Listen

Jesus replied, “The time has come for the Human One to be glorified. I assure you that unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it can only be a single seed. But if it dies, it bears much fruit.”

John 12:23-24

Think

In this life we can be tempted to believe that we are on our own, that we alone must take care of ourselves. And certainly, being physically distanced by the pandemic can reinforce these ideas of separation and isolation.

But God calls us to something different.

Using the illustration in today’s story, we are challenged to understand that we are not a single seed drifting in the wind, alone and rootless. Instead, we are called to “die” to this false narrative of independence and isolation in order to join the greater story that God is weaving – one that involves all the elements necessary for a whole life: a safe place to grow, nourishment, warmth, comfort, and love.

We are bound together as the people of God, ones who are called to be in community, to join our voices, our gifts, and our labor, to bear forth the fruit of the Spirit. There is much to be done and not one of us can do it alone.

Wendy Johnson

Pray

God of inspiration and hope, through the words of Jesus, I am reminded that you are with me always. Help me to carry that truth in my heart today and every day.

For I am your follower and you are my God. Amen.

Go

We belong to each other, and we belong to God.