The Blindness of Bias

Gospel: Luke 6: 6-11

At first glance we find this Gospel story utterly fantastical and shocking.  How could anyone object to a good deed being performed for the good of another on the Sabbath in the synagogue? We can think of no good reason to take offense at such an action - and that is exactly the point.  But if we dig deeper we find ourselves engaged in similar behaviors in our own time and culture, and we are so blind to it we partake of it unawares.

In the blood sport of politics, the utter destruction of the opponent is now the goal.  We utter such venom in this arena that we are unwilling and unable to see any good in the other person who is opposed to you in this arena.  We hurl insults at others, using terms we do not even use correctly or even know what they really mean - socialist, communist, fascist - and everyone is Hitler.   But we partake of the sport as our preferred pundits tell us what to say and think on a daily basis.

Along the way we lose sight of the good that needs to be done and is being done in the world.  We lose sight of the fact that many people undertake good work, even those with whom we disagree.  Today is a day to recommit to that good work of healing, delivering others from what possesses them, and nourishing them as Jesus did.  Today is the day we leave behind the invective, and put on the love and mercy of God extended to all.