24 June 2023 - Only By Grace Reflections

#NativityofSaintJohntheBaptist NOTE: Please click the Subscribe key on YouTube and press the black notification bell to receive the daily reflections. Or, open in YouTube for easy access. View and Like. Thank you. TOPIC: ARE WE GRATEFUL FOR THE WAYS THAT GOD HAS WORKED IN OUR LIVES? First Reading: Isaiah 49: 1-6 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 139: 1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15 Second Reading: Acts 13: 22-26 Alleluia: Luke 1: 76 Gospel: Luke 1: 57-66, 80 At the time of Saint John the Baptist’s birth, it was commonly thought that a woman’s inability to conceive was a sign of God’s disfavor and a punishment for sin. Although we know that’s not the case, it’s important to understand that God often brought forth great leaders from those who had long begged God for a child. Today’s solemnity celebrates one of the greatest births in history. Recall that Jesus himself would later say, “Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11). Other than the Solemnity of the Birth of Christ (Christmas), Saint John the Baptist is the only person whom the Church honors with a solemnity to celebrate his birth. Our Blessed Mother’s birth is celebrated with a feast, although her Immaculate Conception is commemorated with the greatest honor of a solemnity. It is a great honor, indeed, to honor this unique man’s birth with the highest rank of celebration within our Church. John the Baptist's life was fueled by one burning passion - to point others to Jesus Christ and to the coming of God's kingdom. Like John the Baptist, the Lord invites each of us to make our life a free-will offering to God. Let us renew the offering of our lives to God and give Him thanks for His mercy and favor towards us. This is the 1167th installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings. [NOTE: As we continue to pray for Bro Bong Arjonillo’s healing and recovery, let us listen to our brother Solphie Confiado as he brings us today's reflection. All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough time for us to ponder what God's message is for us individually and to pray that we may live them out in our lives. This video is also available on Couples for Christ’s Facebook page. In You Tube, just type ONLY BY GRACE REFLECTIONS] #OnlyByGraceReflections #CFC #CouplesForChrist