A famous orchestra conductor was interviewed, and one of the questions asked was: “Sir what are some of the most difficult problems that you encounter as a conductor?” He said, “Well, one big difficulty I have is looking  for musicians who play the vila.” Asked to elaborate, he explained, “As you probably do not  know the viola plays to support the violin; viola is a second stringer, it remains  second to the violin.” In short, the conductor had difficulty in looking for musicians whose role  was to enrich those who play the starring role in the orchestra.

Here lies the greatness of John the Baptist: to play a supporting cast, so that Jesus’ mission could fully be accomplished. He took pride in his work as a “second stringer” to Jesus. John who “handled the coming of Jesus. . .” (2nd reading ) proclaimed that “he must increase, while I decrease”.

The duty of every Christian  is not far from that of the Baptist: to be light and salt of the earth, so that through our good works the father would be glorified.

The great conductor would certainly be pleased to see, when through us, the work of God shines to all men and women in a great symphony of life and salvation.

Fr. Atilano Corcuera, SVD
DWS, Tagaytay City
The Word in Other Words