Raised up

The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” Jesus said these things in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum. John 6:52-59

None of us likes being dependent, and hate to admit when we need help. Up until very recently, I needed help getting my shoes on and couldn't drive a car. During the time before my back surgery and while I was recovering, I needed help with many things. It is easy to get resentful for being needy. I tried very hard to be grateful to my husband and others who helped me, even when I seethed inside with frustration with myself. We all want to believe we can do it on our own, and yet we are so terribly interdependent and dependent on our loved ones and friends.

The religious leaders gathered were offended by Jesus' words. They were offended by his clear understanding of his dependence on the Father and their dependence on him. Their laws made it easy for them to judge themselves worthy and faithful. Being in need of being fed made them like babies and they were angered by the suggestion. But Jesus promises, from their dependence would rise glory and nothing that they suffered would stand in their way of being raised up on the last day. They were, as we are desired by God, invited into a dependent, loving relationship, a relationship willing to supply our every need.

Today, as we travel and may be out of wireless internet places, may I understand that lack as an invitation to be fully dependent on God. May we put aside resentments and our need to "do it myself". Instead, may we embrace the love and care we have been given, which is eternal, and more than enough. May our need be overshadowed by the love we have been given and the love we share today.