Pope's Intentions
Universal: That all may promote authentic economic development that respects the dignity of all peoples.
For Evangelization: That Christians of diverse denominations may walk toward the unity desired by Christ.
Saturday before Epiphany
Commentary of the day
Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787), Bishop and Doctor of the Church
1st meditation for the Octave of Christmas
"Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world"
“I have gone astray like a lost sheep : seek your servant” (Ps 119[118],176). Lord, it is I who am the poor sheep who became lost running after the satisfaction of its appetites and whims. But you, who are both Shepherd and Lamb, came down from heaven to save me, sacrificing yourself on the cross as a victim for the expiation of my sins: “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” Therefore, if I want to amend myself, what can I fear?... “God indeed is my Savior; I am confident and unafraid” (Is 12,2). You have given yourself to me: could you have given me a greater proof of your mercy to inspire confidence in me?
Dear Child! How much I regret having offended against you! I have caused you to weep in the stable at Bethlehem. Yet I know you have come to seek me out. Therefore I cast myself at your feet and, in spite of the distress and humiliation in which I see you in that crib and on that straw, I recognise you to be my King an my sovereign Lord. Yes, I understand the meaning of such tender tears: they are inviting me to love you, they are taking possession of my heart. Here it is, O my Jesus. I come to your feet today to offer it to you. Change it; set it alight, since you have come down from heaven to set hearts on fire with your holy love. From the crib I hear you say to me: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart” (Mt 23,37; Dt 6,5). And I reply: “O my Jesus, if I were not to love you, my Lord and my God, who am I to love?”