Memorial of Sts. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, bishops and doctors of the Church
1ST READING
The Scriptures present the truth to us in no uncertain terms. The sacred authors are not afraid to tell it as it is. We should not be afraid to proclaim to the world what we believe as Christians, whether or not the world wants to hear what we have to say. There are many movements in the world that do not embrace moral truth. They embrace an emotive reaction to various life situations that do not fully represent the truth as we understand it as Christians. We need to learn the truths of our faith and stand by them no matter how difficult it becomes.
1 John 2:22-28
22 Beloved: Who is the liar? Whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Whoever denies the Father and the Son, this is the antichrist. 23 Anyone who denies the Son does not have the Father, but whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well. 24 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. 25 And this is the promise that he made us: eternal life. 26 I write you these things about those who would deceive you. 27 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. 28 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.
P S A L M
Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4
R: All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
1 Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. (R) 2 The Lord has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. 3 He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. (R) All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. 4 Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. (R)
GOSPEL
The voice “crying in the wilderness” is often the lonely voice of truth in today’s world. The criteria of judgment often have nothing to do with truth, as modern society continues to build on pleasure, comfort and others as its foundation. It is like building on sand where the base is shifting because there is no firm foundation. It depends on the individual and what he or she happens to feel at any particular moment. Only objective truth can provide a firm basis upon which to build relationships and society.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
In times past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, He has spoken to us through his Son.
John 1:19-28
19 This is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” 21 So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” 22 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?” 23 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.” 24 Some Pharisees were also sent. 25 They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?” 26John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, 27 the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” 28 This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
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