Dear Fathers, Brothers, Sisters in Christ,
1 John 5:14-21
Psalm 149:1-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b
John 3:22-30
Today's gospel discusses the final witness of St. John the Baptist.
St. John summarizes the role he has had in regard to Christ. He clarifies that he himself is not the Messiah, but that "he was sent before Him." He speaks of the joy that this role has given him and that He must increase, and I must decrease.
Our role as baptized Christians has some of the characteristics of St. John the Baptist in that we also are to prepare the way for Christ, not only in our own lives, but in that of others. We do this by the example of how we live our own lives and by teaching informally when the occasion arises.
If we are doing this, we can ask ourselves, "Does this role bring us joy as it did St. John the Baptist? Is this joy evident to others?" Joy prepares a path for Christ. When we step back and decrease, as did St. John the Baptist, we too are making room for Christ as opposed to taking on the glory for ourselves. We prepare the way, but Christ does the rest!
St. John the Baptist, guide us!
Father Ed Bakker
Anglican Catholic Church / Original Province
Mission of Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne
Bendigo
Australia
Father Ed Bakker
Anglican Catholic Church / Original Province
Mission of Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne
Bendigo
Australia
