Calling and Following

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

I recently performed a baptism for a family I have gotten to know over the years. I have baptized three of their grandchildren and the whole family loves to participate in the service. It always touches my heart to see folks committed to their faith and willing to follow where they are lead. Everyone was singing together, some of the children were dancing and the adults were sharing their commitment to this child. When the disciples met Jesus, he invited them to come and see. To live together, grow together and learn together. The first disciples gathered their family and friends to move together in faith following the Annointed one who let them come and see. He didn't make rules, he made invitations.

Tender Creator, you sent us the Annointed One 

to teach us how to live together by inviting us

to come and see, live and learn together

to follow you where your love sends us all.

We often feel isolated because we forget

that we are to invite to outcasts and outsiders

not to build walls but to undo all the restrictions

and to help others find a seat at your table.

Help us to be generous and welcoming today

may we remember that we were once all strangers

looking for belonging and a kind invitations

and to throw open our hearts to the all who you call. Amen