Word to the Wise
Saturday, January 11, 2020 - Saturday after Epiphany, or Jan. 12
[1 John 5:14-21 and John 3:22-30]"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." [John]
Those six last words in the quotation are good advice for anyone in a position of ministry. Although there is some truth to the statement attributed to Marshall McLuhan: "The medium is the message," the message must remain even when the medium has disappeared. John the Baptist provides a clear warning. Our job as ministers is to proclaim the Word by words and actions and then get out of the way! The issues of power and control are very dangerous obstacles. Guidance, yes. Control, no.
The history of our Church and of other Christian denominations in the U.S.A. at least is full of charismatic leaders who became so enamored of their popularity that they began to think they were "messiahs." I heard a story once of a spiritual directee in ministry who admitted he felt he had to be involved in the lives of those whom he served to be sure they made "right decisions." His director replied, "There is only one Messiah, and he is not you!"
From Pope to usher, the advice of John the Baptist rings out. We are there to introduce and proclaim and guide when appropriate and then get out of the way. AMEN