God's best men and women

"The one who has the bride is the bridegroom; the best man, who stands and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice." Jn 3:29

John the Baptist, in trying to help his disciples who were confused by Jesus' baptism, makes it clear that he sees himself as Jesus' best man, and it is his duty to rejoice in whatever Jesus does. Jesus is the bridegroom, the one all must honor, because through baptism he marries all of us.

The notion that Jesus is the bridegroom and we, the church, his bride is not new to us, but is almost always a hair unnerving.  Can it be possible that the gospel writer wants us to imagine Jesus, the bridegroom, in love with us, anxious to be with us always, taken up with our loveliness and determined to announce the Good News through us?

Yes, we are forced to admit, it is true, and like John the Baptist, it is our role to rejoice when we hear his voice. "Don't be afraid," he will remind us over and over again. We are the vine and he is the vine grower. He wants us to produce rich, succulent, grapes. We are his body. He is our head. Without us there is no body. We are essential to his work and the mission of his Father. What an amazing role we have. When we are joyful, we proclaim God's presence within and among us. It is that simple.

Today, pause to be joyful in the presence of a friend or the glory of a new day.

How best can we be good best men or women? How can we stand up for Jesus?