Today is the Second Sunday of Epiphany. The Gospel reading takes us to John’s account of the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. In John’s Gospel, Jesus’ ministry begins when John the Baptist witnesses the Holy Spirit anointing Jesus, descending on him like a dove. As in Mark’s Gospel, Jesus’ first action is to gather around him a body of disciples, but John’s account of how this happened is very different. John’s account shows how the disciples of the Baptist recognised in Jesus God’s Messiah and followed him. In appointing Simon as his own disciple, Jesus changes his name and accordingly changes his character. Simon is now called Peter and Peter means the Rock.

For those of you who wanted to do some thinking and preparation for today’s service during the preceding week, I invited reflection on the image of names. In today’s picture from their book, Baptism Service, Aled and Sian have attended the baptism of their cousin, who was named Nia. Now they are waiting for Nia’s godparents to cut the christening cake and for the party to begin.

Lord Jesus Christ,

you called your disciples by name

and changed their lives.

Help us respond to your call,

so our lives can be dedicated

to your service;

for your service is our freedom.

Amen.

On next Sunday, the Third Sunday of Epiphany, the Cathedral is keeping the Feast of the Conversion of Paul. The image to help prepare for next Sunday’s theme is Roman Empire. You can find out more about that theme by looking at the Educational Resources and the Preparation Resources.

Preparation Resources

Family Resources