Reflection for Friday January 2 Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church: John 1:19-28

Gospel: John 1:19-28

This is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?” He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.” So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” 

So they said to him, “Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?” He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.” Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?”  

John answered them, “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

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Reflection:

Are we sometimes tempted to assume an honor that is not meant for us? Like John the Baptist, we too are often faced with moments when recognition, power, or popularity is within reach. John had the opportunity to claim an identity that was not his, yet he refused to give in to the temptation of fleeting power, adulation, and human praise.

We may not be able to compare ourselves to John the Baptist in every aspect of his virtuous life, but his humility speaks clearly to us. His unwavering commitment to what is right and moral is worthy of our emulation. John remained faithful to his mission as the humble precursor of Jesus, content to prepare the way rather than to take the spotlight.

We are invited to examine our own hearts. Are we humble enough to let others receive credit for an endeavor that was partly made possible through our efforts? Are we willing to remain in the background, even when we have every opportunity to stand at the forefront? True humility is tested not when we are unnoticed, but when we choose not to be noticed.

It is very tempting for us to indulge our ego and claim recognition for something that is not meant for us. Yet the Gospel gently reminds us that humility must guide our lives at all times. We are not called to bestow honors upon ourselves, but to serve quietly and allow others to acknowledge our contributions, accepting any recognition with gratitude and humility.

John teaches us that true greatness before the Lord is possible only through humility—there is no other way. The praise and admiration of the crowd may feel affirming, but they are intoxicating, temporary, and fleeting. What truly matters is how we stand before God.

Even when others take credit for the good we have done, we are assured that God is never asleep. He sees everything we do, and nothing is hidden from Him. More than our actions, God knows our intentions and the silent sacrifices of our hearts.

If we desire to draw closer to Jesus, to grow deeper in faith, and to earn the sincere respect of others, we must choose the path of humility each day. So we ask ourselves: Are we willing to step aside so that Christ may be seen more clearly in us?  – Marino J. Dasmarinas