Jesus Son of the living God have mercy on us all. For ever having doubts in You, for not making the effort to know You on a personal level and having chosen to remain living sinful lives. Jesus our Lord, You who waits patiently with open arms ready to embrace sinners; Come swiftly to the aid of all who call on You.
Jesus Son of the living God, help us disciples stay steadfast in Your love and light. Let us be beacons of that same love and light so that we may draw others to You. To make straight the way for You to enter into their hearts as we journey together towards the heavenly Kingdom. Amen
FIRST READING
John 2:22–28
GOSPEL
John 1:19–28
This is the testimony of John.
When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.” Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” 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.
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