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"The dawn from on high shall break upon us, to guide our feet on the road to peace". Jesus is the coming Dawn, and He is heralded by John the Baptist. John's role and the announcement of his conception is today's gospel reading. And it echoes another announcement of an important person's birth and role, Samson's, recorded in the Book of Judges. It also closely parallels the announcement to Mary, by the same archangel Gabriel, that she is to be the mother of the Messiah. In both announcements Gabriel speaks of what the child-to-be-born will be.
Zechariah the father of John, is told that John will be filled with the Spirit. He will bring back many to the Lord their God, go before Him to turn fathers' hearts towards their children, preparing people for the Lord.
Like Mary later, Zechariah was at first struck with fear; but unlike Mary, Zechariah couldn't believe how what Gabriel said could come true. So he became dumb until John was actually born.
Lord, renew our faith and our sense of wonder and awe at the news of Your coming, that we may share John's role of preparing Your way for the peace of our world.
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That the members of all religions, may cooperate to alleviate the human sufferings of our time.
Elaboration
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