Do we understand and believe that we also are called to prepare the way for Christ?

 
Reading: To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ John 3:27-28.
 
Good morning, happy Friday, and many blessings my dear family.

The setting for today’s Gospel (John 3:22-4:6) is the region of Judea. Many people approached Jesus asking Him to baptize them. John also was in the region, and he also was baptizing. John’s disciples came to him and told him that Jesus was nearby, and He also was baptizing, and crowds of people were coming to Jesus for baptism. The tone of the conversation gives the impression that John’s disciples were upset that so many people were asking Jesus to baptize them. Were John’s disciples a bit jealous and envious of Jesus’ popularity?

This reading marks a stage in the transition from the preaching and ministry of John the Baptist to that of Jesus. Some of John’s disciples had joined Jesus at John’s prompting, “Look, here is the lamb of God” (John 1:36). Those that remained with John now seem to be upset that “all” are going to Jesus. John, however, knows that his duty to arrange everything for the wedding of his friend Jesus to his bride, the people of Israel, has been fulfilled. With his mission accomplished, he can retire with joy. He would soon suffer martyrdom (Mark 6:14-29). In my life, is Jesus increasing, becoming more and more?
 
However, when John’s followers approach him, John clearly tells them that his role simply is to testify to the Christ. He emphatically tells them that he is not the Christ. Rather his role is simply to be the forerunner of the Christ.

John clearly understands that his mission is to prepare the way for the Christ. John evidently is fully content to be the best man, rather than the bridegroom! He also tells his disciples that the role of the best man is to be the one who waits for the bridegroom and then rejoices when He comes. John clearly understands that the Christ will “increase” and his role will “decrease.”

In today’s world, many people seek to be in the limelight or to be important in some way. John knew his place in the best sense. He realized that he had a significant role in the drama that was unfolding. However, John was fully content to play his part and then step into the background.

In Luke's story Mary and Joseph are portrayed as transients, somewhat like "the homeless" of our contemporary city streets. Are such people in my thoughts and concerns this Christmas? How do you (and I) prepare the way for Christ’s coming? Do we understand and believe that we also are called to prepare the way for Christ? Are we content to play our part and then step into the background? Can we be content and rejoice that we have a part to play?
 
Blessings,
 
Luis+