Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute HomilySaints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen,Bishops and Doctors of the Church

January 2, 2026, John 1:19-28
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010226.cfm

Our Voice.

If someone walks up to us and says, “What is your name?” we respond by giving our name. Not John the Baptist. He didn’t say, “I am John, son of Elizabeth and Zechariah.” Nor did he claim to be the One who was coming to usher in the end times, namely, the Messiah, Elijah, or the Prophet. Instead, his humility teaches us to focus on Christ, reminding us that true identity is found in serving Him.

He says he is a “voice” crying in the wilderness. This tells us so much if we are paying attention. A voice is here one second and gone the next, but the words, or the Word of God, remain. John will do nothing to draw attention to himself and is only the “voice” of the Word.

Please, God, grant us the same grace to turn our attention from ourselves to the One Who is to come whenever we call upon him and serve him, especially in the least of his family.

Gospel Challenge:

Identify who you will meet today, starting with your family, and ask John the Baptist to help you be the voice, hands, and feet that bring Jesus’ Good News to everyone you encounter.

Love Your Neighbor:

Please join me in praying that all baptized Catholics be faithful to Jesus at the Holy Mass every weekend. Hail Mary, full of grace…

Mother Mary, “I am yours now and forever. Through you and with you, I always want to belong completely to Jesus.” The Surrender Novena – InHeartland. https://inheartland.com/pages/the-surrender-novena

Peace be with you.

Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
pastor@bscchurch.com