June 24th, 2006,

solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, Vigil Mass.

A reading from the book of the prophet Jeremiah.

In the days of King Josiah, the word of the Lord came to me, saying,

Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.

Before you were born, I dedicated you,

a prophet to the nations I appointed you. Ah, Lord God, I said, I know not how to speak. I am too young. But the Lord answered me, say not I am too young. To whomever I send you, you shall go. Whatever I command you,

you shall speak. Have no fear before them, because I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.

Then the Lord extended his hand and touched my mouth, saying, see, I place my words in your mouth.

This day I set you over nations and over kingdoms to root up and to tear down, to destroy and to demolish, to build and to plant. The word of the

Lord. The response oral Psalm, the response is, since my mother's womb, you have been my strength.

In you, O Lord, I take refuge. Let me never be put to shame. In your justice, rescue me and deliver me,

incline your ear to me and save me. Since my mother's womb, you have been my strength.

Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to give me safety,

for you are my rock and my fortress.

Oh, my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked.

Since my mother's womb, you have been my strength, for you are my hope,

O Lord, my trust, O Lord, from my youth. On you I depend from birth. From my mother's womb,

you are my strength. Since my mother's womb, you have been my strength. My mouth shall declare

your justice, day by day your salvation. O God, you have been my strength. My mouth shall declare your justice, day by day,

your salvation. Oh, God, you have taught me from my youth, until the present I proclaim your

wondrous deeds. Since my mother's womb, you have been my strength."

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