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Tuesday, June 24, 2014

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Birth of St. John the Baptizer


Isaiah 49:1-6
Acts 13:22-26
Psalm 139:1-3, 13-15
Luke 1:57-66, 80

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you and the nations

"I will make you a light to the nations, that My salvation may reach to the ends of the earth." —Isaiah 49:6

God has raised up multitudes of incredibly zealous and dedicated people who for years have passed on One Bread, One Body to others because of their love of God's Word and of Holy Mass. Through God's grace, these teachings "become known afar off" (Sir 24:30) and, incredibly, reach many throughout the world. The Lord has raised up others who type, edit, print, post, and link these teachings for the world to read. All of these blessed people are "a light to the nations." God has enabled our humble ministry to "reach to the ends of the earth" (Is 49:6).

What about you? Do you consider yourself too insignificant for Almighty God to use powerfully? We are all unworthy to serve Jesus (Acts 13:25), but that doesn't stop God from using us powerfully. You are, like St. John the Baptizer, a prophet by virtue of your baptism (Catechism, 1268). You are even greater than John because of your faith in Jesus (Mt 11:11). God is telling you: "You are My servant...through whom I show My glory" (Is 49:3). Allow the Lord to shine through you as He wills.

Prayer:  Father, I am totally Yours. Be glorified through my life.

Promise:  "His mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God." —Lk 1:64

Praise:  St. John the Baptizer gave encouragement to his mother and praise to his Savior even before he was born.

Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 2, 2014

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