From the responsorial psalm: “Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing for joy upon their couches; Let the high praises of God be in their throats. This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia. The Lord takes delight in his people."

A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (John 3:22-30)

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.”

As Jesus baptizes with his disciples in the region of Judea, the disciples of John the Baptist tell him that Jesus is baptizing and that everyone is coming to him. John replies to them with great humility, bringing to unity his followers and the followers of Jesus. John recognizes in Jesus the fulfillment of his role as the "best man," the one who would prepare the way of the Lord. He delights in it. "So this joy of mine has been made complete." At the heart of his joy is giving glory to the Lord. "He must increase; I must decrease."

God, help me follow the example of John's humility in attributing every good gift to you. In receiving what you gave him, John made the way to Jesus clear to all who heard him. Give me the grace today to respond to the vocation and purpose you gave me. As the Catechism makes clear about human freedom and cooperation with your grace, let me understand what you have called me to. It says: "All Christians in any state or walk of life are called to the fullness of Christian life and to the perfection of charity." Just as John understood that as Jesus increased, he must decrease, give me wisdom to discern how to bring about the fullness and perfection of your will, the source of every good gift.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.