Gospel: John 3: 22-30
"He must increase; I must decrease." John the Baptist provides the description of the role of disciple in one simple phrase. Throughout the Gospels we find Jesus attempting to tell others in other ways of this role: tell no one, just offer thanks and be merciful to others. He who wishes to be first must be last and serve the needs of others. The role of the disciple is to introduce someone to the Lord, and then exit off stage without uttering a word.
Sounds simple, right? And yet how often do we find people claiming to be disciples who do not know their role on stage! How many "evangelists", "apologists", and prelates love the spotlight and media attention! They will claim it is all for Jesus, not for their cottage industry or media empire. But is it? The role of a disciple on stage is not a speaking role. It is a doing role, and it is a cameo appearance.
Today is a day to reflect on our discipleship as individuals and as communities of faith. Are we about self-promotion and seeking the limelight? Or are we about the work of Jesus - saying nothing, just following his example in healing, liberating, and nourishing others, introducing people to the Lord and getting out of the way so that they may have their own relationship with God as we do?
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