‘A man is coming after me who ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.’

John 1:30

John 1:29-34

Reflection

John the Baptist sees Jesus and announces that he is the Lamb of God. Jesus ranks ahead of John because he existed before him, and John saw the Holy Spirit come down from heaven and remain upon Jesus.

Jesus existed before all else – he is God. In light of this, we should ponder our own existence, and see how small and short it is. As humans, we are often filled with pride and arrogance, thinking we know all. Yet despite this, we still die. In our mortality, we can become humble, for when we realize our earthly life comes to an end, we can look forward to our heavenly life.

John the Baptist acknowledged Jesus’ authority and rank due to his prior existence. We must truly humble ourselves before Christ since this holds true for us as well. Reflect on your mortality and how it compares to God’s existence that is without end. How is Christ calling you to humble yourself and prepare for eternity?

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Saint of the Day

St. Charles of Sezze: 1613 – 1670

“I have been a great sinner and have received a sea of graces from His Divine Majesty. Everyone will clearly see the grandeur of His unlimited mercy.” St. Charles of Sezze