Reflect on John the Baptist's role in recognizing Jesus and the importance of aligning our lives with God's plan instead of our own desires.
Today's Gospel: John 1:29-34
I'm reminded of John the Baptist's role whenever my daughter responds to the question of what she wants to be when she grows up by answering, “Whatever God wants me to be.”
After declaring Jesus is the Son of God, John the Baptist explains that he didn’t know Jesus, but the Holy Spirit had told him how to recognize Jesus.
In our culture, living for oneself is touted. Yet, John the Baptist lived his whole life to bring others to Jesus. John himself declared that he was a herald of Jesus ( cf. John 1:23) and unworthy even to untie Jesus’ sandals. John declared Jesus was Lord, called out sinners (cf. Matthew 14:4), and was ultimately killed for his faith (cf. Matthew 14:10).
Like John, we are made in the image of God and invited to live for Him alone and become one with Him by His grace and mercy. Rather than making ourselves into an image we imagine or long for, we’re invited to lay down our own plans and take up God’s ultimate plan for the world, fulfilling any piece of that plan God wishes us to live out. Any emphasis on prioritizing what makes us happy or makes us feel good about ourselves isn’t biblical.
To many, John’s life may seem wasted. If we prioritize controlling our lives, we can sometimes feel like our life is a waste, especially if control has been taken away from us somehow by means o a tragedy or even in experiencing feelings of monotony in a vocation. However, just like John, we’re called to listen for God speaking to us and to respond. As St. Catherine of Siena is known to have said, “Be who God made you to be, and you will set the world aflame.”
Ponder:
Am I open to letting God be in charge of my life plans?
Pray:
Jesus, remind me that my view of the world is so limited. Help me to move out of Your way and accept Your plans for my life over my plans.
Pray Together:
Ask each other about the plans you have for your life. Have you ever let Jesus lead your plans? If so, how has He ever changed your plans? Has your life been better for it?
Copyright 2026 Lindsey Mitzel
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