“He must increase while I decrease.”The Church only celebrates the birthday of three people: Mary, Jesus, and John the Baptist. Since Mary visited Elizabeth right after the Angel Gabriel appeared, and Elizabeth was in her sixth month (Luke 1:36), John was born six months before Jesus on June 24th.
Near the end of John’s ministry as Jesus’ was gearing up, John said of himself and Jesus, “He must increase while I decrease.” (John 3:30) Interestingly that’s what happens these days. The days grow longer after our Lord’s birth; while the days grow shorter after John’s birth on June 24th.
Our attitude should be like John’s. Jesus should increase in importance in our life while our pride and ego should decrease. Then we can give a better witness to our faith as John did.
Fr. Carl
