Collect For Epiphany 2
1 Corinthians 1: 1-9
John 1: 29 – 42
The Bible is full of stories about people being called by God and accepting His invitation/ command – sometimes willingly, sometimes less so.
Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Gideon, Isaiah and others among others in the Old Testament; Mary, John the Baptiser, Andrew, Simon Peter, Paul in the New. All different – but each story life-changing, as I suspect would also be the case for each of us. We accept and proclaim Jesus as Lord, whatever our journey towards the confession of faith in our Baptism/ Confirmation.
We do, however, share one attribute in common. No matter who we are, however sincere our commitment, sooner or later – probably sooner – we’ll blow it. ‘For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God’, Paul tells us in Romans 3:23.
Fortunately, that’s not the end of our Christian life – it’s just the point at which Jesus picks us up and tells us to start again. Baptism is not a single event – it is a continuous blessing.
If people were asked what happens in Baptism, most would talk about water. Certainly that’s a part – but actually, it’s not the most important bit. Baptism has three elements.
First, the gift of a candle. No matter how deep the night, even a tiny candle flame dispels the darkness. The light allows us to find our way home, back to the river, back to the beginning.
We go back to that place where we accepted Jesus – and we are washed clean again in the name of Father, Son and Spirit. Doesn’t matter how far we’ve gone astray, doesn’t matter who we are, the water of Baptism sets us back on track. Forgiveness will always be there, all we need to do is ask for the chance to start again with a repentant heart.
And that symbolic washing enables the most important part, when our forehead is marked forever with the sign of the Cross. We leave our sin at its foot, through the grace of the one crucified for us. That sign may appear to be invisible – but it ain’t. Our life continually proclaims Jesus through our actions, our service and our love.
Praying Together 31st May 2026
Throughout the world, greeting one another with a kiss is a standard way of greeting – once, twice or more (four times in some regions of of France.) In our less demonstrative culture, we perhaps tend to ‘Share the peace’ by means of a nod, wave, handshake a hug or sometimes even a kiss itself in order to respect what we understand as the boundaries of a person’s ‘personal space’.
Praying Together 17th May 2026
‘Somethin’s comin’, don’t know what it is, but it is gonna be great’
Praying Together 10th May 2026
This week I offer a report of our Archbishop John’s Introductory address to this week’s General Synod. It speaks for itself. I wish certain political leaders would read it too.
Praying Together 26th April 2026
Fortunately, God’s love is not restricted to those who do good. He sent His only Son to save sinners – whoever they may be, whatever they may have done wrong.
Praying Together April 19th 2026
Judgement is not restricted to either believers or non-believers – but All people
Praying Together 12th April 2026
Let’s talk about Peter, the ‘Rock’ on which Christ’s Church is built.
Seriously, would you have chosen him? Surely, one of the other Disciples would be the most highly qualified.
Praying Together Easter Sunday 2026
A Reflection provided by the Revd. Barbara Irrgang-Buckley for the First Sunday of Easter
Praying Together – A Thought for Good Friday 2026
Through our tears as we stand at the foot of the Cross and witness His Crucifixion on this Good Friday, we have the privilege of looking beyond the day unto a day of joy as we are assured of His life – then, today and tomorrow. We leave our past behind as we walk away from Golgotha, the place of the skull.
Praying Together March 29th 2026
These things are worth meditation and thought, as we enter this Holy Week – but the even more important question that we can only answer for ourselves, is embodied in twelve straightforward words written by Charles Wesley.
How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Praying Together 22 March 2026
“Lazarus, come out.” He calls Lazarus by name. Even death cannot triumph, and so it is with sin. There is no depth or distance to which human being can go that can prevent them from hearing that call. It is up to them to choose to accept or deny it.
Praying Together 15th March 2026
Simeon, though, didn’t just hear about the Messiah being incarnate in the child – he also knew that the child’s destiny would involve pain and suffering in order to fulfil His mission. And Mary knew too. The consolation of Israel – of the world – would cost her the life of her child.
Praying Together 8th March 2026
And in turn, we are challenged to become messengers ourselves, however unsuitable or ill-equipped we might feel.