ICF - Professions of Faith

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Isaiah 9:1-4; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 Matthew 4:12-23; Psalm 27:1, 5-13

There are a number of ways today's readings might be used to focus and reflect on the world of work. One might be to use the theme of light which is referenced several times. This might be introduced through an all-age or interactive feature where members of a congregation identify how light is used in everyday work, perhaps through the roles of some who are present. This could include those who design, manufacture and install lighting; those who play sport, work in theatre, television or other roles that require specialist lighting; safety lights, signal and warning lights etc. This could be used as an introdution to how and why light is depicted in the Scripture readings.

The Gospel reading might persuade some that God is not really interested in our working lives. The early disciples are depicted as abandoning their boats and nets - the tools of their trade. Yet we might note that as the Gospel stories unfold, their identity as fishermen is a significant feature of their discipleship jouney; much of their interaction with Jesus and their discovery of who he is, takes place in their fishing boats and familiar fishing grounds. Another way of approaching this is to recognise how they discovered Jesus in their workplace, and invite a congregation to consider how they might seek and discover Christ as they engage with life and society.