Christmas Weekday (January 2nd)

First Letter of John

2,22-28.

Beloved: Who is the liar? Whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Whoever denies the Father and the Son, this is the antichrist.
No one who denies the Son has the Father, but whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well.
Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father.
And this is the promise that he made us: eternal life.
I write you these things about those who would deceive you.
As for you, the anointing that you received from him remains in you, so that you do not need anyone to teach you. But his anointing teaches you about everything and is true and not false; just as it taught you, remain in him.
And now, children, remain in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not be put to shame by him at his coming.

Psalms

98(97),1.2-3ab.3cd-4.

Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint 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 Messiah."
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 Messiah 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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St. Gregory Nazianzen(Bishop and Doctor of the Church († c. 390))

Saint Gregory NazianzenBishop and Doctor of the Church(c. 329 - c. 390) St. Gregory was born near Nazianzus in Cappadocia circa 330 A.D. He followed a monastic way of life for some years. He and St. Basil were close friends. In 379, St. Gregory was consecrated bishop of Constantinople. His tenure was marked by contention with the Arian heresy. He was forced to retire to Nazianzus, where he passed away on January 25, 390. St. Gregory's leadership was inspired; and he was called The Theologian. He intercedes for us before Jesus Christ, the Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace (Is. 9:6).

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St. Macarius of Alexandria(anchorite († 394))

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SAINT MACARIUS OF ALEXANDRIAAnchorite( 394) In his youth, Macarius left a fruit stall in Alexandria to join St. Antony. The latter was a patriarch who discerned Macarius' learning, intelligence and holiness. Macarius thus became the Patriarch's disciple. Macarius practiced prayer, penance and mortification of the senses. He accepted uncomfortable circumstances joyfully and with supernatural virtue. Once, when he was thirsty, he gave the grapes he had received as a present to an elderly hermit who was toiling in the heat. On one occasion, Macarius saw demons assailing hermits who were praying. Exorcists say that demons sometimes manifest as dark, impure orbs. On that occasion, the demons put their fingers into the mouths of the hermits and made them yawn. They closed the eyes of others; and walked upon those asleep. They placed vain and sensual images before many of the brethren and mocked those who were captivated. None vanquished the devils effectually save the Blessed Virgin Mary: whose wisdom and faith transcends vigilance; and who opened the oceans of mercy by reversing Eve's disobedience. After serving as the superior for several years, Macarius desired to begin again as a novice under St. Pachomius. St. Pachomius made Macarius return to his brethren after seeing a vision. Macarius loved the Holy Family and entrusted all his works to St. Joseph. He passed away in the peace and presence of the Holy Family.

misalcatolico.com

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Category: Mass by Year / Catholic Missal 2024 / Catholic Missal of january 2024