Eastertide
May 14, 2017
Scripture Reading: John 14:1-14
Philip said to him, ‘Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it. –John 14:8-14
I cannot decide whether social media is a good thing or a bad thing. I hate the fake news but the stories of regular people doing the right thing at the right time are inspirational. I rarely post anything and routinely check social media because it is a great place to keep up with my family members and friends in their everyday pursuits and pictures. A friend mused to me recently that she decided to quit watching the news it was so disturbing. She immediately changed her mind realizing the news’ disturbing messages were the very reason she needed to keep up with it. Reading the newspaper is a source for prayer concerns.
In the midst of all the chaos that surrounds us often described in the news of the day, Christ thinks that we will do greater works than he did. I guess if that is are calling we better get out of our recliners and get with the program. I wear another gadget of modernity that tells me when I need to move, tracks what I eat, and even measures the amount of sleep I get each night. My only task to take advantage of this tool is to recharge it at regular intervals. That is a good practice in doing the work of God. Jesus outlined in broad terms how to live.We are wise to plug routinely into our relationship with God recharging our love and touching base with the ultimate guide to our work.
Prayer: God of Love and Grace, energize us to work toward your justice throughout our world. Amen.