For this Second Sunday after the Epiphany the lectionary moves from the Gospel of Mark to John. Our focus is John 1: 35-51, where Jesus begins to call his disciples. Just ahead of today’s text John the Baptist is testifying in the wilderness that the Word, God, has become flesh and is living among them. As Jesus walked by the next day, John exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” At that, two of John’s disciple left and followed Jesus who asked, “What are you looking for?” and they replied, “Where are you staying?”
In a sermon on this text Presbyterian Preacher Stephen Fearing suggested that those who left to follow had the “gift of unbridled curiosity.” He called curiosity “the first step of living a life of faith because it makes space for the Spirit to move.”[1] Curiosity! They expressed a desire to get closer. To learn more. And Jesus replied, “Come and see!” Come and stay, abide. The calling of Epiphany is to “Come and see”
Andrew went to his brother Simon Peter and brought him to Jesus. Jesus went to Galilee and found Philip. Philip found Nathanial under the fig tree and said “Come and see.” Nathanial wasn’t eager; he doubted. He couldn’t imagine anything good coming from a place like Nazareth. But Philip didn’t argue; he simply said, “Come and see.” And Jesus welcomed Nathanial.
Who brought you to Jesus? Who has invited you to “come and see?” To come into relationship with God? How did that happen? What is your story of your witness and discipleship? Who have you invited to “come and see?”
This week we celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr who witnessed and testified for the equality of and justice for all people. He dreamed that one day we could all share in brotherhood and sisterhood. May God lead us to see beyond our prejudices, beyond our political differences, to the good and the blessedness in one another.
“May God who comes to us in the things of this world,
bless your eyes and be in your seeing.
May Christ who looks upon you with deepest love,
bless you eyes and widen your gaze.
May the Spirit who perceives what is and what may yet be,
Bless your eyes and sharpen your vision.
May the Sacred Three bless your eyes and cause you to see.”[2]
Peace,
Pastor Pat
[1] Sstephenmfearing.com/sermons-2//the-gift-of-unbridled-curiosity-john-129-42-january-19-2020
[2] “Blessing” by Jan Richardson. In the Sanctuary of Women Nashville: Upper Room Books, 2010, pp 192-3
