Readings: 1 John 5:14-21, Ps. 149:1-6,9, John 3:22-30
“You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him. 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; therefore, this joy of mine is now full. He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:28-30)
- When the Magi got to Jesus, the Gospel of Matthew tells us: “They fell and worshipped him…” This was their packaging: the outward sign of their inner disposition of humility before a king greater than themselves.
- If they had walked in, dropped their gifts, and bounced out, I am sure their gold, frankincense, and myrrh would not have meant anything to Jesus. Humility is a precious gift that draws God’s attention to us. The Apostle James teaches us: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6).
- Humility requires that we can say with John the Baptist in today’s Gospel passage: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30). What was the secret of John the Baptist’s humility? He was always conscious of the fact that the ministry entrusted to him was not his personal property.
- John the Baptist said: “No one can receive anything except what is given him from heaven.” (John 3:27). How often do we remember this? How often do ministers of God remember that we must decrease and allow God to increase in the hearts of our flock? How easy it is to hear terms such as: “My ministry, my altar, my church”, “I am in charge here.” etc.
- On the other hand, how often do we (the laity) remember that whatever we have is God’s gift to us? Do we see the Church as ours? Do we have what I like to call the “Davidic Consciousness?” David was disturbed by the fact that he lived in a house of Cedar, but the Ark of Covenant dwelt in a tent, and he sent for Nathan, saying: “I would like to build for God.”
Nathan initially approved, but God later revealed to Nathan that David was not the one to build the house for God. Even at that, David provided everything needed for the construction. Consider it a privilege to be part of the growth and development of God’s house. Instead of saying, “Oh, they have come again,” say with John the Baptist, “I must decrease, and Jesus must increase.”
- Those who told John the Baptist that Jesus was now baptising were hoping it would make John the Baptist sad or bring about some form of competition, but to their amazement, John the Baptist was pleased to hear it. Whatever you do for your church, whether financially or physically, should never be about competition. It should never be to promote your name or your business; it should only be about increasing God’s kingdom.
In today's first reading, John the Evangelist addresses us as children to teach us humility. He says, “Little Children, keep yourselves from idols” (1st John 5:21). This is instructive. We are children regardless of age or position in society. We make ourselves idols when we become proud and full of ourselves.
- St. John invites us to have a deeper confidence in God when we pray. Whatever we ask from God, we ought to believe that we have received it already. Prayer is never in vain. God is ever faithful. Prayer teaches us humility. The more we pray, the more we realise our dependence on God.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, we are nothing before you. Work through us always so that our lives may become your gifts. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saturday after Epiphany Sunday Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: 1 John 5:14-21, Ps. 149:1-6,9, John 3:22-30).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu