Last April, my youngest son was asked to serve as the best man at his older brother’s wedding. In the hierarchy of wedding party roles, it’s not as demanding as say, the maid of honor or the mother of the bride, but it is an important part and one only the truly exceptional as called upon to fulfill.
Let’s face it though, when we think about the stereotypical best man, he’s usually that slightly obnoxious guy who goes ahead of the groom in the processional, stands beside him during one of the most important moments of the groom’s life offers up a loud, mildly embarrassing toast during the reception and celebrates his best friend or family member as they embark on the vocation to which God has called them. If that doesn’t sound like John the Baptist, I don’t know what does!
I find it ironic that a portion of my youngest son’s name means “Son of John” while his brother’s name literally means “the Christ Bearer” and I never thought about his role as the best man until I read today’s gospel, but it seems wildly appropriate, doesn’t it? Although he may be younger than his biblical counterpart was to the “groom” he still prepared the way for my son to walk down the aisle, stood by his side during the sacrament and endorsed his life choice as only a best man can. Without that validation, the groom is only partially equipped to accept his mantle – even if he is the son of God.
The best man is the one who tells the groom “You’ve got this and I have got your back.” He is called to accept the role of a humble sidekick, who will fade into the background so that the groom can shine. He rejoices in the look on the groom’s face when he sees the bride coming toward them and knows this is where God wants him to be at this moment of his life. He will decease, but he will be rewarded because his mission has concluded, his joy is complete and his heart is full of love.
Today’s readings for Mass: 1 JN 5:14-21; PS 149: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6A and 9B; JN 3:22-30
