ISB ~ Mark 1 v7

I am not worthy:Evidence of John’s humility. Removing and carrying sandals was a menial task reserved for slaves serving their master. John regards himself as unworthy to perform even a slave’s task for the Messiah.

• Allegorically (St. Gregory the Great, Hom. in Evan. 7): Jesus’ sandals, made from the skins of dead animals, represent mankind dead in sin. Once Christ clothed himself with our nature in the Incarnation, the miracle proved so profound that not even John was able to unfasten or explain this mystery of God-made-man.