The Hour Has Come

Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’ Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. Jesus answered them, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor. John 12:20-26

Unlike Jesus, we cannot know when our hour comes, when death draws near and we are drawn away from this earth. Yet, we can, like Jesus said, we will be honored by the Creator of all, the Eternal Father. As spring comes upon us and we see dead earth moved aside for new life. Everywhere we look, we are reminded that despite the changes and challenges of life, there is rebirth and resurrection.

Wondrous Creator, Father of all

you have promised eternal life

and life abundant here as well

if we are like a grain of falling wheat.

The challenges of these times

overwhelm and frighten us

we are surrounded by violence

yet you are here in this fraught humanity.

Let us trust in your promises

again let us believe in your love

gather us up like little children

so we might rise again in your love. Amen.\