The First Reading for the 2nd Sunday of Epiphany is recorded in Isaiah 49:1-7. What is the nature of the call of the Lord? For Isaiah, his call, and the call of Israel, happened even before birth. Notice that the ministry of the called is not just to one ethnic group or people, but to all people; all are to hear of the works of the Lord. Let us listen to the call of the Lord in Isaiah, let us follow Him, and let us be His messengers, calling others to follow as well.
Calling Lord, open our ears, minds, and hearts to You. Draw us to follow You and to grow every way into Christ, the Head of the Church. And send us out with Your proclamation, calling others to follow Jesus as You have called us. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

Today’s psalm is recorded inPsalm 40:1-11. Notice the progression in this passage, the psalmist waited for the Lord to act, and the Lord did act on behalf of the psalmist. What trust of the psalmist, and what faithfulness of God to act at the right time. Notice also that the psalmist did not keep the actions of the Lord to himself, rather he proclaimed what the Lord had done for him. Consider again what the Lord has done for us in Jesus: forgiving, rescuing, renewing, and giving us eternal life. What is our response? Let us begin with praise and then go to proclamation.
Almighty Lord, we give You thanks and praise that You act at the right time and in the right ways on our behalf. Enable us to trust in You, knowing You work all things for good. Lord, empower us by Your Holy Spirit to proclaim Your faithful actions on our behalf so that others will be led to look to You and trust in You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

The Second Reading is the opening of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. This was a troubled congregation, yet Paul lifted up God’s grace in their midst and gave thanks to God for His actions in that congregation. Notice the emphasis on God’s faithfulness. Let us always look for His faithfulness, even in the midst of trouble.
Faithful Lord, we give You thanks and praise for Your grace, especially as Your grace is centered in Jesus. Even in the midst of turmoil, let us see Your grace in our lives, and let us always hope in You. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Today’s Gospel is recorded in John 1:29-42. Notice again the emphasis on being called to follow the Lord. John the Baptist pointed to Jesus, proclaiming that He is the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world. Because of this proclamation, some of John the Baptist’s disciples left John and began to follow Jesus, as they should. They came and saw, stayed with Jesus, and then called others to come and follow Jesus as well. We have been called to follow Jesus in Baptism, we are called each day through Word and Sacrament to repent and follow Jesus, and to call others to come and see Jesus. May we be faithful to heed His call to follow in faith, and then to call others to follow Him.
Oh Lord, let us hear and heed Your call to follow each day. Lead us to turn from sin and to follow You alone. And send us out to call others to follow You because only in You are life and salvation. In Your Name we pray Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.