From the Deacon’s Desk 3/31/19

Dear Friends:

Today our Gospel reading is from the book of John 9:1 – 41. It’s the famous story of the man born blind. Jesus comes across a poor soul who has been blind since birth. It is the Sabbath day and Jesus, by making clay with his saliva, breaks the Sabbath law that no one should work on the Sabbath. Jesus works by making clay and smearing it on the poor man’s eyes. Even though it is the Sabbath, Jesus feels compelled to help the blind man. He has been blind since birth – that’s long enough. The Jewish leadership feels the man has been born blind and has been blind for a long time so one more day ill won’t make any difference.

The Pharisees and other Jewish leaders now go after Jesus saying he cannot possibly be from God as he has broken the Sabbath law. Jesus is troublesome to them. He is a popular charismatic leader and people are swarming to see him. They perceive him as one who will upset their rather comfortable lifestyle. They are doing their best to dissuade people from following Jesus; I guess you could say they are the ones who are really blind. They can’t see or believe, although all the signs point to it, Jesus could be the Messiah they have been waiting for.

The question we have to ask ourselves is this: Are we blind to the message Jesus has for us? This story and many others in our Gospels tell us that we are to care for and watch out for each other. Perhaps someday you or I may be given the opportunity to open someone’s eyes to the message of Jesus Christ. Let us all pray that when that happens will be ready to open the eyes of those who are blind!

Peace and All Good!

Deacon Jim