Increase & Decrease
Saturday after Epiphany
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
John 3:22-30 – Jesus and his disciples went into the region of Judea, where he spent some time with them baptizing. John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was an abundance of water there, and people came to be baptized, for John had not yet been imprisoned. Now a dispute arose between the disciples of John and a Jew about ceremonial washings. So 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 everyone is coming to him.” John answered and said, “No one can receive anything except what has been given from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said that I am not the Christ, but that I was sent before him. The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. So this joy of mine has been made complete. He must increase; I must decrease.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“So this joy of mine has been made complete. He must increase; I must decrease.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
John’s whole life was about Someone else. He was completely devoted to Jesus. It determined everything he did: what he did, wore, ate, preached; how he looked, where he lived, who he rebuked, etc. It determined what he didn’t do: drink, cut his hair, work a normal job, have worldly comforts, keep his disciples, marry. He was killed before he reached thirty-five. His whole life before was spent on his mission to “prepare the way of the Lord.” When Jesus comes, John fades silently away into the background. When one of his remaining disciples brings this up (perhaps in supportive complaint), John says it is his joy to see Christ’s ministry surpassing his own. “He must increase; I must decrease.”
Our lives, as well, are totally about Christ. Everything we do should be devoted to Christ. Today in prayer, we should each consider where we are prideful. Then we should ask the Lord to help us find joy in doing good without any notice. (John the Baptist, pray for us.)
Together as a family pray a portion of the Rosary (i.e. – very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture above. (Optional – allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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