Introit of Birth of Saint John the Baptist

Isaias 49:1-2

From the womb of my mother the Lord hath called me by my name, and He hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of His hand He hath protected me, and hath made me as a chosen arrow. Ps. It is good to give praise to the Lord, and to sing to Thy name, O Most High. Glory be to the Father.

Haydock

Verse 1. Give. This fresh discourse continues to C. lvi. 9. relating to the Messias, who is introduced speaking to all the world. Acts xiii. 47. and 2 Cor. vi. 2. Some apply a part to Cyrus, Isaias, or the Baptist, as to his figures. C. — The prophet has foretold the conversion of the Gentiles, as he now does, like an evangelist. S. Jer. — Many Jews will embrace the gospel at the end of time. W.

Verse 2. Sword, penetrating the very soul, (Heb. iv. 12.) and slaying the wicked. Apoc. i. 16. and 2 Thess. ii. 8. Without Christ, his ministers can apply this sword to little purpose. Cyrus cut asunder the bonds of the captives by his decree. C. — Grotius improperly explains all of Isaias. Houbigant.

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