Breakfast With the Word Saturday After Epiphany Story version
Topic: What we say about others say who we are.
(John 3:22–30).
In the 16th century, a former soldier named Saint Ignatius of Loyola gathered a small group of companions in Paris. Among them was a brilliant, ambitious young man known as Saint Francis Xavier.
Francis Xavier was gifted, eloquent, and admired. Many believed he would surpass Ignatius in influence and popularity.
As time passed, people increasingly spoke about Francis, his intelligence, his zeal, his success. Gradually, attention shifted away from Ignatius, the founder, to Francis, the rising star.
If Ignatius were like many of us, jealousy might have crept in. He could have felt threatened. He could have reminded everyone, “I am the founder.” He could have subtly spoken less kindly about Francis.
But Ignatius did none of these.
Instead, he encouraged Francis, formed him deeply in prayer, and eventually sent him on mission to the Far East. Francis Xavier went on to baptize thousands, preach across continents, and become one of the greatest missionaries in Church history.
When people later praised Francis and barely mentioned Ignatius, Ignatius simply rejoiced and said, in essence:
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“If Christ is preached, I am happy.”
Ignatius understood that his mission was not to be greater, but to be faithful. Francis’ greatness did not diminish him, it fulfilled him.
In today’s gospel, John’s disciples were uncomfortable. They felt threatened. They saw Jesus as a rival.
But John saw differently. He knew who He was. He knew why he was sent. He knew his mission was different. Because of this, he did not speak badly of Jesus. He did not compete. He did not envy.
Rather, he rejoiced.
👉 What John said about Jesus revealed who John truly was. He is a humble man. He does not glory in unhealthy competition.
What we say about others often reveals our inner state. Backbiting exposes insecurity. Jealousy reveals confusion about one’s mission. If John the Baptist had focused on popularity, he would have failed.
If Ignatius had focused on recognition, the Jesuits would never have flourished. But because they focused on their mission, there was no room for envy.
Everyone has a calling. Everyone has a gift. Everyone has a mission.
When you know why you are here, you will not waste time pulling others down.
You will rejoice when good grows, even if it is not your own. So when people bring stories about others, remember John the Baptist. Promote the good. Because in the end, the one who knows his mission has no rival.
May God give us the grace to decrease in pride, increase in love, and rejoice whenever goodness grows wherever it appears.
Amen.
