Scripture: John 9:1-3 (the Message)
Walking down the street, Jesus saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked, “Rabbi, who sinned: this man or his parents, causing him to be born blind?” Jesus said, “You’re asking the wrong question. You’re looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do.
Thought for the Day: I was listening to a program on NPR yesterday discussing the drought in California and the water restrictions. Many people are pointing to almonds as a major culprit for they require a great deal of water. Jay Lund from the University of California was being interviewed, and he made a comment:
If you listen to the spokespersons on all the sides and the pundits on all the sides, you’ll pretty quickly come to understand that waste is always water used by other people.
It is human nature to blame and point fingers, yet it never solves a problem or creates lasting change. In our Dare to Dream program, let us dream new ideas, creative solutions and alternative paths – and – let us not dream elaborate accusations or more creative finger pointing. Spending time on who is to blame has never helped to reveal God’s kingdom. In fact, it more likely distracts from its revelation in the here and now.
Prayer: O Lord of Heavenly Vision, keep me focused on solutions to the problem, not on the person who I think created the problem. In fact, help me to see it all as an opportunity for us to partner together in a new-life moment. Amen.
THIS SUNDAY’S SERMON
