Wednesday 4 January 2023

Today is Wednesday the 4th of January, in the season of Christmas.

Salt of the Sound sings, ‘Lamb of God’.


Lamb of God, Lamb of God
Have mercy on us, have mercy on us
Lamb of God (hear our prayer), Lamb of God
Grant us peace (hear us pray); this we pray

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John.


John 1:35-42

The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).

This is a great passage to build up in your mind’s eye. You might construct a mental picture, or just get a sense of what it was like to be there. On that shore, beside the lake, with a couple of friends, as Jesus approaches. Just stay with that image for a moment or two.

Next comes a turning-point. These two disciples, who up to now have followed John the Baptist, now leave him behind and follow Jesus. What might have led them to switch their allegiance in this way?

Jesus invites them to go with him to see where he is staying. Where do you imagine that he takes them?

As the passage is read again, suppose that it is happening today, and Jesus invites you to go with him to see where he is living. Where does he take you, and what do you find there?

As the passage ends, Andrew is bringing Simon to meet Jesus. Talk with this same Jesus about who you might like to bring to meet him.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.