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17th September
Saint Albert of Jerusalem
Bishop and Lawgiver of Carmel
Feast
Albert Avogadro was born about the middle of the twelfth century in Castel Gualteri in Italy. He became a Canon Regular of the Holy Cross at Mortara and was elected their prior in 1180. Named Bishop of Bobbio in 1184, and of Vercelli in 1185, he was made Patriarch of Jerusalem in 1205. There, in word and example, he was the model of a good pastor and peace-maker. While he was Patriarch (1206-1214) he united the hermits of Mount Carmel into one community and wrote a Rule for them. He was murdered at Acre on 14th September, 1214.
Entrance Antiphon - Jos 1:8
The book of the law must be ever on your lips; reflect on it day and night, and take care to do all it commands.
Opening Prayer
Lord God,
through Saint Albert of Jerusalem
you have given us a Rule of life according to your Gospel,
to help us attain perfect love.
Through his prayers
may we always live in allegiance to Jesus Christ
and serve faithfully until death
him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
A reading from the letter of St Paul to the Ephesians - 6:10-18b
Put on the armour of God.
Grow strong in the Lord, with the strength of his power. Put God's armour on so as to be able to resist the devil's tactics. For it is not against human enemies that we have to struggle, but against the Sovereignties and the powers who originate the darkness of this world, the spiritual army of evil in the heavens. That is why you must rely on God's armour, or you will not be able to put up any resistance when the worst happens, or have enough resources to hold your ground.
So stand your ground, with truth buckled round your waste, and integrity for a breastplate, wearing for shoes on your feet the eagerness to spread the gospel of peace and always carrying the shield of faith so that you can use it to put out the burning arrows of the evil one. And then you must accept salvation from God to be your helmet and receive the word of God from the Spirit to use as a sword. Pray all the time, asking for what you need, praying in the Spirit on every possible occasion.
Responsorial Psalm - Ps. 118:98, 101-102, 103 and 105, 111 and 125, 129-130 (R. 105)
R/. Your word is a light for my path.
Lord, how I love your law!
It is ever in my mind. R/.
I turn my feet from evil paths
to obey your word.
I have not turned from your decrees;
you yourself have taught me. R/.
Your promise is sweeter to my taste
than honey in the mouth.
Your word is a lamp for my steps
and a light for my path. R/.
Your will is my heritage for ever,
the joy of my heart.
I am your servant, give me knowledge;
then I shall know your will. R/.
Your will is wonderful indeed;
therefore I obey it.
The unfolding of your word gives light
and teaches the simple. R/.
Gospel Acclamation - cf. Col. 3, 16a, 17
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Let the word of Christ in its richness
live in your hearts;
and whatever you do, whether you speak or act,
do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Alleluia!
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew - 20:25-28
The Son of man came not to be served but to serve.
Jesus called his disciples to him and said, 'You know that among the pagans the rulers lord it over them, and their great men make their authority felt. This is not to happen among you. No; anyone who wants to be great among you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be first among you must be your slave, just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many'.
Prayer over the Gifts
Lord,
you have chosen us
to bear witness in this world to your love.
May the gifts we reverently offer you
make us faithful in doing your will
and proclaiming your word.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Communion Antiphon - Mt 23:10,8
Christ is your only teacher; and all of you are brothers and sisters.
Prayer after Communion
Lord,
by the power of this sacrament
and the prayers of Saint Albert of Jerusalem
keep us ever in your presence.
Through unceasing reflection on your law
and watchfulness in prayer
may we one day enjoy
the eternal possession of your glory.
Solemn Blessing or Prayer over the People
Bow your heads and pray for God's blessing
Through the prayers of Saint Albert of Jerusalem
may God enable you
to live in allegiance to Jesus Christ,
pure in heart and steadfast in conscience,
pondering God's law day and night
and keeping watch at your prayers. R/. Amen.
May he equip you
with the belt of chastity,
the breastplate of holiness,
the shield of faith,
the helmet of salvation
and the sword of the spirit. R/. Amen.
May he enable you
to earn your bread by silent labour,
to find your strength in silence and hope,
to live in the service of your brothers (sisters),
and find Christ in the superiors he has placed over you. R/. Amen.
May almighty God bless you,
the Father, and the Son, + and the Holy Spirit. R/. Amen.
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