Greater than I

    

Third Sunday of Advent

15 December 2024

 

First Reading:  Zep 3:14-18a

Responsorial Psalm: Is 12:2-3, 4, 5-6.

Second Reading:  Phil 4:4-7

Gospel:  Lk 3:10-18

 

Reflection

By:  Grace B. Madriñan

 

“I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming.

I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. “  - Luke 3:16-17

When I was younger,  I often got discouraged whenever there was someone better or greater than me.  I recall during High school when I joined a poster making contest, the proclaimed winners are usually those who excel in abstract art while I often got critiqued for lack of color and style. So I stopped joining art contests all together. Then one time I also joined a Math contest and I barely made it to the top 10, so I stopped joining Math contests as well. I tried joining Banduria club but I was classified under class B which did not get to practice as much as class A, so I soon lost interest.

In today’s Gospel, St. John the Baptist has no problem being the second lead. His humility is incomparable.  He could have easily claimed that he is the Messiah and people will believe him. But instead, he pointed to Jesus,  “One mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. (Luke 3:16-17)”  He even underrated his role even when he is the forerunner of Christ,  and has brought multitude of followers.  His contribution is significant to the proclamation of the Kingdom of God.

Now that I got older and maybe more mature,  I have already embraced the fact that there is always someone better or greater than me.  Besides, who am I?  I am a mere earthen vessel entrusted with special talents.  The only assignment I got from the Lord is to enjoy it and share it with others.  If my efforts fell short or even less compared to others, it doesn't matter anymore.  Because God sees my heart in everything I do, I know I made Him proud.

Prayer

Dear Lord, teach me to be humble. May I be content with the thought that I got to do Your will without the need to be applauded. Amen.