Often in life we cannot see the wood for the trees. John the Baptist’s impact on humanity, announcing Jesus’s presence to the world and ‘baptising the very author of Baptism’, (Mass Preface) was affirmed when Jesus himself testifies ‘Truly, I tell you, among those born of women, no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist.’ (Matthew 11:10)

John’s austerity of life in the wilderness, being clothed in garments of camel hair and having a diet of locusts and wild honey may be attainable by Bear Grylls and likeminded adventurers, but his reproach to Herod to live by God’s laws, resulting in him being beheaded for speaking the truth, presents a life of supreme sanctity.

One aspect of his holiness that may be more attainable is revealed by John’s words, ‘He must increase but I must decrease.’ (John 3:30) The person most important to know is Christ. John knew and understood what that meant for his on-going ministry. He introduced Jesus to his followers and stepped aside, allowing Jesus’s voice to be the one heard. Likewise, the spiritual example of faith-filled Christians should reflect that noble, selfless model.

Do we pass unnoticed whilst doing good and carry out our obligations with humility? As this action penetrates more and more into our lives, so will our joy overflow. If we truly love Jesus, we seek to make everything about Him? Today let our mantra be: ‘Jesus must increase and I must decrease.’

By Margaret O’Shea