Greetings on this the Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
Readings: Is 49:1-6; PS 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15; Acts 13:22-26; Lk 1:57-66, 80
Notes: I enjoy reading my fellow bloggers every day and especially today.
They remind me of the need to approach life as a gift and the events of my life with gratitude.
Gift before the gift.
Blessing before the blessing.
John the Baptist is such a blessing.
John the Baptist is such a gift.
Reflection (Franciscan reflection and summary are really inspiring. Worth a read).
John challenges us Christians to the fundamental attitude of Christianity—total dependence on the Father, in Christ. Except for the Mother of God, no one had a higher function in the unfolding of salvation. Yet the least in the kingdom, Jesus said, is greater than he, for the pure gift that the Father gives. The attractiveness as well as the austerity of John, his fierce courage in denouncing evil—all stem from his fundamental and total placing of his life within the will of God.
From: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/nativity-of-saint-john-the-baptist/
First Reading
The Servant of the Lord – Mission
- You are my servant, he said to me, Israel, through whom I show my glory.
- As his servant from the womb, that Jacob may be brought back to him and Israel gathered to him [the Lord].
- You to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and restore the survivors of Israel.
- I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.
Summary of these
- Show the Glory of God to… Persons, Families, Tribes, and Nations then finally, the Gentiles.
- Bring back Jacob (person) and Israel (families) gathered to the Lord.
- Raise up (free from oppression) and restore (their place and worship) Jacob (tribes) and Israel (nations).
- Become a beacon of Light, that these gifts may be for the ends of the earth (all nations, all peoples, that is, Gentiles).
Responsorial
I praise you, for I am wonderfully made.
O LORD, you have probed me, you know me: you know when I sit and when I stand; you understand my thoughts from afar. My journeys and my rest you scrutinize, with all my ways you are familiar.
Second Reading
My brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those others among you who are God-fearing, to us this word of salvation has been sent.
Gospel Acclamation
You, child, will be called prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way.
Gospel
When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son.
John is his name.
All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.
May songs of praise be sung about you too, dear reader.
You too are Servant of the Lord.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry