What do you suppose that I am? I am not he.
Behold, one is coming after me;
I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.
John is the greatest of the prophets. It is not because of the attention he draws to himself. Much attention is drawn to him. Followers gather around him. But he is quick to point to the one who he is born to announce. He is ready to decrease so that Jesus may increase. We too need to learn to put God's message before our own. We need be ready to redirect any praise we receive to the Father. We need to learn to speak his words. Only then will we truly be heard.
He asked for a tablet and wrote, "John is his name,"
and all were amazed.
Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed,
and he spoke blessing God.
We need to be ready to step back from ourselves and our own plans in order to make room for God's plans. When we start speaking according to his plans and promises we find our lives begin to change. They are more open to the blessings God gives. They are more easily used by him to bring glory to his name. So we pray every morning in the Divine Office, "Lord open my lips and my mouth shall proclaim your praises."
God has a purpose for all of us. He has a plan he wants to reveal to us. We are called and chosen by him to help bring his Kingdom to our world. We'd rather back down from a plan so fearful. We'd prefer to stick to business as usual, speaking only the names we are used to speaking, not really acknowledging the possibility of something so new and wonderful. But the Good News is indeed new. And it is this which we are called to proclaim.
For now the LORD has spoken
who formed me as his servant from the womb,
that Jacob may be brought back to him
and Israel gathered to him;
and I am made glorious in the sight of the LORD,
and my God is now my strength!
Let's point the way to Jesus even if it means that we ourselves lose some of the attention we might otherwise receive. Let us speak the words God is calling us to speak even if they are new and unfamiliar. We can be sure that when we do we discover our true purpose. Our mouths are opened to bless the LORD.
I praise you, for I am wonderfully made.
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