Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.”
NL Daily Devotion for Thursday, March 31, 2022
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
We are in the world. Jesus is leaving his disciples and he acknowledges the human condition of being in the world, and he further acknowledges that the world is a frightening and dangerous place by his prayer that God would protect them. Then he asks God to make them—to make us—one, as God and Jesus are one.
That’s a powerful reminder of just how much we need each other. From the beginning of creation we were meant to be in relationship with others. God said, “It is not good for the adam—the human being—to be alone.” So God made another human being, and thus they could go through the world together, be one as God is one.
As an introvert, I sometimes think I’m happier alone. But I have to say, I felt downright giddy when my church started gathering in person (masked and distanced, but in person!) a few weeks ago. It was proof that I absolutely need a community to be okay in this world.
It makes me think about all those folks out there who have literally no one to be “in the world” with them. Perhaps now would be a good time to reach out and tell them they are not alone.
Are there ways I can minister to others who are experiencing loneliness?
