Saturday, January 7, 2023
Liturgical Season: 
II The Season of Yaldo-Denho
Special Significance: 
Exaltation of St. John the Baptist
St. Julian

Eph 3:1-7

Commission to Preach God’s Plan.* 1Because of this,a I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ* [Jesus] for you Gentiles— 2if, as I suppose, you have heard of the stewardship* of God’s grace that was given to me for your benefit,b 3[namely, that] the mystery* was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly earlier.c 4When you read this you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5which was not made known to human beings in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit,d 6that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.e

7Of this I became a minister by the gift of God’s grace that was granted me in accord with the exercise of his power.f

Lk 7:24-29

Jesus’ Testimony to John. 24* When the messengers of John had left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John.i “What did you go out to the desert to see—a reed swayed by the wind? 25Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine garments? Those who dress luxuriously and live sumptuously are found in royal palaces. 26Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.j 27This is the one about whom scripture says:

‘Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,

he will prepare your way before you.’k

28I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John; yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” 29l (All the people who listened, including the tax collectors, and who were baptized with the baptism of John, acknowledged the righteousness of God;