Honoring

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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. 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 honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor 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 voice and will come out—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. John 5:19-29

We live in a world of winning and losing, when we would be better off living in a world of honor and relationship. When we try to finish first, we forget the joy of responsibility, care and compassion. We hear from Jesus today that everything of value and merit is embedded in relationship. Indigenous traditions have always put a primacy on honor and relationship within tribe, family and as we function in the wide world. We wake up daily considering who we need to honor and care for. And this way of living helps us honor our Creator.

Loving Creator, source of all honor

you love all of creation as a parent

tenderly caring for the weak and worn

honoring the silenced and the outcast.

You sent us a friend to walk with us

who reminded us of your tender love

who called us to live with your kindness

and build bridges for love and peace.

Renew us with your compassionate spirit.

make us those who carry your love

give us the strength to honor all people

and to see the face of family in the stranger. Amen.