Honor, Lost and Found

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

Today is the day we celebrate the baptisms of Manteo, Croatan (Aug 13) and Virginia Dare (Aug 24). These were the first two baptisms done by the Anglican Church in North America. They are lost to history because Virginia was a member of those who became known as the lost colony of Virginia, now what we know as the outer banks of North Carolina. Their governor, John White, left for England shortly after these baptisms and when he returned, he found no trace of the settlement. Questions linger even today. Today, we are reminded that Jesus tells us that no matter how lost one might be, they can still hear the voice of God who is so connected to Son. We are never lost but always found by God.

Gracious Creator, who places your mark of love

on all people and creation, making us in your image

so we might find our way home when we are lost.

We are often lost since we are headstrong and foolish

thinking we know better than our teachers or you

yet you know us each by name and help us home again.

Lord Jesus, help us to listen and to respond to your voice

make us those who live for justice and healing here

trusting that we will all be called home to your embrace. Amen.