Sunday, January 15, 2023

2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
2nd Sunday after Epiphany

The Revised Common Lectionary passages for the Lord’s Day are:
– First Reading: Isaiah 49:1-7
– Psalm 40:1-11
– Second Reading: I Corinthians 1:1-9
– Gospel Reading: John 1:29-42

The liturgical color for the day is: Green

“Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”  John is clear about who Jesus is.

To be clear about who Jesus is we also receive him into the fullness of our life.  It is not just an academic brain thing; it is also a felt deep inside of our soul thing.  Jesus doesn’t just want us to know him; Jesus wants us to love him.

Love takes it deeper.  Love is that which matters most in our lives.  To be clear about who Jesus is only happens when we love him.  There is no clarity apart from love.

What John says, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”  Much can be said about “Lamb of God” and how that is a vision not of the mighty warrior but as the gentle sacrifice.  And, much can also be said about “who takes away the sin of the world” and the role of Jesus and salvation through the cross.  But, first, it is that word “Behold,” that John uses. 

It is a word of attention.  It is a word that calls us to pause, stop, take a breath and realize this matters.  Jesus is our behold…Jesus is that one who causes us to stop, take a breath, and realize that all this matters.

Behold, he is in our lives.  Behold, he is what makes it all matter.  Behold, he loves us.  Behold, he is the one who has us, helps us, keeps us, sustains us. 

Behold…

—

Rev. Dr. Daris Bultena
General Presbyter and Stated Clerk