Posted by The WORD in other words (2018) by Fr Franlou Bardon SVD – Togo, Africa
January 6 – Before Epiphany
One morning, I opened the main door of our presbyteral house and saw a lady waiting outside. She said, “I come here just to greet you.” Though pleased and grateful, I asked her back, “Did you already greet Jesus in the chapel and Mary at the grotto.” Smiling yet confused, she replied, “Not yet.” Smiling, I explained: “Well, we do not want to be considered more important than them, right?”
Working in the Lord’s vineyard is a great privilege. As a priest, I enjoy a seemingly elevated status. Many parishioners want to be associated with me as a missionary priest, thinking the foreigners are rich.
Well, okay, as long as I am not just riding on their false impression and be hypocritical – protecting my image or advancing selfish interests. But eventually I have to be courageous to tell them the truth. Otherwise, I may forget that I am here to lead the people to Christ, never to myself.
Being in a place where many desire to gain a prominent place in society, I appreciate all the more the words of John the Baptist in the gospel today: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.”
I need the humility of John who regards himself as unworthy to perform even the slave’s task for the Messiah. His example inspires me to become a real servant-leader. Jesus too is the epitome of humility when He asked John to baptize Him. Humility makes one a beloved child of God.
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