The essence of Christian discipleship: "He must increase, but I must decrease."

First, here are the propers for the Feast of the Birth of Holy Prophet, John the Baptist, in the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom:

Tropar:

O Prophet and Forerunner of the Coming of Christ,
in spite of our honor and devotion,
we are unable to give you worthy praise.

Through your glorious and noble birth
your mother's childlessness was ended,
your father's tongue was freed,
and the Incarnation of the Son of God
was proclaimed to the world.

Kontakion:

Today, she who was once barren
gives birth to the Forerunner of Christ,
the Fulfillment of all prophecy.

In the Jordan, John laid his hand upon Him Whom the prophets foretold
showing himself to be the Prophet,
The Herald and Forerunner of the Word of God.

The Kontakion touches on a simple truth, but one easily forgotten or fought against: the Christian is known and revealed for who he really is—and who he really should be—by following Christ, pointing to Christ, reaching for Christ, touching Christ, going into the waters with Christ. Any and all turning away from Christ diminishes who we really are and, if not corrected, destroys us. It brings to mind one of the most famous (and beautiful passages) in Gaudium et spes:

The truth is that only in the mystery of the incarnate Word does the mystery of man take on light. For Adam, the first man, was a figure of Him Who was to come, namely Christ the Lord. Christ, the final Adam, by the revelation of the mystery of the Father and His love, fully reveals man to man himself and makes his supreme calling clear.

Or, in the words of St. John the Baptist:

"No one can receive anything except what is given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him. He who has the bride is the bridegroom; the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice; therefore this joy of mine is now full.

He must increase, but I must decrease." (Jn. 3:27-30)

On Ignatius Insight: