The Self-effacing John

Self-effacement, as in "he must increase, and I must decrease",  (Jn 3:30) is the signature statement of John the Baptist, cousin and forerunner of Jesus, born to "prepare the way" for him, and sharpen the consciences of people so that they might more easily receive his message. Yes, he had a powerful effect on his listeners who flocked to the Jordan River to hear this "voice of one calling in the desert"  (Jn 1:23) and to receive his baptism of repentance, but he stated clearly that "he was not the one."  There would be another, the straps of whose sandals he was unworthy to unfasten. (Jn 1:27) .He was feared by King Herod and hated by his "wife", Herodias, who cleverly maneuvered to have him executed, but he has been revered by believers for centuries, who have named countless children and churches after him and claimed him as the patron saint of Canada.
Now is the time for each of us and, particularly our hierarchy, to look closely at him and imitate his self-effacing view of his place in God's plan, and his focus on his "job" of preparing hearts to receive Jesus.  What would the Church look like if our Bishops and Pastors saw themselves as the Baptists for our time?
Bro. rene