Memorial of Saint Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr
I always dreaded it in elementary school when the PE teacher chose team captains and then let the captains choose who would be on their team. I don’t know how often it happened, but it only took one time of being chosen last to feel like a “loser.” I had friends, but I was never in the popular crowd. And I’m sure I was jealous at times of those that were. Even as an adult I still sometimes find myself feeling jealous toward others who seems to be or have what I wish for myself or even for my kids. It’s not something I’m proud of; jealousy is a powerful emotion that if acted on can end up being very destructive.
This theme is present in the background of both of today’s readings, with two very different responses. In the first reading (Acts 5: 27-33) the disciples have been brought before the Jewish Council for continuing to preach in Jesus’ name after having just escaped prison for the same charges. They had been ordered to stop teaching in Jesus’ name, but continued anyhow. It was jealousy over the popularity of Jesus’ disciples that led the religious authorities to arrest them. As the disciples explain that “we must obey God rather than men,” and continue to witness to God’s work in Jesus, the Sanhedrin become very angry to the point of wanting to put the disciples to death. That is one response to jealousy of someone else’s popularity being greater than theirs.
Moving on to the second reading (John 3: 31-36), we have a reflection on the preceding scene in John’s gospel related to John the Baptist and Jesus baptizing people. The previous passages involve some of John’s disciples questioning him about Jesus also now baptizing and “everyone coming to him.” John’s response is to remind his followers that he had been clear in telling them that he, himself, is not the Messiah. Rather, about Jesus, John said “He must increase; I must decrease.” Here we have the other response to a situation where Jesus was becoming more “popular.” The response could have been jealousy rather than the humility that John displayed.
Today’s gospel says that “whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever disobeys the Son will not see life…” (vs36) We can choose to “obey God,” follow Jesus and humble ourselves, which probably won’t lead to popularity, but does lead to life. Or we can choose to “obey men” and strive for popularity and give in to jealousy, which leads to death, not life. Clearly, John chose the better way.
What voice will we listen to today? This week? Will we focus on ourselves compared to everyone else? Or on Jesus and how we can witness his love as true disciples? With John, let our focus be on Jesus: “He must increase; I must decrease.” Let us pray for the strength and guidance to choose Jesus and humility, which means life.
Eileen Miller