When Zechariah beheld him, he was terrified and overcome with fear.

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear for you a son, and you shall name him John.

But now, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their appointed time, you will lose your power of speech and will become mute until the day that these things take place.”

When he did emerge, he could not speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision while he was in the sanctuary. He was only able to make signs to them, but he remained unable to speak.

Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

for nothing will be impossible for God.”

His mercy is shown from age to age to those who fear him.

delivered from the power of our enemies, without fear we might worship him

but the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for I bring you good news of great joy for all the people.

It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not experience death before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.

When the days of the feast were over and they set off for home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents were not aware of this.

Jesus said to them, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”

But they did not comprehend what he said to them.

Produce good fruits as proof of your repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones.

Even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

Some soldiers also asked him, “What about us? What should we do?” He replied, “Do not extort money from anyone, do not falsely accuse or threaten anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.”

John answered, telling them all: “I baptize you with water, but there is one coming who is more powerful than I am. I am not worthy to loosen the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

for forty days, where he was tempted by the devil. During that time he ate nothing, and at the end of it he was famished.

Jesus answered him: “As it states in Scripture: ‘Man does not live by bread alone.’ ”

Jesus answered him, “Scripture says: ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ”

All present spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that flowed from his lips. They also asked, “Is this not the son of Joseph?”

There were also many people with leprosy in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, but not one of these was cleansed except for Naaman the Syrian.”

Demons also emerged from many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak because they knew that he was the Christ.

Simon answered, “Master, we worked hard throughout the night and caught nothing; but if you say so, I will let down the nets.”

So too were Simon’s partners James and John, the sons of Zebedee. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid. From now on you will be catching men.”