By Amala William csc –
Readings: 1 Jn 5:14-21; Jn 3:22-30
In the Gospel reading, we see the humility of John the Baptist. We come across many people in our daily lives who are humble and walk the talk in the beginning. As days proceed, they deviate from their principle that uplifted them once upon a time. The tangible examples are politicians, who for their personal benefit alter ideologies according to the alliance
they make with the parties. We know John’s miraculous birth through the divine intervention and a lot of followers who followed him passionately.
Even Jesus himself said that ‘John was the greatest man in the human history.’ He had all the possibilities to proclaim himself as the Messiah, but he never did. What he did was the sheer will of God, which is to be a forerunner, who prepares a way for the Lord. Once again, he affirms to his disciples that the sign is given from heaven, without which no man can receive Jesus, the Messiah. He downplays himself before them and compares himself with a friend of the bridegroom who rejoices for him. His withdrawal is from the ego and the temptations of the world, to exalt Jesus as God and Messiah.
In the first reading, we see that God’s plan is revealed to us through his son, Jesus. He has given us the understanding to know the true God. Several times we place ourselves in the front rows as the center of attraction for fame and name. Our works get praised but the ultimate doer of the action is forgotten. Therefore, let us place the will of God as the prime
duty with humility and happiness, that we may follow the teachings of Christ in every day of our life.