John 5:19-29
“Do not ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” – Howard Thurman
John 5:19–29 presents us with a powerful reminder of the divine partnership between Jesus and the Father—a partnership that calls us into action—to align with God’s work and become living reflections of divine love. Just as the Father raises the dead and gives life, so too does the Son give life to whomever he chooses. This isn’t just about a future promise—it’s a present call to awaken the spirit within us. When we begin to follow Christ, we are invited to step out of the death offered by indifference, intolerance, injustice, oppression, and isolation, and into a transformative life. This transformation is both personal and shared; it’s an invitation to lift one another up, making God’s eternal life visible through our love, justice, and action.
During the season of Lent, this call to action takes on an even deeper meaning. Lent is not just about giving up comforts; it is about intentionally tearing down the barriers that separate us from God and from one another. It is a call to actively confront the biases that cloud our hearts and the injustices that persist in our communities. We are called to protect the marginalized and challenge systems that deny life and dignity. Our actions toward one another are actions toward Christ himself. This is a time to not only reflect but also to map out practical steps—whether through community service, advocacy, or simply listening to those around us—to dismantle the barriers that keep us apart.
The gifts we have—our skills, our passions, our very presence—are not just for our own comfort. They are tools God has given us to engage with the world. As society evolves, so must our approach to this work, ensuring that our faith remains active, responsive, and courageous. What a profound gift to be invited into God’s work as ambassadors of Christ’s love, using our gifts to lift others up and give them a glimpse of eternal life. We are joining in a divine mission that has the power to transform. Our fight for justice is never just for individual gain—it is a collective movement toward a society where every person is valued and individuals are set free. Each one of us is called to be a beacon of hope, drawing on our unique gifts to illuminate the path toward justice.
This Lent, let us consider how we might be called anew in this moment to use our gifts in the world. Let us also consider if there are habits or mindsets that might be keeping us from fully realizing God’s vision for our lives and communities. Are we using our voices boldly and consistently for justice? Are we accepting inequities in our workplaces or communities that should be examined and rooted out? Has our fear stalled us in our tracks and made us unable to move forward in ways we know we should? Whatever it is, let us commit to giving up those barriers, just as we give up our comforts during Lent, and replace them with acts of kindness, bold advocacy, and genuine connection.
By accepting God’s call every day, we not only draw closer to Him but also become active participants in the renewal of justice. We become instruments through which Christ’s light breaks through the darkness. We must seek what makes us come alive, for in that passion, we find our God-given power to transform the world—one courageous act of love and justice at a time. By transforming ourselves through God’s call, we in turn transform our communities, ensuring that no one is left behind.
“Do not ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” – Howard Thurman
Meditation by Canon Valaida Wynn Guerrero
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, New Providence
Diocese of New Jersey