John the Baptist said: “I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” I must admit that I am often tempted to take credit for things I do in my ministry. For example, when I hear from someone that my homily was good, or when someone thanks me for visiting her sick mother with the sacrament of the sick. My call as a priest is to minister to God’s people, to bring them closer to Christ. But sometimes I forget about this and instead of pointing to Christ I look for others’ recognition and good words. John the Baptist was very popular. Many people followed him and listened to him, but he was always reminding them that - it is not about me, it is about the Messiah. So don’t praise me, but prepare yourself for the One who is coming after me, the Son of God. John the Baptist reminds me that I am only an instrument in God’s hands.
