What we do see depends mainly on what we look for....

What you see and hear depends a good deal on where you are standing; it also depends on what sort of person you are. - C. S. LEWIS: (1898 –1963: was a British writer and lay theologian)

Gospel Text: (LK 18:35-43)

As Jesus approached Jericho
a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging,
and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening.
They told him,
"Jesus of Nazareth is passing by."
He shouted, "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!"
The people walking in front rebuked him,
telling him to be silent,
but he kept calling out all the more,
"Son of David, have pity on me!"
Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him;
and when he came near, Jesus asked him,
"What do you want me to do for you?"
He replied, "Lord, please let me see."
Jesus told him, "Have sight; your faith has saved you."
He immediately received his sight
and followed him, giving glory to God.
When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God.

The historical Jesus of Nazareth was all about seeing. His ministry revolved around a conviction that God’s kingdom is close at hand, right before our eyes. God is working effectively in our everyday lives -- something most people never seem to notice. They presume God is securely ensconced in heaven, not active here on earth. 

What is in our heart? Do we see with the eyes of God? Are we blinded by prejudices and stereotypes? When we see a homeless person on the street -- do we see Jesus? When we see a person who is a different color than us or from a different country - do we see the face of Christ? 

The gospel this morning challenges us with a choice --- to be a witness like the blind man who lived his faith with courage and commitment or to be like the culture, which avoids the hard questions about Jesus. At times WE may be blind and even fearful, but if we are willing, Jesus will take us by our hand and lead us out of darkness into the light.

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