January 11, 2025
by Vivian Amu
St. John's - retired
click here for photo and information about the writer

Saturday after Epiphany
Lectionary: 217


1 John 5:14-21
Psalms 149:1-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b
John 3:22-30

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For many years, I struggled with the fear of being seen as getting in the way of others—afraid to shine, afraid to be lifted up, afraid to be chosen to do anything important, and hesitant to ask God for what I needed. Fear interfered with my relationship with God, which I appreciate as dynamic and deeply personal. Initially, the idea of decreasing myself so that others might thrive, felt righteous and good rather than counterintuitive. I realized that this mindset behind my collaborations and interactions was from a place of fear rather than genuine humility.

In the Gospel, John’s declaration, “He must increase; I must decrease," reminds us to prioritize God's mission and point the way to Jesus any chance we get. John the Baptist models a response to a relationship with God that highlights an attitude of humility and selflessness. This shift in mindset can transform our ministries from unintentionally being self-serving to genuinely serving others in a society that could use exemplars of authentic spiritual leadership and humility. The call for humility can be daunting, but it can also be liberating. Embracing the principle of humility is essential in our collaborative relationship with God. Humility is about perspective. It invites us to see ourselves in relation to the world around us, recognizing that we are part of a larger narrative. When we reflect on John the Baptist’s words, we find a call to diminish our ego and increase our trust in how God leads us.

As we reflect on the readings for today, we are invited to recalibrate our relationship with God. We are invited to engage with God in prayer and learn from the humility exemplified by John the Baptist. Both readings encourage us to forge a path where our desires align with God’s will and find joy and peace in surrendering our lives to God’s greater purpose, which can be both comforting and challenging at the same time. Embracing these messages can transform our faith, guiding us toward a more fulfilling and meaningful relationship with God, who delights in us.

How often do we support the work of God in others? When was the last time we deeply trusted without hesitation that God heard our prayers and answered them in a way that served a more beautiful purpose? What parts of ourselves are we willing to decrease so that God's presence and grace can increase in our lives?
God of mercy and compassion, please let me feel that unshakeable confidence from being rooted in Your will.

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to the writer of this reflection.
VivianAmu@creighton.edu

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