Nothing On My Own

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

So often the average person thinks they are alone. Though none of got here today without a mother and father, helpful or not so, a group of elders who taught and guided us, and the young one who we share life with. We are women together whether our strand is hidden or pronounced, whether we can see the rest of the weaving or not. Jesus was clear that he could do nothing on his own. And we need to be clear that we cannot really do anything on our own. Someone made space for us, someone saw us struggling and came to our aide, and always, God is blessing us and answering our feeble prayers. The challenges we face today are not alone, as well as the blessings showered upon us. May we always turn to the Creator and to one another so that we might show forth the love that has lifted us.

Loving Creator, you have woven us together

dependent, interdependent and individuals all

that we might see our relations as strength

and might bless those who have none to rely on.

We think we are one outstanding original strand

yet we are nothing without you and others

we get frayed and frightened every single day

yet you are always binding us back together.

Help us to look around and see your love

made real in the very human companions

and may we be grateful for your enduring love

that weaves us back together in these hard times. Amen