by Norbert Doulanni | Dec 25, 2024 | Evangelium
Psalter: Proper
Saint Stephen,
the first Martyr
Feast
White
Stephen is the first martyr. He was one of the deacons appointed by the Apostles to organize the distribution of food to the poor. Angry Jews fabricated false charges against him and was stoned to death. He prayed for his persecutors as he was dying. One of them, Saul of Tarsus, was later converted and became the great missionary, St Paul.
Entrance Antiphon
The gates of heaven were opened for blessed Stephen, who was found to be first among the number of the Martyrs, and therefore is crowned triumphant in heaven.
Collect
Grant, Lord, we pray, that we may imitate what we worship, and so learn to love even our enemies, for we celebrate the heavenly birthday of a man who knew how to pray even for his persecutors. 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 : Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59
Stephen was filled with grace and power and began to work miracles and great signs among the people. But then certain people came forward to debate with Stephen, some from Cyrene and Alexandria who were members of the synagogue called the Synagogue of Freedmen, and others from Cilicia and Asia. They found they could not get the better of him because of his wisdom, and because it was the Spirit that prompted what he said. They were infuriated when they heard what he said, and ground their teeth at him. But Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at God’s right hand. ‘I can see heaven thrown open’ he said ‘and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.’ At this all the members of the council shouted out and stopped their ears with their hands; then they all rushed at him, sent him out of the city and stoned him. The witnesses put down their clothes at the feet of a young man called Saul. As they were stoning him, Stephen said in invocation, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ Then he knelt down and said aloud, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them’; and with these words he fell asleep. Saul entirely approved of the killing.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 31
R/ Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Be a rock of refuge for me, a mighty stronghold to save me, for you are my rock, my stronghold. For your name’s sake, lead me and guide me
Into your hands I commend my spirit. It is you who will redeem me, Lord. As for me, I trust in the Lord: let me be glad and rejoice in your love.
My life is in your hands, deliver me from the hands of those who hate me. Let your face shine on your servant. Save me in your love.
Gospel Acclamation : Ps 117: 26. 27
Alleluia, alleluia! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; the Lord God is our light. Alleluia!
Gospel : Matthew 10:17-22
Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Beware of men: they will hand you over to sanhedrins and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the pagans. But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to speak or what to say; what you are to say will be given to you when the time comes; because it is not you who will be speaking; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you. ‘Brother will betray brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all men on account of my name; but the man who stands firm to the end will be saved.’
Prayer over the Offerings
May these offerings of our devotion today, be acceptable to you, we pray, O Lord, for they are prompted by the glorious commemoration of Saint Stephen the Martyr. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Acts 7: 58
As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
Prayer after Communion
For the many mercies which surround us we give thanks to you, O Lord, who save us through the Nativity of your Son and gladden us with the celebration of the blessed Martyr Stephen. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
We happily commemorated Jesus’ birth. Jesus was born into an imperfect world where light and darkness were always at war. He had to perish because he refused to follow its logic and was the Prince of Peace in the realm of violence. Stephen, whom we celebrate today, was the first martyr for Christianity after him and the first of many who continue his tradition of martyrdom until today. Stephen was stoned to death for daring to hold fast to the promise embodied in the simplicity of the crib (Acts 6:13-14). He demonstrated his devotion to Jesus to the very end of his life. Acts 7:56 quotes him as saying, “I can see Heaven thrown open, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God” at the moment of his death. Additionally, he cried out in imitation of Jesus as he collapsed beneath the stones, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Acts 7:60 and Luke 23:34. Even for saints, martyrdom is not a simple task. However, Christian martyrs will inevitably embrace it, not because they lack fear, but rather because they have faith in a higher purpose and a deeper love that compels them to die even for their adversaries. They are immortal. They were created in heaven. May the sacrifices of our martyrs motivate us to pursue world peace and to live our faith to the very end.
by Norbert Doulanni | Dec 25, 2024 | Agenda Biblique
Saint Etienne,
Premier Martyr
Fete
Rouge
La vie d’Etienne est celle d’un homme totalement livré à l’Esprit et rempli par celui-ci de sagesse et de force. Parce qu’il est sage, il est choisi, dans l’Eglise naissante, pour servir, la communauté, en veillant à ce que la communion des cœurs s’exprime par un partage équitable des biens.
Antienne d’ouverture
Les portes du ciel s’ouvrirent pour saint Étienne ; premier de tous les martyrs, il a reçu la récompense du vainqueur.
Prière d’ouverture
Apprends-nous, Seigneur, l’amour de nos ennemies, à l’exemple de saint Etienne le premier de tes martyrs, lui qui sut implorer le pardon pour ses propres bourreaux. Par Jésus.
1ère lecture : Act 6, 8-10 ; 7, 54-60
En ces jours- là, Étienne, rempli de la grâce et de la puissance de Dieu, accomplissait parmi le peuple des prodiges et des signes éclatants. Intervinrent alors certaines gens de la synagogue dite des Affranchis, ainsi que des Cyrénéens et des Alexandrins, et aussi des gens originaires de Cilicie et de la province d’Asie. Ils se mirent à discuter avec Étienne, mais sans pouvoir résister à la sagesse et à l’Esprit qui le faisaient parler. Ceux qui écoutaient ce discours avaient le cœur exaspéré et grinçaient des dents contre Étienne. Mais lui, rempli de l’Esprit Saint, fixait le ciel du regard : il vit la gloire de Dieu, et Jésus debout à la droite de Dieu. Il déclara : « Voici que je contemple les cieux ouverts et le Fils de l’homme debout à la droite de Dieu. » Alors ils poussèrent de grands cris et se bouchèrent les oreilles. Tous ensemble, ils se précipitèrent sur lui, l’entraînèrent hors de la ville et se mirent à le lapider. Les témoins avaient déposé leurs vêtements aux pieds d’un jeune homme appelé Saul. Étienne, pendant qu’on le lapidait, priait ainsi: « Seigneur Jésus, reçois mon esprit.» Puis, se mettant à genoux, il s’écria d’une voix forte : « Seigneur, ne leur compte pas ce péché. » Et, après cette parole, il s’endormit dans la mort.
Psaume : 30 (31), 3bc.4b, 6.8a.9b, 17.20cd
R/ En tes mains, Seigneur, je remets mon esprit.
Sois le rocher qui m’abrite, la maison fortifiée qui me sauve. Pour l’honneur de ton nom, tu me guides et me conduis.
En tes mains je remets mon esprit; tu me rachètes, Seigneur, Dieu de vérité. Ton amour me fait danser de joie: devant moi, tu as ouvert un passage.
Sur ton serviteur, que s’illumine ta face ; sauve- moi par ton amour. Tu combles, à la face du monde, ceux qui ont en toi leur refuge.
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia Béni soit au nom du Seigneur, celui qui vient; Dieu, le Seigneur, nous illumine. Alléluia.
Évangile : Matthieu 10, 17-22
En ce temps-là, Jésus disait à ses Apôtres : « Méfiez- vous des hommes : ils vous livreront aux tribunaux et vous flagelleront dans leurs synagogues. Vous serez conduits devant des gouverneurs et des rois à cause de moi : il y aura là un témoignage pour eux et pour les païens. Quand on vous livrera, ne vous inquiétez pas de savoir ce que vous direz ni comment vous le direz : ce que vous aurez à dire vous sera donné à cette heure- là. Car ce n’est pas vous qui parlerez, c’est l’Esprit de votre Père qui parlera en vous. Le frère livrera son frère à la mort, et le père, son enfant ; les enfants se dresseront contre leurs parents et les feront mettre à mort. Vous serez détestés de tous à cause de mon nom ; mais celui qui aura persévéré jusqu’à la fin, celui- là sera sauvé. »
Prière sur les offrandes
Daigne Seigneur accepter de nos mains ce que l’anniversaire de saint Étienne nous donne l’occasion de t’offrir. Par Jésus.
Antienne de la communion : Ac 7, 58
Étienne, pendant qu’on le lapidait faisait cette prière : « Seigneur Jésus, reçois mon esprit. »
Prière après la communion
Seigneur, nous te rendons grâce pour l’abondance de tes bienfaits: Tu nous sauves par la naissance de ton Fils, tu nous réjouis par la fête de ton martyr saint Étienne. Par Jésus.
Méditation
Étienne, le premier martyr chrétien, était l’un des sept premiers diacres, dont le devoir était d’être au service de l’Église et des Apôtres. En tant que serviteur du Christ, il était heureux d’être comme son Maître, et voyez combien il lui ressembla à la fin de sa vie ! Comme il se tenait devant le Sanhédrin, l’Esprit Saint lui donna la force de parler avec audace ; non seulement il réfuta les accusations que l’on faisait peser sur lui, mais à son tour il accusa ses accusateurs ! Il gardait son regard fixé sur le Seigneur, si bien que son visage resplendissait comme celui d’un ange et reflétait la gloire du Christ qui demeurait en lui. Cependant, la ressemblance d’Étienne avec son Maître n’était pas seulement extérieure car, au moment de sa mort, il révéla les dispositions intérieures de son cœur en priant pour le pardon de ses meurtriers, prière qui porta du fruit plus tard avec la conversion de saint Paul. Étienne, dont le nom même signifie « couronne », gagna la couronne du martyre après s’y être préparé par une vie de fidélité et de service du Christ.
by Norbert Doulanni | Dec 24, 2024 | Evangelium
Psalter: Proper
Christmas Day – Mass during the Day
White
Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Is 9: 5
A child is born for us, and a son is given to us; his sceptre of power rests upon his shoulder, and his name will be called Messenger of great counsel.
Collect
O God, who wonderfully created the dignity of human nature and still more wonderfully restored it, grant, we pray, that we may share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading : Isaiah 52:7-10
How beautiful on the mountains, are the feet of one who brings good news, who heralds peace, brings happiness, proclaims salvation, and tells Zion, ‘Your God is king!’ Listen! Your watchmen raise their voices, they shout for joy together, for they see the Lord face to face, as he returns to Zion. Break into shouts of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the Lord is consoling his people, redeeming Jerusalem. The Lord bares his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 97(98):1-6
R/ All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Sing a new song to the Lord for he has worked wonders. His right hand and his holy arm have brought salvation
The Lord has made known his salvation; has shown his justice to the nations. He has remembered his truth and love for the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Shout to the Lord all the earth, ring out your joy.
Sing psalms to the Lord with the harp, with the sound of music. With trumpets and the sound of the horn acclaim the King, the Lord.
Second 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.
Gospel Acclamation : cf.Lk24:32
Alleluia, alleluia! A hallowed day has dawned upon us. Come, you nations, worship the Lord, for today, a great light has shone down upon the earth. Alleluia!
Gospel : John 1:1-18
In the beginning was the Word: the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things came to be, not one thing had its being but through him. All that came to be had life in him and that life was the light of men, a light that shines in the dark, a light that darkness could not overpower. A man came, sent by God. His name was John. He came as a witness, as a witness to speak for the light, so that everyone might believe through him. He was not the light, only a witness to speak for the light. The Word was the true light that enlightens all men; and he was coming into the world. He was in the world that had its being through him, and the world did not know him. He came to his own domain and his own people did not accept him. But to all who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to all who believe in the name of him who was born not out of human stock or urge of the flesh or will of man but of God himself. The Word was made flesh, he lived among us, and we saw his glory, the glory that is his as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth. John appears as his witness. He proclaims: ‘This is the one of whom I said: He who comes after me ranks before me because he existed before me.’ Indeed, from his fullness we have, all of us, received- yes, grace in return for grace, since, though the Law was given through Moses, grace and truth have come through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; it is the only Son, who is nearest to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.
Prayer over the Offerings
Make acceptable, O Lord, our oblation on this solemn day, when you manifested the reconciliation that makes us wholly pleasing in your sight and inaugurated for us the fullness of divine worship. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon : Cf. Ps 97: 3
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Prayer after Communion
Grant, O merciful God, that, just as the Saviour of the world, born this day, is the author of divine generation for us, so he may be the giver even of immortality. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Meditation Good News! We rejoice and are glad because God has taken our human condition. He lives among us (John 1:14), sharing our joys and sorrows in our daily chores. It is Good News! We rejoice because although we were walking in darkness, through the birth of Christ, we have seen a wonderful light! In the darkness of our hearts, Christ the Light has found a befitting dwelling. Yes, it is Good News, a baby has been born! This baby has changed the course of history. All attention now is drawn towards humble Bethlehem, in a humble manger. The Angels render the “Born-house” song: GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO. The Angels, Mary, Joseph, poor shepherds and even the animals worship the Child! Let us partake fully in this “born-house” by dancing and singing: “Glory to God in the highest and Peace to People of Good Will.” This is the humble beginning of a change in our human history. All other histories before were just like prefaces to this. All other history and stories after this remain only as footnotes. Where do you place yourself in the above history? Only through humility can we partake in this humble intervention of God in the Course of our History. And shepherds on the hillside heard a sky full of angels crying out, “Glory to God in the highest and Peace to People of Good Will.” Peace to you. Peace to your families. Happy Christmas to you all!.
by Norbert Doulanni | Dec 24, 2024 | Agenda Biblique
Nativité du seigneur
Solennité
Blanc
A la mort de son époux, elle se fit religieuse et fonda l’abbaye de Pfalzel dans le diocèse de Trèves. Elle en fut l’Abbesse réputée et respectée. Elle fut aussi la grand-mère de saint Grégoire d’Utrecht qui fut l’un des plus dynamiques disciples de saint Boniface.
Antienne d’ouverture : Ps 2, 7
Un enfant nous est né, un fils nous est donné. L’insigne du pouvoir est sur son épaule ; on l ’appelle Messager de Dieu.
Prière d’ouverture
Père, toi qui as merveilleusement crée l’homme et plus merveilleusement encore rétabli sa dignité, fais-nous participer à la divinité de ton Fils, puisqu ’il a voulu prendre notre humanité. Par Jésus Christ.
1ère lecture : Is 52, 7-10
Comme il est beau de voir courir sur les montagnes le messager qui annonce la paix, le messager de la bonne nouvelle, qui annonce le salut, celui qui vient dire à la cité sainte : « Il est roi, ton Dieu ! » Écoutez la voix des guetteurs, leur appel retentit, c’est un seul cri de joie ; ils voient de leurs yeux le Seigneur qui revient à Sion. Éclatez en cris de joie, ruines de Jérusalem, car le Seigneur a consolé son peuple, il rachète Jérusalem ! Le Seigneur a montré la force divine de son bras aux yeux de toutes les nations. Et, d’un bout à l’autre de la terre, elles verront le salut de notre Dieu.
Psaume : 97, 1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6
R/ La terre entière a vu le Sauveur que Dieu nous donne.
Autrefois, tu as parlé à tes amis, dans une vision tu leur as dit : « J’ai trouvé David, mon serviteur, je l’ai sacré avec mon huile sainte.
« Il me dira : Tu es mon Père, mon Dieu, mon roc et mon salut ! Et moi, j’en ferai mon fils aîné, le plus grand des rois de la terre !
« Sans fin je lui garderai mon amour, mon alliance avec lui sera fidèle ; je fonderai sa dynastie pour toujours, son trône aussi durable que les cieux. »
2ème lecture : He 1, 1-6
Souvent, dans le passé, Dieu a parlé à nos pères par les prophètes sous des formes fragmentaires et variées; mais, dans les derniers temps, dans ces jours où nous sommes, il nous a parlé par ce Fils qu’il a établi héritier de toutes choses et par qui il a créé les mondes. Reflet resplendissant de la gloire du Père, expression parfaite de son être, ce Fils, qui porte toutes choses par sa parole puissante, après avoir accompli la purification des péchés, s’est assis à la droite de la Majesté divine au plus haut des cieux ; et il est placé bien au-dessus des anges, car il possède par héritage un nom bien plus grand que les leurs. En effet, Dieu n’ a jamais dit à un ange : « Tu es mon fils, aujourd’hui je t’ai engendré. » Ou bien encore : « je serai pour lui un père, il sera pour moi un fils.» Au contraire, au moment d’introduire le Premier-né dans le monde à venir, il dit : « Que tous les anges de Dieu se prosterne devant lui. »
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia.Aujourd’hui la lumière a briller sur la terre, peuple de l’univers entrez dans la clarté de Dieu; vennez tous adoré le Seigneur Alléluia.
Évangile : Jn 1, 1-18
Au commencement était le Verbe, la Parole de Dieu, et le Verbe était auprès de Dieu, et le Verbe était Dieu. Il était au commencement auprès de Dieu. Par lui, tout s’est fait, et rien de ce qui s’est fait ne s’est fait sans lui. En lui était la vie, et la vie était la lumière des hommes ; la lumière brille dans les ténèbres, et les ténèbres ne l’ont pas arrêtée. Il y eut un homme envoyé par Dieu. Son nom était Jean. Il était venu comme témoin, pour rendre témoignage à la Lumière, afin que tous croient par lui. Cet homme n’était pas la Lumière, mais il était là pour lui rendre témoignage. Le Verbe était la vraie Lumière, qui éclaire tout homme en venant dans le monde. Il était dans le monde, lui par qui le monde s’était fait, mais le monde ne l’a pas reconnu. Il est venu chez les siens, et les siens ne l’ont pas reçu. Mais tous ceux qui l’ont reçu, ceux qui croient en son nom, il leur a donné de pouvoir devenir enfants de Dieu. Ils ne sont pas nés de la chair et du sang, ni d’une volonté charnelle, ni d’une volonté d’homme : ils sont nés de Dieu. Et le Verbe s’est fait chair, il a habité parmi nous, et nous avons vu sa gloire, la gloire qui tient de son Père comme Fils unique, plein de grâce et de vérité. Jean Baptiste lui rend témoignage en proclamant: « Voici celui dont j’ai dit : Lui qui vient derrière moi, il a pris place devant moi car avant moi il était. » Tous nous avons eu part à sa plénitude nous avons reçu grâce après grâce. Après avoir communiqué par Moïse, la grâce et la vérité sont venues par Jésus Christ. Dieu, personne ne l ’a jamais vu ; le Fils unique, qui est dans le sein du Père, c’est lui qui a conduit à le connaître.
Prière sur les offrandes
Accepte, Seigneur, l’offrande que nous te présentons en ce jour de fête ; car elle est le sacrifice qui nous rétablit dans ton Alliance et fait monter vers toi la parfaite louange. Par Jésus.
Antienne de communion : Ps 97,3
Sur toute l’étendue de la terre on a vu le salut de notre Dieu.
Prière après la communion
Nous te prions, Dieu notre Père, puisque le Sauveur du monde, en naissant aujourd’hui nous a fait naître à la vie divine, qu’il nous donne aussi l’immortalité. Lui qui.
Méditation
L’Église de Bethléem, c’est cette femme et cet homme penchés sur un berceau en forme de mangeoire… Marie, encore tout émue, mais rassurée par la présence de son merveilleux compagnon, médite « en les portant en son cœur », les événements qui viennent de bouleverser sa vie : la rencontre du messager de Dieu, l’annonce de l’impossible conception, la visite à Élisabeth, l’ordonnance impériale, le pénible voyage, la recherche d’un abri de fortune, et puis, l’accouchement si étrangement paisible du beau bébé, fruit de sa foi autant que de son corps, à qui des bergers du voisinage et des mages de l’Orient sont venus rendre une bien mystérieuse visite. Joseph veille sur l’enfant et sa mère : l’enfant si proche et si lointain, qu’il a mission de protéger, de reconnaître et de nommer ; la mère, qui lui inspire tant de tendresse et de vénération. Serviteur disponible et vigilant, il attend que Dieu lui fasse signe à nouveau.
by Norbert Doulanni | Dec 23, 2024 | Evangelium
Saint Adele
Purple
She was a widow. A daughter of King Dagobert II of Germany, Adele became a nun upon the death of her husband. After a devout life filled with good works and communion with God, she passed on to her heavenly reward in 730.
Entrance Antiphon : Cf. Gal 4: 4
Behold, when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son into the world.
Collect
Come quickly, we pray, Lord Jesus, and do not delay, that those who trust in your compassion may find solace and relief in your coming. Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First Reading : 2 Samuel 7:1-5. 8-12.14.16
Once David had settled into his house and the Lord had given him rest from all the enemies surrounding him, the king said to the prophet Nathan, ‘Look, I am living in a house of cedar while the ark of God dwells in a tent.’ Nathan said to the king, ‘Go and do all that is in your mind, for the Lord is with you.’ But that very night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: ‘Go and tell my servant David, “Thus the Lord speaks: Are you the man to build me a house to dwell in? I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, to be a leader of my people Israel; I have been with you on all your expeditions I have cut off all your enemies before you. I will give you fame as great as the fame of the greatest on earth. I will provide a place for my people Israel; I will plant them there and they shall dwell in that place and never be disturbed again; nor shall the wicked continue to oppress them as they did, in the days when I appointed judges over my people Israel; I will give them rest from all their enemies. The Lord will make you great; the Lord will make you a House. And when your days are ended and you are laid to rest with your ancestors, I will preserve the offspring of your body after you and make his sovereignty secure. I will be a father to him and he a son to me. Your House and your sovereignty will always stand secure before me and your throne be established for ever”.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 88(89):2-5,27,29
R/ I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord.
I will sing for ever of your love, O Lord; through all ages my mouth will proclaim your truth. Of this I am sure, that your love lasts for ever, that your truth is firmly established as the heavens.
‘I have made a covenant with my chosen one; I have sworn to David my servant; I will establish your dynasty for ever and set up your throne through all ages.’
He will say to me: ‘You are my father, my God, the rock who saves me.’ I will keep my love for him always; for him my covenant shall endure.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! Morning star, Radiance of eternal light, Sun of justice, come and enlighten those who live in darkness and in the shadow of death. Alleluia!
Gospel : Luke 1:67-79
John’s father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy: ‘Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited his people, he has come to their rescue and he has raised up for us a power for salvation in the House of his servant David, even as he proclaimed, by the mouth of his holy prophets from ancient times, that he would save us from our enemies and from the hands of all who hate us. Thus he shows mercy to our ancestors, thus he remembers his holy covenant, the oath he swore to our father Abraham that he would grant us, free from fear, to be delivered from the hands of our enemies, to serve him in holiness and virtue in his presence, all our days. And you, little child, you shall be called Prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare the way for him. To give his people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins; this by the tender mercy of our God who from on high will bring the rising Sun to visit us, to give light to those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Graciously make your own, O Lord, the offerings which we bring, that, partaking of them, we be cleansed of our sins and merit to stand ready with pure hearts for the coming in glory of your Son. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Communion Antiphon : Lk 1: 68
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel! He has visited his people and redeemed them.
Prayer after Communion
Grant to us who find new vigour, O Lord, in these your wondrous gifts, that, as we prepare to celebrate in adoration the festivities of your Son’s Nativity, so we may possess in gladness his everlasting rewards. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Meditation
The mouth of Zachariah that was opened yesterday enabled him to minister in the Temple as a priest of the Most High and to sing his praises. Combining the two offices of priest and father of the house, he declares the fulfilment of the promises of God in the person of the newborn John. It could be that the long silence of Zachariah enabled him to listen more to God and enter into a mystical union with him which his many activities of previous years did not privilege him to do. These wise sayings of his must have been the ruminations of his heart all this while. And as we said a few days ago, God has already prepared for John a privileged background in the persons of Zachariah and Elizabeth. Since the parents already know the mission of this child, they can lead him to achieve this height. Blessed are all who teach others the way of righteousness.
by Norbert Doulanni | Dec 22, 2024 | Evangelium
Saint John of Kęty, Priest
(1390 – 1473)
O Emmanuel !
Purple
He was born in kety in the diocese of Kraków in 1390. He became a priest and for many years taught at the University of Kraków; later he became parish priest of Olkusz. He taught and researched in both physics and theology and excelled in holiness and in charity towards his neighbour, in which he was an example to his colleagues and pupils. He died in 1473.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Is 9: 5; Ps 71: 17
A child shall be born for us, and he will be called God, the Almighty; every tribe of the earth shall be blest in him.
Collect
Almighty ever-living God, as we see how the Nativity of your Son according to the flesh draws near, we pray that to us, your unworthy servants, mercy may flow from your Word, who chose to become flesh of the Virgin Mary and establish among us his dwelling, Jesus Christ our Lord. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
First reading: Malachi 3:1-4,23-24
The Lord God says this: Look, I am going to send my messenger to prepare a way before me. And the Lord you are seeking will suddenly enter his Temple; and the angel of the covenant whom you are longing for, yes, he is coming, says the Lord of Hosts. Who will be able to resist the day of his coming? Who will remain standing when he appears? For he is like the refiner’s fire and the fullers’ alkali. He will take his seat as refiner and purifier; he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and then they will make the offering to the Lord as it should be made. The offering of Judah and Jerusalem will then be welcomed by the Lord as in former days, as in the years of old. Know that I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before my day comes, that great and terrible day. He shall turn the hearts of fathers towards their children and the hearts of children towards their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a curse.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 24(25):4-5,8-9,10,14
R/ Stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand.
Lord, make me know your ways. Lord, teach me your paths. Make me walk in your truth, and teach me: for you are God my saviour.
The Lord is good and upright. He shows the path to those who stray, He guides the humble in the right path, He teaches his way to the poor.
His ways are faithfulness and love for those who keep his covenant and law. The Lord’s friendship is for those who revere him; to them he reveals his covenant.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! King of the peoples and cornerstone of the Church, come and save man, whom you made from the dust of the earth. Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 1:57-66
The time came for Elizabeth to have her child, and she gave birth to a son; and when her neighbours and relations heard that the Lord had shown her so great a kindness, they shared her joy. Now on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother spoke up. ‘No,’ she said ‘he is to be called John.’ They said to her, ‘But no one in your family has that name’, and made signs to his father to find out what he wanted him called. The father asked for a writing-tablet and wrote, ‘His name is John.’ And they were all astonished. At that instant his power of speech returned and he spoke and praised God. All their neighbours were filled with awe and the whole affair was talked about throughout the hill country of Judaea. All those who heard of it treasured it in their hearts. ‘What will this child turn out to be?’ they wondered. And indeed the hand of the Lord was with him.
Prayer over the Offerings
May this oblation, by which divine worship in its fullness has been inaugurated for us, be our perfect reconciliation with you, O Lord, that we may celebrate with minds made pure the Nativity of our Redeemer. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Communion Antiphon: Rv 3: 20
Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if anyone hears my voice and opens the door to me, I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me.
Prayer after Communion
Grant your peace, O Lord, to those you have nourished with these heavenly gifts, that we may be ready, with lighted lamps, to meet your dearly beloved Son at his coming. Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Meditation
Sometimes misfortune comes in twos and threes. In such moments, help seems far-fetched. This must have been the experience of the family of Zachariah as they contemplate their barrenness and old age. At other times, however, there is a mixture of fortune and misfortune. This is typified by the combination of the happenings in this same family. The pregnancy of Elizabeth coincided with the inability of Zachariah to speak. These events readily speak to a good number of us. At times, when we feel we can relax and enjoy the good things of life, something comes from the blues to disrupt this joy. Luckily, the concluding verses of today’s reading give us hope that even in these times, the hand of God is still leading us. The naming of John opened the mouth of Zachariah. He can go ahead with his services of God in the Temple. What a double blessing!
by Norbert Doulanni | Dec 22, 2024 | Agenda Biblique
SAINT Armand
O Emmanuel !
Violet
Originaire de Bavière et entra dans l’Ordre des chanoines réguliers de Saint-Augustin. Il réforma de nombreuses communautés de son Ordre puis fut nommé évêque de Brixen.
Antienne d’ouverture : Cf. Is 9, 6
Un enfant va naître; on l’appellera Dieu Fort: en lui seront bénis tous les peuple de la terre.
Prière d’ouverture
Dieu éternel et tout-puissant, nous allons bientôt célébrer la naissance de ton Fils ; il a voulu prendre chair de la Vierge Marie, il s’est lié pour toujours à notre humanité : fais qu’il montre ta miséricorde aux pauvres serviteurs que nous sommes. Lui qui règne.
1ère lecture : Ml 3, 1-4.23-24
Ainsi parle le Seigneur Dieu : Voici que j’envoie mon messager pour qu’il prépare le chemin devant moi ; et soudain viendra dans son Temple le Seigneur que vous cherchez. Le messager de l’Alliance que vous désirez, le voici qui vient,– dit le Seigneur de l’univers. Qui pourra soutenir le jour de sa venue? Qui pourra rester debout lorsqu’il se montrera ? Car il est pareil au feu du fondeur, pareil à la lessive des blanchisseurs. Il s’installera pour fondre et purifier : il purifiera les fils de Lévi, il les affinera comme l’or et l’argent ; ainsi pourront-ils, aux yeux du Seigneur, présenter l’offrande en toute justice. Alors, l’offrande de Juda et de Jérusalem sera bien accueillie du Seigneur, comme il en fut aux jours anciens, dans les années d’autrefois. Voici que je vais vous envoyer Élie le prophète, avant que vienne le jour du Seigneur, jour grand et redoutable. Il ramènera le cœur des pères vers leurs fils, et le cœur des fils vers leurs pères, pour que je ne vienne pas frapper d’anathème le pays !
Psaume : 24 (25), 4-5ab, 8-9, 10.14
R/ Redressez-vous et relevez la tête, car votre rédemption approche. (Lc 21, 28)
Seigneur, enseigne-moi tes voies, fais-moi connaître ta route. Dirige-moi par ta vérité, enseigne-moi, car tu es le Dieu qui me sauve.
Il est droit, il est bon, le Seigneur, lui qui montre aux pécheurs le chemin. Sa justice dirige les humbles, il enseigne aux humbles son chemin.
Les voies du Seigneur sont amour et vérité pour qui veille à son alliance et à ses lois. Le secret du Seigneur est pour ceux qui le craignent ; à ceux-là, il fait connaître son alliance.
Acclamation
Alléluia, Alléluia. Viens, Espérance des nations, Sauveur de tous les peuples ! Viens sauver ce qui était perdu. Alléluia.
Évangile : Lc 1, 57-66
Quand fut accompli le temps où Élisabeth devait enfanter, elle mit au monde un fils. Ses voisins et sa famille apprirent que le Seigneur lui avait montré la grandeur de sa miséricorde, et ils se réjouissaient avec elle. Le huitième jour, ils vinrent pour la circoncision de l’enfant. Ils voulaient l’appeler Zacharie, du nom de son père. Mais sa mère prit la parole et déclara : « Non, il s’appellera Jean. » On lui dit : « Personne dans ta famille ne porte ce nom-là ! » On demandait par signes au père comment il voulait l’appeler. Il se fit donner une tablette sur laquelle il écrivit : « Jean est son nom. » Et tout le monde en fut étonné. À l’instant même, sa bouche s’ouvrit, sa langue se délia : il parlait et il bénissait Dieu. La crainte saisit alors tous les gens du voisinage et, dans toute la région montagneuse de Judée, on racontait tous ces événements. Tous ceux qui les apprenaient les conservaient dans leur cœur et disaient : « Que sera donc cet enfant? » En effet, la main du Seigneur était avec lui.
Prière sur les offrandes
Que cette offrande, Seigneur, où ton Eglise te présente la parfaite adoration de ton Fils, nous rétablisse dans ton amitié, pour que nous fêtions d’un cœur pur la naissance de notre Rédempteur. Lui qui
Antienne de communion : Ap 3, 20
« Voici que je me tiens à la porte et je frappe. Si quelqu’un entend ma voix et ouvre la porte, j’entrerai chez lui ; je prendrai mon repas avec lui, et lui avec moi. »
Prière après la communion
Accorde la Paix, Seigneur, à ceux que tu as nourris d’un aliment spirituel, pour que jamais ne faiblisse leur vigilance à guetter la venue de ton Fils. Lui qui
Méditation
Chez le prophète Isaïe, l’image de la lumière est utilisée comme symbole de salut et d’espérance. Le peuple qui marchait dans les ténèbres a vu une grande lumière; sur les habitants du sombre pays, une lumière a resplendi. Le prophète Malachie utilise une autre image du soleil levant pour exprimer la Rédemption dont nous bénéficions comme d’une bénédiction de Dieu : Pour vous qui craignez mon Nom, le soleil de justice brillera, avec le salut dans ses rayons (Malachie 3.20). L’évangéliste Luc nous donne, dans le Cantique de Zacharie, la même métaphore de Jésus comme Lumière du monde : …, pour illuminer ceux qui se tiennent dans les ténèbres et l’ombre de la mort, … Dans le Sermon sur la Montagne, Jésus nous rappelle que nous sommes la lumière du monde. Mais nous savons que nous ne pouvons être la vraie lumière pour les autres que si notre propre éclairage est celui que nous recevons de Jésus Christ. Adressons cette prière instante à Jésus pour qu’il fasse resplendir sur nous ses rayons bienfaisants, en sorte que nous brillions nous-mêmes, pour les autres, de sa lumière.
by Norbert Doulanni | Dec 19, 2024 | Agenda Biblique
Saint Jacob
O Clavis David !
Violet
C’est le Patriarche du peuple juif. Le livre de la Genèse a consigné l’histoire pleine de la ruse de la bénédiction d’Isaac reçut par lui à la place de son frère Esaü.
Antienne d’ouverture
Un rameau sortira de la souche de Jessé, la gloire du Seigneur remplira la terre, et tout homme verra le salut de notre Dieu.
Prière d’ouverture
Tu as voulu, Seigneur, qu’à l’annonce de l’ange la Vierge accueille ton Verbe éternel, qu’elle soit remplie de la lumière de l’Esprit Saint et devienne le temple du Très-Haut ; aide-nous à devenir assez humbles pour faire comme elle ta volonté. Par Jésus Christ.
1ère lecture : Isaïe 7, 10-14
En ces jours-là, le Seigneur parla ainsi au roi Acaz : « Demande pour toi un signe de la part du Seigneur ton Dieu, au fond du séjour des morts ou sur les sommets, là- haut.» Acaz répondit : « Non, je n’en demanderai pas, je ne mettrai pas le Seigneur à l’épreuve. » Isaïe dit alors : « Écoutez, maison de David ! Il ne vous suffit donc pas de fatiguer les hommes: il faut encore que vous fatiguiez mon Dieu! C’est pourquoi le Seigneur lui- même vous donnera un signe: Voici que la vierge est enceinte, elle enfantera un fils, qu’elle appellera Emmanuel (c’est- à- dire: Dieu- avec- nous). »
Psaume : 23 (24), 1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6
R/ Qu’il vienne, le Seigneur : c’est lui, le roi de gloire!
Au Seigneur, le monde et sa richesse, la terre et tous ses habitants ! C’est lui qui l’a fondée sur les mers et la garde inébranlable sur les flots.
Qui peut gravir la montagne du Seigneur et se tenir dans le lieu saint ? L’homme au cœur pur, aux mains innocentes, qui ne livre pas son âme aux idoles.
Il obtient, du Seigneur, la bénédiction, et de Dieu son Sauveur, la justice. Voici le peuple de ceux qui le cherchent ! Voici Jacob qui recherche ta face !
Acclamation
Alléluia. Alléluia Viens, Clé de David! Toi qui ouvres les portes du Royaume, arrache à leur prison les captifs des ténèbres. Alléluia.
Évangile : Luc 1, 26-38
Au sixième mois d’Élisabeth, l’ange Gabriel fut envoyé par Dieu dans une ville de Galilée, appelée Nazareth, à une jeune fille vierge, accordée en mariage à un homme de la maison de David, appelé Joseph ; et le nom de la jeune fille était Marie. L’ange entra chez elle et dit : « Je te salue, Comblée- de- grâce, le Seigneur est avec toi. » À cette parole, elle fut toute bouleversée, et elle se demandait ce que pouvait signifier cette salutation. L’ange lui dit alors : « Sois sans crainte, Marie, car tu as trouvé grâce auprès de Dieu. Voici que tu vas concevoir et enfanter un fils ; tu lui donneras le nom de Jésus. Il sera grand, il sera appelé Fils du Très-Haut ; le Seigneur Dieu lui donnera le trône de David son père ; il régnera pour toujours sur la maison de Jacob, et son règne n’aura pas de fin.» Marie dit à l’ange: « Comment cela va-t -il se faire, puisque je ne connais pas d’homme ? » L’ange lui répondit: et la puissance du Très- Haut te prendra sous son ombre ; c’est pourquoi celui qui va naître sera saint, il sera appelé Fils de Dieu. Or voici que, dans sa vieillesse, Élisabeth, ta parente, a conçu, elle aussi, un fils et en est à son sixième mois, alors qu’on l’appelait la femme stérile. Car rien n’est impossible à Dieu. » Marie dit alors : « Voici la servante du Seigneur ; que tout m’advienne selon ta parole. »
Alors l’ange la quitta.
Prière sur les offrandes
Accepte, Seigneur, nous t’en prions, le seul sacrifice que nous puissions t’offrir. Et par notre communion à ce sacrement, donne-nous les biens que la foi propose à notre attente, par Jésus, le Christ, notre Seigneur.
Antienne de la communion
L’Ange dit à Marie: «Voici que tu va concevoir et enfanter un fils, et tu lui donneras le nom de Jésus.»
Prière après la communion
Garde, seigneur, en ta divine protection ceux que tu nourris de l’eucharistie : qu’ils trouvent dans tes sacrements les sources de la paix véritable. Par Jésus
Méditation Le Christ est notre voie d’accès à Dieu : par lui, nous pouvons en toute confiance nous approcher de Dieu qui est notre Créateur et notre Père. De la famille de David est né le Messie, l’Oint, le Christ. C’est vers lui que nous nous tournons dans la détresse. Nous attendons la lumière du salut et la délivrance des chaînes du péché. Il n’y a qu’une personne qui puisse faire cela pour nous, cette personne est Jésus. L’évangéliste Matthieu nous rappelle le message que reçut Joseph : (Marie) enfantera un fils et tu l’appelleras du nom de Jésus, car c’est lui qui saurera son peuple de ses péchés (Matthieu 1.21). Dans un monde qui a si désespérément besoin d’un Sauveur, nous appelons à l’aide, dans l’espérance. Nous demandons au Seigneur d’ouvrir la porte de nos cœurs à son message de salut, et de les fermer à tout ce qui pourrait nous entraîner sur la pente du péché. Ô divin Messie, viens régner dans nos cœurs !
by Norbert Doulanni | Dec 19, 2024 | Evangelium
Blessed Scubilion (1797 – 1867)
O Clavis David !
Purple
Born in France in 1797, He joined the Brothers of Christian Instruction and was given the name Scubilion. In 1833 he was sent to the Isle of Réunion, where he remained until his death in 1867. In Réunion he was named “the catechist of the slaves” on account of his ministry among them.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Is 11: 1; 40: 5; Lk 3: 6
A branch shall sprout from the root of Jesse, and the glory of the Lord will fill the whole earth, and all flesh will see the salvation of God.
Collect
O God, eternal majesty, whose ineffable Word the immaculate Virgin received through the message of an Angel and so became the dwelling-place of divinity, filled with the light of the Holy Spirit, grant, we pray, that by her example we may in humility hold fast to your will. 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 7:10-14
The Lord spoke to Ahaz and said, ‘Ask the Lord your God for a sign for yourself coming either from the depths of Sheol or from the heights above.’ ‘No,’ Ahaz answered ‘I will not put the Lord to the test.’ Then Isaiah said: ‘Listen now, House of David: are you not satisfied with trying the patience of men without trying the patience of my God, too? The Lord himself, therefore, will give you a sign. It is this: the maiden is with child and will soon give birth to a son whom she will call Immanuel, a name which means “God-is-with-us.”’
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm
23(24):1-6
R/ Let the Lord enter! He is the king of glory.
The Lord’s is the earth and its fullness, the world and all its peoples. It is he who set it on the seas; on the waters he made it firm.
Who shall climb the mountain of the Lord? Who shall stand in his holy place? The man with clean hands and pure heart, who desires not worthless things.
He shall receive blessings from the Lord and reward from the God who saves him. Such are the men who seek him, seek the face of the God of Jacob.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! Emmanuel, our king and lawgiver, come and save us, Lord our God.
Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 1:26-38
The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. He went in and said to her, ‘Rejoice, so highly favoured! The Lord is with you.’ She was deeply disturbed by these words and asked herself what this greeting could mean, but the angel said to her, ‘Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God’s favour. Listen! You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David; he will rule over the House of Jacob for ever and his reign will have no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘But how can this come about, since I am a virgin?’ ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you’ the angel answered ‘and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God. Know this too: your kinswoman Elizabeth has, in her old age, herself conceived a son, and she whom people called barren is now in her sixth month, for nothing is impossible to God.’ ‘I am the handmaid of the Lord,’ said Mary ‘let what you have said be done to me.’ And the angel left her.
Prayer over the Offerings
Look, O Lord, we pray, upon the one sacrifice of your Son, that, by participating in this mystery, we may possess at last the gifts we have awaited and for which our faith bids us hope. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Lk 1: 31
The Angel said to Mary: Behold, you will conceive and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.
Prayer after Communion
Grant divine protection, O Lord, to those you renew with this heavenly gift, that to those who delight in your mysteries you may give the joy of true peace. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Though the yuletide events described in the Bible seem to defy modern common sense, they may not be far-fetched from present-day experiences. God continues to seek and find his people from one end of the earth to the other. It was the turn of Zachariah yesterday, and today it is the turn of Mary. In this encounter, the question that bothered Mary was how she could conceive without knowing any man. The question that bothers many modern young girls is the possibility of knowing as many men as possible without conceiving. The life of Mary enabled her to be overshadowed by the power of the most high. Can this overshadowing imply the impossibility of another man entering into this holy sanctuary (cf. Ex. 40:35)?
by Norbert Doulanni | Dec 18, 2024 | Evangelium
Saint Nemesius
O Radix Iesse !
Purple
Martyr of Egypt. He was burned alive in Alexandria, Egypt, during the persecutions under Emperor Trajanus Decius. Nemesius was arrested and scourged and then burned to death. Like Christ, he was executed between two criminals.
Entrance Antiphon: Cf. Heb 10: 37
He who is to come will come and will not delay, and now there will be no fear within our land, for he is our Saviour.
Collect
O God, who through the child-bearing of the holy Virgin graciously revealed the radiance of your glory to the world, grant, we pray, that we may venerate with integrity of faith
the mystery of so wondrous an Incarnation and always celebrate it with due reverence. 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: Judges 13:2-7,24-25
There was a man of Zorah of the tribe of Dan, called Manoah. His wife was barren, she had borne no children. The angel of the Lord appeared to this woman and said to her, ‘You are barren and have had no child. But from now on take great care. Take no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean. For you will conceive and bear a son. No razor is to touch his head, for the boy shall be God’s nazirite from his mother’s womb. It is he who will begin to rescue Israel from the power of the Philistines.’ Then the woman went and told her husband, ‘A man of God has just come to me; his presence was like the presence of the angel of God, he was so majestic. I did not ask him where he came from, and he did not reveal his name to me. But he said to me, “You will conceive and bear a son. From now on, take no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean. For the boy shall be God’s nazirite from his mother’s womb to his dying day.”’ The woman gave birth to a son and called him Samson. The child grew, and the Lord blessed him; and the spirit of the Lord began to move him.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 70(71):3-6,16-17
R/My lips are filled with your praise, with your glory all the day long.
Be a rock where I can take refuge, a mighty stronghold to save me; for you are my rock, my stronghold. Free me from the hand of the wicked.
It is you, O Lord, who are my hope, my trust, O Lord, since my youth. On you I have leaned from my birth, from my mother’s womb you have been my help.
I will declare the Lord’s mighty deeds proclaiming your justice, yours alone. O God, you have taught me from my youth and I proclaim your wonders still.
Gospel Acclamation
Alleluia, alleluia! Root of Jesse, set up as a sign to the peoples, come to save us, and delay no more. Alleluia!
Gospel: Luke 1:5-25
In the days of King Herod of Judaea there lived a priest called Zechariah who belonged to the Abijah section of the priesthood, and he had a wife, Elizabeth by name, who was a descendant of Aaron. Both were worthy in the sight of God, and scrupulously observed all the commandments and observances of the Lord. But they were childless: Elizabeth was barren and they were both getting on in years. Now it was the turn of Zechariah’s section to serve, and he was exercising his priestly office before God when it fell to him by lot, as the ritual custom was, to enter the Lord’s sanctuary and burn incense there. And at the hour of incense the whole congregation was outside, praying. Then there appeared to him the angel of the Lord, standing on the right of the altar of incense. The sight disturbed Zechariah and he was overcome with fear. But the angel said to him, ‘Zechariah, do not be afraid, your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth is to bear you a son and you must name him John. He will be your joy and delight and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord; he must drink no wine, no strong drink. Even from his mother’s womb he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, and he will bring back many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God. With the spirit and power of Elijah, he will go before him to turn the hearts of fathers towards their children and the disobedient back to the wisdom that the virtuous have, preparing for the Lord a people fit for him.’ Zechariah said to the angel, ‘How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is getting on in years.’ The angel replied, ‘I am Gabriel who stand in God’s presence, and I have been sent to speak to you and bring you this good news. Listen! Since you have not believed my words, which will come true at their appointed time, you will be silenced and have no power of speech until this has happened.’ Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were surprised that he stayed in the sanctuary so long. When he came out he could not speak to them, and they realised that he had received a vision in the sanctuary. But he could only make signs to them, and remained dumb. When his time of service came to an end he returned home. Some time later his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept to herself. ‘The Lord has done this for me’ she said ‘now that it has pleased him to take away the humiliation I suffered among men.’
Prayer over the Offerings
Look with favour, we pray, O Lord, on the offerings we lay upon your altars, that what we bring despite our weakness may be sanctified by your power. Through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon: Lk 1: 78-79
The Dawn from on high will visit us, guiding our feet in the way of peace.
Prayer after Communion
As we give thanks, almighty God, for these gifts you have bestowed, graciously arouse in us, we pray, the desire for those yet to come, that we may welcome the Nativity of our Saviour and honour it with minds made pure. Through Christ our Lord.
Meditation
Zachariah and Elizabeth were from priestly stock. It should also be recalled that Mary is the cousin of Elizabeth. Not only did Zachariah and Elizabeth have blessed progenitors, but they were also both righteous and blameless before God. In this sort of environment, John the Baptist would later be planted. By way of contrast, while the angel appeared to Mary before the birth of Jesus, the angel here appeared to Zachariah and not to Elizabeth. Mary was found to be with a child before she came to live with Joseph, while Elizabeth is well advanced in years but has no child. What could have made Elizabeth childless? Does she have to break some ancient bonds and uproot some family trees? Her background was not the issue. Healing of family roots would not have done any good. Significantly, she was able to wait till the appointed time.
