A blind man was sitting by the roadside begging...

Reflections by Annette Roux, Retired Pastoral Associate

“As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. They told him, ‘Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.' Then he shouted, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!' Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet; but he shouted even more loudly, "Son of David, have mercy on me!'"- Luke 18:35-39


Sometimes, Depression sends a postcard ahead of his visits. On one side, in big and deceptively friendly script, the words, "Wish You Were Here." On the other side, scrawled in his recognizable handwriting, the simple words, "I'll be there soon." Other times, Depression just lets himself in unannounced. We find him one morning on the couch. "Sit down," he coaxes. Sometimes we think he must be right. Surely there's no better way to spend this day or this week or this month than on the couch, feeling sorry for our lot in life. This time, though, we hear sounds outside. Instead of settling, we stand. We stick our head out the window to see what is going on. Jesus is here. Right now. Passing by. "Jesus, have mercy." We say it out loud and Depression turns his head, shushes us. "Jesus! Have mercy!" We say it louder this time, open the door so we can really see them going by—a parade of hopeful, grieving, joyous, broken, kind-hearted people. They are singing and dancing and they all have their eyes on the Healer who shines like a light in their midst, who is holding a hand out to us. Then, they are all holding out their hands, and we take one step toward them and then another and then another. We leave the door open behind us, so Depression can let himself out.


Prayer: Christ among us, when we feel isolated by illness or grief, bring the healing presence of Your loving community to us. Amen