Moving Beyond Blindness

The blind and lame came to him at the Temple, and he healed them.  Matthew 21:14

In like a lion, out like a lamb…..Ahhh, March has arrived. With the windy month of March comes opportunity to focus on God’s goodness. The Lenten season has begun. The winter season will soon give way to the newness of Spring, the crocus’ and robins will be emerging, and snow birds returning to the nest! We have welcomed the Men of Weekend 307 into the 4^th day. The women will gather on March 3 to begin the 3 day weekend and encounter Christ in a whole new way. God is good! All the time!

We can be proud of the good works that have been accomplished. Successful weekends, participation in 4^th day events, alms, prayers and sacrifices offered for Cursillo and Lent. We have planned the work, worked the plan, checked off items on the “to–do list”, and our obligations fulfilled, or are they?

The recent movie “The Blind Side,” tells the story of Michael Oher, a young homeless African American man taken in by a wealthy family in Memphis Tennessee. As the story unfolds, young Michael is transplanted from urban poverty and crime to suburban privilege and abundance. Michael’s conversion from a meek but loyal protector of those he loves is broadened to his new family, community, and football field. Leigh Ann Tuohy, Michael’s self appointed guardian and mother, makes a difference in this young man’s life, assertively pushing the envelope to help open doors of opportunity for Michael in the environment which he is now a part of. She has a vision and expectation of transforming this young man’s life. Ultimately, the life of the family and members of the community are transformed as well. Perhaps Hollywood has taken creative liberties in the name of entertainment and profitability. However, the movie also provides an opportunity for self reflection which may expose our own “blind side” and allow Christ to enlighten us.

When we reflect, each of us needs to check our own GPS - God’s Positioning System. Have the seasonal winds blown us off course? Are we using the tools of Piety, Study and Action to stay on course? Are there situations we need to take the part of a courageous lion, or a docile lamb?

We can find answers to these questions when we take the opportunity to let God tell us what we are to do. May each one of us take the opportunity to connect with God this Lenten Season. The Gospels remind us that God knows each of us by name and by the hairs on our head. We can trust that He also knows our heart and our needs for the journey. He asks us to listen to His voice in the depths of our heart and soul. When we let Him be the center of our life, we will be in balance, and will not be blown off course.

Take time to study how God is working in our various environments. Are there scriptures, songs or readings that keeping repeating similar messages? It has been said that coincidence is a small miracle where God chooses to remain anonymous. Trust the message and the messenger!

His plan becomes so clear when we are one with Him. Perhaps you have heard the adage, “The more that we make plans, the more God chuckles! “ Our challenge is to seize the opportunity, trusting that our words, our work, and our attitude will be Christ’s love shining through us. May we simply be what the Holy Spirit needs and directs us to do. In the words of Mother Theresa, “God does not call me to be successful, but He does call me to be faithful.”

In like a lion, out like a lamb - The season may be changing, as we too are called to change. May our GPS remove our blindness and guide our course. May the Holy Spirit help us carry out the work for which we were created and called!

God Bless,

Sonia and Mark Lager