"I can do Nothing on my Own" - December 19

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 61, 62; PM Psalm 112, 115; Isa. 11:1-9; Rev. 20:1-10; John 5:30-47

A question was posed in one of our weekly small groups by a curious and thoughtful parishioner: Is much of our human existence focused on the alleviation of suffering?  The conversation turned to parenting, and a teacher in the group shared, I wish I could tell 90% of the parents I work with, you need to let your kids fail and mess up and sit with that suffering that comes from loss and failure.  And you will be grateful for it!”

One of the realities of this past year and being a part of Saint Stephen’s has been a confrontation with pain and suffering colliding with radical and unconditional love that puts that suffering and loss into the hands of God.  Being a part of a worshiping congregation that appears to be a place that has marginal suffering, where people have much privilege and resources, and often sees its own identity focused on caring for the needs of others, this past year has been a stark reminder that nothing in life is certain and all of us are impacted by sin and evil.  What has been most interesting is the reality that faith seems to have deepened for many people when confronted with this truth, at least that is very true for me.

The question that was posed is especially interesting when held up as a theological conundrum.   What is it that we believe God is to do?  Does God alleviate our suffering, or does God promise to be with us so that we may endure this life, and find goodness and beauty in overcoming the pain and challenges that we face?  Maybe we have been forced to learn what many others have learned before, and yet are teaching many others in our larger community that often live with an ethic of alleviating their own suffering. In today’s Gospel, it begins with Jesus saying, “I can do nothing on my own.”  It is in John’s Gospel that we get the vision of the Advocate, whom we come to know as the Holy Spirit, God’s promise to be with us. 

It seems as appropriate as ever, to name this truth, that we too can do nothing on our own.  Our attempt to alleviate suffering, to make our lives more comfortable certainly might be a worthy cause, but there are no guarantees in life, except God’s promise to be with us through it all.  As we barrel towards Christmas this coming week, I pray that you find the joy of the Christmas season.  And if you are finding this season more difficult than most, I also pray that you know and see God with you in your midst.  That is the true gift of Christmas, that God came to dwell with us in human form, and God is still with us now, an Advocate so that we never find ourselves alone again.

Faithfully,

John+

Questions for Self-Reflection:  What role does suffering play in your life?  When have you found God to be more present in your life than others?

Daily Challenge: Look for God today.  Don’t stop until you answer the question, ‘where do you see God at work today in your own life.’