During a few of my undergraduate summers at Creighton, I spent time living and working on a dude ranch. When I arrived for my last season there, they promoted me to head wrangler. This new position came with many extra responsibilities, not the least of which was training our new hires. I had to show them our trails, procedures, and make sure they knew what was expected of them. As these folks adjusted, they needed me less. However, I found myself struggling to adjust to the newbies being so self-sufficient. I would butt in where I wasn’t needed, and this caused some tension. Once I realized my error, I backed off and the issue resolved. Unlike John in today’s Gospel, I did not know my place.

John knew that his job was to lead people to Christ. He was not concerned with being overlooked or being considered second best, just as the best man is happy for the groom instead of being jealous that it is not he who is getting married. The scripture even ends with the powerful statement that he, John, must decrease while Christ must increase. Imagine the confidence and self-awareness that John had in order to say this. It is easier said than done, of course. Even John was tempted by the crowd. They wanted him to be envious of Jesus baptizing people, but John stood firm and reminded them that he was sent before Christ, not to be Christ.

This is a struggle that we all encounter in different ways in our lives today. It could be beneficial to examine why we do the things we do in work, school, and our community. Are we doing things for the recognition it will bring us, instead of for the betterment of those around us and the greater glory of God? While I’d like to hope that my own answer is not the selfish one, that side of me certainly wins occasionally.

Lord, please give me the wisdom to know my role in this world, and the courage to lead others to you.