1 John 5:14-21;
Psalm 149:1b-2.3;
John 3:22-30 Full Readings
Just a voice pointing to the Messiah
Brethren, today we come to the final gospel reading in this series of epiphany, and we shall end our Christmas time tomorrow as Jesus is being baptised and publicly starts his mission. Today's Gospel is appropriately the final scene in the Gospel of John of the ministry of the Baptist. Once more it is guidance for those who are to be apostles of Jesus, showing the humility of both Jesus and John. John had humility not to call himself a Messiah while he had all the chances to do so and Jesus too had the humility to learn from John and quietly continue his activity, though John was just a voice pointing to the anointed Messiah. We have to learn from the humility of the two and we practice it and from John to always point others to Jesus.
Brethren, in the last couple of verses we are given the reflection of John on the mission. From this we are reminded once again that it is the coming of the bridegroom for the great wedding-feast of the Lamb, the final climax and completion of history. We are reminded also that the mission is not for the glory of the apostle, not for our glory, but that the apostle must always be content to serve Jesus, seeking not personal glorification but the glory of Jesus.
As his mission drew to a close, John stepped out of the limelight so that the very one prefigured could reveal himself. In fact, he even sent his best disciples to follow Christ. “Behold the Lamb of God,” he said to John and Andrew (John 1:29). The image the Baptist chose was striking: Christ is the Bridegroom; John was just the best man—close to the groom, preparing everything for the wedding, but not the groom, the true Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. In these verses, John’s humility was on display. How edified we are to realize that the greatest man born of a woman (Matthew 11:11) was so very humble.
Not long after John preached these words, he was murdered by King Herod. But like a seed that falls to the ground and dies, he bore such great fruit that his story did not end in death. John taught us that even if living our vocation and mission in life leads through perplexing and even painful moments, God is always capable of bringing a greater light from the shadows. John had unwavering confidence in God and we, too, are called to trust God, even when the shadows in our life obscure the light.
Reflect today on the humility and witness of John to the Messiah. Are you ready to witness Christ as John the Baptist did. As Jesus is being baptized tomorrow, let us ask the Holy Spirit to help us recollect our baptismal promises in order to be baptised anew with Jesus.
Let us Pray
Lord Jesus, your grace is real and effective, present and active in my life. I want to be receptive and open to your plan, as St. John the Baptist was. As I reflect on my life, are there any aspects today where you are inviting me to be open to grace? Open my heart. Grant me the humility to accept from you even what I don’t understand. I trust that if I keep my eyes on you and follow you, you will let your light shine through me. Amen
Be blessed
May I be a voice to point to christ
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