[Propertalk] Ideas - Epiphany 2, John 1:29-42 - Part 2

[Joe Parrish]

I believe we make a theological mistake when we preach that he will take our burdens away; life would be void of meaning and dignity if he did it all for us. Oh, but the joy that comes from the accomplishments of service rendered in his name and the rest that comes when he cuts our burdens in half. I have a beautiful poster that shows a blue-jay with a huge worm dangling from its beak and the words on the poster say, "The early bird gets the worm but God doesn't throw it into the nest."

http://day1.org/699-in_the_right_place_at_the_right_time

Rosemary Brown, 2000 
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...as Christians we don't hide from the world but rather engage ourselves in it. I further learned from him that Christianity cannot be reduced to the ways and means of a particular philosophy or political agenda, but rather, God's grace sets us free to fully participate in the creation of a new world order reflecting God's character of peace, love and justice. As Christians we are free to engage in dialogue with others, motivated by our love for God and our love for our neighbor, yet without having to compromise our Christian faith.

http://day1.org/917-do_i_have_a_witness

Ruben Duran
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Patently the first Pope and the first bishops (if we want to use that analogy) were not sacred persons, but inept, often stupid human beings? Why do have to pretend that their successors are any better? Why should they be immune from criticism? Have we missed the point somewhere along the line that the leaders of the church and the followers in the church are fragile, imperfect human beings and that Jesus chose them precisely because he wanted a human church. If he wanted something better, he should have turned it over not to the philosophers in Rome but to the Seraphim.

http://www.agreeley.com/hom05/jan16.html

Andrew M. Greeley, 2000
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Why is self-giving so unusual? Have you ever been impressed by others who give their time and talent to others? Have they ever asked you to join them? What happened? Did their invitation change you?
A simple invitation can be life-changing. Come and see . . . That invitation can come in different ways, from a letter or a look to a simple act of unselfish love. 

http://www.word-sunday.com/Files/b/2-b/A-2-b.html

Larry Broding 
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 I recently heard that by 2040 all known sources of fossil fuels in the earth will be depleted. Now is the time to make sacrifices to our God that are substantive, that come from the heart, that will impact the future of all life forms on our earth.

http://www.env-steward.com/lectionary/lecta/a-ep2-go.htm

Wanda Copeland
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The four scenes in 1:19-51 climax in the remarkable statement from Jesus that he is the ladder bridging heaven and earth. Scene one (1:19-28) directs our attention from the last prophet of the former era to the eschatological prophet of the era in which heaven is semi-eschatologically present on earth. Scene two (1:29-34) declares baptism of the eschatological era to surpass every previous water ritual. Scene three (1:35-42) displays the eschatological Israel forming in the protological disciples.

http://www.kerux.com/documents/KeruxV9N2A2.asp

James T. Dennison, Jr.
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John the Baptist is a man who boldly proclaims the truth of the Gospel. John is marked by humility, but this does not prevent him from preaching with boldness. John's message is not watered down to please his audience. He speaks against sin, whether it be that of tax-gatherers or soldiers or even Herod himself. He clearly identifies sin, condemns it, and calls for repentance. This boldness is not a contradiction to his humility, but a manifestation of it. He is inferior and subordinate to his Lord, the Messiah. He was called of God to proclaim the message he was given. He would do no less than proclaim that message with boldness and clarity. 

http://bible.org/seriespage/witness-john-john-119-37

Robert Deffinbaugh 
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I think that it is possible to live a life of what you might call "hyper-spiritual awareness." John's experience, though unique to him, is a lesson for those of us who would like to make enhanced spiritual awareness a part of our daily routine. 

http://www.drbilllong.com/LectionaryIV/Jn1.html

William R. Long 
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...the story of John all the more remarkable. For, in fact, he was "working himself out of a job" when he pointed out Jesus to his disciples. And, to be sure, his job ended shortly thereafter. He was like a pace-setter in a race, who runs the first 800 meters ahead of the pack but then drops out so that the better runners may have a chance at the "record." 

http://www.drbilllong.com/LectionaryIV/Jn1II.html

William R. Long 
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The simplicity of Jesus' manner reinforces His willingness to receive people "where they are" - but also to see their potential. He does not offer lengthy explanations or list His credentials but takes people to His home and lets them see for themselves.

http://www.wellsprings.org.uk/weekly_wellsprings/year_b/sunday_02.htm

Catherine McElhinney and Kathryn Turner, 2006
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There's an old joke among religious educators. When a teacher broaches the subject of humility, he or she begins by stating a simple, but self-defeating command: "Raise you hand if you are humble!"
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John lived his life in deference to the One God would point out. He lived most of that life in ignorance of the final outcome, but in hope God would make that outcome plain. His life gives us a primary example of Christian humility, living in deference to God's will. John was truly the humble witness.

http://www.word-sunday.com/Files/a/2-a/A-2-a.html

Larry Broding
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