Gospel of John, chapter 15:5

The story is told of a certain sea captain and his chief engineer arguing as to which of them was the most important on the ship. Failing to agree, they resorted to a unique plan of swapping places. So the chief ascended to the bridge and the captain went below to the engine room. After a couple of hours, the captain suddenly appeared on deck covered with oil and grease.

“Chief!” he yelled wildly swinging a wrench, “You have to come down here. I can’t make ‘her go!”

“I know,” replied the chief sheepishly. “I’ve run her aground.”

Partnerships! You are involved in a partnership right now with someone: with your spouse, your employer, your co-workers, your family, community or church. We all know the importance of people doing their parts. This is true of every kind of partnership in life. But, there is one partnership that is very special; and that is our partnership with Jesus. Without Him we can do nothing for His spirit runs through us, enabling us to follow His example. As Christians, we are all partners in building up God’s kingdom.

Each person has a particular task to perform. So, let’s play our parts in this great partnership with the Lord by using our own talents and recognizing the talents of others in building up the kingdom. This is a partnership, not based on aggressive competition, but on mutual co-operation-united to Jesus who is the vine and to one another as branches of the same vine.

Chose cooperation over competition in your Christian partnership, and you will “bear much fruit,” for without the Lord “you can do nothing.”

Fr. Hugh Duffy

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