Readings Birth of John the Baptizer

Romans 9:6 -13
God’s Election of Israel
Brothers and Sisters:
It is not as though the word of God had failed. For not all Israelites truly belong to Israel, and not all of Abraham’s children are his true descendants; but “It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you.” This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as descendants. For this is what the promise said, “About this time I will return and Sarah shall have a son.” Nor is that all; something similar happened to Rebecca when she had conceived children by one husband, our ancestor Isaac. Even before they had been born or had done anything good or bad (so that God’s purpose of election might continue, not by works but by his call) she was told, “The elder shall serve the younger.” As it is written, “I have loved Jacob, but I have hated Esau.” Praise be to God always!
Matthew 11:11-15
Jesus Praises John the Baptist
The Lord Jesus said:
Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John came; and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. Let anyone with ears listen! This is the truth. Peace be with you.

John has the “spirit of Elijah”. That is, filled with the Holy Spirit John speaks with the same authority and truth that Elijah spoke. In the first reading we see a shocking statement, “[God has] hated Esau.” Yet, we also know that God is love. So is it Esau’s actions that God hates? No, rather it is that God chose Jacob rather than Esau.

Lord, have mercy on us and save us.
Glory to you, Creator of the light that dispels darkness
and give joy to your creatures.
Create in us, Lord, works of light;
disperse the clouds of sin and fill us with the glorious
radiance of your grace,
for in you we find refuge and call upon you, our Lord and our
God,
to you be glory for ever.
Amen.