The Fourth Sunday in Lent (Year A), March 2, 2008
BCP: 1 Sam. 16:1-13; Psalm 23; Eph. 5: (1-7) 8-14; John 9:1-13 (14-27) 28-38
RCL: 1 Sam. 16:1-13; Psalm 23; Eph. 5: 8-14; John 9:1-41
The image from Psalm 36 sets the imagination in motion. The light in which we see all around us is suddenly none but that of Jesus Christ. All that we see is only that which he shines upon. A daunting vision.
If we only see in his light, then that light ought to do the following to us: challenge, embarrass, lead, supplant, surprise, puzzle, scorch, inspire, expose, clarify, disappoint, correct, comfort — and much more.
If we put the lessons for this Sunday under his light, we would find a striking exposure of motives and models that just don’t fit.
Take leadership discernment. That’s what Samuel was endeavoring to do. What do we look for in our leaders? We know the answers, whether it be for bishop, vestry member, or usher. Someone who is glib with trendy idioms, adept at management skills, and at the same time is very affirming. Why look anywhere else? That was Samuel’s idea, the early version of the corporate model.
The Lord instructed Samuel in his criteria. The man God wanted was to have a heart for God, humility toward God, lament his sin, boldness toward others on God’s behalf, and praise for the mercy of God.
Take moral behavior. What standards do we hear describing a holy life? Behavior that doesn’t harm others, fits new discoveries and wisdom, makes us feel good about ourselves, finds broad acceptance in society, and generally fits progressive values.
The light Paul sheds on the holy life comes from heaven and condemns—yes, condemns!—immorality. His list begins with sexual immorality and keeps getting more and more meddlesome. No foul talk, no coveting, no greed. We should expose fruitless activities of darkness.
Lastly, the encounter of Jesus with the man born blind turns the spotlight on faith. Jesus makes it clear that our problem is not being misled, disoriented, or ignorant. We do not find faith through better psychology. The kingdom is not within us, only needing to be drawn out. No, we are blind, we cannot see, are lost and broken, unable to know God, and dead in our sin.
He only is light and only in his light do we see. When our eyes of faith have gotten used to his light, we find ourselves in green pastures and beside still waters.
Look It Up
Put together a spiritual profile of David as author of Psalm 23.
Think About It
What in Christ’s light is glaring in contrast to what we usually see?
Next Sunday
The Fifth Sunday in Lent (Year A), March 9, 2008
BCP: Ezek. 37:1-3 (4-10), 11-14; Psalm 130; Rom. 6:16-23; John 11: (1-16) 17-44
RCL: Ezek. 37:1-14; Psalm 130; Rom. 8:6-11; John 11:1-45
