Tag: john the baptist

Friday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

From the responsorial psalm: “For he will hide me in his abode in the day of trouble; He will conceal me in the shelter of his tent, he will set me high upon a rock. The Lord is my light and my salvation.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (today’s readings)

The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head.

Because John the Baptist addresses the wrong done by King Herod in marrying Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, Herodias holds a grudge that results in John’s gruesome beheading through the manipulation of her daughter. Regardless of the consequences and mortal costs of speaking up, John remains faithful to carrying out God’s commandments and teaching moral truths as a prophet. The consequences of Herodias’s grudge quickly disintegrates into the worst outcome. Saint Paul reminds us instead to follow Jesus who is the same today, yesterday, and forever: “Be mindful of prisoners as if sharing their imprisonment, and of the ill-treated as of yourselves, for you also are in the body. Let marriage be honored among all and the marriage bed be kept undefiled.” In our own lives, what is the cost of steadfast commitment to God’s truth, especially in the face of adversity?

God, help me keep in mind the words of Saint Paul as I move throughout the day. He says, “The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?” He urges his us to remain free of love of money and to be content with what we have. Herodias made her daughter an accomplice in the murder of John the Baptist. Keep me on guard against sin but especially in causing others to sin. Give me the grace to recognize that nothing separates me from your love as I hold to my commitment to your truth and justice, fully aware of the cost of discipleship. “Though an army encamp against me, my heart will not fear; Though war be waged upon me, even then will I trust.” Be with me, Lord.

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.

“You are my beloved Son.” | The Baptism of the Lord

From the responsorial psalm: “The voice of the LORD is over the waters, the LORD, over vast waters. The voice of the LORD is mighty; the voice of the LORD is majestic. The Lord will bless his people with peace.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Luke 3:15-16, 21-22)

After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

The people are filled with excitement and expectation about John the Baptist and asking themselves if he might be the Messiah. John responds by making clear that his baptism is with water but that there is one mightier coming after him who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. After being baptized by John and as Jesus is praying, the heavens open and the Holy Spirit descends upon him in a form like a dove. The voice from heaven is that of the Father who is well pleased in his beloved Son. In the second reading, we hear that God anointed his Son with the Holy Spirit and power. And as prophesied by Isaiah, the LORD is well pleased in his servant, Jesus, the incarnation of the New Covenant. “I, the LORD, have called you for the victory of justice, I have grasped you by the hand.”

God, help me throughout the day be aware that you are present as I dwell on the baptism of your only begotten Son. In meditating on your love for Jesus, I think also of the love Zechariah had for his son John, who says of him in his canticle: “You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High.” In the powerful, affirming love of a father for a son is a glimpse of your filial love for us as your children. Christ accomplished in his baptism the forgiveness of our sins and the way to eternal life as your sons and daughters. In calling your Son for the victory of justice, you have freed us and opened the heavens so that we always give to you the glory due your name. “Give to the LORD, you sons of God, give to the LORD glory and praise.”

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 joy of mine has been made complete.” | Saturday after Epiphany

From the responsorial psalm: “Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing for joy upon their couches; Let the high praises of God be in their throats. This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia. The Lord takes delight in his people.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 3:22-30)

John answered and said, “No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said that I am not the Christ, but that I was sent before him. The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made complete. He must increase; I must decrease.”

As Jesus baptizes with his disciples in the region of Judea, the disciples of John the Baptist tell him that Jesus is baptizing and that everyone is coming to him. John replies to them with great humility, bringing to unity his followers and the followers of Jesus. John recognizes in Jesus the fulfillment of his role as the “best man,” the one who would prepare the way of the Lord. He delights in it. “So this joy of mine has been made complete.” At the heart of his joy is giving glory to the Lord. “He must increase; I must decrease.”

God, help me follow the example of John’s humility in attributing every good gift to you. In receiving what you gave him, John made the way to Jesus clear to all who heard him. Give me the grace today to respond to the vocation and purpose you gave me. As the Catechism makes clear about human freedom and cooperation with your grace, let me understand what you have called me to. It says: “All Christians in any state or walk of life are called to the fullness of Christian life and to the perfection of charity.” Just as John understood that as Jesus increased, he must decrease, give me wisdom to discern how to bring about the fullness and perfection of your will, the source of every good gift.

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.

“And he cured them.” | Monday after Epiphany

From the responsorial psalm: “The LORD said to me, ‘You are my Son; this day I have begotten you. Ask of me and I will give you the nations for an inheritance and the ends of the earth for your possession.'” I will give you all the nations for an inheritance.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 4:12-17, 23-25)

His fame spread to all of Syria, and they brought to him all who were sick with various diseases and racked with pain, those who were possessed, lunatics, and paralytics, and he cured them.

“Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” With these words, Jesus picks up where John left off after he had been arrested. The mission of Jesus begins to unfold in Galilee as he teaches in the synagogues, proclaims the kingdom of God, and cures every disease and illness. In doing this, Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah: “Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light, on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death light has arisen.” And the light he brings is healing to those whose illnesses are physical, mental, and spiritual. He continues to do that today.

God, give me the grace and wisdom to do as great crowds did in following Jesus. The Gospel acclamation says, “Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom and cured every disease among the people.” Strengthen my faith, Lord. Nourish me through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, where you are truly present—body and blood, soul and divinity. Be my light in the darkness, and throughout the day let me trust in your merciful care and power to heal mind, body, and soul.

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.

“We saw his star at its rising.” | The Epiphany of the Lord

From the responsorial psalm: “For he shall rescue the poor when he cries out, and the afflicted when he has no one to help him. He shall have pity for the lowly and the poor; the lives of the poor he shall save. Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 2:1-12)

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.”

The magi come to King Herod bringing news of the birth of the newborn king of the Jews. Excited at the star’s rising, they ask Herod where the infant can be found. But Herod, threatened by this news, calls together the scribes and pharisees to ask them where the newborn can be found. They determine through the prophet Micah that he will be born in Bethlehem, so Herod sends the magi to find him, pretending that he also wants to do him homage. Matthew tells us that “the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them, until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.” There they prostrate themselves, open their treasures, and offer their gifts. Warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they leave for their country by another way. At his birth, Jesus evokes two responses in people that he would face over and over throughout his earthly ministry: hatred and love, rejection and adoration.

God, as the magi did, help me throughout the day see the signs that point to your newborn Son. The excitement of the magi is clear; seeing the star at its rising draws them closer to the king of kings to prostrate themselves before him. Herod was greatly troubled and threatened by the loss of his authority and power. One birth, two responses. Herod closed his fist to grasp control and denied Jesus. The magi opened their treasures and offered gifts. When I seek to control or obtain power, give me the wisdom to put that desire aside. Help me understand, Lord, that in giving power and authority to you, I gain more than I ever could by my own fractured efforts. Lord, every nation on earth will adore 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.

Memorial of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious

From the responsorial psalm: “Let the sea and what fills it resound, the world and those who dwell in it; Let the rivers clap their hands, the mountains shout with them for joy before the LORD. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 1:35-42)

Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah,” which is translated Christ. Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas,” which is translated Peter.

Two disciples of John the Baptist stand with him as he calls their attention to Jesus. “Behold, the Lamb of God,” John tells them, and they follow him. Obedient to John and his mission, the two disciples believe him, recognizing Jesus’ authority and identity as the Messiah. Andrew, after spending time with Jesus, goes to find his brother Simon Peter and brings him to Jesus. By naming him Cephas, Jesus claims him as a disciple and gives him a new identity as one of the Twelve, and the rock on which he will build his church. In pointing to Jesus as the Son of God, John fulfills his mission. “He must increase,” says John. “I must decrease.”

God, help me today do as Andrew did for his brother by bringing others to Jesus. Where he is throughout the day will not always be clear to me. Among family members, how do I go beyond the ordinariness of a day—of my ordinary state—and bring them into the presence of your Son? Just as Jesus named Simon Peter, help me recognize how he claims me for his own and invites me to stay with him today and every day. Give me the grace to recognize in the present moment where Jesus is and to hear him speak to my heart, asking, “What are you looking for?” Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, 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.

“I did not know him.” | Christmas Weekday

From the responsorial psalm: “Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 1:29-34)

John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”

John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God. At his appearance, John states the mission and identity of Jesus so that he is made known to Israel, and as John testifies, that he is proclaimed as the Son of God. Although a cousin to Jesus, John says “I did not know him.” Trusting God, the one who sent him, John recognizes Jesus not from human senses but from divine revelation as the Holy Spirit descends and remains on Jesus. We hear the words of John during the Invitation to Communion as the priest elevates the Body and Blood of Christ, saying, “Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world.” In that moment at every Mass, we recognize as John did that the Son of God is present before us to behold.

God, help me deepen my understanding of the Eucharist. It is Jesus present in the appearance of bread and wine, the Lamb of God, whom you sent to take away the sins of the world. “Blessed are those,” the priest says at Mass as he holds up the host and chalice. “Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.” Sent for me and sent for all, the Lamb is the ultimate sacrifice for sin and the way of salvation. Lord, when I think about the struggles of this life and what I can hope in and depend on, help me remember the words from the Gospel acclamation as I call to mind that hope is the person of Christ: “The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among 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.

Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church

From the responsorial psalm: “Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 1:19-28)

John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.”

Today’s Gospel begins with priests and Levites questioning John the Baptist about his identity. John denies that he is the Christ or Elijah. When they ask him if he is the Prophet, he says no, and they then ask him who he is so they can share the answer with those who sent them. John replies, “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.” John knows exactly who he is in relation to the Old Testament and to Jesus; in truth, his self-identification is akin to God’s when Moses asks him who he should say he is: “I am who I am.” As John refers to Jesus as the one among them whom they do not recognize, the greatest of prophets accepts his role in relation to Jesus with complete humility and unworthiness.

God, help me discern and understand what genuine humility is in relation to you. Help me also give little credence to the modern-day understanding of humility and its association with shame, as a symptom of poor mental health. You are God and I am not. That is exactly what John said of Jesus, which gives him his rank among the greatest prophets and saints. John recognized the divinity of Jesus and because of that knew himself and his role in the salvation of humanity. Give me the grace to do the same—to recognize that true greatness is to grow in the knowledge that who I truly am, I am through Christ. Saints Basil and Gregory, 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.

“The dawn from on high.” | Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent

From the Gospel acclamation: “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.”

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 1:67-79)

“You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Today’s Gospel picks up where yesterday’s passage left off. The friends and neighbors of Zechariah and Elizabeth take to heart the events surrounding the birth and naming of John the Baptist, asking, “What, then, will this child be?” As Zechariah regains his speech, he praises God for fulfilling his promises in freeing his people from the hands of enemies so that they are “free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight.” In connecting the role that John would have, at the coming of the Messiah in the fullness of time, Zechariah proclaims that God’s mercy and salvation is for all. As he recounts God’s promises throughout salvation history, Zechariah identifies John as the one who will prepare the way of the Lord and through a call for repentance, reveal to God’s people knowledge of salvation.

God, tomorrow is the birth of your Son. As Isaiah prophesied, “A child is born to us, a son is given to us.” I feel as if I’m standing at the edge of a cliff. However much I prepared during each day of Advent, I look back at its smallness. What I’ve done counts for nothing. Not in false humilty but in truthful realization, I have to say that although I have given a little to you, you have given me every good gift—the fullness of grace in the Nativity of your only Son and salvation through his passion, death, and resurrection. Open my eyes, Lord, to your gift of freedom, free to worship the light that came into the darkness. Saint Augustine said of you: ” You called, you shouted, and you burst open my deafness. You flashed, you shone in radiance, and you drove away my blindness.” In your tender compassion, Lord, let your light shine so that all may see.

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.

“John is his name.” | Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent

Today’s antiphon: “O Emmanuel, our King and Giver of Law: come to save us, Lord our God!” (Isaiah 7:14)

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 1:57-66)

But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God.

Neighbors and relatives who are close to Elizabeth and Zechariah witness the blessings and mercy of the Lord at the birth of John. Luke tells us that they rejoiced with Elizabeth. Yet, as close as they are, they remain outside looking in as God’s plan unfolds before them. When the time comes to circumcise the child, the people believe he will be named Zechariah after his father. But Elizabeth says, “No. He will be called John.” As they ask Zechariah, he affirms what Elizabeth has spoken and immediately he begins to speak, blessing God. The amazement and fear that comes upon the witnesses draws them from the periphery of faith to its glorious center, and the word spreads qiuckly throughout the hill country of Judea. In holy fear of the Lord, those who dwell on these events take them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be? For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.” John’s role from his birth was to illuminate the way to the Morning Star, to point to its center, the light of the world.

God, help me hear and take to heart the story of John’s birth and his witness to Jesus. The friends and neighbors of Elizabeth and Zechariah went about preparations for the circumcision in the usual way. What shall we call him? Yet, in an unusual and surprising way, you broke into their lives by naming him from on high through the message of an angel. The messenger of God brought to Zechariah the name of the messenger of Jesus, and in writing it Zechariah could speak again and bless you. There’s something spontaneous and gleeful in this. Yet, if the friends and neighbors of Elizabeth and John hadn’t rejoiced with them in the first place, they wouldn’t have witnessed how John’s name was revealed. Give me the grace today, Lord, to notice and rejoice where your mercy shines. Help me take to heart the subtle and surprising ways you prepare me for the light that shines in the darkness that the darkness cannot overcome.

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.