The struggle to decrease

The psalmist proclaims that the Lord takes delight in His people and He adorns the humble with victory. This theme in the texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary is reflected in the episode from the Gospel of John where the Baptist is informed by his disciples of the people being attracted to Jesus actions in the dessert and responds with the comparison of Jesus to bridegroom and himself to the bridegroom’s friend who rejoices in the presence of the bridegroom and acts so that he decreases as His Friend increases. The virtues of persistence and struggle to be an agent of the will of God are seen in the life mission of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys who is commemorated in the liturgy today. The text of the First Letter of John challenges our prayer life to be in understanding of God’s will for us rather than our will for God. The conclusion of this passage warns believers of the danger of idolatry. We need to reflect beyond the surface understanding of giving worship to golden calves and meditate on all those desires and actions from which we try to receive life, recognition, satisfaction and affirmation which are not directed toward God. The dualism of this letter of John responds to the threat from the “world” which the author defines as those who have rejected Christ. Our society offers many seemingly worthy causes and concerns which may draw our spirit to the delusion that the will of God is subject to human definition.