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Daily Readings

Today’s Mass Readings, Gospel Reflection & Prayer

Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

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Today’s Readings

Mass: Today's Mass Readings
The Holy Gospel

Luke 1:57-66, 80

When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child
she gave birth to a son.
Her neighbors and relatives heard
that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her,
and they rejoiced with her.
When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child,
they were going to call him Zechariah after his father,
but his mother said in reply,
“No. He will be called John.”
But they answered her,
“There is no one among your relatives who has this name.”
So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called.
He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,”
and all were amazed.
Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed,
and he spoke blessing God.
Then fear came upon all their neighbors,
and all these matters were discussed
throughout the hill country of Judea.
All who heard these things took them to heart, saying,
“What, then, will this child be?”
For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.
The child grew and became strong in spirit,
and he was in the desert until the day
of his manifestation to Israel.

The Gospel of the Lord,

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ

Reflection

Reflection

In today's Gospel, the birth of John the Baptist reminds us that every life has a purpose in God's plan. Even before he could speak for himself, God had already prepared a mission for him. The people around him had their own expectations, but God had something greater in mind.

This Gospel feels especially personal for our family. Our son Carl was supposed to be entering his third year of Chemical Engineering in the University of San Carlos. Then one day, on my birthday of all days, he opened up about his desire to enter the seminary. We were surprised. We had plans, expectations, and dreams for him. But sometimes God gently reminds parents of a difficult truth: our children are not ours to keep.

They are gifts entrusted to us for a time. A shepherd's charge from the Lord. We guide them, support them, pray for them, and love them, but ultimately, they belong to God. He alone knows the real purpose of their lives and the path that will lead them closest to Him.

Like Zechariah and Elizabeth, there comes a moment when we must trust God's plan more than our own understanding. It is not always easy, especially when the road ahead is uncertain. But faith means believing that the God who calls is also the God who guides. And wherever that call may lead, His plans are always greater than anything we could have imagined for ourselves.

- Tito Boyet

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Following the Mass for June 24, 2026? The readings are provided for the readings proclaimed during the Liturgy of the Word. Source: USCCB Daily Readings and Vatican News Word of the Day.