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🕊️ Behold the Lamb of God
January 3, 2024
MORNING MESSAGE

"Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe." - St. Augustine
Good Morning! Good morning! Thank you for spending part of your morning with us! As we embrace the gift of a new day, let's renew our faith, trusting in God's loving plan for us. May our unwavering faith guide our steps and fill our hearts with peace and purpose.
- Catholic Captions Team
DAILY MASS READINGS
Readings from Today’s Holy Mass

Christmas Weekday
First Reading: 1 John 2:29–3:6
Responsorial: Psalms 98:1, 3CD-4, 5-6
Alleluia: John 1:14A, 12A
Gospel Reading: John 1:29-34
REFLECTIONS
Gospel Reflection on John 1:29-34

St. John showing Christ to St. Andrew, Ottavio Vannini, circa 1600s
In John 1:29-34, John the Baptist proclaims, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" He recognizes Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the One who would bring redemption and forgiveness. John emphasizes that his own baptism with water is a precursor to Jesus' baptism with the Holy Spirit.
This passage invites us to reflect on the profound significance of Jesus as the Lamb of God. He is the ultimate sacrifice, the sin-bearer who offers us forgiveness and salvation. Just as John pointed to Jesus, we too are invited to acknowledge Christ's central role in our lives.
Let us behold Jesus as the Lamb of God who redeems us. In response, may we turn to Him, repent of our sins, and receive the cleansing and transforming power of the Holy Spirit. In our journey of faith, embracing Jesus as the Lamb of God leads us to forgiveness, restoration, and the abundant life He offers to all who believe.
CATHOLIC NEWS
Headlines

🙏🏼 Pope's Condolences for Japan Quake
Pope Francis expressed deep sorrow for the deadly earthquake in western Japan, extending prayers and solidarity to those affected. A Vatican telegram conveyed his closeness to the victims, the deceased, and those missing. The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Japan is evaluating the impact to guide the Church's response, mirroring the global concern for Japan's plight.
🇳🇮 Pope's Appeal for Nicaragua
Pope Francis voiced concern regarding the detention of several Catholic priests and a bishop in Nicaragua. He expressed this during the Angelus prayer, showing his solidarity with the affected clergy, their families, and the Nicaraguan Church. The Pope emphasized the need for dialogue to resolve issues and called on the global Catholic community for insistent prayer, highlighting the urgent situation in Nicaragua.
✝️ Reflecting on Pope Benedict XVI's Legacy
At a conference in Vatican City, scholars and colleagues commemorated the first anniversary of Pope Benedict XVI's death, reflecting on his Christ-centered legacy and theological contributions. His teachings, deeply rooted in the love of Christ and the Eucharist, were highlighted as central to his life and work. The conference emphasized his approach to theology as a means to make God accessible, culminating in the profound expression of the Eucharist.
SAINTLY STORIES
St. Genevieve

St. Genevieve
Saint Genevieve, born around 419 AD in Nanterre, France, is venerated as a beloved figure in early Christian history and a patroness of Paris. Her life of devotion and service to God has left an enduring legacy in the Catholic Church.
Saint Genevieve's unwavering faith and strong sense of purpose led her to dedicate herself to a life of prayer and charitable works. During the siege of Paris by Attila the Hun, her prayers and leadership are credited with saving the city. She also played a pivotal role in promoting monasticism and establishing the Abbey of Sainte-Geneviève.
Her life is a testament to the power of faith and the impact one person's unwavering devotion can have on a community. Saint Genevieve is remembered on January 3rd, a day that celebrates her significant contributions to the Catholic Church and the enduring inspiration she provides to those who seek to live a life of faith, prayer, and service.
FAITH
The Extended Celebration of Christmas in Catholic Tradition

For Catholics, the joy and celebration of Christmas extend well beyond December 25th. The liturgical Christmas season continues until the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which in 2023 falls on January 9th, making the Christmas season a total of 15 days long.
This extended period is a time for the faithful to fully immerse themselves in the mystery of the Incarnation and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It encompasses significant feast days such as the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God on January 1st, and the Epiphany, each highlighting different facets of Jesus' life and mission.
By observing these days, Catholics are offered more time to reflect on the profound implications of Christ's birth and deepen their understanding of His life and purpose. With the Baptism of the Lord still a few days away, the opportunity to revel in the spiritual richness of the Christmas season continues.
DIVINE DIVERSIONS
Word Scramble

Theme: Words Related to Today’s Gospel
1. LBAM
2. ZAIPBET
3. ITRSIP
4. ENTSSIW
5. ESJUS
6. OEVD
Answers Below
“This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
- Psalm 118:24 (RSV-CE)
ANSWERS
Word Scramble Answers
1. LAMB: Jesus is referred to as the "Lamb of God," symbolizing the sacrificial lamb who takes away the sins of the world.
2. BAPTIZE: John the Baptist's role in baptizing people in the Jordan River represents repentance and preparation for Jesus' coming.
3. SPIRIT: The Spirit descending from heaven like a dove onto Jesus signifies His anointing by the Holy Spirit.
4. WITNESS: John the Baptist serves as a key witness, testifying about the identity and mission of Jesus Christ.
5. JESUS: Central to the passage, Jesus is identified as the Son of God and the Lamb of God.
6. DOVE: The Spirit's descent in the form of a dove on Jesus symbolizes peace, purity, and the presence of God's Spirit.
WEEKLY POLL
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FINAL THOUGHTS
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