Our recent Lectionary* readings from the Gospel of Luke have been centered on the theme of faith: Who has it? How much is enough? Can faith be quantified?

One such story is the sobering parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. A central point in that last story is how often those of us who have cannot truly see those who do not. The unnamed wealthy man, tragically, never noticed Lazarus. The Gospel of Luke also tells the familiar stories of the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan.

Most of these stories are grouped in what I call the “On the Road” section of Luke. About halfway through this Gospel, Jesus “turns his face toward Jerusalem.” Along that journey, Jesus tells powerful stories to teach his disciples—and us—what discipleship truly means. Of course, faith is an essential key to discipleship. While Matthew emphasizes faith as essential to bringing about healing and wholeness, Luke emphasizes faith as being the key to forgiveness. We, as readers of the Gospels, have the perspective to see that both healing and forgiveness result from faith.

Seeing the Unexpected: The Case of Rico the Porcupine

The challenge of “seeing” isn’t always biblical. My friend and colleague, Bob Madsen (the Regional Presbyter for the Presbyteries of South Alabama and Mississippi), recently wrote a newsletter article about a porcupine named Rico who lives at the Cincinnati Zoo.

Rico has his own live stream, and somehow, videos of him happily munching on chips and vegetables keep popping up on the Presbytery’s Facebook feed. Bob has never had an affinity for porcupines – he is decidedly not a hugger or overly affectionate. Yet, after watching Rico, Bob confessed that the little creature had, in the providence of God, unexpectedly brightened his day. He even admitted Rico was “kind of cute.”

The story of Rico makes me wonder: How often does God place something or someone in our life—a person, an animal, an opportunity, or a small miracle—that we simply fail to see? We may not see the poor man at our gate, or we might miss the chance to offer a cool drink to a thirsty traveler. Those two examples sound Biblical – perhaps more like metaphors than real-life encounters – but what about the opportunity to care for those in need? I know we sometimes develop systems of not seeing as a way of protecting ourselves from the guilt of not being able to offer everyone a helping hand.

The Faithful Response: Small Things with Great Love

So, what is the faithful response to the needs of the world?

For me, it’s about involvement. I can’t financially support every worthwhile mission and ministry, but I choose where and with whom I can be personally engaged. That might mean volunteering to build a Habitat Home, helping cook dinner for the First Light Women’s shelter in downtown Birmingham, or supporting local food pantries, soup kitchens, and homeless ministries. I choose where I am involved.

I can’t save the world, but I can heed the beautiful advice of Mother Teresa, which constantly rings in my ears:

“We cannot do great things. Only small things with great love.”

Looking Ahead to Advent

November marks the end of one church year with the celebration of Christ the King, and the beginning of a new one with Advent—our season to prepare for the coming of the Christ Child at Christmas. This new year brings us the Gospel According to Matthew.

No matter the season, I encourage you to open your eyes and your ears to see the small miracles and the great opportunities God places right in front of you.

Peace,

Cary

*Lectionary – Selected readings from the Old Testament, Psalms, Epistles and Acts, and the Gospels. The readings are on three-year cycles, with each year featuring one of the synoptic Gospels and John is scattered throughout all three years.

*Photo of Rico the Porcupine from Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden