Light of the World

As Jesus walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see. The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” Some were saying, “It is he.” Others were saying, “No, but it is someone like him.” He kept saying, “I am the man.” But they kept asking him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ Then I went and washed and received my sight.” They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.” They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, “He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see.” Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not observe the sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?” And they were divided. So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” He said, “He is a prophet.” John 9:1-17

In our present age, with all the technology we possess, we often don't think we need help. When people navigated the ocean waters in prior times, light houses were essential. And when a storm came upon them, the light house was the beacon, their light, and the one guide that kept them from death. They could return to safe harbor by the light. We now think our technology can save us, but indeed, we need more than man made things to guide us to safe harbor. Jesus is the light and the way home.

Wondrous Creator, light of the world

you lead us and guide us on the calm seas

you find shelter and safe harbor in storms

and seek us out when we have gone astray.

We make tools and think we do not need you

in fair weather we believe we are enough

our arrogance and pride quickly fade

when the seas rise and the winds batter us.

Help us in good weather and in bad

to seek your light and your loving heart

so we might guide others who are lost

and reflect your light in our darkest times. Amen.