"Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but fear your God. I am the Lord." Leviticus 19:14
My son's best friend recently wrote a research paper on something few of us really understand - what it is like to be blind. As part of his research, he spent an entire school day without his ability to see. The stories he shared about this experience are both interesting and disturbing.
The day was planned in advance. His teachers and friends were fully aware of the experiment. When it was all over, he commented how much he had learned, especially who his real friends were.
As if the challenge wasn't great enough, most of his day was spent steering around obstacles and listening to the taunts of others. One teacher had special fun calling on him to read what was on the board; others laughed as he bumped into walls and desks. Very few - only one that I know of, my daughter - reached out to say, "Let me help you."
Oh, the obstacles and jeers were all in jest. He has been a part of many pranks in his day. But what disturbs me most is: this day was spent at a Christian school.
Aren't we called to a higher standard? Shouldn't we be reaching out to a brother who is in need - if only for a one day experiment? If we cannot help on one day, how can we expect to make a difference in a life time?
God commands us to be holy because He is holy. Shouldn't we help just because it is the right thing to do?
Lord, forgive us. We are Your Body, yet we don't reach out to our brothers - much less the lost among us. Help me to be mindful of those who need to be reminded of Your love. Give me the grace to care for those in need of Your touch.