open and shut
“John heralded the coming of Jesus by proclaiming a baptism of repentance.” —Acts 13:24
The name “John” means “God is gracious.” St. John the Baptizer’s father, St. Zechariah, wrote: “His name is John” (Lk 1:63), that is, “God is gracious.” At that moment, Zechariah’s mouth was opened (Lk 1:64).
Blessings come upon us when we speak for the glory of God and when we decrease and allow God to increase (Jn 3:30). John’s was “a baptism of repentance” (Acts 13:24). How much would you have to decrease to tell others about repentance? How many times in the last month have you spoken the word “repent”? How much would God have to increase in you to enable you to tell a wounded world of the healing God graciously works in a heart that repents of sin?
The prophet Jeremiah said he would no longer speak of God; it hurt him to keep telling his nation to repent (Jer 20:7-8). So he closed his mouth and would not speak, like John’s father Zechariah. But then God’s Word was too strong for him. Jeremiah grew “weary holding it in”; he had to speak (Jer 20:9) of the need for repentance.
Let us speak of the truth, repentance, reconciliation, healing and the joy of being forgiven. Let us decrease so our gracious God can increase.
Prayer: Father, give me an untiring devotion to Your gracious, never-failing mercy. May I never grow weary of spreading the Good News of Your salvation.
Promise: “My God is now my strength.” —Is 49:5
Praise: “All who heard stored these things up in their hearts, saying, ‘What will this child be?’ and ‘Was not the hand of the Lord upon Him?’ ” (Lk 1:66)
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2026, through July 31, 2026. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio November 12, 2025"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.