How do we reconcile the contrasting paths of service and dedication, where one priest’s fame increases through global pilgrimages, while another, with limited mobility, decreases his comfort to ensure the faithful are blessed amidst snow and ice, embodying the call of “He must increase; I must #decrease”❓
Gospel
Jesus and his disciples went into the region of Judea,
where he spent some time with them baptizing.
John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim,
because there was an abundance of water there,
and people came to be baptized,
for John had not yet been imprisoned.
Now a dispute arose between the disciples of John and a Jew
about ceremonial washings.
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.”
John answered and said,
“No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven.
You yourselves can testify that I said that I am not the Christ,
but that I was sent before him.
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.
He must increase; I must decrease.”
Reflection
In life, I have often found myself reflecting on the moments where my pride needed to decrease so that humility could grow within me. When I see others working tirelessly for the greater good, I am reminded of the words, “He must increase; I must decrease.” These words encourage me to set aside selfish ambitions and let God’s work shine through me.
Our modern world constantly pushes us toward consumption and growth without limits, yet a meaningful life often requires a decrease in material desires. As Pope Francis highlights in On Care for Our Common Home, reducing consumption can pave the way for sustainable development and a deeper appreciation of what truly matters. How often do we pause to consider how our choices align with this call to decrease in excess for the sake of creation❓
But while the Cathedral may close its doors on snow days, what about the humble, elderly priest at an obscure parish who braves the elements to ensure Christ’s presence remains accessible❓ Is there space to reflect on this act of selflessness amidst the fanfare❓
Observing the sacrifices of the elderly priest, who braves the snow to serve his parishioners, I am humbled. His physical strength may have decreased over time, yet his resolve and spiritual dedication have only grown. This act reminds me that true greatness often comes from decreasing our focus on personal comfort to prioritize the needs of others.
Decreasing my own control and allowing God to guide my steps is an ongoing challenge. Just as the rector priest may increase his worldly recognition through distant pilgrimages, I must question whether my actions are guided by faith or ego. A decrease in self-centeredness is necessary to ensure that God’s glory, rather than my own, is what increases.
As I contemplate these examples and my own life, I ask: How can I better embrace this call to decrease so that God may increase within me and my actions reflect His love❓ Am I prepared to live out the humility of…
But we need to grow in the conviction that a decrease in the pace of production and consumption can at times give rise to another form of progress and development.
FROM PARAGRAPH 191 of ENCYCLICAL LETTER LAUDATO SI’ OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME