Saint Gertrude Parish - Lasne

Meditation by Pope Francis

Today's Gospel reading (cf. Jn 1:29-34) recounts John the Baptist's testimony about Jesus after baptizing him in the Jordan River. He says: "This is the one I meant when I said, 'A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me'" (vv. 29-30).

This statement, this testimony, reveals John's spirit of service. He had been sent to prepare the way for the Messiah and he did so tirelessly. Humanly speaking, one might think he would receive a "reward," a prominent place in Jesus' public life. But no. John, having accomplished his mission, knows how to step aside; he withdraws from the scene to make room for Jesus. He has seen the Spirit descend upon him (cf. vv. 33-34), he has designated Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and now, in turn, he humbly listens. From prophet, he becomes disciple. He has preached to the people, he has gathered disciples and trained them for a long time. Yet, he does not bind anyone to himself. And this is difficult, but it is the mark of a true educator: not to bind people to oneself. John does this: he places his disciples in the footsteps of Jesus. He is not interested in having followers, gaining prestige and success, but he bears witness and then withdraws, so that many may have the joy of encountering Jesus. We can say: he opens the door and leaves.

With this spirit of service, with his ability to make room for Jesus, John the Baptist teaches us something important: freedom from attachments. Yes, because it's easy to become attached to roles and positions, to the need to be esteemed, recognized, and rewarded. And this, while natural, is not a good thing, because service implies selflessness, caring for others without personal gain, without ulterior motives, without expecting anything in return. It will also do us good to cultivate, like John, the virtue of stepping aside at the opportune moment, bearing witness that the point of reference in life is Jesus. Stepping aside, learning to take leave: I have accomplished this mission, I have had this encounter, I step aside and make room for the Lord. Learning to step aside, not to take something as a bargaining chip for ourselves.

Let us reflect on how important this is for a priest, who is called to preach and celebrate Mass not out of a desire for the limelight or self-interest, but to accompany others to Jesus. Let us consider how important this is for parents, who raise their children at the cost of many sacrifices, but who must then allow them the freedom to follow their own path in work, in marriage, in life. It is good and right for parents to continue to be present, telling their children, "We are not leaving you alone," but discreetly, without being intrusive. The freedom to grow. And the same applies in other areas, such as friendship, married life, and community life. Freeing oneself from the attachments of one's ego and knowing how to step back comes at a price, but it is very important: it is the decisive step to growing in the spirit of service, without seeking anything in return.

Brothers and sisters, let us ask ourselves: are we capable of making room for others? Of listening to them, of letting them be free, of not binding them to us by pretending to be grateful? And also of letting them speak, sometimes. Not saying, "But you know nothing!" Letting them speak, making room for others. Do we draw others toward Jesus or toward ourselves? And again, following John's example: do we know how to rejoice when people take their own path and follow their calling, even if it implies a certain detachment from us? Do we rejoice in their progress, with sincerity and without jealousy? That is what it means to let others grow.

May Mary, the handmaid of the Lord, help us to be free from all attachment, to make room for the Lord and to make room for others.

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POPE FRANCIS

ANGELUS

Saint Peter's Square

Sunday, January 15, 2023

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