a best man
plays a very important role at a wedding. He was instrumental in arranging and
inviting people to the wedding. And once his jobs were done, he willingly and
graciously fades from the picture. He had a prominent place, but he was not
center stage. John the Baptist knew that
this was his role. John understood that
his ministry, his moment in the limelight, and his waning fame, were all a part
of God’s sovereign plan. John showed no tinge of jealousy, no hint of insecurity,
no suggestion of bitterness, for he knew clearly what his role was. Jesus must be pre-eminent. John must fade.

John is an important
witness for us and he challenges our society’s preoccupation with
self-promotion. He reminds us that Christians shouldn’t aspire to be a
celebrity, but should strive to be a servant.the altar of the Cathedral-Shrine of the Good Shepherd reserved for the bishops and clergy of the Diocese, Cardinal Rosales commemorated the “giftedness” of his brother bishop, another prince of the Church whose life was spent in humble service to the church, his Eminence, the late Jose Cardinal Sanchez.

Rosales, the Cardinal emeritus of Manila affectionately referred to Cardinal Sanchez as “Pepito” as he was fondly called by fellow Filipino bishops and cardinals. He said that through his life, Pepitotaught us to give more and offer more to the Lord.

The event was supposed to be a blessing and inauguration of the Cathedral Crypt, but the Crypt was obviously ‘blessed and inaugurated’ months before with the presence of Cardinal Sanchez as his body was interred there in March 12, 2012