Today’s scripture readings seem to be about discernment and God’s love. Recognizing when something is bad and repenting when we realize we are there. In the book of Revelation, the Lord encourages believers, but also warns them to Realize how far you have fallen. Repent, and do the works you did at first. The psalmist proclaims, “Blessed the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked” And in Luke, a blind man calls out to Jesus and Jesus asks him, “What do you want me to do for you?” In today’s readings the word wicked comes up four times. Other words are imposters, fallen, insolent and sinners. No shortage of evil then and there is plenty of evil now. At times it seems we live in a dark world. Every moral standard is tested. Absolute truth is mocked. Good is ridiculed and evil is justified. God is clear that we are to discern good from evil. We are to embrace good and repent when we have done evil. The story in Luke is an amazing one. A blind man hears that Jesus is passing by and cries out to him. The people walking with Jesus are embarrassed and tell the blind man to be quiet. But he keeps calling out all the more. Jesus asks the blind man, “What do you want me to do for you?” It seems to be a strange question. A healer asking a blind man what he wants. Yet Jesus is so much more than a healer. The blind man receives his sight and Jesus tells him, “your faith has saved you.” Why did Jesus care about this one man? What did the blind man have to offer Jesus in return for his sight and salvation? And what does the blind man do after receiving his sight? He follows Jesus, giving glory to God. I am a new grandfather. I just came from holding and feeding my granddaughter, Annie Leona O’Reilly. She is so beautiful. And I am head over heels in love with her. I mean, I really, REALLY love her. Why is that? How does that happen? She is three weeks old. I barely know her. What does she have to offer me? I mean all she does is eat, poop and cry. Good grief, anybody can do that. And yet, I hold her in my arms and look at her and my heart just melts. I would do anything for her. I know I would lay my life down for her in a heartbeat. I wonder, is that how God looks at us? Like a baby in His arms? It’s not like God needs us or we have anything special to offer to God. And yet, God loves us so much He laid down his life for us. My prayer today is for discernment. To be able to discern good from evil and to know God’s will. To know that we are God’s creation, His children and to realize how much He loves us. Life is always changing, but God’s love for us remains the same. |