We praise you, God of love, for the testimony of John the Baptist. Like him, we want to point out the way towards Jesus, your Son, who shows us your face. May the Holy Spirit change our hearts so that we may be able to reflect his presence by our lives.

Living God, you draw close to each person. And through Jesus, the Christ whom you sent among us, you show us the way of your life. And when we no longer see his face, may your Holy Spirit remind us of all that Christ taught us. Then we will pass through the narrow gate to discover the magnitude of your love.

Christ Jesus, bread of life, your patience and compassion are without end. You turn no one away; you welcome us all. If we feel ill-equipped to do what you ask of us, open our eyes to what you give us. And even if it seems very little to us, to our amazement when we offer it to you, it becomes an abundance of life. Then we understand: every gift comes from you, for it is you who give without measure.