1/10/2026 (Saturday) Today’s Gospel reading: John 3:22-30

22 Jesus and his disciples went into the region of Judea, where he spent some time with them baptizing.
23 John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was an abundance of water there, and people came to be baptized,
24 for John had not yet been imprisoned.
25 Now a dispute arose between the disciples of John and a Jew about ceremonial washings.
26 So they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, the one who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you testified, here he is baptizing and everyone is coming to him.”
27 John answered and said, “No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven.
28 You yourselves can testify that I said that I am not the Christ, but that I was sent before him.
29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made complete.
30 He must increase; I must decrease.”

1/10/2026 (Saturday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: John 3:22-30

The Gospel passage above presents a quiet but powerful lesson about humility, purpose, and joy. It shows a moment when attention begins to shift. More people are now drawn to Jesus, and fewer are going to John the Baptist. Some of John’s followers feel uneasy. They worry about numbers, influence, and recognition. It is a very human reaction. We see the same thing today in schools, workplaces, churches, and even on social media.

John’s response is striking. He understands that not everything is meant to be held onto. He knows that his role was never to be the center, but to prepare the way. His peace comes from clarity. He knows who he is, and he knows who he is not. That clarity frees him from jealousy and fear.

In modern life, we often measure success by visibility. How many likes we get. How many people listen to us. How fast we grow. When someone else gets promoted before us, gains more attention, or seems more gifted, insecurity creeps in. We start comparing. We start doubting our worth. John’s story reminds us that comparison is a trap. Purpose is not a competition.

John teaches us that life makes sense when we accept that our gifts are given, not earned. Skills, opportunities, and even timing are not accidents. Some people are called to lead loudly. Others are called to serve quietly. Both matter. A teacher who patiently shapes young minds, a nurse who works night shifts unnoticed, a parent who sacrifices dreams for family, all of these lives have deep meaning even without applause.

John also shows us that joy does not come from being the main character. His joy is complete because he sees the bigger picture. He celebrates the success of Jesus, not as a loss to himself, but as a fulfillment of his mission. In today’s terms, this is like mentoring someone and feeling proud when they surpass you. It is like stepping aside so a younger leader can rise. It is like clapping sincerely when someone else shines.

This passage challenges our culture of self-promotion. We are often taught to build our brand, protect our image, and always stay relevant. John invites us to a different freedom. When our identity is rooted in God’s calling, we no longer need to cling to attention. We can serve faithfully and let go gracefully.

There is also a deep message about trust. John trusts that God is in control of the story. He does not panic when change comes. In a world of constant transitions like career changes, shifting relationships, uncertain futures, this trust is crucial. Not every season is about growth. Some seasons are about handing over, stepping back, and letting God work through others.

Finally, John reminds us that true greatness is found in humility. Humility is not thinking less of yourself. It is thinking less about yourself. It is choosing faithfulness over fame. It is finding joy in knowing that God’s work continues, even if we are no longer at the center.

In a noisy world that tells us to always be more, John whispers a freeing truth: when God’s purpose moves forward, and love increases in the world, that is reason enough to rejoice.

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