I must Decrease – Reflection on John 3:22-30
“He must increase; I must decrease.” Personally, this is one of the most essential phrases in all of scripture. For a moment, concentrate on what “I must decrease” really means? Do you have wants that you desire, or are you satisfied with what you need? Does your time, talent, or prayers include giving yourself to others with no expectation of return favors? Lastly, if you are working towards progressive decreasing, does it feel forced or joyfully let Jesus within increase?
Saint John the Baptist and the Pharisees James Tissot Brooklyn Museum
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
John 3:22-30
Jesus and John the Baptist
22 After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he spent some time there with them and baptized. 23 John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim because water was abundant there; and people kept coming and were being baptized 24 —John, of course, had not yet been thrown into prison.
25 Now a discussion about purification arose between John’s disciples and a Jew. 26 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 all are going to him.” 27 John answered, “No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven. 28 You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.’ 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. For this reason my joy has been fulfilled. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel reading and considering this Lectio Deivina John 3:22-30 Reflection – I must Decrease.
This site has written permission from New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) to use the John 3 Bible passage.
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Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.