Tag: john the baptist

“And how does this happen to me?” | Fourth Sunday of Advent

Today’s antiphon: O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust! (Isaiah 9:5; 2:4)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 1:39-45)

“Blessed are you among women,  and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”

At the Visitation, Elizabeth responds to Mary’s greeting with these words and with a question. She tells Mary that at the sound of her greeting, the infant John leaped in her womb. And then she asks a question, which is direct and at the same time full of meditation and wonder. Elizabeth is undoubtedly one of the first to ponder how it is that the Blessed Virgin, the mother of the Lord, would come to her. In pondering, she recognizes that Mary’s visit is a grace she receives, that it happens to her. Mary brings the grace and blessing of Christ to Elizabeth, to the infant John, and to the house of Zechariah. She does the same for us as we ask for her to intercede for us as the Mother of God, whose soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and brings us always to her son and our savior.

God, help me prepare for the birth of Jesus in the example of Mary and Elizabeth. Mary brought the grace of the infant Christ to Elizabeth and John. Elizabeth responded in wonder that the mother of her Lord should come to her, rejoicing with youthful exuberance at the visit of Jesus and Mary. The Advents and Christmases of past years have led me to certain expectations and old habits, ways of doing things. Let that change. As I take in the Visitation, grant me a good measure of the overwhelming jubilation that Mary and Elizabeth experienced in the nearness of Jesus, present within Mary and brought to the whole world through the Immaculate Conception and in the nativity of Jesus.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“Blessed are you who believed.” | Saturday of the Third Week of Advent

Today’s antiphon: O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death. (Isaiah 9:1)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 1:39-45)

“Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

Luke narrates Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth after the Annunciation. It reveals the significance of Mary’s pregnancy and Elizabeth’s recognition of Jesus’ divine role even before his birth. Mary travels to visit Elizabeth in haste, expressing the level of joy she must have felt in the angel Gabriel’s message and the fulfillment of it in her pregnancy. In responding to Mary’s greeting, Luke tells us that Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and cried out in a loud voice, “Most blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” Mary exudes the joy of faith in the Lord; Elizabeth affirms it, saying “Blessed are you who believed.” From these two faithful women, God’s tender compassion begins to break through darkness and the shadow of death, a dawn from on high that will illuminate the entire world.

God, by my faith and in my participation of the sacraments, help me be a means of bringing Christ to others. Mary visited Elizabeth, bearing your Son with overwhelming joy. Through fervent participation in my faith, help me know and share the same joy in carrying within me the Incarnate Word. In the Song of Songs is a kind of irony reflecting your mastery over nature, that in the dead of winter and at the longest night, the readings speak of new light that dawns from on high, bringing the peace that only Christ gives: “For see, the winter is past, the rains are over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of pruning the vines has come, and the song of the dove is heard in our land.” Splendor of eternal light, shine on us and on the whole world.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“For you have found favor with God.” | Friday of the Third Week of Advent

Today’s antiphon, O Clavis David (O Key of David): O Key of David, opening the gates of God’s eternal Kingdom: come and free the prisoners of darkness! (Isaiah 9:6; 22:22)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 1:26-38)

“He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.”

The angel Gabriel visits the Virgin Mary to announce that she will conceive the Son of God. In the Annunciation, he describes Jesus as great, the Son of the Most High, and that he will inherit the throne of David and reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will have no end. Seeing that Mary is troubled, the angel says to her: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” He tells her that the Holy Spirit will come upon her, and the power of the Most High will overshadow her in the conception. Over any plans Mary could have made for her life, God’s will for Mary is that she fulfills his promises to all of humanity through the birth of Jesus. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Mary says yes.

God, help me realize throughout the day that my role in doing your will has Mary as a perfect example. It is to say yes to you. Help me have the conviction that just as with Mary, the Holy Spirit comes at my consent with overshadowing love. In order for me to say yes, I need an attentiveness to faith that listens out for you in the thrum and turmoil of the day. The psalmist prays, “Let the Lord enter; he is the king of glory.” And you do enter with superabundant love, as when Gabriel reveals that Elizabeth would bear a son who would prepare the way of Jesus. Make clear to me your love, Lord, your desire to enter.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“Do not be afraid, Zechariah.” | Thursday of the Third Week of Advent

Today’s antiphon, O Radix Jesse: O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay! (Isaiah 1:1; 11:10)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 1:5-25)

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John.”

Luke recounts the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. During Zechariah’s service in the sanctuary of the temple, the angel Gabriel appears to him, causing Zechariah to be troubled and afraid to announce the birth of their son, John the Baptist. The angel describes John’s role as a great prophet who will prepare the way for the Lord and “turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous.” When Zechariah expresses doubt and fear, he is made mute until the fulfillment of the angel’s words in the birth of John. Elizabeth then conceives and in seclusion delights in what the Lord has done for her in his divine intervention.

God, the O Antiphon for today ends with “come to save us without delay!” It brings to mind the familiar prayer said in the Liturgy of the Hours, “O God, come to my assistance; O Lord, make haste to help me.” Keep my faith supple, Lord, able to discern your works even as I wrestle with doubt and fear. Not by my own power can I save myself, Lord, but by you alone, the giver of all good gifts. Gabriel tells Zechariah what the outcome of John’s consecrated birth will bring: “And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.” Help me be attentive to what you bring to fruition today; let me be a witness to the joy and gladness that follow as you come to my assistance.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Maximilian Kolbe Shrine—Blessed Sacrament

“Where was John’s baptism from?” | Monday of the Third Week of Advent

From the responsorial psalm: “Your ways, O LORD, make known to me; teach me your paths, Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior. Teach me your ways, O Lord.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 21:23-27)

Jesus said to them in reply, “I shall ask you one question, and if you answer it for me, then I shall tell you by what authority I do these things. Where was John’s baptism from? Was it of heavenly or of human origin?”

Jesus is teaching in the temple when the chief priests and elders approach and question him. He responds with another question. The chief priests and elders deliberate among themselves as they face a dilemma. Through his questioning, Jesus reveals their hypocrisy and the complexities they wrestle with in recognizing divine authority, setting the stage for the continuing conflict that would lead to Jesus’ passion and death. Ultimately, the leaders say, “We do not know.” This reflects their inability to see the truth about John and Jesus.

God, help me see clearly in these remaining days of Advent that true authority rests in Jesus Christ your Son. The false authority of consumerism and innumerable media distractions would have me believe I can have at will a joyous Christmas season, and these falsehoods put Christmas ahead of Advent and not the other way. Give me the grace to recognize my true longing for Jesus, who comes as a child in a manger and definitively at the Second Coming on a cloud of glory with the authority to bring a new heaven and a new earth. Come, Lord Jesus, come!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Maximilian Kolbe Shrine—Blessed Sacrament

“He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” | Third Sunday of Advent

From the responsorial psalm: “God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior. With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation. Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 3:10-18)

Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

Today we hear the voice of the one who prepares the way of the Lord. Crowds come to John the Baptist asking what they should do. John tells them to be generous with the poor, not to be greedy, and to treat others and oneself justly. The good news that John preaches to the people fills them with hope and expectation, but John is not the Messiah. John baptizes with water, but one mightier than himself will come. The one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire will, as John says, “gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” John prepares the way for Jesus, the one Zephaniah speaks of in the first reading: “The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love.”

“God is indeed my savior,” the psalmist prays, “I am confident and unafraid.” How is it, Lord, that I can make this prayer my prayer? Discouragement comes, but I hear in the first reading don’t be afraid and “be not discouraged.” Saint Paul recognizes anxiety by naming it, not denying it, “but in everything,” he says, “by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.” Lord, you know me and know my needs. Grant me the peace and joy of knowing you are in my midst, a mighty savior who is nearer than I can comprehend. Throughout the day, let me rest with this and trust in it: “My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior.” Come, Holy Spirit, come!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Maximilian Kolbe Shrine—Blessed Sacrament

Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church

From the responsorial psalm: “Once again, O LORD of hosts, look down from heaven, and see; Take care of this vine, and protect what your right hand has planted, the son of man whom you yourself made strong. Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 17:9a, 10-13)

As they were coming down from the mountain, the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He said in reply, “Elijah will indeed come and restore all things; but I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased. So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

Jesus speaks to the disciples immediately after his transformation on the mountain, where Moses and Elijah appear to him. According to Jewish belief, Elijah would appear again before the coming of the Messiah. Jesus makes clear that Elijah has appeared again, referring to John the Baptist and his message of repentance and baptism. Just as people failed to listen to John, they will fail to listen to Jesus, rejecting him and putting him to death on a cross. In indicating that the disciples understand Jesus, Matthew expresses in his account that John brings to fulfillment the role of Elijah in the continuity between the greatest of prophets and the mission of Jesus.

God, help me understand more deeply that regardless of what reality looks like on the surface, you have a plan. Jesus reveals this to the disciples, and in revealing it to them, reveals it to me. As the psalmist prays, in turning to you, we see your face and are saved. “Take care of this vine, and protect what your right hand has planted. . . .” In today’s Gospel, Peter, James, and John had just witnessed the Transfiguration, and they were full of questions. In pondering your glory, Lord, help me turn more and more to your saving power, your plan for me; let me see your face. Saint John of the Cross, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Maximilian Kolbe Shrine—Blessed Sacrament

And he kept trying to see him. | Thursday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants! In every age, O Lord, you have been our refuge.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 9:7-9)

Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, “John has been raised from the dead”; others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”; still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.” But Herod said, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see him.

In encountering John the Baptist, Herod heard the words of one of the greatest prophets and then beheaded him. Herod’s view of reality was severely limited because of what he refused to hear and take in. Just as he kept trying to hear John the Baptist before killing him, he kept trying to see Jesus even as he sought to have him killed. Eventually paving the way for Jesus’ crucifixion as he meets and mocks him, Herod stands before Jesus but even in that moment fails to see him. What we hear in the first reading describes Herod’s spiritual condition after hearing John and seeing Jesus: “The eye is not satisfied with seeing nor is the ear satisfied with hearing.”

God, help me see the futility of confidence in my plans and comfort in my possessions. Teach me to number my days aright that I may gain wisdom of heart. If I look at Herod and see only his complete failure to recognize the Son of God standing in front of him, I have missed something greater. In all the toil and labor of a lifetime, what good is there in it unless the futility of it all causes me to remain faithful to you in hearing and doing what pleases you? What else lasts or matters? “I am the way and the truth and the life,” I hear Jesus say. Lord, let me take refuge in you. Saints Cosmas and Damian, pray for us!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.” | Wednesday of the Twenty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “Give thanks to the LORD on the harp; with the ten stringed lyre chant his praises. Sing to him a new song; pluck the strings skillfully, with shouts of gladness. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 7:31-35)

Jesus said to the crowds: “To what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.’ For John the Baptist came neither eating food nor drinking wine, and you said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and you said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”

“When I was a child,” Saint Paul says, “I used to talk as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I became a man, I put aside childish things.” Jesus also compares the people to children who recognize neither the simple life of John the Baptist nor the full participation of Jesus in the daily lives of others. Yet each gave thanks to God in his own way. “Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own,” says the psalmist. In the love of the Father, love never fails. Although children of God, we don’t yet know the fullness of the love of the Lord. But God calls us to him to continually, until that day, as Paul says, when love that hopes all things prevails. “When the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.”

God, help me understand your condescending love and that without it I am nothing. You love me first and always take initiative. Apart from this love, there is nowhere to go. Paul expresses love that rejoices with the truth, and truth is the person of Jesus your Son. “Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life,” says the Gospel acclamation, “you have the words of everlasting life.” Give me the grace today to live in your love, to recognize my shortcomings, and to put my hope and faith in your mercy. “May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us who have put our hope in you.” Jesus, I trust in you!

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

“This man is John the Baptist.” | Saturday of the Seventeenth Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “See, you lowly ones, and be glad; you who seek God, may your hearts revive! For the LORD hears the poor, and his own who are in bonds he spurns not.” Lord, in your great love, answer me.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 14:1-12)

But at a birthday celebration for Herod, the daughter of Herodias performed a dance before the guests and delighted Herod so much that he swore to give her whatever she might ask for. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”

In today’s Gospel, King Herod hears about the ministry and miracles of Jesus and mistakenly believes that Jesus is John the Baptist raised from the dead. Herod had previously imprisoned and eventually beheaded John the Baptist because Herodias wanted John killed. Matthew uses this story to explain how John the Baptist was beheaded, and it highlights the consequences of Herod’s ruthlessness. At his birthday celebration, quite possibly drunk, he swore to the girl that he would give her whatever she asked. He became distressed when she asked for John’s head and by upholding pride was trapped into following through on his promise before his guests.

God, help me understand the ruinous consequences of pride, the deadly sin of refusing to let go of power, honor, or wealth. There is something more to the story of Herod that I want to call to mind and keep with me today. Herod arrested John the Baptist because he had openly criticized his unlawful marriage to Herodias, who was his brother’s wife. So deeply has sin and dysfunction distorted Herod’s reasoning, that he believed Jesus was John risen from the dead, as if he were a ghost who had come back to haunt him. Keep me in your care, Lord; guide me in your ways and keep me from sin and its deadly consequences. Lord, in your great love, hear and answer me.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.