Today’s Scripture Readings

Today’s Gospel invites us into the heart of John the Baptist, whose profound humility is expressed in the words: ”He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30) The concern of John’s disciples is revealed when they report to John that Jesus is baptizing and attracting followers. Their words suggest jealousy and anxiety over their diminishing influence.
John reminds his disciples that their ministry is not about themselves nor a competition, but rather about doing what God asks of us. ‘No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven.’(John 3:27). He reiterates that he is not the Messiah, but only the messenger.
The apostle James tells us that ’where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind.’ (James 3:16) We are prone to compare our efforts, however noble and worthy, against others and strive for praise and recognition. When our discipleship is driven by jealousy and ambition, rather than grace and wisdom, we allow bitterness and envy to take root in our hearts.
Like John the Baptist, we need to take a daily dose of humility, a reality check, to remind ourselves, that everything we have belongs to God. A simple way to do this, is to make these words our daily prayer: “Jesus must increase and I must decrease.”