"FATHERS" - A REFLECTION ON JOHN 5:19-20 - ADAM YEAKLEY, ST. AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY EPISCOPAL CHURCH

John 5: 19-20 (NKJV)
Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.  For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.”

Meditation
An earthly father figure can come in many forms -- a father, step-father, grandfather, uncle, friend, or another important influence. I was raised my entire life with my biological father at home. My wife and her father were separated for the better part of her childhood. The only grandfather she knew was out of state. An elderly neighbor named Mr. Rich fulfilled this role for my wife. 

My father taught me a great deal. He showed me how to tie fishing line and how to fix things. But it’s the things I watched him do that I remember most. How he treats others with kindness, his selflessness; those are the things I try to follow. Though I never met Mr. Rich, I can see the impact he made. He bought my wife her first Bible, paid for her violin, sent her to church camp, and did so many other kind things.

Just like my father, Mr. Rich’s kindness and selflessness really showed through. Our Heavenly Father has provided us the greatest example of kindness and selflessness through the sacrifice of His son, Jesus, so that we can have everlasting life.

Prayer
God, grant us the strength and wisdom to be examples of Your kindness and selflessness. In Jesus’ Name. Amen. 

~Submitted by Adam Yeakley, St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church

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