Saturday, January 7 : The Roman Missal

Father, all-powerful and ever-living God,
we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks
through Jesus Christ our Lord. We praise your greatness
as we honor the prophet
who prepared the way before your Son.
You set John the Baptist apart from other men,
marking him out with special favor.
His birth brought great rejoicing:
even in the womb he leapt for joy,
so near was our salvation. You chose John the Baptist from all the prophets
to show the world its redeemer,
the lamb of sacrifice.
He baptized Christ, the giver of baptism,
in waters made holy by the one who was baptized.
You found John worthy of a martyr’s death,
the last and greatest witness to your Son. In our unending joy we echo on earth
the song of the angels in heaven
as they praise your glory for ever:
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Hosts… (Biblical references: Mt 11,11; Lk 1,41.14; Jn 1,29)
maronite readings – rosary,team