by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | Aug 3, 2020 | Evangelium
tuesday 04 August 2020
St John Mary Vianney, Priest
Cure of Ars (1786 – 1859)
He was the son of a peasant farmer, and a slow and unpromising candidate for the priesthood. He was eventually ordained on account of his devoutness rather than any achievement or promise. He was a noted preacher, and a celebrated confessor.
White
Entrance Antiphon: Ps 131: 9
Your priests, O Lord, shall be clothed with justice; your holy ones shall ring out their joy.
Collect
Almighty and merciful God, who made the Priest Saint John Vianney wonderful in his pastoral zeal, grant, we pray, that through his intercession and example we may in charity win brothers and sisters for Christ and attain with them eternal glory. 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 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22
The word addressed to Jeremiah by the Lord: the Lord, the God of Israel says this: Write all the words I have spoken to you in a book. Yes, the Lord says this: Your wound is incurable, your injury past healing. There is no one to care for your sore, no medicine to make you well again. All your lovers have forgotten you, they look for you no more. Yes, I have struck you as an enemy strikes, with harsh punishment so great is your guilt, so many your sins. Why bother to complain about your wound? Your pain is incurable. So great is your guilt, so many your sins, that I have done all this to you. The Lord says this: Now I will restore the tents of Jacob, and take pity on his dwellings: the city shall be rebuilt on its ruins, the citadel restored on its site. From them will come thanksgiving and shouts of joy. I will make them increase, and not diminish them, make them honoured, and not disdained. Their sons shall be as once they were, their community fixed firm in my presence, and I will punish all their oppressors. Their prince will be one of their own, their ruler come from their own people. I will let him come freely into my presence and he can come close to me; who else, indeed, would risk his life by coming close to me? – it is the Lord who speaks. And you shall be my people and I will be your God.
Psalm 101(102):16-21, 29, 22-23
R/ The Lord shall build up Zion again and appear in all his glory.
- The nations shall fear the name of the Lord and all the earth’s kings your glory, when the Lord shall build up Zion again and appear in all his glory. Then he will turn to the prayers of the helpless; he will not despise their prayers.
- Let this be written for ages to come that a people yet unborn may praise the Lord; for the Lord leaned down from his sanctuary on high. He looked down from heaven to the earth that he might hear the groans of the prisoners and free those condemned to die.
- The sons of your servants shall dwell untroubled and their race shall endure before you that the name of the Lord may be proclaimed in Zion and his praise in the heart of Jerusalem, when peoples and kingdoms are gathered together to pay their homage to the Lord.
Gospel Acclamation : Jn 8:12
Alleluia, alleluia! I am the light of the world, says the Lord; anyone who follows me will have the light of life. Alleluia!
Gospel: Matthew 15:1-2, 10-14
Pharisees and scribes from Jerusalem came to Jesus and said, ‘Why do your disciples break away from the tradition of the elders? They do not wash their hands when they eat food.’ He called the people to him and said, ‘Listen, and understand. What goes into the mouth does not make a man unclean; it is what comes out of the mouth that makes him unclean.’ Then the disciples came to him and said, ‘Do you know that the Pharisees were shocked when they heard what you said?’ He replied, ‘Any plant my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. Leave them alone. They are blind men leading blind men; and if one blind man leads another, both will fall into a pit.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Receive, O Lord, we pray, the offerings placed on your altar in commemoration of Saint John Vianney so that, as you brought him glory, you may, through these sacred mysteries, grant to us your pardon. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Mt 24: 46-47
Blessed is the servant whom the Lord finds watching when he comes. Amen I say to you: He will put that servant in charge of all his property.
Prayer after Communion
May partaking at the heavenly table, almighty God, confirm and increase strength from on high in all who celebrate the feast day of Saint John Vianney that we may preserve in integrity the gift of faith and walk in the path of salvation you trace for us. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
God assures the people that he will restore their nation to their former state, the state of glory, He will take away their tears and they will once more raise their voices and will dance. This is an invitation for us to think of how we react when moments of sorrow, unpalatable moments invade our lives. Do we often turn to God who is always there for us or do we sit and allow these situations to take possession of us? God is always there to make things better for us. He owns us and so only he can change our lives for the better. Let us learn to trust in him.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | Aug 3, 2020 | Agenda Biblique
BLANC
Saint Jean-Marie Vianney, prêtre
Jean-Marie Vianney (1786-1859) est, sur le plan humain, un esprit rebelle à l’étude. Mais le Saint-Esprit, auquel il s’ouvre avec une docilité parfaite, par la prière et la pénitence, fait de lui ce prêtre qui attire à Ars une multitude en quête de pardon ou de lumière. Contre ce convertisseur, le démon se déchaine. Avec une humble pénitence, le curé d’Ars supporte les épreuves, intérieures ou extérieures, pour le salut des pécheurs. Ce contemplatif, qui aurait voulu se retirer dans une Trappe, apporta à sa charge de curé un dynamisme qui fait de lui le patron de tous les pasteurs.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 69, 2. 6
Viens me délivrer, Seigneur, Dieu, viens vite à mon secours. Tu es mon aide et mon libérateur, Seigneur, ne tarde pas.
Prière d’ouverture :
Assiste tes enfants, Seigneur, et montre à ceux qui t’implorent ton inépuisable bonté. C’est leur fierté de t’avoir pour Créateur et Providence, restaure pour eux ta création, et l’ayant renouvelée, protège-la. Par Jésus Christ.
1ère lecture :Jr 30, 1-2.12-15.18-22
Parole du Seigneur adressée à Jérémie : Ainsi parle le Seigneur, le Dieu d’Israël : Écris dans un livre toutes les paroles que je t’ai dites. Ainsi parle le Seigneur : Sion, incurable est ta blessure, et profonde, ta plaie. Nul ne défend ta cause pour qu’on soigne ton ulcère ; pas de remède pour le cicatriser. Tous tes amants t’ont oubliée, aucun ne te recherche. Oui, comme un ennemi je t’ai blessée – sévère correction ! Sur la masse de tes fautes, tes péchés n’ont cessé de s’accroître. Qu’as-tu à crier à cause de ta blessure ? Ta peine est incurable. Sur la masse de tes fautes, tes péchés n’ont cessé de s’accroître : c’est pourquoi je t’ai infligé cela. Ainsi parle le Seigneur : Voici que je vais restaurer les tentes de Jacob, pour ses demeures j’aurai de la compassion ; la ville sera rebâtie sur ses ruines, la citadelle sera rétablie en sa juste place. Les actions de grâce en jailliront avec des cris de joie. Bien loin de diminuer ses fils, je les multiplierai ; bien loin de les abaisser, je les glorifierai. Ils seront comme autrefois, leur communauté se maintiendra devant moi, car je punirai tous ses oppresseurs. Jacob aura pour maître l’un des siens, un chef qui sera issu de lui. Je lui permettrai d’approcher et il aura accès auprès de moi. Qui donc, en effet, a jamais osé de lui-même s’approcher de moi ? – oracle du Seigneur. Vous serez mon peuple, et moi, je serai votre Dieu.
Psaume : 101 (102), 16-18, 19-21, 29.22-23
R/ Le Seigneur rebâtira Sion, il apparaîtra dans sa gloire.
- Les nations craindront le nom du Seigneur, et tous les rois de la terre, sa gloire : quand le Seigneur rebâtira Sion, quand il apparaîtra dans sa gloire, il se tournera vers la prière du spolié, il n’aura pas méprisé sa prière.
- Que cela soit écrit pour l’âge à venir, et le peuple à nouveau créé chantera son Dieu : « Des hauteurs, son sanctuaire, le Seigneur s’est penché ; du ciel, il regarde la terre pour entendre la plainte des captifs et libérer ceux qui devaient mourir. »
- Les fils de tes serviteurs trouveront un séjour, et devant toi se maintiendra leur descendance. On publiera dans Sion le nom du Seigneur et sa louange dans tout Jérusalem, au rassemblement des royaumes et des peuples qui viendront servir le Seigneur.
Alléluia. Alléluia.
Rabbi, c’est toi le Fils de Dieu !
C’est toi le roi d’Israël !
Alléluia. (Jn 1, 49b)
Évangile (Mt 15, 1-2.10-14)
- (pour l’année A, où l’évangile ci-dessus a été lu la veille) En ce temps-là, des pharisiens et des scribes venus de Jérusalem s’approchent de Jésus et lui disent : « Pourquoi tes disciples transgressent-ils la tradition des anciens ? En effet, ils ne se lavent pas les mains avant de manger. » Jésus appela la foule et lui dit : « Écoutez et comprenez bien ! Ce n’est pas ce qui entre dans la bouche qui rend l’homme impur ; mais ce qui sort de la bouche, voilà ce qui rend l’homme impur. » Alors les disciples s’approchèrent et lui dirent : « Sais-tu que les pharisiens ont été scandalisés en entendant cette parole ? » Il répondit : « Toute plante que mon Père du ciel n’a pas plantée sera arrachée. Laissez-les ! Ce sont des aveugles qui guident des aveugles. Si un aveugle guide un aveugle, tous les deux tomberont dans un trou. » – Acclamons la Parole de Dieu.
Prière sur les offrandes :
Dans ta bonté, Seigneur, sanctifie ces dons. Accepte le sacrifice spirituel de cette eucharistie, et fais de nous-mêmes une éternelle offrande à ta gloire. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion Sg 16, 20
Tu nous donnes, Seigneur, la vraie manne, ce pain venu du ciel qui comble tous les désirs.
Prière après la communion :
Seigneur, entoure d’une constante protection ceux que tu as renouvelés par le pain du ciel. Puisque tu ne cesses de les réconforter, rends-les dignes de l’éternel salut. Par Jésus.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | Aug 2, 2020 | Evangelium
monday 03 August 2020
St Germanus of Auxerre (c.378 – 448)
After pursuing a legal career and being governor of a province, he was consecrated bishop of Auxerre in Gaul. He strongly fought the heresy of Pelagianism. His mission was successful, and he also led the native Britons to a victory against the invading pagan Picts and Saxons. He died at Ravenna in the late 440s.
Green
Entrance Antiphon: Ps 69: 2, 6
O God, come to my assistance; O Lord, make haste to help me! You are my rescuer, my help; O Lord, do not delay.
Collect
Draw near to your servants, O Lord, and answer their prayers with unceasing kindness, that, for those who glory in you as their Creator and guide, you may restore what you have created and keep safe what you have restored. 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 28:1-17
At the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah in the fifth month of the fourth year, the prophet Hananiah son of Azzur, a Gibeonite, spoke as follows to Jeremiah in the Temple of the Lord in the presence of the priests and of all the people. ‘The Lord, the God of Israel, says this, “I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon. In two years’ time I will bring back all the vessels of the Temple of the Lord which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon carried off from this place and took to Babylon. And I will also bring back Jeconiah son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and all the exiles of Judah who have gone to Babylon – it is the Lord who speaks. Yes, I am going to break the yoke of the king of Babylon.”’ The prophet Jeremiah then replied to the prophet Hananiah in front of the priests and all the people there in the Temple of the Lord. ‘I hope so’ the prophet Jeremiah said. ‘May the Lord do so. May he fulfil the words that you have prophesied and bring the vessels of the Temple of the Lord and all the exiles back to this place from Babylon. Listen carefully, however, to this word that I am now going to say for you and all the people to hear: From remote times, the prophets who preceded you and me prophesied war, famine and plague for many countries and for great kingdoms; but the prophet who prophesies peace can only be recognised as one truly sent by the Lord when his word comes true.’ The prophet Hananiah then took the yoke off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah and broke it. In front of all the people Hananiah then said, ‘The Lord says this, “This is how, two years hence, I will break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon and take it off the necks of all the nations.”’ At this, the prophet Jeremiah went away. After the prophet Hananiah had broken the yoke which he had taken off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah the word of the Lord was addressed to Jeremiah, ‘Go to Hananiah and tell him this, “The Lord says this: You can break wooden yokes? Right, I will make them iron yokes instead! For the Lord Sabaoth, the God of Israel, says this: An iron yoke is what I now lay on the necks of all these nations to subject them to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. They will be subject to him; I have even given him the wild animals.”’ The prophet Jeremiah said to the prophet Hananiah, ‘Listen carefully, Hananiah: the Lord has not sent you; and thanks to you this people are now relying on what is false. Hence – the Lord says this, “I am going to throw you off the face of the earth: you are going to die this year since you have preached apostasy from the Lord.”’ The prophet Hananiah died the same year, in the seventh month.
Psalm 118(119):29, 43, 79-80, 95, 102
R/ Lord, teach me your statutes.
- Keep me from the way of error and teach me your law. Do not take the word of truth from my mouth for I trust in your decrees.
- Let your faithful turn to me, those who know your will. Let my heart be blameless in your statutes lest I be ashamed.
- Though the wicked lie in wait to destroy me yet I ponder your will. I have not turned from your decrees; you yourself have taught me.
Gospel Acclamation : Jn 14:6
Alleluia, alleluia! I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, says the Lord; No one can come to the Father except through me. Alleluia!
Gospel: Matthew 14:22-36
Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he would send the crowds away. After sending the crowds away he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, while the boat, by now far out on the lake, was battling with a heavy sea, for there was a head-wind. In the fourth watch of the night he went towards them, walking on the lake, and when the disciples saw him walking on the lake they were terrified. ‘It is a ghost’ they said, and cried out in fear. But at once Jesus called out to them, saying, ‘Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.’ It was Peter who answered. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘if it is you, tell me to come to you across the water.’ ‘Come’ said Jesus. Then Peter got out of the boat and started walking towards Jesus across the water, but as soon as he felt the force of the wind, he took fright and began to sink. ‘Lord! Save me!’ he cried. Jesus put out his hand at once and held him. ‘Man of little faith,’ he said ‘why did you doubt?’ And as they got into the boat the wind dropped. The men in the boat bowed down before him and said, ‘Truly, you are the Son of God.’ Having made the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. When the local people recognised him they spread the news through the whole neighbourhood and took all that were sick to him, begging him just to let them touch the fringe of his cloak. And all those who touched it were completely cured.
Prayer over the Offerings
Graciously sanctify these gifts, O Lord, we pray, and, accepting the oblation of this spiritual sacrifice, make of us an eternal offering to you. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Wis 16: 20
You have given us, O Lord, bread from heaven, endowed with all delights and sweetness in every taste.
Prayer after Communion
Accompany with constant protection, O Lord, those you renew with these heavenly gifts and, in your never-failing care for them, make them worthy of eternal redemption. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
As would ordinarily be the case, the disciples were terrified seeing him walk on water, so they thought they were seeing a ghost. But it was Jesus, not an illusion of someone walking on water. He invited them —as He had often done — not to be afraid and trust him to awake their faith in them. This faith was first demanded of Peter, who said: «Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you walking on the water» (Mt 14:28). With these words, Peter showed that faith consists in abiding by the word of Christ: he did not say «let me walk on the water» but he just wanted to follow what Jesus himself commanded him to do, to believe the truthfulness of the Master’s words. Do we possess this kind of faith when the Master calls on us or do we let our unbelief to derail our focus on Christ?
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | Aug 2, 2020 | Agenda Biblique
VERT
Sainte Lydie
Elle venait de la Grèce d’Asie et s’était installée à Philippe, port de la mer Egée, pour son commerce de tissu et de pourpre. C’est là qu’elle rencontra saint Paul et saint Luc (Ac 16, 11). Ils vinrent habiter chez elle.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 69, 2. 6
Viens me délivrer, Seigneur, Dieu, viens vite à mon secours. Tu es mon aide et mon libérateur, Seigneur, ne tarde pas.
Prière d’ouverture :
Assiste tes enfants, Seigneur, et montre à ceux qui t’implorent ton inépuisable bonté. C’est leur fierté de t’avoir pour Créateur et Providence, restaure pour eux ta création, et l’ayant renouvelée, protège-la. Par Jésus Christ.
Lectures de la messe
Première lecture (Jr 28, 1-17)
Cette année-là, au début du règne de Sédécias, roi de Juda, la quatrième année, au cinquième mois, le prophète Ananie, fils d’Azzour, originaire de Gabaon, me dit dans la maison du Seigneur, en présence des prêtres et de tout le peuple : « Ainsi parle le Seigneur de l’univers, le Dieu d’Israël : J’ai brisé le joug du roi de Babylone ! Dans deux ans, jour pour jour, je ferai revenir en ce lieu tous les objets de la maison du Seigneur que Nabucodonosor, roi de Babylone, a enlevés pour les emporter à Babylone. Je ramènerai ici Jékonias, fils de Joakim, roi de Juda, avec tous les déportés de Juda qui sont partis à Babylone – oracle du Seigneur –, car je vais briser le joug du roi de Babylone ! » Le prophète Jérémie répondit au prophète Ananie en présence des prêtres et de tout le peuple, qui se tenaient dans la maison du Seigneur. Il lui dit : « Amen ! Que le Seigneur agisse ainsi, que le Seigneur accomplisse ta prophétie : qu’il fasse revenir de Babylone les objets de la maison du Seigneur et tous les déportés. Cependant, écoute bien cette parole que je vais te faire entendre, à toi et à tout le peuple : Les prophètes qui nous ont précédés, toi et moi, depuis bien longtemps, ont prophétisé contre de nombreux pays et de grands royaumes la guerre, le malheur et la peste. Le prophète qui annonce la paix n’est reconnu comme prophète vraiment envoyé par le Seigneur, que si sa parole s’accomplit. » Alors le prophète Ananie enleva le joug que le prophète Jérémie s’était mis sur la nuque, et il le brisa. Et Ananie déclara en présence de tout le peuple : « Ainsi parle le Seigneur : De la même manière, dans deux ans, jour pour jour, je briserai le joug de Nabucodonosor, roi de Babylone, pour en délivrer toutes les nations. » Alors le prophète Jérémie alla son chemin. La parole du Seigneur fut adressée à Jérémie après que le prophète Ananie eut brisé le joug qui était sur sa nuque. « Va dire à Ananie : Ainsi parle le Seigneur : Tu as brisé un joug de bois, mais à sa place tu feras un joug de fer. Car ainsi parle le Seigneur de l’univers, le Dieu d’Israël : C’est un joug de fer que je mets sur la nuque de toutes ces nations, pour qu’elles servent Nabucodonosor, roi de Babylone. Et elles le serviront. Je lui ai donné même les bêtes sauvages. » Le prophète Jérémie dit alors au prophète Ananie : « Écoute bien, Ananie : le Seigneur ne t’a pas envoyé, et toi, tu rassures ce peuple par un mensonge. C’est pourquoi, ainsi parle le Seigneur : Je te renvoie de la surface de la terre ; tu mourras cette année, car c’est la révolte que tu as prêchée contre le Seigneur. » Le prophète Ananie mourut cette même année, au septième mois. – Parole du Seigneur.
Psaume (Ps 118 (199), 29.43, 79-80, 95.102)
R/ Seigneur, apprends-moi tes commandements. (Ps 118, 68b)
Détourne-moi de la voie du mensonge, fais-moi la grâce de ta loi. N’ôte pas de ma bouche la parole de vérité, car j’espère tes décisions.
Qu’ils se tournent vers moi, ceux qui te craignent, ceux qui connaissent tes exigences. Que j’aie par tes commandements le cœur intègre : alors je ne serai pas humilié.
Des impies escomptent ma perte : moi, je réfléchis à tes exigences. De tes décisions, je ne veux pas m’écarter, car c’est toi qui m’enseignes.
Alléluia. Alléluia.
L’homme ne vit pas seulement de pain,
mais de toute parole qui sort de la bouche de Dieu.
Alléluia. (Mt 4,4b)
Évangile (Mt 14, 13-21)
L’année A, où l’évangile ci-dessous a été lu le dimanche, on lit aujourd’hui Matthieu 14, 22-36. En ce temps-là, quand Jésus apprit la mort de Jean le Baptiste, il se retira et partit en barque pour un endroit désert, à l’écart. Les foules l’apprirent et, quittant leurs villes, elles suivirent à pied. En débarquant, il vit une grande foule de gens ; il fut saisi de compassion envers eux et guérit leurs malades. Le soir venu, les disciples s’approchèrent et lui dirent : « L’endroit est désert et l’heure est déjà avancée. Renvoie donc la foule : qu’ils aillent dans les villages s’acheter de la nourriture ! » Mais Jésus leur dit : « Ils n’ont pas besoin de s’en aller. Donnez-leur vous-mêmes à manger. » Alors ils lui disent : « Nous n’avons là que cinq pains et deux poissons. » Jésus dit : « Apportez-les moi. » Puis, ordonnant à la foule de s’asseoir sur l’herbe, il prit les cinq pains et les deux poissons, et, levant les yeux au ciel, il prononça la bénédiction ; il rompit les pains, il les donna aux disciples, et les disciples les donnèrent à la foule. Ils mangèrent tous et ils furent rassasiés. On ramassa les morceaux qui restaient : cela faisait douze paniers pleins. Ceux qui avaient mangé étaient environ cinq mille, sans compter les femmes et les enfants. – Acclamons la Parole de Dieu.
Prière sur les offrandes :
Dans ta bonté, Seigneur, sanctifie ces dons. Accepte le sacrifice spirituel de cette eucharistie, et fais de nous-mêmes une éternelle offrande à ta gloire. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion Sg 16, 20
Tu nous donnes, Seigneur, la vraie manne, ce pain venu du ciel qui comble tous les désirs.
Prière après la communion :
Seigneur, entoure d’une constante protection ceux que tu as renouvelés par le pain du ciel. Puisque tu ne cesses de les réconforter, rends-les dignes de l’éternel salut. Par Jésus.
by Jude Thaddeus Langeh Basebang | Aug 1, 2020 | Evangelium
sunday 02 August 2020
EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalter II
St Eusebius of Vercelli (283 – 371)
Green
Entrance Antiphon: Ps 69: 2, 6
O God, come to my assistance; O Lord, make haste to help me! You are my rescuer, my help; O Lord, do not delay.
Collect
Draw near to your servants, O Lord, and answer their prayers with unceasing kindness, that, for those who glory in you as their Creator and guide, you may restore what you have created and keep safe what you have restored. 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 55:1-3
Thus says the Lord: Oh, come to the water all you who are thirsty; though you have no money, come! Buy corn without money, and eat, and, at no cost, wine and milk. Why spend money on what is not bread, your wages on what fails to satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and you will have good things to eat and rich food to enjoy. Pay attention, come to me; listen, and your soul will live. With you I will make an everlasting covenant out of the favours promised to David.
Psalm 144(145):8-9, 15-18
R/ You open wide your hand, O Lord; you grant our desires.
- The Lord is kind and full of compassion, slow to anger, abounding in love. How good is the Lord to all, compassionate to all his creatures.
- The eyes of all creatures look to you and you give them their food in due time. You open wide your hand, grant the desires of all who live.
- The Lord is just in all his ways and loving in all his deeds. He is close to all who call him, who call on him from their hearts.
Second reading: Romans 8:35, 37-39
Nothing can come between us and the love of Christ, even if we are troubled or worried, or being persecuted, or lacking food or clothes, or being threatened or even attacked. These are the trials through which we triumph, by the power of him who loved us. For I am certain of this: neither death nor life, no angel, no prince, nothing that exists, nothing still to come, not any power, or height or depth, nor any created thing, can ever come between us and the love of God made visible in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Gospel Acclamation: Lk 19:38, 2:14
Alleluia, alleluia! Blessings on the King who comes, in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens! Alleluia!
Gospel: Matthew 14:13-21
When Jesus received the news of John the Baptist’s death he withdrew by boat to a lonely place where they could be by themselves. But the people heard of this and, leaving the towns, went after him on foot. So as he stepped ashore he saw a large crowd; and he took pity on them and healed their sick. When evening came, the disciples went to him and said, ‘This is a lonely place, and the time has slipped by; so send the people away, and they can go to the villages to buy themselves some food.’ Jesus replied, ‘There is no need for them to go: give them something to eat yourselves.’ But they answered ‘All we have with us is five loaves and two fish.’ ‘Bring them here to me’ he said. He gave orders that the people were to sit down on the grass; then he took the five loaves and the two fish, raised his eyes to heaven and said the blessing. And breaking the loaves handed them to his disciples who gave them to the crowds. They all ate as much as they wanted, and they collected the scraps remaining; twelve baskets full. Those who ate numbered about five thousand men, to say nothing of women and children.
Prayer over the Offerings
Graciously sanctify these gifts, O Lord, we pray, and, accepting the oblation of this spiritual sacrifice, make of us an eternal offering to you. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Wis 16: 20
You have given us, O Lord, bread from heaven, endowed with all delights and sweetness in every taste.
Prayer after Communion
Accompany with constant protection, O Lord, those you renew with these heavenly gifts and, in your never-failing care for them, make them worthy of eternal redemption. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Today, Jesus shows us just how much He wants to involve us in his saving work. He who had created the heavens and the earth out of nothing, could have easily created a rich banquet from nothing to satisfy the multitudes. But He preferred to work the miracle starting with the best his disciples could give him. «We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish» (Mt 14:17), they said. «Bring them here to me» (Mt 14:18), Jesus replied. The Lord was able to multiply that meager donation – not enough even to feed a typical family – to nourish about 5000 families. Today the Lord is asking us, his modern disciples, to give the crowds something to eat (cf. Mt 14:16). We mustn’t wait for us to have so to be able to share. No matter how much or how little we have, let us give it to the Lord and let him take it from there. All we need to do is to give in whatever we have. Ours is to share and God’s is to multiply and make for sufficiency for all his children who hunger not just for food but also for word of God.
