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🕊️ Voice of Humility
January 2, 2024
MORNING MESSAGE

"Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls." - Mother Teresa
Good Morning! Welcome to a new day filled with opportunities to spread joy and love. Your joy can be a powerful tool to touch the lives of others and bring them closer to God. Approach your day with a joyful heart, and watch how it positively influences those you meet. Let your joy be a testament to the love and grace that fills your life.
- Catholic Captions Team
DAILY MASS READINGS
Readings from Today’s Holy Mass

Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church
First Reading: 1 John 2:22-28
Responsorial: Psalms 98:1, 2-3AB, 3CD-4
Alleluia: Hebrews 1:1-2
Gospel Reading: John 1:19-28
REFLECTIONS
Gospel Reflection on Luke 1:19-28

John the Baptist
In John 1:19-28, we encounter the intriguing figure of John the Baptist, a humble messenger of God's truth. When confronted about his identity, John doesn't lay claim to grand titles or self-importance. Instead, he humbly declares, "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness." His entire life's mission is dedicated to preparing the way for Jesus, emphasizing the paramount importance of repentance and humility.
This passage encourages us to reflect on the profound virtue of humility exemplified by John. He directs our attention not to himself but to Christ. In our own lives, it is a call to emulate his humility and single-minded devotion to preparing hearts for Christ's arrival.
May we embrace humility, seek genuine repentance, and, like John, dedicate ourselves to paving the way for Christ's presence in our world. Through our compassionate actions, uplifting words, and heartfelt prayers, we can be the voices that lead others to encounter Jesus in their lives. In a world often clamoring for recognition and status, may we, like John, find our purpose in humbly pointing the way to the One who is the source of true hope and salvation.
CATHOLIC NEWS
Headlines

✝️ Pope Francis' New Year Message
Pope Francis opened the new year by encouraging Catholics to entrust it to Mary, emphasizing her role in bringing grace and leading to Jesus. In his Mass homily, he highlighted Mary’s importance in mediating divine gifts and the need for the Church to embrace its feminine dimension. Francis also stressed respecting women in society and urged turning to Mary for help in personal challenges and global peace.
🇮🇱 New Year's Peace Plea in Jerusalem
The Catholic Church in Jerusalem started the New Year with a focus on peace. During the Mass of the Solemnity of Mary, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa highlighted the need for peace in the Middle East and urged local Christians to overcome divisions. The Mass, attended by various dignitaries, also included prayers for families affected by regional conflicts, emphasizing the Church's dedication to reconciliation and peace.
🙏🏼 Pope Francis' New Year Angelus
In his New Year's Angelus, Pope Francis highlighted Mary's motherhood as a symbol of love and silent witness. He urged prayers for the Church in Nicaragua, facing persecution under President Ortega. The Pope reflected on maternal love's nurturing role and its capacity for fostering growth. He emphasized that love is key to overcoming barriers and creating peaceful, just societies.
SAINTLY STORIES
Saints Basil and Gregory

Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen
Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, both born in Cappadocia around 330 AD, are revered as influential figures in early Christianity. Their lives of unwavering dedication to God's service have left an indelible mark on the Catholic Church and Christian theology.
Saint Basil, known for his theological brilliance, defended the divinity of the Holy Spirit during the Arian controversy, shaping the Nicene Creed. His monastic rule laid the foundation for Eastern Orthodox monasticism, emphasizing communal living, prayer, and self-sufficiency. St. Basil's compassion for the poor and commitment to social justice continue to inspire.
Saint Gregory Nazianzen, a fellow Cappadocian Father, joined the theological fray against Arianism, reinforcing the Trinitarian understanding of the Nicene Creed. His eloquent writings, theological poems, and sermons have profoundly influenced Christian theology and spirituality.
Commemorated on January 1st and 2nd, respectively, Saints Basil and Gregory exemplify steadfast faith and profound scholarship, reminding us of the enduring power of faith and theological reflection in the Catholic tradition.
FAITH
Deepening Faith in the New Year

As we step into the New Year, it's a pivotal time for Catholics to reinvigorate their spiritual journey. Embracing faith more fully can be achieved through these three meaningful practices:
1. Establishing a Daily Prayer Ritual: Setting aside time each day for prayer helps maintain a vital connection with God. This practice can become a cornerstone of daily life, providing comfort and guidance.
2. Immersive Scripture Reading: Regular engagement with the Bible enriches understanding and faith. Participating in a Bible study group or following a structured reading plan can offer deeper insights and community connection.
3. Active Church Involvement: Strengthen your bond with the faith community by actively participating in church life. Volunteering, attending Mass more regularly, and joining church activities not only nurture a sense of belonging but also enable you to manifest your faith in practical ways.
Integrating these habits into your routine can lead to a year rich with spiritual growth and a deeper connection to your faith and community.
DIVINE DIVERSIONS
Tuesday Trivia

Theme: New Year’s Trivia
1. What civilization is credited with creating the earliest recorded festivities in honor of the new year about 4,000 years ago?
2. On New Year's Day, the Pope traditionally gives a message dedicated to what theme?
3. Which country is the first to celebrate New Year each year, due to its time zone?
4. What is the name of the song traditionally sung at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve in many English-speaking countries?
5. In which book of the Bible do we find the quote, "Behold, I make all things new"?
Answers Below
"Thou dost show me the path of life; in thy presence there is fullness of joy, in thy right hand are pleasures for evermore." - Psalm 16:11 (RSV-CE)
ANSWERS
Trivia Answers
1. The earliest recorded New Year's festivities were created by the ancient Babylonians about 4,000 years ago.
2. On New Year's Day, the Pope traditionally gives a message dedicated to "World Peace."
3. Kiribati, specifically the Line Islands, is the first country to celebrate the New Year due to its time zone.
4. The song traditionally sung at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve is "Auld Lang Syne."
5. The quote "Behold, I make all things new" is found in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 21:5).
WEEKLY POLL
VOTE!

Did you make a New Year’s Resolution this year? Vote on our poll by clicking the link below. Results will be posted on Saturday!
FINAL THOUGHTS
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