by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | May 26, 2021 | Agenda Biblique
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 17, 19-20
Le Seigneur est mon appui : il m’a dégagé, m’a donné du large, il m’a libéré, car il m’aime.
Prière d’ouverture
Fais que les événements du monde, Seigneur, se déroulent dans la paix, selon ton dessein, Et que ton peuple connaisse la joie de te servir sans inquiétude. Par Jésus Christ.
Première lecture : Ecclesiastique 36, 1-2,5-7,13-19
Prends pitié de nous, Maitre et Dieu de tout ; répands la crainte sur toutes les nations. Qu’elles l’apprennent, comme nous l’avons appris : il n’est pas de dieu hors de toi, Seigneur. Renouvelle les prodiges, recommence les merveilles. Rassemble les tribus de Jacob ; comme aux premiers jours, donne-leur ton héritage. Prends pitié du peuple porteur de ton nom, Israël qui est pour toi un premier-né. Prends compassion de ta Ville sainte, Jérusalem, le lieu de ton repos. Remplis Sion de ta louange, et ton sanctuaire, de ta gloire. Rends témoignage à tes créatures des premiers jours ; réveille les prophéties faites en ton nom. Donne la récompense à ceux qui t’attendent ; que tes prophètes soient reconnus dignes de foi. Écoute la prière de tes serviteurs, selon ta bienveillance à l’égard de ton peuple. Et tous, sur la terre, le sauront : tu es « Le Seigneur », le Dieu des siècles !
Psaume : 78(79), 8-9,11,13
R/ Montre-nous, Seigneur, la lumière de ta grâce.
1. Ne retiens pas contre nous les péchés de nos ancêtres : que nous vienne bientôt ta tendresse, car nous sommes à bout de force !
2. Aide-nous, Dieu notre Sauveur, pour la gloire de ton nom ! Délivre-nous, efface nos fautes, pour la cause de ton nom !
3. Que monte en ta présence la plainte du captif ! Ton bras est fort : épargne ceux qui doivent mourir.
4. Et nous, ton peuple, le troupeau que tu conduis, sans fin nous pourrons te rendre grâce et d’âge en âge proclamer ta louange.
Acclamation :
Alléluia. Alléluia. Le Fils de l’homme est venu pour servir, et donner sa vie en rançon pour la multitude. Alléluia. (cf. Mt 10, 45)
Evangile : Mc 10, 32-45
En ce temps-là, les disciples étaient en route pour monter à Jérusalem ; Jésus marchait devant eux ; ils étaient saisis de frayeur, et ceux qui suivaient étaient aussi dans la crainte. Prenant de nouveau les Douze auprès de lui, il se mit à leur dire ce qui allait lui arriver : « Voici que nous montons à Jérusalem. Le Fils de l’homme sera livré aux grands prêtres et aux scribes ils le condamneront à mort, ils le livreront aux nations païennes, qui se moqueront de lui, cracheront sur lui, le flagelleront et le tueront, et trois jours après, il ressuscitera. » Alors, Jacques et Jean, les fils de Zébédée, s’approchent de Jésus et lui disent : « Maître, ce que nous allons te demander, nous voudrions que tu le fasses pour nous.» Il leur dit : « Que voulez-vous que je fasse pour vous ? » Ils lui répondirent : « Donne-nous de siéger, l’un à ta droite et l’autre à ta gauche, dans ta gloire. » Jésus leur dit : « Vous ne savez pas ce que vous demandez. Pouvez-vous boire la coupe que je vais boire, être baptisés du baptême dans lequel je vais être plongé ? » Ils lui dirent : « Nous le pouvons. » Jésus leur dit : « La coupe que je vais boire, vous la boirez; et vous serez baptisés du baptême dans lequel je vais être plongé. Quant à siéger à ma droite ou à ma gauche, ce n’est pas à moi de l’accorder ; il y a ceux pour qui cela est préparé. » Les dix autres, qui avaient entendu, se mirent à s’indigner contre Jacques et Jean. Jésus les appela et leur dit : « Vous le savez : ceux que l’on regarde comme chefs des nations les commandent en maîtres ; les grands leur font sentir leur pouvoir. Parmi vous, il ne doit pas en être ainsi. Celui qui veut devenir grand parmi vous sera votre serviteur. Celui qui veut être parmi vous le premier sera l’esclave de tous : car 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
C’est toi qui nous donnes, Seigneur, ce que nous t’offrons, pourtant tu vois dans notre offrande un geste d’amour; aussi te prions-nous avec confiance: Puisque tes propres dons sont notre seule valeur, qu’ils fructifient pour nous en bonheur éternel. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Ps 12, 6
Je veux chanter au Seigneur tout le bien qu’il m’a fait; je veux fêter ton nom, Dieu très-haut.
Prière après la communion : Ps 9, 2-3
Tu nous as nourris, Seigneur, dans cette communion au mystère du salut; et nous t’adressons encore une prière: par le sacrement qui est notre force aujourd’hui, fais-nous vivre avec toi pour l’éternité. Par Jésus.
Méditation
Le chemin vers Jérusalem n’a jamais été facile. C’est une incessante montée. Il est comme le chemin de notre vie, surtout quand elle nous enseigne ses leçons parfois contre notre gré. Jésus monte à Jérusalem et en profite pour expliquer le sens et le but de sa mission. Lui le maître, Il recevra les pires vices de la part des hommes, mais ce sera pour lui de bon gré, car Il est venu au monde non pas pour être servi et recevoir des distinctions honorifiques, mais “ pour servir et donner sa vie pour la vie du monde”. C’est le mystère et le paradoxe de l’amour : seulement en se donnant entièrement, on trouve la vie. La Croix qui devient Vie.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | May 25, 2021 | Evangelium
Entrance Antiphon: Rom 5: 5; cf. 8, 11
The love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Spirit of God dwelling within us, alleluia.
Collect
O God, who never cease to bestow the glory of holiness on the faithful servants you raise up for yourself, graciously grant that the Holy Spirit may kindle in us that fire with which he wonderfully filled the heart of Saint Philip Neri. 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: Ecclesiasticus 36:1-2,5-7,13-19
Have mercy on us, Master, Lord of all, and look on us, cast the fear of yourself over every nation. Let them acknowledge you, just as we have acknowledged that there is no God but you, Lord. Send new portents, do fresh wonders, win glory for your hand and your right arm. Gather together all the tribes of Jacob, restore them their inheritance as in the beginning. Have mercy, Lord, on the people who have invoked your name, on Israel whom you have treated as a first-born. Show compassion on your holy city, on Jerusalem the place of your rest. Fill Zion with songs of your praise, and your sanctuary with your glory. Bear witness to those you created in the beginning, and bring about what has been prophesied in your name. Give those who wait for you their reward, and let your prophets be proved worthy of belief. Grant, Lord, the prayer of your servants, in accordance with Aaron’s blessing on your people, so that all the earth’s inhabitants may acknowledge that you are the Lord, the everlasting God.
Psalm 78(79):8-9,11,13
R/ Have mercy on us, Lord, and look on us.
1. Do not hold the guilt of our fathers against us. Let your compassion hasten to meet us; we are left in the depths of distress.
2. O God our saviour, come to our help. Come for the sake of the glory of your name. O Lord our God, forgive us our sins; rescue us for the sake of your name.
3. Let the groans of the prisoners come before you; let your strong arm reprieve those condemned to die. But we, your people, the flock of your pasture, will give you thanks for ever and ever. We will tell your praise from age to age.
Gospel Acclamation: 1Jn 2:5
Alleluia, alleluia! Whenever anyone obeys what Christ has said, God’s love comes to perfection in him. Alleluia!
Gospel: Mark 10:32-45
The disciples were on the road, going up to Jerusalem; Jesus was walking on ahead of them; they were in a daze, and those who followed were apprehensive. Once more taking the Twelve aside he began to tell them what was going to happen to him: ‘Now we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man is about to be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the pagans, who will mock him and spit at him and scourge him and put him to death; and after three days he will rise again.’ James and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached him. ‘Master,’ they said to him, ‘we want you to do us a favour.’ He said to them, ‘What is it you want me to do for you?’ They said to him, ‘Allow us to sit one at your right hand and the other at your left in your glory.’ ‘You do not know what you are asking,’ Jesus said to them. ‘Can you drink the cup that I must drink, or be baptised with the baptism with which I must be baptised?’ They replied, ‘We can.’ Jesus said to them, ‘The cup that I must drink you shall drink, and with the baptism with which I must be baptised you shall be baptised, but as for seats at my right hand or my left, these are not mine to grant; they belong to those to whom they have been allotted.’ When the other ten heard this they began to feel indignant with James and John, so Jesus called them to him and said to them, ‘You know that among the pagans their so-called 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 become great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be slave to all. For the Son of Man himself did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’
Prayer over the Offerings
As we offer you the sacrifice of praise, O Lord, we ask that by the example of Saint Philip w may always give ourselves cheerfully for the glory of your name and the service of our neighbour. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Jn 15: 9
As the Father loves me, so I also love you; remain in my love.
Prayer after Communion
Having fed upon these heavenly delights, we pray, O Lord, that in imitation of Saint Philip Neri we may always long for that food by which we truly live. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
The quest for power, fame and money is found in almost every man. The brothers, James and John made a request to Jesus to satisfy this desire. Jesus reminds us immediately about what the kingdom of God is first and foremost about: SERVICE. He says, “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all” (Mk 10:43-44). Our position in life should humble us the more and bring out the best in us rather than pride and selfishness. We should use our positions to better the lives of others.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | May 24, 2021 | Evangelium
Pope St. Gregory VII (1020 – 1085)
Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Ps 17: 19-20
The Lord became my protector. He brought me out to a place of freedom; he saved me because he delighted in me.
Collect
Grant us, O Lord, we pray, that the course of our world may be directed by your peaceful rule and that your Church may rejoice, untroubled in her devotion. 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 : Ecclesiasticus 35:2-15
A man multiplies offerings by keeping the Law; he offers communion sacrifices by following the commandments. By showing gratitude he makes an offering of fine flour, by giving alms he offers a sacrifice of praise. Withdraw from wickedness and the Lord will be pleased, withdraw from injustice and you make atonement. Do not appear empty-handed in the Lord’s presence; for all these things are due under the commandment. A virtuous man’s offering graces the altar, and its savour rises before the Most High. A virtuous man’s sacrifice is acceptable, its memorial will not be forgotten. Honour the Lord with generosity, do not stint the first-fruits you bring. Add a smiling face to all your gifts, and be cheerful as you dedicate your tithes. Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously as your means can afford; for the Lord is a good rewarder, he will reward you seven times over. Offer him no bribe, he will not accept it, do not put your faith in an unvirtuous sacrifice; since the Lord is a judge who is no respecter of personages.
Psalm 49(50):5-8,14,23
R/ I will show God’s salvation to the upright.
1. ‘Summon before me my people who made covenant with me by sacrifice.’ The heavens proclaim his justice, for he, God, is the judge.
2. ‘Listen, my people, I will speak; Israel, I will testify against you, for I am God, your God. I accuse you, lay the charge before you. I find no fault with your sacrifices, your offerings are always before me.
3. Pay your sacrifice of thanksgiving to God and render him your votive offerings. A sacrifice of thanksgiving honours me and I will show God’s salvation to the upright.’
Gospel Acclamation : Ph2:15-16
Alleluia, alleluia! You will shine in the world like bright stars because you are offering it the word of life. Alleluia!
Gospel : Mark 10:28-31
At that time Peter began to tell Jesus, ‘What about us? We have left everything and followed you.’ Jesus said, ‘I tell you solemnly, there is no one who has left house, brothers, sisters, father, children or land for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not be repaid a hundred times over, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and land – not without persecutions – now in this present time and, in the world to come, eternal life. Many who are first will be last, and the last first.’
Prayer over the Offerings
O God, who provide gifts to be offered to your name and count our oblations as signs of our desire to serve you with devotion, we ask of your mercy that what you grant as the source of merit may also help us to attain merit’s reward. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Cf. Ps 12: 6
I will sing to the Lord who has been bountiful with me, sing psalms to the name of the Lord Most High.
Prayer after Communion
Nourished by your saving gifts, we beseech your mercy, Lord, that by this same Sacrament with which you feed us in the present age, you may make us partakers of life eternal. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Many who are first will be last, and the last first (Mk 10:31). This is one of the words of Jesus Christ that we need to pay good attention to as we make this journey of faith here on earth. Do we occasionally think about our end on earth and where we will be? Are we going to let the struggles on earth be in vain by losing our lives in the end because of material possessions? Let us pay heed to the word of God by keeping his commandments; let us embrace charity and live holy lives.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | May 24, 2021 | Agenda Biblique
MAI Saint Bède le Vénérable, Prêtre et Docteur de l’Église
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 17, 19-20
Le Seigneur est mon appui : il m’a dégagé, m’a donné du large, il m’a libéré, car il m’aime.
Prière d’ouverture
Fais que les événements du monde, Seigneur, se déroulent dans la paix, selon ton dessein, Et que ton peuple connaisse la joie de te servir sans inquiétude. Par Jésus Christ.
1ère lecture : Ecclesiastique 35,2-15
C’est présenter de multiples offrandes que d’observer la Loi ; c’est offrir un sacrifice de paix que s’attacher aux commandements. C’est apporter une offrande de fleur de farine que se montrer reconnaissant ; c’est présenter un sacrifice de louange que faire l’aumône. On obtient la bienveillance du Seigneur en se détournant du mal ; on offre un sacrifice d’expiation en se détournant de l’injustice. Ne te présente pas devant le Seigneur les mains vides. Accomplis tout cela car tel est son commandement. L’offrande de l’homme juste est comme la graisse des sacrifices sur l’autel, son agréable odeur s’élève devant le Très-Haut. Le sacrifice de l’homme juste est agréé par Dieu qui en gardera mémoire. Rends gloire au Seigneur sans être regardant : ne retranche rien des prémices de ta récolte. Chaque fois que tu fais un don, montre un visage joyeux ; consacre de bon cœur à Dieu le dixième de ce que tu gagnes. Donne au Très-Haut selon ce qu’il te donne, et, sans être regardant, selon tes ressources. Car le Seigneur est celui qui paye de retour ; il te rendra sept fois plus que tu n’as donné. N’essaye pas de l’influencer par des présents, il ne les acceptera pas ; ne mets pas ta confiance dans un sacrifice injuste. Car le Seigneur est un juge qui se montre impartial envers les personnes.
Psaume : 49(50), 5-8,14,23
R/ À celui qui veille sur sa conduite, je ferai voir le salut de Dieu. (cf. Ps 49, 23cd)
1. Dieu convoque les hauteurs des cieux et la terre au jugement de son peuple : « Assemblez devant moi mes fidèles, eux qui scellent d’un sacrifice mon alliance. » Et les cieux proclament sa justice : oui, le juge, c’est Dieu !
2. « Écoute, mon peuple, je parle; Israël, je te prends à témoin. Moi, Dieu, je suis ton Dieu ! Je ne t’accuse pas pour tes sacrifices; tes holocaustes sont toujours devant moi.
3. « Offre à Dieu le sacrifice d’action de grâce, accomplis tes vœux envers le Très- Haut. Qui offre le sacrifice d’action de grâce, celui-là me rend gloire : sur le chemin qu’il aura pris, je lui ferai voir le salut de Dieu. »
Acclamation :
Alléluia. Alléluia. Tu es béni, Père, Seigneur du ciel et de la terre, tu as révélé aux tout-petits les mystères du Royaume ! Alléluia. (cf. Mt 11, 25)
Evangile : Mc 10, 28-31
En ce temps-là, Pierre se mit à dire à Jésus : « Voici que nous avons tout quitté pour te suivre. » Jésus déclara : « Amen, je vous le dis : nul n’aura quitté, à cause de moi et de l’Évangile, une maison, des frères, des sœurs, une mère, un père, des enfants ou une terre sans qu’il reçoive, en ce temps déjà, le centuple : maisons, frères, sœurs, mères, enfants et terres, avec des persécutions, et, dans le monde à venir, la vie éternelle. Beaucoup de premiers seront derniers, et les derniers seront les premiers. »
Prière sur les offrandes
C’est toi qui nous donnes, Seigneur, ce que nous t’offrons, pourtant tu vois dans notre offrande un geste d’amour; aussi te prions-nous avec confiance: Puisque tes propres dons sont notre seule valeur, qu’ils fructifient pour nous en bonheur éternel. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Ps 12, 6
Je veux chanter au Seigneur tout le bien qu’il m’a fait; Je veux fêter ton nom, Dieu très-haut.
Prière après la communion
Tu nous as nourris, Seigneur, dans cette communion au mystère du salut; et nous t’adressons encore une prière: Par le sacrement qui est notre force aujourd’hui, fais-nous vivre avec toi pour l’éternité. Par Jésus.
Méditation
Qu’entend-on par “tout quitter” ? Ce n’est pas une option marchande ni un business traité avec le Christ. C’est plutôt, se mettre en route, suivre Jésus ici et maintenant dans notre vie quotidienne et en même temps, demeurer ouvert à ce que l’Esprit nous suggère. En réalité, nous n’arrivons jamais à tout quitter, nous restons toujours sur le chemin. Quand nous surmontons une difficulté, très tôt nous revenons à nos possibilités personnelles et oublions de nous abandonner et de tout reconnaitre de Dieu. Suivre Jésus consiste à vivre en continuelle obéissance à l’Esprit.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | May 23, 2021 | Evangelium
Mary, Mother of the Church
Entrance Antiphon
The disciples devoted themselves with one accord to prayer with Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Collect
O God, Father of mercies, whose Only Begotten Son, as he hung upon the Cross, chose the Blessed Virgin Mary, his Mother, to be our Mother also; grant, we pray, that with her loving help, your Church may be more fruitful day by day, and exulting in the holiness of her children, may draw to her embrace all the families of the peoples. 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 : Ecclesiasticus 17:20-28
To those who repent, God permits return, and he encourages those who were losing hope. Return to the Lord and leave sin behind, plead before his face and lessen your offence. Come back to the Most High and turn away from iniquity, and hold in abhorrence all that is foul. Who will praise the Most High in Sheol, if the living do not do so by giving glory to him? To the dead, as to those who do not exist, praise is unknown, only those with life and health can praise the Lord. How great is the mercy of the Lord, his pardon on all those who turn towards him!
Psalm 31(32):1-2,5-7
R/ Rejoice, rejoice in the Lord, exult, you just!.
1. Happy the man whose offence is forgiven, whose sin is remitted. O happy the man to whom the Lord imputes no guilt, in whose spirit is no guile.
2. But now I have acknowledged my sins; my guilt I did not hide. I said: ‘I will confess my offence to the Lord.’ And you, Lord, have forgiven the guilt of my sin.
3. So let every good man pray to you in the time of need. The floods of water may reach high but him they shall not reach.
4. You are my hiding place, O Lord; you save me from distress. You surround me with cries of deliverance.
Gospel Acclamation : 1 Th 2:13
Alleluia, alleluia! Accept God’s message for what it really is: God’s message, and not some human thinking. Alleluia!
Gospel : Mark 10:17-27
Jesus was setting out on a journey when a man ran up, knelt before him and put this question to him, ‘Good master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You must not kill; You must not commit adultery; You must not steal; You must not bring false witness; You must not defraud; Honour your father and mother.’ And he said to him, ‘Master, I have kept all these from my earliest days.’ Jesus looked steadily at him and loved him, and he said, ‘There is one thing you lack. Go and sell everything you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ But his face fell at these words and he went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth.Jesus looked round and said to his disciples, ‘How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!’ The disciples were astounded by these words, but Jesus insisted, ‘My children,’ he said to them ‘how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.’ They were more astonished than ever. ‘In that case,’ they said to one another, ‘who can be saved?’ Jesus gazed at them. ‘For men,’ he said, ‘it is impossible, but not for God: because everything is possible for God.’’
Prayer over the Offerings
Receive our offerings, O Lord, and transform them into the mystery of salvation, so that by its power we may be set aflame with the charity of the Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, and with her may be united more closely to the work of redemption. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Cf. Jn2:1,11
A wedding was held in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; then Jesus performed the first of his signs and manifested his glory and his disciples believed in him.
Prayer after Communion
Having received the pledge of redemption and of life we humbly pray, O Lord, that with the Blessed Virgin’s motherly help your Church may teach all nations by proclaiming the Gospel and, thanks to the outpouring of the Spirit, may fill the whole earth. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Material things are a major hindrance to many in finding the path to salvation. Living a life of detachment to follow Jesus Christ is very difficult for some Christians. Many Christians have followed the wrong track because of material things and left the road that is less travelled but that leads to life. We are called today to redirect our steps and find out where we got it wrong and begin to amend our ways, for our God is full of mercy and compassion, ready to welcome us back as His sons and daughters.
