BLOGGING TOWARD SUNDAY…

Today I have stayed inside the entire day, except for a brief foray over to the church to pick up a commentary on John’s gospel.  The lectionary text for Sunday is the entire ninth chapter of John, the story of Jesus’ encounter with the man born blind.  You remember the story I hope…Jesus and his disciples encounter the man, and seeing him, the disciples ask,”Whose fault is it that this man was born blind?  His, or his parents’?”  The next 40 verses tell the story of Jesus correcting their theology, healing the blind man, and the ensuing battle with the Pharisees over this healing occurring on the sabbath.

It is a wonderful story, and I love preaching from John’s gospel.  Jesus almost always speaks metaphorically, while everyone who hears him takes him literally!  And as usual, to take literally what is meant metaphorically is to miss the word of God to us in the story.  How often have you heard that from me?!!

It has been a luxury for me today to have immersed myself in this ninth chapter.  Thursdays are usually sermon days, but I seldom have the opportunity to give it my undivided attention.  I’ve noticed that when I can do that, the sermons are noticeably better…and usually longer.  If you have a chance to read the chapter before Sunday, please do.  The slant I take on it is a very small portion of a very big pie, and I’d be pleased to have some input from you. 

Lots of people are reading this blog daily, even though few are leaving public comments (some respond privately by email).  Please remember that it is your comments that really help to inspire me to do this, so when you read, leave me something in return.  Christianity at its best is lived in a community of give and take.  Blessings….

Filed under: Blogging Toward Sunday