Some thoughts on how to be in these uncertain times


These are very unsettling times. Each day brings more grim news and more uncertainty. It is very difficult to imagine what the next weeks or months hold in store. Many of you will be concerned for the health and safety of those you love, and for yourselves. These are difficult times.  But the current crisis is also an opportunity to grow more deeply into this Lent and to more fully live out the resurrection life.

Into all this we are given John 9 as our gospel reading, the story of the blind man healed by Jesus. Some commentators suggest we should add John 10: 1-21, Jesus’ commentary on what has happened. In the Greek Jesus ignored the question about who had sinned that the man was born blind. The man is blind[1]. Now that Jesus has seen him it was time for God’s works to be revealed in him. It is important that we not dissolve into blaming others for what is happening – as easy as that is. It is important that we join crucified and risen Jesus in doing the works of God. Just as Jesus is the light of the world, we are invited to be light. What does that look like for us at this time?

Jesus sees the blind man. He offers healing. The blind man hears Jesus, the good shepherd and obeys. Later Jesus seeks him out and invites him into the deep trusting relationship he offers all who would become disciples. He invites him to be like Abram and Sarai, to leave all he knew of life behind. He was invited to leave behind his identity as son of his father and blind beggar, and see himself as a disciple of this rabbi, with these others who were learning to see the pain around and to offer healing.

A real question in all this is how might we continue to be church during the darkest of days? If our identity is built around Sunday, we might be in trouble. But I would suggest that this story of the healed blind man has much to offer. What invitation do you hear as you look ahead to all that might unfold?

Care for each other. Stay safe. Stay calm. Wash your hands.




[1] Read more about this at https://www.workingpreacher.org/preaching.aspx?commentary_id=3191

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