Reflection for Saturday January 3 The Most Holy Name of Jesus: John 1:29-34

Gospel: John 1:29-34

John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one of whom I said, ‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’ I did not know him, but the reason why I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel.”  

John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from heaven and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.”

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Reflection:

When John was asked by the priests and Levites to confirm whether he was the Messiah, he answered with clarity and humility, “I am not the Messiah” (John 1:20). It never crossed John’s mind to claim a role that was not his.

From the very beginning, he knew who he was before God. He understood that he was only the precursor, the one sent to prepare the way. That is why he could humbly proclaim, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

As we reflect more deeply on the life of John, we see a man who embraced simplicity. He avoided the spotlight, lived humbly, and refused to take credit for the works and wonders attributed to him. Instead, he consistently directed hearts and minds toward Jesus. John reminds us that true greatness is not found in drawing attention to ourselves, but in leading others to Christ.

John stands before us as a powerful image of a self-assured yet humble servant—one who was content with the role God entrusted to him. Fame, power, and even fortune were within his reach, yet he chose not to grasp them. How different this is from many of us, who are often tempted to seek recognition, approval, and praise whenever opportunities arise.

By virtue of our baptism, we are all called—especially those of us who know and practice our faith—to follow the example of John. We are invited to let God shine in and through us at all times, resisting the temptation to replace God with our own ambitions, desires, or self-interest.

We must be careful not to use God as a means to gain popularity, power, or influence. True service to God and His people is not measured by how visible or admired we are. Genuine service happens when we quietly and humbly carry out our responsibilities, offering everything for the greater glory of God and not for our own.

John chose humility and simplicity. He chose to make Jesus known rather than himself. As we journey in faith, may we also choose humility and simplicity, allowing our lives to point not to our achievements, but to Christ living in us.

The question now confronts us deeply: In our words, actions, and choices, are we allowing Christ to increase while we decrease—or are we still seeking to place ourselves at the center instead of Him? — Marino J. Dasmarinas