Thursday, January 4th, prior to Epiphany

Scripture: I John 3:7-10. Psalm 81:1.7-8.9. John 1:35-42 Both the Epistle and the Gospel of John continue the revelation of who Jesus is as we approach the great feast of Epiphany (the Manifestation or Revelation 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 up 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 can follow the Lamb of God, Jesus. And they do! We learn that in this Gospel that it is Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter who is the first to leave his master and go toward Jesus. He then brings his brother Simon Peter to the Lord as he proclaims that Jesus is the Messiah. Andrew is speaking for the other disciples of the Baptist as 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 remaining with Jesus this whole 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, Jesus. Amen.