Last week, we heard of the ministry of John the Baptist from St. Mark’s Gospel. On the 3rd Sunday of Advent, we hear from St. John’s Gospel. In St. Mark, the Baptist preaches repentance. In John’s Gospel, the role of the Baptist is that of witness (1:1).
John the Baptist claimed no importance for himself.
He drew no attention to himself either. The Word he said must increase, while he must decrease (Jn 3:30). If you look carefully at the passage, you will notice too that his answers get shorter and shorter.
John goes further. He tells those who question him that he is not worthy to undo the strap of the sandal of the one who is to come (John 1:27). Not only does he point to Christ, but he also
models great humility to us.
At a time when so many people seek the limelight – and perhaps even manipulate and mislead others – John the Baptist reminds Christians that all we do, say and are should point towards Christ. John’s message and example are an antidote to self-centredness.
In Advent, we
are reminded that we need to watch and wait for the Lord. We are also invited to look at people like John and ask ourselves if our lives, like his, point others to Christ. If we notice that we tend to draw others to ourselves, Advent invites us to conversion, to become, like John, signposts pointing to the Messiah.
We want to examine our lives as we begin this third week of Advent.
Do I draw attention to myself, or do my words, actions and life point towards the Lord Jesus? John seeks no praise; he is humbled before the one who is greater than him. Just how humble am I before the Lord? Take time today to consider John’s words: “I must decrease, and he must increase”. How do you feel when you reflect upon these words? Talk to the Lord about your reaction.
Reflections by Russell Pollitt SJ
