Jesus Opens Our Spiritual Eyes (Proper 30 Year B)

 

The Readings teach us that experiences of Jesus /Holy Spirit open our spiritual eyes so we can see things our minds cannot grasp. Bartimaeus, Paul and Job all heard the voice of God and were able to understand things they could not figure out in their heads. This is why there is a disconnect between those who have experienced Jesus / Holy Spirit and those who have not.

 

1.   Jobs tormenters show us how foolish we are

Experiences of God's Glory Give Us Hope (Transfiguration)

 The supernatural worldview of the Bible has been lost to many in the Church. The power of God and the glory of God has been lost and forgotten. For many people Christianity has been reduced from a revealed religion to a philosophy of life. This has made us weak and ineffective. We all need experiences of the power and glory of God to give us hope in this dark time. The good news is that the Bible is full of examples and teachings that help us grow spiritually from knowing about Jesus to experiencing Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Our ministry is to share this good news and give those around us hope.

1.   The Hebrews Experienced God’s Glory

Jesus Still Feeds Our Spiritual Life (Proper 17)

 The Readings remind us that we all depend on Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, to feed us spiritually as well as physically. Sadly many people stumble over the feeding miracle and miss the key spiritual message:

• Miracle teaches us who Jesus is - the divine Messiah
• Feeding of 5,000 is a foretaste of the bread and wine of Holy Communion
• Holy Communion is the covenant meal that connects us and strengthens our love relationship with Jesus
• Bread is the essential for physical life just as Jesus spiritual body and blood is essential for spiritual life
• Reminds us and feeds our spiritual life by proclaiming the Good News of forgiveness and reconciliation

2. Forgiveness and Reconciliation opens our Spiritual Eyes