Crying out

As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.” And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. Luke 18:35-43

We are in transit, in Seattle, on our way to Boston. I have an engagement in Williamsburg, Virginia at the Deacon's conference and then we will be celebrating with family. Being on the road, it is easy to get wrapped up in one's own schedule and needs,ignoring the needs of others. People who mean well, and who are probably kind most of the time, can get very fierce and competitive in transit. They can shove and push and run over the slower and weaker.

Jesus is in transit and they have a destination in mind. The disciples don't want anyone to slow down their progress as they were probably already running behind. Someone's family probably needed them. The blind man crying out was an annoyance and was keeping them from forward progress. But Jesus stopped, and listened to the man's desire, and brought healing right where they were. On the road, it's safer and more convenient to ignore others. God never ignore the needs of those on the highways, byways and in the airport. God is not ever far from the needy or troubled.

Today I ask God to help me be compassionate despite the destination and the goal. May our goals never destroy our compassion and may we remember to seek and meet God on all of our journeys. May this day we be a blessing for some stranger, some pilgrim that is going our way.