The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:29 NABRE)
Today is the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, so these words of his make an appropriate verse for consideration. Recalling his birth and the other events of his life, we see that it has many parallels to Jesus' life and death. John the Baptist calls us to repent, to "become less" so that Jesus can become more in our lives.
John's gospel does not mention the kinship between John the Baptist and Jesus. Instead, the Baptist describes his purpose as testifying, as if in court, to the divinity of Jesus. He wastes no time and begins speaking as he sees Jesus walking toward him in Bethany beyond the Jordan. And his testimony is absolutely beautiful! The entire chapter is fascinating, but look at the power of the Baptist's words in verses 29-34. And consider each of the footnotes when you have a little time! The Baptist's references to Exodus, Isaiah and other of the Jewish prophets, right here in the first chapter of the gospel, describe Jesus as the long awaited Messiah.
Jesus as the fulfillment of the Jewish prophecies has always been fascinating to me. And having the power of technology makes it possible to easily see the connections between the gospels and the prophets. I am grateful for technology used in this way!
Today, I will pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy as I do many days, seeking to become less so Jesus can become more in my own life.
Saint Peregrine, patron of cancer patients, pray for us.
Saint Monica, patron of mothers, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, patron of fathers, pray for us.
Saint Faustina, whose writings give us deeper insight into God's divine mercy, pray for us.
Saint John Paul II, our contemporary, who canonized Saint Faustina, pray for us.
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