Reflect today on your call to imitate the virtues of St. John the Baptist

“Baptized with water; but there is one among you that you do not recognize, the one who comes behind me, whose sandals I am not worthy to undo ”. John 1: 26–27

These are words of true humility and wisdom. John the Baptist had a good following. Many came to him to be baptized and he was gaining a lot of notoriety. But his notoriety didn't go to his head. Instead, he understood his role in preparing the way for "the one who comes". He realized that it had to diminish when Jesus began His public ministry. And, therefore, humbly points others to Jesus.

In this passage, John was speaking to the Pharisees. They were clearly envious of John's popularity and questioned him about who he was. Was he the Christ? Or Elijah? Or the Prophet? John denied all this and identified himself as one who is not even worthy to undo the straps of the sandals of the one who comes after him. Hence, John sees himself as "the unworthy".

But it is this humility that makes John truly great. Greatness does not come from self-elevation or self-promotion. Greatness comes exclusively from the fulfillment of God's will. And, for John, God's will was to baptize and point out to others the One who came after him.

It is also important to note that John told the Pharisees that they "do not recognize" the one who comes after him. In other words, those who are full of pride and hypocrisy are blind to the truth. They cannot see beyond themselves, which is an incredible lack of wisdom.

Reflect today on your call to imitate these virtues of St. John the Baptist. Do you see your duty in life as one that individually focuses on setting your eyes on Christ and directing others to Him? Do you humbly acknowledge that it is Jesus who must grow and that you are none other than his unworthy servant? If you can try to serve God's will with complete humility, you too will be truly wise. And as through John, many will know Christ through your holy service.

Lord, fill me with true humility. May I know and believe with all my heart that I am not worthy of the incredible life of grace you have given me. But in that humble realization, give me the grace I need to serve you with all my heart so that others can know you through me. Jesus I believe in you.