Thursday, January 4, 2007, before the Epiphany

Scripture: I John 3:7-10. Psalm 81:7-8.9, John 1:35-42:

Both the Epistle I John and the Gospel continue the revelation of who Jesus
is as we approach the Feast of the Epiphany which means the Manifestation
of Jesus (Magi, Cana, Baptism of Jesus). I John is emphasizing the
holiness of Jesus who overcomes the lies and deceits of the devil and
vanquishes sin. I John reads, "It was to destroy the devil's works that the
Son of God revealed himself." And again in the Gospel, John the Baptist
uses the revelatory formula spoken about yesterday when he says to his own
followers, "Look! There is the Lamb of God." The verb of seeing is
followed by his pointed proclamation of who Jesus really is. the Baptist's
honesty and humility shine forth as he lets go of his own disciples so that
they may follow the Lamb of God, Jesus. And they do! We learn in this
Fourth Gospel that it is Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter who is the
first to leave his master to go and follow after Jesus. He then brings his
brother Simon Peter to the Lord as he, Andrew, proclaims that Jesus is the
Messiah. Andrew is speaking not only for himself but for the other
disciples who leave the Baptist for Jesus. He says, "We have found the
Messiah." They are not named, but they,too, follow Jesus and stay with him
that day. Like these disciples, we, too, are called and have the
opportunity of following and remaining with Jesus throughout this day and
everyday of our lives whenever we live out our faith with love in the
person of the Revealed One, the Son of God, the Messiah Jesus! Amen.