John testifies again about Jesus. It was John who pointed to Jesus saying Behold the Lamb of God. John had admitted from the beginning that he is not the Messiah and hearing that Jesus was already baptizing he was joyous.

The last recorded words of John the Baptist are pertinent as we launch into the next 34 weeks of Ordinary time with the living Christ. “He must increase, while I must decrease.”

Think imaginatively, of being absorbed by Jesus “increasing” within us as we melt away, ego and all. That is how we are transformed into His likeness. Anyone absorbed in Jesus will be spontaneous, and alert, especially about the needs of others. Jesus incarnation lives on in and through and with Him.

Rev. Fr. Joseph Osho, OSJ.