des vivants, afin qu’on oublie jusqu’à son nom. Seigneur de l’univers, toi qui juges avec justice, qui scrutes les reins et les cœurs, fais-moi voir la revanche que tu leur infligeras, car c’est à toi que j’ai remis ma cause. »
Psaume 7, 2-3, 9bc-10, 11-12a.18b
R/ Seigneur mon Dieu, tu es mon refuge. (7, 2a)
- Seigneur mon Dieu, tu es mon refuge ! On me poursuit : sauve-moi, délivre-moi ! Sinon ils vont m’égorger, tous ces fauves, me déchirer, sans que personne ne me délivre.
- Juge-moi, Seigneur, sur ma justice: mon innocence parle pour moi. Mets fin à la rage des impies, affermis le juste, toi qui scrutes les cœurs et les reins, Dieu, le juste.
- J’aurai mon bouclier auprès de Dieu, le sauveur des cœurs droits. Dieu juge avec justice ; je chanterai le nom du Seigneur, le Très-Haut.
Acclamation
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.(cf. Lc 8, 15)
Évangile : Jean 7, 40-53
En ce temps-là, Jésus enseignait au temple de Jérusalem. Dans la foule, on avait entendu ses paroles, et les uns disaient : « C’est vraiment lui, le Prophète annoncé ! » D’autres disaient : « C’est lui le Christ ! » Mais d’autres encore demandaient : «Le Christ peut-il venir de Galilée ? L’Écriture ne dit-elle pas que c’est de la descendance de David et de Bethléem, le village de David, que vient le Christ ? » C’est ainsi que la foule se divisa à cause de lui. Quelques-uns d’entre eux voulaient l’arrêter, mais personne ne mit la main sur lui. Les gardes revinrent auprès des grands prêtres et des pharisiens, qui leur demandèrent : « Pourquoi ne l’avez-vous pas amené?» Les gardes répondirent : « Jamais un homme n’a parlé de la sorte! » Les pharisiens leur répliquèrent: « Alors, vous aussi, vous vous êtes laissé égarer ? Parmi les chefs du peuple et les pharisiens, y en a-t-il un seul qui ait cru en lui ? Quant à cette foule qui ne sait rien de la Loi, ce sont des maudits ! » Nicodème, l’un d’entre eux, celui qui était allé précédemment trouver Jésus, leur dit : « Notre Loi permet-elle de juger un homme ans l’entendre d’abord pour savoir ce qu’il a fait ? » Ils lui répondirent : « Serais-tu, toi aussi, de Galilée ? Cherche bien, et tu verras que jamais aucun prophète ne surgit de Galilée ! » Puis ils s’en allèrent chacun chez soi.
Prière sur les offrandes
Accueille nos offrandes, Seigneur, avec bienveillance ; et si nos volontés se rebellent, ramène-les vers toi. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : 1P 1, 19
Nous avons été rachetés par le sang précieux du Christ, de l’Agneau sans défaut et sans tache.
Prière après la communion
Que tes saints mystères nous purifient, Seigneur : qu’ils agissent en nous pour nous rendre agréables à tes yeux. Par Jésus.
MÉDITATION
La confrontation est vive entre Jésus, les grands prêtres et les pharisiens qui sont pétris de haine et de défi. Jésus doit mourir mais sa popularité augmente. Seulement, les arguments des grands prêtres, sont chargés de menaces physiques ! Leur autorité chancelle à la rencontre de la vérité. Elle se sent provoquée et ne veut pas céder à la faiblesse. Les grands prêtres traiterons la foule de maudite parce qu’elle tient déjà Jésus pour un prophète. Cependant, Nicodème dans sa sagesse se lève au milieu de ces bruits d’injures, et demande d’entendre l’accusé avant de le condamner. Car devant la Loi, tous les fils d’Abraham sont égaux et libres, que l’on soit brigand ou malfrat. Seigneur, aide nous à respecter la liberté des autres. En chacun de nous, la vérité est comme une petite lumière dans nos cœurs, qui y veille pour nous rappeler ta présence. Que cette lumière se fasse aussi visible au monde entier.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | Apr 4, 2019 | Evangelium
St Vincent Ferrer (1350 – 1419)
He was born in Valencia and joined the Dominicans at the age of 17.Among others, he preached to the Jews, of whom some 25,000 were converted to Christianity. He died in 5 April 1419.
Violet
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Ps 53: 3-4
O God, save me by your name; by your power, defend my cause. O God, hear my prayer; give ear to the words of my mouth.
Collect
O God, who have prepared fitting helps for us in our weakness, grant, we pray, that we may receive their healing effects with joy and reflect them in a holy way of life. 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: Wisdom 2:1,12-22
The godless say to themselves, with their misguided reasoning: ‘Our life is short and dreary, nor is there any relief when man’s end comes, nor is anyone known who can give release from Hades. Let us lie in wait for the virtuous man, since he annoys us and opposes our way of life, reproaches us for our breaches of the law and accuses us of playing false to our upbringing. He claims to have knowledge of God, and calls himself a son of the Lord. Before us he stands, a reproof to our way of thinking, the very sight of him weighs our spirits down; his way of life is not like other men’s, the paths he treads are unfamiliar. In his opinion we are counterfeit; he holds aloof from our doings as though from filth; he proclaims the final end of the virtuous as happy and boasts of having God for his father. Let us see if what he says is true, let us observe what kind of end he himself will have. If the virtuous man is God’s son, God will take his part and rescue him from the clutches of his enemies. Let us test him with cruelty and with torture, and thus explore this gentleness of his and put his endurance to the proof. Let us condemn him to a shameful death since he will be looked after – we have his word for it.’ This is the way they reason, but they are misled, their malice makes them blind. They do not know the hidden things of God, they have no hope that holiness will be rewarded, they can see no reward for blameless souls.
Psalm 33 (34):16, 18, 19-21, 23
R/ The Lord is close to the broken-hearted.
1. The Lord turns his face against the wicked to destroy their remembrance from the earth. They call and the Lord hears and rescues them in all their distress.
2. The Lord is close to the broken-hearted; those whose spirit is crushed he will save. Many are the trials of the just man but from them all the Lord will rescue him.
3. He will keep guard over all his bones, not one of his bones shall be broken. The Lord ransoms the souls of his servants. Those who hide in him shall not be condemned.
Gospel Acclamation: Joe l2:12-13
Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory! Now, now – it is the Lord who speaks – come back to me with all your heart, for I am all tenderness and compassion. Praise to you, O Christ, king of eternal glory!
Gospel: John 7:1-2,10,25-30
Jesus stayed in Galilee; he could not stay in Judaea, because the Jews were out to kill him. As the Jewish feast of Tabernacles drew near, after his brothers had left for the festival, he went up as well, but quite privately, without drawing attention to himself. Meanwhile some of the people of Jerusalem were saying, ‘Isn’t this the man they want to kill? And here he is, speaking freely, and they have nothing to say to him! Can it be true the authorities have made up their minds that he is the Christ? Yet we all know where he comes from, but when the Christ appears no one will know where he comes from.’ Then, as Jesus taught in the Temple, he cried out: ‘Yes, you know me and you know where I came from. Yet I have not come of myself: no, there is one who sent me and I really come from him, and you do not know him, but I know him because I have come from him and it was he who sent me.’ They would have arrested him then, but because his time had not yet come no one laid a hand on him.
Prayer over the Offerings
May this sacrifice, almighty God, cleanse us by its mighty power and lead us to approach its source with ever greater purity. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Eph 1: 7
In Christ, we have redemption by his Blood, and forgiveness of our sins, in accord with the riches of his grace.
Prayer after Communion
Grant, we pray, O Lord, that, as we pass from old to new, so, with former ways left behind, we may be renewed in holiness of mind. Through Christ our Lord.
Prayer over the People
Look upon your servants, O Lord, and in your goodness protect with heavenly assistance those who trust in your mercy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Meditation
The turning point of the ascent to Jerusalem clearly opens the understanding of God’s plan in his Son. This plan must be realised by God at the appointed time. The ignorance, which is manifest in the words of the crowd, contrasts here with Jesus’ knowledge of his mission, which his words express. Who has the secret and the mystery of this mission? Only God the Father is the master of the mission of his Son for the salvation of the world. Father, how often our ignorance blinds us and our pride closes our ears! Grant us, O Lord, the grace to overcome our handicap, and let us see you in the tenderness of your wisdom.
