The next day he saw Jesus coming towards him and declared, ‘Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, “After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.’ And John testified, ‘I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.’ 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). John 1:29-42
Today we spent a good deal of time reflecting on reconciliation and human dignity. We talked in our small groups, and listened to the diversity around our tables. There was an air of hope, a feeling that we can walk and talk together despite the distances we share. People were offering sacrificial love, and were following the "Lamb of God". It put me in mind of the Peace window in Canterbury, which I looked directly at while waiting for the service to start. It captured my imagination, and the bright colors transfixed me. We do not often know how to make peace happen. Just like the first disciples we are invited to "come and see". One small step, one humble offering, one moment of compassion is how we begin.
Gracious God, you formed us in your image
and offered your beloved child, your son
to make right what we have broken.
We have held on to our ways and opinions
even when we could see we were hurting others.
We have not lived for you and your people
but instead have pushed our own agendas.
Help us all to seek out your heart this day
let us follow when you invite us to come and see
and give us eyes and ears to know your presence with us. Amen.
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