Items for the week of Sunday, January 18th

This past Sunday, January 18^th, was the 2^nd Sunday after Epiphany we heard the following scripture readings, introduction, and prayer of the day during the worship service:

Scripture Readings

Isaiah 49:1-7 -The servant brings light to the nations
Psalm 40:1-11 – I love to do your will, O my God. (Ps. 40:8)
1 Corinthians 1:1-9 – Paul’s greeting to the church at Corinth
John 1:29-42 – Revelation of Christ as the Lamb of God

Introduction for the Day

Today’s gospel opens with further reflection on Jesus’ baptism. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and the one anointed by the Spirit. In the liturgy we come and see Christ revealed among us in word and meal. We go forth to invite others to come and worship the Holy One and to receive the gifts of grace and peace made known among us.

Prayer of the Day

Holy God, our strength and our redeemer, by your Spirit hold us forever, that through your grace we may worship you and faithfully serve you, follow you and joyfully find you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Devotion for the week

Then Knowing Begins

There is a whole lot written about knowing in this gospel’s pithy account of Jesus’ debut. There is, for that matter, a lot written about knowing throughout John’s gospel; it’s part of this book of the Bible’s particularity. But take note: Before any claims of knowing are dashed into this memoir, John the Baptizer bothers to reveal that there was, for him, a time before knowing—a time when he did not know Jesus. This little and perhaps overlooked detail, “I myself did not know him” (John 1:31), is like sugar water in a hummingbird feeder: a sweet invitation or coaxing to come, taste and see what is good.

That admission from John lures readers and hearers to pay attention not simply to events: the arrival of Jesus on the scene, his walking toward John, the act of baptizing with water, or even the flamboyant descent of a dove. These are descriptive details, but they are not the essence of what soon will overtake John and others—an invitation to know Jesus.

The difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing Jesus is tucked in and all around this gospel text that leads initially to the Baptizer and then moves onto a pathway beyond him. Yes, Jesus is introduced as “Lamb of God.” Yes, like a dove, the Spirit was seen descending. Vivid, symbolic details, for sure, about one coming to take away sin. But it is afterward, in Andrew and Simon’s curiosity and willingness to follow, when Jesus asks “What are you looking for?” and urges them to “come and see,” when they begin to stay together—they with Jesus and he with them—that knowing Jesus overtakes them and they fall into the grace of what he comes to take away and what he comes to give.