January 02, 2026 Feast of Saints Basil and Gregory of Nazianzen
Daily Readings: 1 John 2:22-28; John 1:19-28
Children of God: Today we remember two saints from Asia Minor, the modern-day Turkey: Saints Basil the Great and Gregory of Nazianzen. Living in the fourth century, they were close friends, thinkers, and pastors who helped guide the Church during a time of confusion and division. Basil served the poor tirelessly, establishing places of care for the sick and the abandoned, while Gregory used his gift for words to defend the truth of the Trinity. Neither sought personal glory; both offered their lives in service to Christ and His Church.
In the gospel story of John 1:19–28, John the Baptist is questioned by religious leaders about his identity. They ask if he is the Messiah, Elijah, or the Prophet. John answers with clarity and humility, refusing titles and honor. He understands that true witness is not about who we are, but about whom we point to. John the Baptist points to Christ, the Lamb of God.
Saints Basil and Gregory lived out this same spirit of witness. In a culture that prized influence and power, they chose faithfulness instead. Basil’s works of charity and Gregory’s courageous preaching were not meant to draw attention to themselves, but to make Christ known. Like John the Baptist, they knew their mission was to serve the truth, not to claim it as their own.
John the Baptist described himself as “the voice of one crying out in the wilderness.” His life was a sign pointing beyond himself. Basil and Gregory became such voices in their own time through service, teaching, and perseverance. Their witness helped the Church recognize Christ more clearly in the midst of confusion.
Children of God: This feast of Saints Basil and Gregory reminds us that every Christian shares in the mission of witness. We may not stand in public debate or write theology, but our daily lives can point others to Christ. Like John the Baptist, and like Saints Basil and Gregory, may we know who we are, and who we are not, so that Christ may be seen more clearly in us.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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