Saint Hilary of Poitiers Bishop,
Doctor (- 367)
Psalter: Week I
Green/White
He was born at the beginning of the fourth century. He was elected Bishop of Poitiers in 350. His works are full of wisdom and learning, directed to the strengthening of the Catholic faith and the right interpretation of Scripture. He died in 367.
Entrance Antiphon
Upon a lofty throne, I saw a man seated, whom a host of angels adore, singing in unison: Behold him, the name of whose empire is eternal.
Collect
Attend to the pleas of your people with heavenly care, O Lord, we pray, that they may see what must be done and gain strength to do what they have seen. 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: Hebrews 1:1-6
At various times in the past and in various different ways, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; but in our own time, the last days, he has spoken to us through his Son, the Son that he has appointed to inherit everything and through whom he made everything there is. He is the radiant light of God’s glory and the perfect copy of his nature, sustaining the universe by his powerful command; and now that he has destroyed the defilement of sin, he has gone to take his place in heaven at the right hand of divine Majesty. So he is now as far above the angels as the title which he has inherited is higher than their own name. God has never said to any angel: You are my Son, today I have become your father; or: I will be a father to him and he a son to me. Again, when he brings the First-Born into the world, he says: Let all the angels of God worship him.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 96(97):1-2,6-7,9
R/ All you angels, worship the Lord.
The Lord is king, let earth rejoice, the many coastlands be glad. His throne is justice and right.
The skies proclaim his justice; all peoples see his glory. All you spirits, worship him.
For you indeed are the Lord most high above all the earth, exalted far above all spirits.
Gospel Acclamation: cf.Ac16:14
Alleluia, alleluia! Open our heart, O Lord, to accept the words of your Son. Alleluia!
Gospel: Mark 1:14-20
After John had been arrested, Jesus went into Galilee. There he proclaimed the Good News from God. ‘The time has come’ he said ‘and the kingdom of God is close at hand. Repent, and believe the Good News.’ As he was walking along by the Sea of Galilee he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net in the lake – for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, ‘Follow me and I will make you into fishers of men.’ And at once they left their nets and followed him. Going on a little further, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John; they too were in their boat, mending their nets. He called them at once and, leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the men he employed, they went after him.
Prayer over the Offerings
May your people’s oblation, O Lord, find favour with you, we pray, that it may restore them to holiness and obtain what they devoutly entreat. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Ps 35: 10
With you, O Lord, is the fountain of life, and in your light we see light.
Prayer after Communion
Humbly we ask you, almighty God, be graciously pleased to grant that those you renew with your Sacraments may also serve with lives pleasing to you. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Jesus begins his public ministry with a powerful and concise call for repentance, urging people to embrace a new way of living and understanding the world. He rightly believes that “together we can have a better world.” He seeks out co-workers who will help Him in His mission as Saviour and Redeemer of the human race. Interestingly, He does not choose individuals with high-sounding academic achievements or from prominent families. Instead, He selects fishermen, men accustomed to the hardships of life at sea, people for whom life is a struggle, and whose lifestyle is simple. The task ahead of them is challenging as they must preach to people, including those who are better educated and richer than them – the Scribes and the Pharisees. However, this does not deter them from their mission once our Lord has empowered them. A simple invitation to follow Him is sufficient for them to abandon their former lives, and devote themselves entirely to the Master’s service. In the same way, the Lord chooses us daily to leave our old ways of life and follow Him. The question is: “Am I ready to listen to His call?”