Tag Archives: John the Baptist

The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Catholic Inspiration

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As baby John the Baptist, Elizabeth, and Mary all respond to Jesus, their example inspires us to acknowledge the Lord’s presence in our lives whenever two or more gather in his name.

Mass Readings – Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!


Daily Mass: The testimony offered for Jesus. Catholic Inspiration

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Jesus speaks about the sources of testimony about himself: John the Baptist, the works that Christ performs, his heavenly Father, and the Scriptures themselves. May this testimony foster our faith to follow the Lord with all our heart!

Mass Readings – Thursday of the 4th Week of Lent

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

St. Turibius of Mogrovejo, pray for us!


Daily Mass: Christ baptizes us with the Holy Spirit. Catholic Inspiration

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John the Baptist proclaims that Christ will baptize with the Holy Spirit. As we follow the Lord today, may we call upon the Spirit to draw us into a deeper, fruitful union with the Lord and one another.

Mass Reading – Christmas Season, January 6th

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

St. André Bessette, pray for us!


Daily Mass: Come and see Jesus for yourself. Catholic Inspiration

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Andrew encountered Jesus and afterward brought his brother Simon to meet the Lord. May we, too, come and see the Lord for ourselves in our lives today.

Mass Readings – Christmas Season, January 4th

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, pray for us!


Daily Mass: The angel Gabriel speaks to Zechariah. Catholic Inspiration

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The angel Gabriel speaks to Zechariah, announcing that his wife Elizabeth will conceive a son who will go forth with the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare a people for the Lord.

Mass Readings – Monday of the 4th Week of Advent

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Study, Pray, Serve: 3rd Sunday of Advent

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Here are some of the themes for the readings for the 3rd Sunday of Advent.

1st Reading – Isaiah 35:1-6a,10

  • The earth will be renewed by the glory of the Lord.
  • When God comes upon his people, the blind see, the deaf hear, the lame leap and the mute sing.

Psalm – 146:6-10

  • “Lord, come and save us.”
  • The Lord God nurtures, heals and supports his people.

2nd Reading – James 5:7-10

  • Like a farmer tending the soil, we must be patient for the Lord.
  • We stand firm without complaint, for the Just Judge is near.

Gospel – Matthew 11:2-11

  • From prison, John the Baptist sends disciples to Jesus if he is the one who is to come.
  • Christ responds with the fulfillment of Isaiah 35, and affirms that John is the greatest of all the prophets.

Mass Readings – 3rd Sunday of Advent

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Study, Pray, Serve: 2nd Sunday of Advent

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Let’s take a look at some of the themes we find in the readings for the 2nd Sunday of Advent.

1st Reading – Isaiah 11:1-10

  • The spirit of the Lord shall rest upon an ancestor of the line of Jesse, and he shall judge with justice.
  • Creation will experience profound peace with those who were formerly at odds.
  • Even the Gentiles will seek out God.

Psalm – 72: 1-2,7-8,12-13,17

  • “Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.”
  • The king shall rescue the poor and judge with justice.

2nd Reading – Romans 15:4-9

  • Through Christ, God gives us hope, endurance and encouragement.
  • We welcome one another, as Christ welcomes us.

Gospel – Matthew 3:1-12

  • John the Baptist proclaims, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”
  • John speaks of one who is coming after him, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Mass Readings – 2nd Sunday of Advent

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


The Birth of John the Baptist. Catholic Inspiration

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The birth of John the Baptist reveals a pattern in his relationship to Jesus. John comes first to prepare the way for the greater glory that shines upon Christ. May John’s example inspire us to continue to blaze a trail for the proclamation of the Good News in our lives today.

Mass Readings – Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

St. John the Baptist, pray for us!


Study, Pray, Serve: The Baptism of the Lord

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Let’s take a look at some of the key themes that surface in the readings for the Baptism of the Lord. Please note that there are options for the 1st Reading, Psalm and 2nd Reading!

1st Reading – Isaiah 42:1-4,6-7

  • Isaiah speaks of God’s chosen one in whom he is well pleased.
  • This servant shall perform mighty deeds that bring hope and life to the people.

1st Reading – Isaiah 40:1-5,9-11

  • The people hear of the one who will prepare the way of the Lord.
  • The herald brings good news of comfort and tenderness which casts out fear.

Psalm 29:1-4,9-10

  • “The Lord will bless his people with peace.”
  • Glory and praise is given to God who reigns with might over heaven and earth.

Psalm 104:1-4,24-25,27-30

  • “O bless the Lord, my soul”
  • God’s majesty is praised for the goodness of all creation.

2nd Reading – Acts 10:34-38

  • While in the house of Cornelius (a non-Jew) Peter teaches about Jesus.
  • Peter references the baptism of John and the power of Jesus to do good deeds.

2nd Reading – Titus 2:11-14; 3:4-7

  • The grace of God trains us to reject godless ways and worldly desires.
  • We have been saved through the “bath of rebirth” and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

Gospel – Luke 3:15-16,21-22

  • John testifies that one mightier than he is coming who will baptize the people with the Holy Spirit and fire.
  • As Jesus is baptized, the Holy Spirit comes upon him in the form of a dove and the Father’s voice is heard from heaven.

Mass Readings – The Baptism of the Lord

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Study, Pray, Serve: 3rd Sunday of Advent

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Let’s explore some of the themes we see in the readings for the 3rd Sunday of Advent.

1st Reading – Zephaniah 3:14-18a

  • The people shout for joy and exult at the power of God who turns away their enemies.
  • God is in the midst of the people and they are no longer afraid.

Response – Isaiah 12:2-3,4b-6

  • “Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.”
  • We are confident and unafraid for our strength and courage is the Lord.

2nd Reading – Philippians 4:4-7

  • We rejoice in the Lord and have no anxiety; rather we pray with thanksgiving as we make our petitions known to God.
  • The peace of God guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Gospel – Luke 3:10-18

  • John the Baptist gives advice and direction to the people.
  • John’s preaching prepares the people for the coming of Jesus.

Mass Readings – 3rd Sunday of Advent

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


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