by Norbert Doulanni | Jan 13, 2025 | Evangelium
Saint Felix of Nola
Psalter: Week I
Green/White
Saint Felix of Nola (d. ca. 250) was a Christian presbyter at Nola near Naples in Italy. He sold off his possessions in order to give to the poor. He was believed to have died a martyr’s death.
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 2:5-12
God did not appoint angels to be rulers of the world to come, and that world is what we are talking about. Somewhere there is a passage that shows us this. It runs: What is man that you should spare a thought for him, the son of man that you should care for him? For a short while you made him lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and splendour. You have put him in command of everything. Well then, if he has put him in command of everything, he has left nothing which is not under his command. At present, it is true, we are not able to see that everything has been put under his command, but we do see in Jesus one who was for a short while made lower than the angels and is now crowned with glory and splendour because he submitted to death; by God’s grace he had to experience death for all mankind. As it was his purpose to bring a great many of his sons into glory, it was appropriate that God, for whom everything exists and through whom everything exists, should make perfect, through suffering, the leader who would take them to their salvation. For the one who sanctifies, and the ones who are sanctified, are of the same stock; that is why he openly calls them brothers in the text: I shall announce your name to my brothers, praise you in full assembly.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 8:2,5-9
R/ You gave your Son power over the works of your hand.
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?
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.
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: Jm1:21
Alleluia, alleluia! Accept and submit to the word which has been planted in you and can save your souls. Alleluia!
Gospel: Mark 1:21-28
Jesus and his disciples went as far as Capernaum, and as soon as the sabbath came he went to the synagogue and began to teach. And his teaching made a deep impression on them because, unlike the scribes, he taught them with authority. In their synagogue just then there was a man possessed by an unclean spirit and it shouted, ‘What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus said sharply, ‘Be quiet! Come out of him!’ And the unclean spirit threw the man into convulsions and with a loud cry went out of him. The people were so astonished that they started asking each other what it all meant. ‘Here is a teaching that is new’ they said ‘and with authority behind it: he gives orders even to unclean spirits and they obey him.’ And his reputation rapidly spread everywhere, through all the surrounding Galilean countryside.
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
Our Gospel today portrays Jesus’ authority to teach and to act as the Messiah and Saviour, showcasing his triumph over unclean spirits – a clear sign that God’s salvation has come to the world. Throughout the Gospels, we encounter numerous instances of our Lord’s continuous and triumphant battle against the forces of evil. His authority is seen in His actions. In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives a command, and the evil forces release their their stranglehold on a man they have been holding captive. Amazingly, the evil forces recognise Jesus for who He is, «the Holy One of God», thus acknowledging His identity long before anyone else, even His Apostles. By His death and resurrection, Jesus has been perfected and has received authority over all things and all living beings in heaven, on earth, and beneath the earth. There is nothing He cannot do for you. No difficulty is beyond Jesus’ resolution, no problem beyond His solution. Let us allow Him to purify us from our sins. Let us attentively listen to His teachings and become members of His Body, the Church. With Jesus, we will overcome the works of the evil one.
by Norbert Doulanni | Jan 12, 2025 | Evangelium
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?”
by Norbert Doulanni | Jan 11, 2025 | Evangelium
Saint Theodosius the Cenobiarch / BVM
Psalter: Week II
White
Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Mt 3: 16-17
After the Lord was baptized, the heavens were opened, and the Spirit descended upon him like a dove, and the voice of the Father thundered: This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.
Collect
Almighty ever-living God, who, when Christ had been baptized in the River Jordan and as the Holy Spirit descended upon him, solemnly declared him your beloved Son, grant that your children by adoption, reborn of water and the Holy Spirit, may always be well pleasing to you. 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 40:1-5,9-11
‘Console my people, console them’ says your God. ‘Speak to the heart of Jerusalem and call to her that her time of service is ended, that her sin is atoned for, that she has received from the hand of the Lord double punishment for all her crimes.’ A voice cries, ‘Prepare in the wilderness a way for the Lord. Make a straight highway for our God across the desert. Let every valley be filled in, every mountain and hill be laid low. Let every cliff become a plain, and the ridges a valley; then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all mankind shall see it; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’ Go up on a high mountain, joyful messenger to Zion. Shout with a loud voice, joyful messenger to Jerusalem. Shout without fear, say to the towns of Judah, ‘Here is your God.’ Here is the Lord coming with power, his arm subduing all things to him. The prize of his victory is with him, his trophies all go before him. He is like a shepherd feeding his flock, gathering lambs in his arms, holding them against his breast and leading to their rest the mother ewes.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 103(104):1-4,24-25,27-30
R/ Bless the Lord, my soul! Lord God, how great you are.
Lord God, how great you are, clothed in majesty and glory, wrapped in light as in a robe! You stretch out the heavens like a tent.
Above the rains you build your dwelling. You make the clouds your chariot, you walk on the wings of the wind, you make the winds your messengers and flashing fire your servant.
How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your riches. There is the sea, vast and wide, with its moving swarms past counting, living things great and small.
All of these look to you to give them their food in due season. You give it, they gather it up: you open your hand, they have their fill.
You hide your face, they are dismayed; you take back your spirit, they die. You send forth you spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the earth.
Second Reading : Titus 2:11-14,3:4-7
God’s grace has been revealed, and it has made salvation possible for the whole human race and taught us that what we have to do is to give up everything that does not lead to God, and all our worldly ambitions; we must be self-restrained and live good and religious lives here in this present world, while we are waiting in hope for the blessing which will come with the Appearing of the glory of our great God and saviour Christ Jesus. He sacrificed himself for us in order to set us free from all wickedness and to purify a people so that it could be his very own and would have no ambition except to do good. But when the kindness and love of God our saviour for mankind were revealed, it was not because he was concerned with any righteous actions we might have done ourselves; it was for no reason except his own compassion that he saved us, by means of the cleansing water of rebirth and by renewing us with the Holy Spirit which he has so generously poured over us through Jesus Christ our saviour. He did this so that we should be justified by his grace, to become heirs looking forward to inheriting eternal life.
Gospel Acclamation : Lk 3:16
Alleluia, alleluia! Someone is coming, said John, someone greater than I. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Alleluia!
Gospel : Luke 3:15-16,21-22
A feeling of expectancy had grown among the people, who were beginning to think that John might be the Christ, so John declared before them all, ‘I baptise you with water, but someone is coming, someone who is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to undo the strap of his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Now when all the people had been baptised and while Jesus after his own baptism was at prayer, heaven opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily shape, like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Accept, O Lord, the offerings we have brought to honour the revealing of your beloved Son, so that the oblation of your faithful may be transformed into the sacrifice of him who willed in his compassion to wash away the sins of the world. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Communion Antiphon : Jn 1:32, 34
Behold the One of whom John said: I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.
Prayer after Communion
Nourished with these sacred gifts, we humbly entreat your mercy, O Lord, that, faithfully listening to your Only Begotten Son, we may be your children in name and in truth. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
After Jesus’ Baptism, we observe him in a moment of prayer. Why this moment of prayer? This quiet prayer carries a powerful message; it teaches us that even in moments of our greatest strength, we need to pause and turn towards God in prayer to find that connection with God that fuels our journey. The descent of the Holy Spirit and the divine voice affirm Jesus’ identity, purpose, and mission: “You are my Son, the Beloved; my favour rests on you.” Jesus’ Baptism serves as a reminder to us that amid the rush of our daily lives, the anxieties of the world, and the constant noise, we need to find those moments where we connect with the divine spark within, seek guidance, and draw strength for the journey ahead. May the stillness of Jesus’ prayer guide us, the descent of the Holy Spirit empower us, and the Father’s voice echo in our hearts to remind us that God delights in us (cf. Zeph 3:17).
by Norbert Doulanni | Jan 10, 2025 | Evangelium
Saint Theodosius the Cenobiarch / BVM
Psalter: Week II
White
Saint. Theodosius the Cenobiarch (c. 423–529) was a monk, abbot, and saint who was a founder and organizer of the cenobitic way of monastic life.
Entrance Antiphon : Gal 4: 4-5
God sent his Son, born of a woman, so that we might receive adoption as children.
Collect
Almighty ever-living God, who through your Only Begotten Son have made us a new creation for yourself, grant, we pray, that by your grace we may be found in the likeness of him, in whom our nature is united to you. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading : 1 John 5:14-21
We are quite confident that if we ask the Son of God for anything, and it is in accordance with his will, he will hear us; and, knowing that whatever we may ask, he hears us, we know that we have already been granted what we asked of him. If anybody sees his brother commit a sin that is not a deadly sin, he has only to pray, and God will give life to the sinner – not those who commit a deadly sin; for there is a sin that is death, and I will not say that you must pray about that. Every kind of wrong-doing is sin, but not all sin is deadly. We know that anyone who has been begotten by God does not sin, because the begotten Son of God protects him, and the Evil One does not touch him. We know that we belong to God, but the whole world lies in the power of the Evil One. We know, too, that the Son of God has come, and has given us the power to know the true God. We are in the true God, as we are in his Son, Jesus Christ. This is the true God, this is eternal life. Children, be on your guard against false gods.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 149:1-6,9
R/ The Lord takes delight in his people.
Sing a new song to the Lord, his praise in the assembly of the faithful. Let Israel rejoice in its Maker, let Zion’s sons exult in their king.
Let them praise his name with dancing and make music with timbrel and harp. For the Lord takes delight in his people. He crowns the poor with salvation.
Let the faithful rejoice in their glory, shout for joy and take their rest. Let the praise of God be on their lips: this honour is for all his faithful.
Gospel Acclamation : Lk 7:16
Alleluia, alleluia! A great prophet has appeared among us; God has visited his people. Alleluia!
Gospel : John 3:22-30
Jesus went with his disciples into the Judaean countryside and stayed with them there and baptised. At the same time John was baptising at Aenon near Salim, where there was plenty of water, and people were going there to be baptised. This was before John had been put in prison. Now some of John’s disciples had opened a discussion with a Jew about purification, so they went to John and said, ‘Rabbi, the man who was with you on the far side of the Jordan, the man to whom you bore witness, is baptising now; and everyone is going to him.’ John replied: ‘A man can lay claim only to what is given him from heaven. ‘You yourselves can bear me out: I said: I myself am not the Christ; I am the one who has been sent in front of him. ‘The bride is only for the bridegroom; and yet the bridegroom’s friend, who stands there and listens, is glad when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. This same joy I feel, and now it is complete. He must grow greater, I must grow smaller.’
Prayer over the Offerings
O God, who give us the gift of true prayer and of peace, graciously grant that, through this offering, we may do fitting homage to your divine majesty and, by partaking of the sacred mystery, we may be faithfully united in mind and heart. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Jn 1: 16
From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
Prayer after Communion
May your people, O Lord, whom you guide and sustain in many ways, experience, both now and in the future, the remedies which you bestow, that, with the needed solace of things that pass away, they may strive with ever deepened trust for things eternal. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
After playing his role exceptionally well, John declares: «This same joy I feel, and now it is complete. He must grow greater; I must grow smaller.» In other words, «He must increase, while I decrease.» John’s purpose is to point the way to Christ, and with his mission fulfilled, he finds joy in stepping back. His happiness reaches completion when people go to Jesus because it is Jesus, not John himself, who brings salvation to humanity. Consequently, John willingly accepts to be entirely eclipsed by Jesus. John’s attitude serves as a beautiful example of humility for us. All our acts of piety, charity, and church engagements are worthless if they draw attention to us rather than to God. In all that we think, do, and say, we must strive to bring people to God, helping them discover His love and draw ever closer to Him. Following the example of John the Baptist, our happiness should lie in making Jesus, and not ourselves, known and loved in the world. Our focus should be on pointing Jesus to others, rather than drawing attention to ourselves.
by Norbert Doulanni | Jan 9, 2025 | Evangelium
Saint William of Bourges
Psalter: Week II
White
He was Archbishop of Bourges from 1200 until 1209. He was given to a life of exercises of piety and to the acquisition of knowledge. Saint William was canonized on May 17, 1218.
Entrance Antiphon : Ps 111: 4
A light has risen in the darkness for the upright of heart; the Lord is generous, merciful and just.
Collect
Grant, we ask, almighty God, that the Nativity of the Saviour of the world, made known by the guidance of a star, may be revealed ever more fully to our minds. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
First reading : 1 John 5:5-13
Who can overcome the world? Only the man who believes that Jesus is the Son of God: Jesus Christ who came by water and blood, not with water only, but with water and blood; with the Spirit as another witness – since the Spirit is the truth – so that there are three witnesses, the Spirit, the water and the blood, and all three of them agree. We accept the testimony of human witnesses, but God’s testimony is much greater, and this is God’s testimony, given as evidence for his Son. Everybody who believes in the Son of God has this testimony inside him; and anyone who will not believe God is making God out to be a liar, because he has not trusted the testimony God has given about his Son. This is the testimony: God has given us eternal life and this life is in his Son; anyone who has the Son has life, anyone who does not have the Son does not have life. I have written all this to you so that you who believe in the name of the Son of God may be sure that you have eternal life.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 147:12-15,19-20
R/ O praise the Lord, Jerusalem!
O praise the Lord, Jerusalem! Zion, praise your God! He has strengthened the bars of your gates he has blessed the children within you.
He established peace on your borders, he feeds you with finest wheat. He sends out his word to the earth and swiftly runs his command.
He makes his word known to Jacob, to Israel his laws and decrees. He has not dealt thus with other nations; he has not taught them his decrees.
Gospel Acclamation : 1 Tim3:16
Alleluia, alleluia! Glory to you, O Christ, proclaimed to the pagans; glory to you, O Christ, believed in by the world. Alleluia!
Gospel : Luke 5:12-16
Jesus was in one of the towns when a man appeared, covered with leprosy. Seeing Jesus he fell on his face and implored him. ‘Sir,’ he said ‘if you want to, you can cure me.’ Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him and said, ‘Of course I want to! Be cured!’ And the leprosy left him at once. He ordered him to tell no one, ‘But go and show yourself to the priest and make the offering for your healing as Moses prescribed it, as evidence for them.’ His reputation continued to grow, and large crowds would gather to hear him and to have their sickness cured, but he would always go off to some place where he could be alone and pray.
Prayer over the Offerings
Receive with favour, O Lord, we pray, the offerings of your people, that what they profess with devotion and faith may be theirs through these heavenly mysteries.
Communion Antiphon : 1 Jn 4: 9
By this the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his Only Begotten Son into the world, so that we might have life through him.
Prayer after Communion
O God, who touch us through our partaking of your Sacrament, work, we pray, the effects of its power in our hearts, that we may be made fit to receive your gift through this very gift itself. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
The special touch of mercy that Jesus extends to the leper portrays an extraordinary transformation encounter. This man, ravaged by leprosy, a disease that not only disfigures but brands him “unclean,” receives the life-transforming touch of Jesus, who breaks the societal norms, shatters the walls of exclusion, and division by declaring the formerly unclean man as now clean. By reaching out and gently touching the leper, Jesus transforms the once-rejected individual into one who is now whole, and accepted by society. However, Jesus’ healing extends beyond the leper’s body; it encompasses his soul, dignity, and place in the world. The leper receives the miracle because he refuses to allow his fears paralyse and hinder him from reaching the source of his salvation. With courage, he cries out to Jesus, pleading for his healing touch. Let us, too, summon the courage to approach Jesus, seeking His help to bring healing and wholeness into our own lives and those around us.
by Norbert Doulanni | Jan 8, 2025 | Evangelium
Saint Adrian,
Abbot
Psalter: Week II
White
Born in Africa, Adrian became abbot of the monastery at Nerida, near Naples. He died on January 9 in Canterbury, and his tomb soon became famous for the miracles wrought there.
Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Jn 1: 1
In the beginning and before all ages, the Word was God and he humbled himself to be born the Saviour of the world.
Collect
O God, who through your Son raised up your eternal light for all nations, grant that your people may come to acknowledge the full splendour of their Redeemer, that, bathed ever more in his radiance, they may reach everlasting glory. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
First reading : 1 John 4:19-5:4
We are to love, because God loved us first. Anyone who says, ‘I love God’, and hates his brother, is a liar, since a man who does not love the brother that he can see cannot love God, whom he has never seen. So this is the commandment that he has given us, that anyone who loves God must also love his brother. Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ has been begotten by God; and whoever loves the Father that begot him loves the child whom he begets. We can be sure that we love God’s children if we love God himself and do what he has commanded us; this is what loving God is – keeping his commandments; and his commandments are not difficult, because anyone who has been begotten by God has already overcome the world; this is the victory over the world – our faith.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 71(72):1-2,14-15,17
R/ All nations shall fall prostrate before you, O Lord.
O God, give your judgement to the king, to a king’s son your justice, that he may judge your people in justice and your poor in right judgement.
From oppression he will rescue their lives, to him their blood is dear. (Long may he live, may the gold of Sheba be given him.) They shall pray for him without ceasing and bless him all the day.
May his name be blessed forever and endure like the sun. Every tribe shall be blessed in him, all nations bless his name.
Gospel Acclamation : Lk7:16
Alleluia, alleluia! A great prophet has appeared among us; God has visited his people. Alleluia!
Gospel : Luke 4:14-22
Jesus, with the power of the Spirit in him, returned to Galilee; and his reputation spread throughout the countryside. He taught in their synagogues and everyone praised him. He came to Nazara, where he had been brought up, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day as he usually did. He stood up to read and they handed him the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. Unrolling the scroll he found the place where it is written: The spirit of the Lord has been given to me, for he has anointed me. He has sent me to bring the good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives and to the blind new sight, to set the downtrodden free, to proclaim the Lord’s year of favour. He then rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the assistant and sat down. And all eyes in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to speak to them, ‘This text is being fulfilled today even as you listen.’ And he won the approval of all, and they were astonished by the gracious words that came from his lips.
Prayer over the Offerings
Receive our oblation, O Lord, by which is brought about a glorious exchange, that, by offering what you have given, we may merit to receive your very self. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Jn 3: 16
God so loved the world that he gave his Only Begotten Son, so that all who believe in him may not perish, but may have eternal life.
Prayer after Communion
Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, by the power of these holy mysteries, our life may be constantly sustained. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation Our Gospel presents a pivotal moment in Jesus’ life as He returns to Nazareth, His hometown, and enters the synagogue where he grew up and worshipped with His family and friends. After reading the prophecy of Isaiah, He makes a powerful announcement: “This text is being fulfilled today even as you listen.” With this pronouncement, He identifies himself as the Messiah whose mission is to bring good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to the captives, and open the eyes of the blind. He asserts that He has come to fulfil all the prophecies about the arrival of a saviour, an astonishing and even blasphemous assertion to the ears of His fellow Jews. For us today, Jesus represents the source of hope and healing in our lives. Just as He opened the eyes of the blind in the Gospel, He has the power to open our own eyes to the truth of God’s love. He breaks the chains that bind us and sets us free. To experience this transformation, we must develop a renewed faith in Jesus Christ and believe that He is the one who makes our lives whole.
