Simply Soul Searching

Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?

But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”  (Luke 10:29-37 NRSV)

There were so many reasons why the Samaritan could have avoided being a good neighbor to the man who was robbed, beaten, and left to die at the side of the road. The priest and the Levite may have avoided helping because they would be considered defiled if they touched a corpse. Samaritans were considered impure and were generally scorned by the Jews. For any of them, there may have been concern that the attackers would be nearby to strike again. There was significant cost. The Samaritan had to pay two denarii for the injured man’s keep, which equaled about two days’ wages in those days. All of these threats and uncertainties would certainly be concerning for anyone who wanted to help.  

Jesus uses the story of the Samaritan to shake up and undo our ideas of what being a good neighbor means. Being a good neighbor isn’t always easy; in fact, Jesus shows us that being a good neighbor can be quite difficult. In his example, being a good neighbor means to break strict religious codes, to face and help even our enemies, to brave uncertain situations, and to be generous with our resources.

I’m reminded of a night when a woman came up to my car window while I was stopped at a stoplight. She explained that her car had broken down, and asked if I could give her a ride (this was before we had cell phones). For some reason I felt wary, and I apologized for not helping her as I drove away. I questioned my decision all the way home. But on my way home the next night, she was there AGAIN! A week later I learned that a man had been robbed by a woman in the same area, under the same circumstances.

It’s hard to know what to do, isn’t it? Are we always called to do the right thing, even in uncertain situations? Jesus’ story seems to tell us we should… and there are courageous, selfless people who do.

Or does Jesus’ story of extreme neighborliness open our eyes to all of the easy, safe, or simple opportunities we have each day to be good neighbors? How we neglect to do even these? Does his story remind us to do some difficult things, too- to show mercy to those who have mistreated us, to forgive those who have hurt us, to accept those who are different from us, to be hospitable and generous with others? In doing the small, safe and simple acts of kindness before us- as well as those that threaten our comfort zone but not our safety- we can still make a big difference. 

We can ask God for wisdom and discernment in our daily living. We can also ask God for courageous and generous spirits. We can ask God for the awareness and availability to be ready to serve our neighbors. Most of all, we can trust that God is lovingly providing and always abiding in each of us, inspiring and inviting us to be good neighbors as often as we can.

Are you talking to ME?

Today Jesus asks, “Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?”

What keeps you from being a good neighbor? Lack of time? Not paying attention? Feeling powerless to help? Too many neighbors in need? Strained relationships? What might you do today to make one simple difference? Are you able to trust that God supplies your wisdom and discernment, but also your courage and faith, as the opportunities come before you?

Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?

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Who touched my clothes?

Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years. She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, for she said, “If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well.” Immediately her hemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my clothes?” And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, ‘Who touched me?’” He looked all around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”  (Mark 5:25-34 NRSV)

This poor woman had suffered for such a long time, and it seemed that no one was able to help her. Seeing Jesus in the crowd, she went behind him to touch his cloak- and was immediately healed! When Jesus then asked the crowd, “Who touched my clothes?” he was able to actually meet her- and to assure her that her faith had truly made her well.

Today I see another side to the story, and in this way I wonder how much we are like the woman. Notice how she touched him from behind and seemed to attempt sneaking away through the crowds. When he called out, “Who touched my clothes?” she returned to him “in fear and trembling.”

Do we desire a relationship with Jesus that only involves touching his cloak and hurrying away? Do we wish to seek his blessing, or healing, or help- without having to seek his face? How often do we touch Jesus just enough to benefit ourselves, but do not look him in the eye? Are we afraid that if we encounter him more personally, he will call us to follow him more closely, to do difficult things, to give up our plans? Are we afraid he will look deeply into our eyes and see everything we try to hide?

Are we seeking all of his benefits without our commitment?

As always, there is a gift for us in this story. When Jesus asked, “Who touched my clothes?’ the woman came to him with great trepidation. Like any of us who try to avoid close encounters with Jesus, she was truly afraid. But Jesus had asked the question, and so she was moved to come forward and timidly confess.

It was in her precious moment of encounter and confession that Jesus was able to heal her even more fully, by assuring her of her faith, and giving her his peace as well.  

Are you talking to ME?

Today Jesus is asking, “Who touched my clothes?”

Are you more comfortable keeping your distance from all of Jesus? Do you seek Jesus only for your benefit? What would Jesus see if he looked into your eyes? What would you see if you looked into his eyes? What truth would you like to confess to Jesus today? Is there anything that needs healing in you? Where do you also need his assurance and peace? 

Who touched my clothes?

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Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?

This was written weeks ago, but today the question certainly hits home, doesn’t it? The coronavirus pandemic has certainly been on our minds. May you be especially blessed today. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.¹
Peace, dear readers…

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.  (Matthew 6:25-27, 33-34 NRSV)

This question HAD to be included in our Lenten reflections! How many times does Jesus tell us not to be anxious, not to worry, not to fear? Certainly this was one of his important and often repeated instructions. Jesus knows that we struggle with this one.

We have been given this very precious life, and Jesus came to give us an abundant life of loving and joyful service to God and one another.  “Abundant” means well-supplied, plentiful, and bountiful- a life of meaning, purpose, and significance. Each moment that we spend worrying instead of abundantly living will not add one hour to our lives. Each moment of worry will only subtract– giving us one less moment to freely live in joy and love.

Jesus first instructs us to look to the birds as vivid examples of the way he wants us to live. Birds do not plant, harvest, or store crops; they must rely on God’s provision. We are the ones to plant, harvest, work and save. But are we doing so with an attitude of scarcity and fear, or a spirit of generosity and joy? Do we choose to worry and hoard instead of trusting in God’s provision to meet our daily needs? 

Life gives us plenty of trials and challenges, and birds are not exempt from these. Winds buffet. Storms pummel. Predators come. Nests are destroyed. Eggs are taken. And yet, we see new life flourish. The birds carry on as fitting examples of living in the kingdom of God. The birds rebuild their nests, lay more eggs, sing out their fresh birdsong, and soar freely in the heavens.

Jesus ends his admonition with the sentence, “Today’s troubles are enough for today.” His words do not sound very uplifting, do they? I wish he would have said, “Tomorrow will be a better day!” Yet, Jesus is so very wise. We do not know what tomorrow will bring.

But if we are able to remain in God for this present moment- without worrying about the next one- we will sense the love that is surrounding us, holding us, right now. Seeking the kingdom of God first gives us a new perspective for the rest of our lives. Jesus came to lead us to an abundant earthly life, and to reveal the promise of a glorious eternal life as well. We are so very loved.

At this very moment, we are being graciously provided with all that we need. At this very moment, whether we are coping, enduring, abiding, struggling, grieving, wondering, appreciating or rejoicing, God is here with us, helping us and holding us. May you feel God’s love enveloping you… this day and always. 

Are you talking to ME?

Today Jesus is asking, “Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?”

Do you have any worries in your soul today? How might you surrender them? In what ways does Jesus’ example of the birds bring you understanding and reassurance? What distracts you from fully seeking the kingdom of God? Are you being moved to live more freely and abundantly? How might you grow in joyful, trusting, generosity? Are you able to sense God’s loving presence in your daily moments? 

Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?

¹Philippians 4:7 (NRSV)
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Can you see anything?

Some people brought a blind man to (Jesus) and begged him to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village; and when he had put saliva on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Can you see anything?” And the man looked up and said, “I can see people, but they look like trees, walking.” Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he looked intently and his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.  (Mark 8:22-25 NRSV)

Today we have another story of Jesus helping a blind man to see. We can find so much significance and meaning in these stories about seeing, can’t we? We see not only with our physical vision, we also “see” with our imaginations or our dreams. We “see” when we understand, comprehend, realize or discern. We “see” when we discover a deeper or hidden meaning. Through the Spirit, Jesus continues to restore, improve, and clear our vision for all of these different ways to see.

There was a time when I wished that God would show me visible signs like the ones the biblical heroes were given- especially when I needed to make a difficult or major decision. I desperately wanted a burning bush. I wanted an angel to visit. I wanted a dream, or a rainbow, or a sheer silence, or even a blinding light. Now I recognize that often the answers were already within me; I was only afraid to face them. 

We no longer need to see an outside sign from God, because God’s wisdom, direction, and inspiration are within each of us. Jesus has given us his Spirit to serve as our guide. The Spirit is here to help us see more clearly and distinctly as we discern how to live our days. Today’s story of the blind man provides valuable truths and practices that will better enable us to let the Spirit sharpen our inner vision. 

First, Jesus took the blind man away from the village. Perhaps he wanted to eliminate as many distractions as he could. When we wish for clarification or understanding, we would do well to eliminate our distractions and spend time alone with Jesus. Our eyes and our souls can only absorb so much- how much better we are to keep our focus on Jesus.

Next, Jesus asked the man, “Can you see anything?” Jesus wanted to know how much the man already saw, so that he could complete the rest of his healing work. This question can also become an invitation for us to notice what we are already able to see… the things we have already discerned, the things we currently know about ourselves or the situation, the things that have been revealed to this point. We can specifically name the issues that are still blurry or unclear and ask for his help with those. (“I am feeling led to serve in this area, but I cannot see the next step to take… “)

Finally, we read that the man “looked intently” and then was able to see very clearly. We look intently when we actively pay attention, when we earnestly watch where God is moving, when we lovingly seek Jesus. We look intently when we pray, when we listen, when we study God’s word. Where we place our attention determines what we see.

Are you talking to ME?

Today Jesus is asking, “Can you see anything?”

Is there something you have been noticing that you would like to bring to Jesus for clarity? Is this a time to ask him to remove whatever is blinding you from his vision for you? What current distractions are taking your focus off Christ? How might you look more intently at Jesus? What clarifications do you hope to see today?

Can you see anything?

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Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand?

He said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand? For there is nothing hidden, except to be disclosed; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. Let anyone with ears to hear listen!”  (Mark 4:21-23 NRSV)

This short passage is tucked among several parables in which Jesus describes the kingdom of God. Jesus often taught in parables, knowing that his intended meaning would be received by those who loved him (who had “ears to hear”) while remaining hidden from those whose hearts were not open to his revelation of the heavenly kingdom.

The lamp is the light of Christ, God’s loving presence here with us. This light was revealed through Jesus and is now shining in us. We are to shine and share this light with others. As our lives increasingly demonstrate Jesus’ kingdom living, we may help to reveal his parables; our glowing lamps will help bring these hidden and secret meanings to light for others.  

“Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand?” We know the obvious answer to Jesus’ question. No, we are not to put our light under a bushel basket or bed. We are not to hide the love of Christ or keep it only for ourselves. We are called to light up the world with the light of God’s love as shown in Jesus. We are to make this kingdom of God more visible to everyone we encounter. 

Still, there are times when we may be uncomfortable doing so. Sometimes I hesitate to share my faith because I am concerned that I might be seen as naïve, self-righteous, intimidating, outdated, rigid, judgmental, or too conservative. I am embarrassed to be thought of as having the characteristics of some religious leaders who are prominent in politics and elsewhere. There are times when I worry how someone will react if I profess that I am a follower of Jesus.

I am called to shine the light of Christ’s love- not to hide it.

Perhaps I should first shine that light into the darkness of my embarrassment, of my concern for my self-image, of my fear of being judged unfairly by others. I should shine that light into the darkness of my tendency to want to defend myself. I should shine that light of love into the darkness of my criticism for those who live their faith in a way that is different from my understanding of the way of Jesus.

Then, I should allow Jesus’ light to become my guiding light, so that I might continue to grow as his disciple, to follow his example more perfectly, to become more like him and to live as he would. I should allow his light to fully illuminate my life and correct what isn’t of him. 

Finally, I should shine this light outward, by living-
in the joyous freedom of being a follower of Jesus,
in the peaceful way of walking in a challenging world,
and in the loving unity of embracing a diverse humanity.

My life could become a contrast to the rule-keeping, judgment-making, fear-invoking image so many people witness these days. 

The light of the love of Jesus is for all of us. I am called to shine his light of love- first as a revealing, healing, and perfecting light into my own soul, and then as a beckoning, freeing, and welcoming light for the souls of others.

Are you talking to ME?

Today Jesus is asking, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand?”

You have the light of Christ. How do you let it freely and brightly shine? Are there any situations in which you are tempted to hide your light? What would you find if you shine the light into your darkness? How might his illuminating light help you see yourself more clearly? Where are you most needed to illuminate the world with the love of Christ? Are you ready to shine for others?

Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand?

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Whose head is this, and whose title?

Then the Pharisees went and plotted to entrap him in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius. Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “The emperor’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When they heard this, they were amazed; and they left him and went away.  (Mathew 22:15-22 NRSV)

The Pharisees and Herodians are cagey with their efforts to entrap Jesus in some way. They begin by flattering him with gracious compliments about his ability to discern and tell the truth. They are attempting to set Jesus up for their next question: “Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor or not?” Jesus knows what they are trying to do, so he immediately calls them hypocrites. If they truly saw that he is a man of truth, they would have had no need to test him with their double-edged question; a question that could get Jesus into trouble with either answer.

Jesus holds up the coin and asks, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” It is apparent that the coin belongs to the emperor. The coin has the emperor’s name on one side and his title on the other. Thus Jesus acknowledges that there are things- such as taxes- that belong to the emperor.

On the other hand, when Jesus continues with “give… to God the things that are God’s”, the listeners would know that Jesus often preached and taught that the kingdom of God is present and everywhere. EVERYTHING belongs to God. Even the emperor! His answer shows the interrogators that the emperor, with all of his power, still belongs to God and is under God’s reign. The emperor and all he owns are nothing compared to our awesome God.

This lesson helps to give us some helpful perspectives for today. All over the world, there are times when governments and political systems can be frustrating, maddening, unjust, greedy, self-serving, war-mongering, and even oppressive. We are called to do what we can, to correct the wrongs, to work for justice, and to speak for those who are not served fairly or well. We can easily lose heart, especially when our efforts seem to produce very little change and very slow progress.

These words of Jesus help us to not lose heart. We can carry the hope and the peace in knowing that governments and political leaders are lesser than God. These kingdoms are not forever, and they are nothing compared to the kingdom of heaven. Everything we have- everything in this world- belongs to God. God is the ultimate Ruler of the universe and of our individual hearts. We do all that we can, we take responsibility for all that we should, and we entrust the rest to God.

Are you talking to ME?

Today Jesus is asking, “Whose head is this, and whose title?”

What political or governmental issues have you upset? Is there an action you can take to make change for the better? How might Jesus’ words give you a new perspective on your government and on our world? What would Jesus want you to know today?

Whose head is this, and whose title?

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What do you want me to do for you?

As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. There were two blind men sitting by the roadside. When they heard that Jesus was passing by, they shouted, “Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!” The crowd sternly ordered them to be quiet; but they shouted even more loudly, “Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David!” Jesus stood still and called them, saying, “What do you want me to do for you?” They said to him, “Lord, let our eyes be opened.” Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. Immediately they regained their sight and followed him.  (Matthew 20:29-34 NRSV)

This is such a beautiful story, one that offers a few meaningful insights for me. First, as Jesus passes by the two blind men, they begin calling out to him, “Lord, have mercy on us!” They don’t just say, “Help us to see!” Instead, they ask only for Jesus’ mercy. His act of mercy could have been anything- alms, food, forgiveness, or assistance in other ways. These men seemed to trust that the mercy of Jesus would provide exactly what they most needed (even if their sight wasn’t restored).

Jesus then asks the men, “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus can see that they are blind, and the logical assumption would be that they want to see. But Jesus chooses to ask the question; he lets them determine what they would like him to do for them. This serves as a good reminder for us. We cannot always assume that we know what people need from their outward appearances alone. We are wise to connect with them on a heart level first, and to give them the opportunity to best discern what they need.

Finally, it is interesting that the men say, “Let our eyes be opened” instead of “Restore our sight” or “Help us see.” Granted, these words all have the same essential meaning. But I love the image of eyes being opened. When we can fully open ourselves- our eyes, our heart, our mind, our life- we become free to receive what God would like us to receive. Instead of straining to see the things we hope to see, we just open our eyes and let God reveal what God would want us to see. This thought seems so lovely to me.

We are now almost to the third week of Lent, and so the question Jesus has for us can serve as a Lenten check-in time. How are you doing on your Lenten journey so far?

Are you talking to ME?

Today Jesus is asking, “What do you want me to do for you?”

Are you able to trust in the mercy of Jesus to provide exactly what you need?  What one thing would you like Jesus to do for you today? In what way might you need to have your eyes opened? What inner need or longing is deep within your heart, hidden under your seemingly obvious needs?

What do you want me to do for you?

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Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’?

And just then some people were carrying a paralyzed man lying on a bed. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” Then some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Stand up, take your bed and go to your home.” And he stood up and went to his home. When the crowds saw it, they were filled with awe, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to human beings.  (Matthew 9:2-8 NRSV)

The scribes accuse Jesus of blasphemy- that he is speaking and acting with irreverence for God by telling the paralytic that his sins are forgiven. After all, isn’t God the only One to forgive sins? So Jesus asks the scribes, “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’?” He then turns to the paralyzed man and immediately heals him. Jesus reveals how he does indeed have the power and the authority of God, not only to forgive sins but even to do miraculous works!

Jesus combined two blessings for the paralyzed man. He forgave him (an intangible blessing for his spirit) and then he healed him (a tangible blessing for his body). Today let’s reframe Jesus’ question for the scribes as a thought-provoking question for us. “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’?”

Many wonderful aspects of our faith come from intangible, spiritual blessings. Through Christ we do have the gift of forgiveness, along with God’s presence in and among us, the closeness of kingdom living, the promise of life eternal. We have abiding peace beyond our understanding, radiant hope that endures through every darkness, surprising joy that bubbles up from within, and unconditional love that endures through all of life. We receive the fruits of the spirit as well as many other inner gifts of the soul.

So when we hope to share the love of Jesus with someone, we may be tempted to share our experiences of these intangible blessings, including the forgiveness of sins. It IS easier to say, “In Christ, your sins are forgiven” than it would be to say, “In Christ, stand up and walk.” These intangibles ARE rich blessings, and they ARE life-changing. We appreciate these gifts and want others to experience them through Christ, too.

But these gifts of our inner relationship with Christ will not mean much to someone who has very real and tangible needs. People probably won’t care that their sins are forgiven if they are still hungry, homeless, imprisoned, persecuted, sick or oppressed. To help others know the love of Jesus, we need to reach out to them with tangible acts of Jesus’ love, first and foremost. The rest of our story of life with Jesus and ALL of his blessings will come in time. 

How can we help with healing today? We can work to heal broken relationships with forgiveness and understanding. We can help heal broken hearts with listening, empathy and tender care. We can help heal or slow diseases by providing clean water, mosquito netting, and vaccines. We can speak on behalf of someone who is being treated unjustly. We can work to create laws that uphold equal rights for all. We can comfort those who are grieving. We can feed the hungry, build shelters for the homeless, provide clothing for the destitute. Opportunities to help are all around us. 

As we read on in the story, we see that the people “were filled with awe… and glorified God” after Jesus healed the paralyzed man. They saw the physical, tangible gift of healing through God’s power in Jesus. As the Body of Christ, we can continue his work to help heal our relationships, community and world. Working to make the love of Christ more visible to others may help lead others to embrace the life in Christ we cherish.  

Are you talking to ME?

Today Jesus is asking, “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? 

Who might need the tangible love of Christ shown in your actions today? How might you demonstrate the healing power of God through your actions? What would be their biggest physical need? Are you open and available to be the presence of Christ when needed? Do you trust in the power of God’s loving, healing power in your own daily living? What spiritual blessing do you most appreciate today? What physical blessing? What do you most need from Jesus at this time?

Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’?

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