Daily Lectio Divina – January 3, 2026Christmas Weekday (Optional Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Jesus)
Brothers and sisters in uniform, veterans, and all who serve or have served—peace be with you. As a fellow traveler in the military life and a spiritual director walking this path with you, today's readings call us to behold Christ as the Lamb of God who takes away the world's sin. In the chaos of deployment, the weight of command decisions, the scars of combat, or the quiet struggles back home, John the Baptist's bold witness reminds us: Jesus is the spotless sacrifice who redeems every battlefield, every wound, every failure.
We'll center our Lectio Divina on the Gospel, where John points unflinchingly to the One greater than himself:Gospel: John 1:29-34 (NRSV-CE)
The next day, he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.”
1. Lectio (Reading – Read slowly and attentively). Read the passage two or three times, perhaps aloud in the stillness of your duty station or home. Let a word or phrase strike you like incoming fire:
- “Behold, the Lamb of God.”
- “Who takes away the sin of the world.”
- “I myself did not know him.”
- “This is the Son of God.”
--- Hold it close, like a weapon you trust in the fight.
2. Meditatio (Meditation – Reflect)What is the Lord speaking to you today through this Word?
John the Baptist, a tough prophet in the wilderness, doesn't hesitate: he points away from himself and declares Jesus as the Lamb—the ultimate Passover sacrifice who conquers sin and death. In military life, we know sacrifice intimately: laying down our lives for comrades, nation, and mission. Yet Jesus is the true Lamb, innocent and all-powerful, whose blood covers our moral injuries, our regrets in combat, the sins we've committed or witnessed under fire. Consider: Where in your service have you felt the weight of sin—the world's or your own? In moments of moral dilemma, loss, or reintegration struggles, do you behold Jesus as the One who takes it away? Like John, we are called to testify boldly, even in ranks or among battle buddies, pointing others to the Son of God who brings true peace.
3. Oratio (Prayer – Respond)Speak to the Lord from the depths of your heart. A prayer shaped for us who wear or have worn the uniform: Lord Jesus, Lamb of God,
You who take away the sin of the world—have mercy on us.
In the deserts I've walked, the fire I've faced, the brothers and sisters I've lost,
I behold You coming toward me.
Cleanse the wounds of war, the guilt that lingers, the rage or numbness I carry.
Give me John's courage to testify to You amid my unit, my family, my struggles.
Baptize me anew with Your Holy Spirit, that I may rank You first in all things.
Jesus, Most Holy Name—be my strength, my peace, my mission.
Amen.
4. Contemplatio (Contemplation – Rest in God)Spend a few silent minutes simply beholding Him. Picture Jesus approaching you as He did John—perhaps in the Eucharist, in a quiet moment of prayer, in the face of a fellow service member. Rest in His gaze, the Lamb who knows your every battle and carries your every sin.
5. Actio (Action – Live it out)Today, live as a witness:
- Invoke the Holy Name of Jesus in a moment of stress or temptation.
- Offer a small sacrifice (a kind word under pressure, forgiveness to a comrade) in union with the Lamb.
- Share quietly with someone—a battle buddy, spouse, or chaplain—how Jesus has taken away sin in your life.
May the Most Holy Name of Jesus be our battle cry and our healing balm.
Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world—grant us peace.
Tomorrow brings the Epiphany—let me know if you'd like to continue with those readings!
Blessings and Peace to you and your families as we begin the next year of our lives together,
Heath Garcia
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Daily Lectio Divina – January 3, 2026Christmas Weekday (Optional Memorial of the Most Holy Name of Jesus)
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