Lent - Day 16

       I always think of Lent as an introspective time. A time for us to get our heads and hearts in order. One of my favorite Easter memories is having been able to spend most of the Holy days in a monastery in silent retreat. Just God and me in silence that would allow for some serious listening on my part. Is it wrong to confess that the world and people get in the way of my listening most of the time? Yes, I do think that is wrong.

       If this reading from John tells us anything it speaks to the very nature of who we are. It is all about relationships. If we are created in the image and likeness of God, well God's essence is all about relationship. As "Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise." Wow, Jesus can do nothing on his own! This is something crucial to our existence, our faith and our salvation. We cannot achieve anything by ourselves. Everything is tied up with God and others. 

       This is some really heady stuff to think about. Whatever value there may be in sequestering yourself off to listen to God, as so many people have done and still do, our salvation and  the perfection of who we are is wrapped up in relationships. Love of self of course, love of God, love of spouse, love of others, love of world. Holiness and wholeness cannot be separated out from our relationships with others. In somewhat lame terms, it would be a carpenter without wood, an artist without canvas.

        In practical terms, it is the one claims a spirituality that does not involve common worship, does not perhaps even leave their house or move out of themselves to meet and interact with the 'other'.   If we are created in the relational definition of God as today's reading notes, all our salvation and growth is tied inextricably to our relationship with everyone else. We are not alone. 

       For reaching out and living in the world, touching others in love and pain, n joy and sorrow, getting all pruny with life and God, we pray.

      

John 5:19-29

 Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Fatherdoes, the Son does likewise. The Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing; and he will show him greater works than these, so that you will be astonished. Indeed, just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomsoever he wishes.The Father judges no one but has given all judgement to the Son, so that all may honour the Son just as they honour the Father. Anyone who does not honour the Son does not honour the Father who sent him. Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgement, but has passed from death to life.

 ‘Very truly, I tell you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself; and he has given him authority to execute judgement, because he is the Son of Man. Do not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voiceand will come out—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.