To read the text click on the texts: 1Jn 5:14-21; Jn 3:22-30
This is John’s final
appearance in the Gospel of John in which he gives his final witness to Jesus.
The reason for the witness is the report of his disciples that Jesus to whom
John bore witness was also baptizing and that “everyone” was now going to him.
This witness begins with John stating what at first glance might seem like a
logical statement, but in its deeper sense means that Jesus has what he has
from God. It is a gift from God to Jesus and given to him directly. This is why
in his earlier testimony, John had made clear that while he was not the Christ,
and he was the one sent ahead of him to prepare the way. Since he was clear
about his role in God’s plan of salvation, he had no difficulty with accepting
it and living it out. He is but the friend of the bridegroom, who when the
bridegroom appears will take his secondary and less important place. The
bridegroom is the one who is at the centre of the marriage feast. When it
begins the friend must recede into the background.
The choice of this text on the last day of the Christmas Season is apt
because it defines the roles of each of us who like John are friends of the
bridegroom, Jesus. Like John, our role is to prepare the way for him and to
point out to him through our words and actions. If we understand this role and
if at every moment we realize where our authority ends, we can fulfil this role
as we ought to.
It is quite easy to allow others to shine but becomes very difficult when someone shines at our cost. When someone is getting the applause which was due to me! That was great of John the Baptist to recognise the real bridegroom and take a secondary place. This fits very well your idea of I AM NOT THE GENERAL MANAGER of the universe. Let me do what I am supposed to do and capable to do.
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