The Newcomers
How difficult is it to step back and let the spotlight shine on someone else?
He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.'- John 3:29-30
In today's reading, John the Baptist takes a back seat to Jesus, even though John has gained a huge following and Jesus is only starting out in his ministry.
That would be like dropping out of the race when you have a commanding lead and telling your followers to back the newcomer.
Usually the one who steps down to let another take over is soon forgotten, but that is not the case with John. He is remembered as a strong yet humble leader who brings people to Christ.
In John we have a unique type of hero, someone who is not out for glory for himself. And in order to be that type of hero, one must know from the beginning that he is not the one, that another exists who is.
So, his message to his followers was not about himself, but about repentance and getting ready to follow someone else, someone greater who is coming soon.
I wonder if that is how we should lead our lives as well. Shouldn't we be willing to offer ourselves as examples to help point people toward someone and something better for their lives?
We are surrounded by people who know little if anything about Christ. They may use his name in anger, but they are not necessarily aware that he is alive and real.
If we take an example from John, we could share the faith that there is something better and all can have it.
This is what is meant by having a personal ministry to share the Gospel message, which is what we all have as baptized Christians. The process John started with water continues with the Holy Spirit through Christ, and that Spirit lives in us, desiring to connect us with others through love.
So, as we go about our day, we should see opportunities to welcome the newcomers, to be a friend and bring them to Christ through us.
It is through love that we are all saved, and many know no love in their lives.
More to come...