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Sunday Before Theophany
The time of Bethlehem and Nazareth is drawing to a close. After
about thirty years of hidden life, Jesus is soon to be revealed to the world. In
the same way that, in spirit, we went to the manger at Bethlehem, we now go towards the River Jordan where the Father will
manifest his Son.
The Gospel and Epistle readings today are
devoted to the memory of John the Baptist and Forerunner who, at the Theophany, is the one who, in a way, presents Jesus Christ
to the world. The Gospel brings us the austere figure of John, and in the
Epistle, Paul urges Timothy to endure afflictions and to do the work of an evangelist, words that apply
just as well to John the Baptist.
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The readings below are Sunday, January 4, 2025
Today's Epistle reading: [2 Timothy 4.5-8]
As for you, always be steady, endure suffering,
do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry. For I am already on the point of being sacrificed; the time of
my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is
laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only
to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
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Today's Gospel reading: [Mark 1.1-8]
The
beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, "Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, who shall prepare thy way; the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” John the baptizer appeared
in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And there went out to him all the country
of Judea, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John
was clothed with camel's hair, and had a leather girdle around his waist, and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached,
saying, "After me comes he who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.
I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
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