29 August 2015 - he must increase

Today we celebrate the Passion of Saint John the Baptist. From him we can learn the value of preaching the word "in season and out of season" (cf. 2 Tim. 4:2). John is able to point to the one who comes after him, the one whose sandals he is not worthy to untie. He is willing to decrease that Jesus may increase. He is willing to say, "Behold the lamb of God" even if his own disciples will leave to follow Jesus.

These things are obviously related to John's mission as the herald. But John is not just faithful in those things. He is faithful in smaller things as well. He does not look the other way when Heriodias marries Herod. He says, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." This is what lands him in prison. This is the thing that ultimately gets him killed. He is faithful in all this even though it doesn't seem to contribute directly to his mission. He wants to preach the truth in all circumstances and this is why he is the perfect herald for the one who is the way, the truth, and the life (cf. Joh. 14:6).

John is one of the people who has "been taught by God to love one another." He is taught to love no matter the cost to himself. He is taught to love others no matter whether or not it'll make them like him more.

We are probably called to mind our own affairs more than a public prophet like John. We are called to aspire to a "tranquil life". But the Holy Spirit is inviting us to have the same fidelity to the truth that John has. He calls us to fidelity in the things that obviously build the kingdom. But he is calling us to fidelity in the smaller things as well. John teaches us that this is possible. With him, we say, "He must increase, I must decrease" (cf. Joh. 3:30).

"The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice." Let us prepare to welcome him with new songs of praise. Let us clap with the rivers, shout with the mountains, and sing with the seas. May our praise so fill our lives that we are faithful in all things, both large and small.