Sunday, January 6, 2002
Feed My Sheep
John 21:15-19
The church calendar highlights January 6 as
Epiphany- the day that marks the coming of the Magi. Epiphany
is also the time when the Magi return home carrying the news
of Jesus to the rest of the world. What does Epiphany means?
Why is it important to us today?
An epiphany is a moment when the light suddenly goes on -- "giving
old ideas new meaning, and deeper meaning to journeys too long
without purpose." Epiphany is a moment that rescues from
the commonplace the radiance of an experience - "the enchantment
of the heart." In John 21:15-17, Jesus leads Peter
through an experience which would remove the cloud left by his
denial of Jesus. Peter denied Jesus three times. Three times
Jesus asked Peter if he loved him. When Peter answered, Jesus
told him to feed his sheep. It is one thing to say you love Jesus,
but the real test is willingness to serve him. Peter had repented,
and now Jesus asked him to commit his life. Peter had an epiphany.
The Magi kneeling at the manger experienced an epiphany. They
had followed the star and were led to the manger where Jesus
was born. King Herod, threatened by this new messiah, did not
want to worship him but wanted to kill him. The angel spoke to
the Magi and sent them home by a different route.
We, too, have known and experienced epiphany moments. When a
phrase, a gesture, a scene, a word, has startled us with new
wonder and meaning; when we have a dynamic experience or encounter,
we come away refreshed and renewed and directed in new pathways.
Life is never the same.
What have been your epiphany moments? Was it a visit made to
a special place where you sensed you were in the presence of
The Holy God? Was it in reading a revealing passage or listening
to the spoken word that something touched you or changed your
way of thinking? Perhaps it was around the altar in prayer and
there you, like Mary Magdalene, heard Jesus call you by name
and sent you forward with new purpose. With each epiphany, we
are given work to do.
Peter had to face his true motives when confronted by Christ.
How would you respond if Jesus asked you, "Do you love me?"
Do you really love Jesus? Are you his friend? In other words,
are you willing to go out not knowing, facing this new year with
all of its uncertainties, and still follow Jesus? Are you willing
to do as he commands and feed his sheep?
Prayer:
We pray this day for a change of heart, O
God, so that our eyes may be opened to see the work before us,
so that our hearts may beat to your rhythm, so that our voices
may sing your praises. May the wonder of your presence all around
us fill us with joy. Amen.
Mary Council-Austin
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