How to be a prophet in this world is not an easy task. Today, June 24, St John the Baptist teaches us how to respond to God’s call.
Bible Verse for Today
In the Gospel of John, this message from the mouth of St John the Baptist is summarized: “He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:30)
That means, that I have to withdraw myself. I have to put my own personal interests aside so that Jesus Christ can grow and become great in my life!
That is why we celebrate his birthday on June 24th, at a time when the days are getting shorter.
Forerunner of Messiah
A wonderful example of a person who correctly carries out the mission entrusted to him. I am not the most important here, my mission is the most important. God’s mission is the most important.
Because John takes himself back so that Jesus Christ, the true light, can increase!
“I have to get smaller so that Christ takes up more space in me!” In this way, we can describe the inner position of St John the Baptist.
But it is not easy to put your own convictions and interests aside.
We experience this, for example, in big politics. We experience this every day, even on a small scale, in our everyday life.
When selfishness comes first, nothing great can arise
If everyone just wants to enforce their own interests, then the community is not possible. Where everyone only takes their own convictions so seriously that they cannot accept other views, then all common ground dies.
When selfishness and self-love come first, then nothing great can arise.
St. John the Baptist is an Example of the Believer
No question, it’s difficult to take back yourself and your own interests for the sake of a big cause. Every day we struggle with ourselves at this point.
Community is only possible if we allow others to take up space too. A real conversation is possible if we can listen. And if we are open to knowing what moves others and if we are genuinely interested.
If we only take ourselves too seriously, there is no room for something new that God wants to create.
People can only develop themselves and their possibilities if you give them some space. That means: everyone has to be ready to step into the background themselves.
Yes, that sounds shocking. After all, today people are taught to behave in the opposite way. To go arrogantly, without compassion, to take a place, to take a profit, to realize oneself, without paying attention to others. Such behavior is contrary to the teaching of Jesus.
John the Baptist, whom Jesus calls the greatest of all people, was very great in that. He did not focus too much on himself: “He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie” (John 1:27).
St John the Baptist had the courage to step out so that people could see the true light in Jesus Christ.
For us, this means, that the Kingdom of God can only grow where we do not put ourselves and our interests first.
Let us learn from John the Baptist to withdraw ourselves from time to time, to become sensitive to what moves the people around us. If this succeeds, the good news of Jesus Christ will shine more clearly and radiantly.
Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, you are wonderful in your decisions and worthy of worship and glory. You call people in a wonderful way, to be your bearers of light in the world. Your Grace inspires such determination that it is able to overcome both its human weakness and the hostile spirit of the world.
We thank you, Father, for John the Baptist, he was the voice of one calling in the wilderness, through whose ministry the whole world learned of your coming only Son, our Lord, and Messiah Jesus Christ.
Coming to this world, he showed the Messiah by saying, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
We ask you to be our Father in Heaven, give us a clear understanding of our calling in this world, and let us know your will for us. Bless us as you bless St. John the Baptist so that we can faithfully serve you, proclaim the Good News to the people, and present the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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