Greetings on the second Sunday after the Epiphany and a follow-up to Jesus’ baptism from last Sunday.
Our invitation to worship reminds us that we are illumined and reflect Christ in us by our baptism. Our first lesson from Isaiah is God’s pronouncement that Israel is God’s chosen people who shares God’s glory to the world. The psalmist offers a song of praise which tells us that we must offer praise to God because we are part of God’s community in the world and believers in the hope which is offered by God. The reading from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians offers an account of a calling experienced by believers in Christ. The reading from John’s gospel the beginning of Jesus’ ministry as John the Baptist’s disciples follow the one who comes from God, Jesus of Nazareth.
Today’s readings lead us into a conversation about our faith and the faith of our community. We should understand that part of our baptism and inclusion in the family of God on earth, we are called to bear witness to God in our life. That witness is not perfect; we will probably have our witness refined over time as we live in community. John the Baptist is one of the first evangelists in the Gospels and serves as a model for us. Who is the “John the Baptist” in your life, who offered a hopeful witness to the God of love and community in and with us? We are called and equipped to bear witness in a way which is inviting and personal, even if our witness seems incomplete. In practice, we will continue to grow in understanding of God in us and in all.
How will you be a “John the Baptist” to others to help grow the community committed to God and Jesus, even when you don’t feel like you can be effective? I invite your comments,
Les+
Lessons: Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 40:1-12; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42
Sermon link: https://audiomack.com/fatherles-2/song/epiphany-2-sermon
