Today’s Reading:
John 1:43-51
43The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” 44Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” 46Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” 48Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” 49Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” 51And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”
As I read this piece of scripture, I am delighted by the responses of those Jesus calls. He tells one dude to follow him and Philip does and brings friends. Then he tells another dude about sitting under a fig tree and Nathanael’s world is completely changed! I start to think about what it would be that would get me so excited to drop everything and follow this season. What would it take for you to get excited enought to world out in the world?
One thing that I am loving this morning is what I was greeted with when I got up. When I woke up this morning I was greeted with a video that welcomes Adrian Efrain Arredondo into this world! It’s just about 10 seconds of this cute newborn greeting the world. His mouth opens wide as he cries out for food. I am so excited that I can hardly stand it. I guess I didn’t realize how much many of us have been anticipating this child’s arrival much like the community awaits any child’s arrival on the scene…with excitement and wonder. This is one of my favorite parts of the job! I now get to, along with many other kiddos, see this child grow and learn and be surrounded by community.
We, as that community, have a responsibility as well. We have a responsibility to care for and nuture. We have a responsibility to show Adrian the stories like the one above about people getting excited about God’s mission. And when Jesus says to us, “Hey, I know who you are by name,” we will get up and follow. Adrian, God knows you by name and you are loved, accepted and full of sacred worth. You are a blessing.
When we get excited about those next steps or being called by name, we can’t help but exclaim our joy. I am not suprised at all that Nathanael immediately shouted out to Jesus. Jesus was shocked because that’s not even the best stuff to see. When I get excited about something to come, new wonders to see, or new people along the way, I get passionate about my exclamations. Heck, when someone asks me about the podcast called Radiolab I shout out, “It changed my life!” I went to an adult voice recital last night. These were all mid aged women who have refound their voice. The skills ranged but everyone put out their best. The community supported these 10 women immensely and it was a joyous occasion. In addition to the fun that was had, it was apparent to me that these women had passion and had found a new facet of themselves.
What will that be for you today? Which piece of you is awakening and crying out for nourishment? What has changed your life and where do you get excited? During our time of reflection and wilderness, we may find a good time to think about these things.
Peace,
Courtney
Living in Violet 