By Francis Gayang csc –
Readings: 1 Jn 5:14-21; Jn 3:22-30
Where does my heart point to? Am I trying to make a name for myself?
John the Baptist was fully aware of his role as the forerunner to the Messiah. When the disciples of John the Baptist complained of the growing popularity of Jesus, who was once baptized by him, he did not get disturbed because he knew fully well that nowhere good can come except from God alone (John 3:27).
Therefore, he did not panic, not did he get jealous. Instead, he responded with a cool and calm answer which probably shook his disciples, “He must increase, I must decrease”. How many of us will be ready to accept easily when a peer of ours grows more popular than us? Most will find it disturbing to accept that.
Today, John, the Baptist teaches us that if we know God, we will not dare to feel jealous even if someone became more successful and popular than us because good things come only from God. John never saw Jesus as his rival, even before he knew him as a promised Messiah (Lk 7:19).
Now for me, what is my take when someone my equal grows in popularity and becomes more successful than me? Do I get jealous and feel insecure? The approach of John the Baptist should be my approach too. Humility is to be my way of dealing with others and allowing the good to take root in me and others. This can transform my life and make me more human and more holy than ever before. In this way, God will find me a worthy place to dwell in.