July Note

From Donna Kelly

“As he (Jesus) approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” Then he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he shouted even more loudly. Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him; and when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying God; and all the people, when they saw it, praised God.” Luke 18:35-43

This has always been a favorite story of mine. This blind man sits not only at the edge of the city but also at the edge of society. At the time of Jesus, Jewish and most other societies thought that a person’s illness or affliction or poverty was God’s punishment for either their own or their parents’ sin. Those who were in front, leading the way, appear to be embarrassed by this blind beggar and try to shush him. But he wouldn’t be shushed! When he discerns that Jesus is at hand, he goes all out for the help that he needs and believes that Jesus can provide.

I can’t help but think of those today who sit at the edge of our societies; the poor, those dealing with addiction, the unhoused, the unemployed or underemployed, those with mental health challenges, the hungry, the lonely and the marginalized. They too cry out for God to have mercy on them; to ease their hurts and ills, to make life more live-able. Do we try to shush them as well? Are we embarrassed by their cries for help? Many times, we tend to think that the situation they are in is their fault. They need to ‘pull themselves up by their bootstraps’. There are programs out there, why don’t they use them? Why don’t they just go out and get a job?

This story challenges us in several ways. One is for us to not overlook or shush the lost and challenged, the outspoken and annoying. The gospels tell us repeatedly that it is those who are in difficult circumstances that Jesus calls and saves. In this story it is not the successful and suave leader who wins Jesus’ gift of salvation (being made whole); it is the one whom we might be ignoring right now who is healed and glorifies God.

Another challenge here is the idea that those in front (of Jesus) were the ones who rebuked the blind beggar. True discipleship is lived out from a position not in front of Jesus but alongside him. Often, we get in the way when we try to rush out ahead of Jesus telling him of our plans and ideas hoping he will come alongside and bless them.

Many we have a heart to walk with Jesus and eyes to see those on the edges of society as he does.

Donna Kelly

Email Donna:  donna@sotpmail.com