Collect

Almighty God, whose son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he be known, worshiped, and, obeyed  to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord , who with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, lives and reigns now and forever. Amen

Isaiah 49:1-7 . . . the servant of the Lord reflects moving of his mission – its sorrows and frustrations – and God’s high calling and promise to be with him.

Psalm 40:1-1 1 . . . A prayer of deliverance and a son of thanksgiving.

Corinthians 0119 . . . Paul greets the members of the new Christian community in Corinth and offers thanksgiving for their growth in Christ

John 1:29-42 . . . Joh the Baptist declares who Jesus is.  The next day two of John’s followers become disciples of Jesus.

Sermon

Perhaps you are familiar with the Irish rock band U2’s song lyrics, “I have climbed highest mountain, I have run through the fields…but I still haven’t found what I’m looking for, ” begins Jim Somerville, pastor of Richmond’s First Baptist Church and Co-Founder of A Sermon for Every Sunday. Somerville continues, in today’s gospel reading.   Jesus asks the question directly, “What are you looking for?” If you cannot answer this question or even if you think you have it figured out, listen as Somerville explores this question and gives his opinion on how to answer this age-old question.