Fr Paul reads from the Gospel of John (3: 22-30) in which John the Baptist testifies again about Jesus.

Fr Paul notes that this Gospel is the final on in the series of readings after the Epiphany and, appropriately, he says it is the final time in the Gospel of John in relation to the mission and ministry of John the Baptist.

Again, this is guidance for those who are to be Apostles. It shows the humility of Jesus and John.  Jesus who has started to baptise has had the humility to learn this activity from John and, now, he continues it.  We also see John’s humility as he declares that Jesus must become greater and John must become less.

This Gospel today reminds us, says Fr Paul, that the mission is not for the glory of the Apostle but that the Apostle must always be content to serve Jesus, seeking not personal glorification but the glory of Jesus.

Fr Paul is also mindful that this is the final Gospel in the series after the Epiphany and tomorrow we will celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. He notes this beautiful reading today of both John and Jesus baptising is a way of bridging between these readings after the Epiphany and the Baptism of the Lord.