Call to prayer: O God, you call us daily to arise and follow Christ the Lord. Wake us up and shake us from our sleep. Help us to be your disciples and live the life of stewardship to which you have called us. May Christ, your Word and our Light, lead us in the ways of life. We ask in the name of the same Christ our Lord, Amen.
A reading from the holy gospel according to John:
John was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following him and 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 you will see.” So they went and saw where Jesus was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus. He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” -. which is translated Christ -.. Then he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas” .- which is translated Peter.
The gospel of the Lord
Focus: The role of John the Baptist is to identify Jesus as the Lamb of God, who forgives sins. Give us the ability to accept the word about Jesus and let our hearts be moved.
Questions for reflection and sharing:
1. What words or phrases stand out for you in this reading?
2. With whom might you identify in this reading?
3. If Jesus were to ask you, “What do you seek?” what would you answer?
Concluding Prayer: God of everlasting glory, you have chosen us and loved us from before the creation of the world. Help us to respond to this everlasting love by living a life of stewardship. Help us to commit our time, talent and treasure to you. We ask this through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
