This is Martin Luther King day, and I’m sure that yesterday pulpits of predominately white churches were filled by persons of color (as they say today) reminding attendees of the vision and legacy of Dr. King. What a shame that 40 years later, we’re still struggling with prejudice. Actually, there have been great strides made in American (and others) society regarding opportunity and justice.
The speaker I heard yesterday spoke of when Jesus and his disciples chanced upon a blind man who was probably identifiable as a “philosopher”–probably from the Greek tradition and someone most likely not identified as “spiritual.” When the man called out for mercy, the disciples, seeing he was not one of them, told him to be quiet. Jesus, seeing that he was a human being with a soul longing for healing, healed the man. One group was “prejudiced” by the outward person–he’s not one of us. Jesus was “prejudiced” (that is, has a preconceived opinion about a person or group) in quite the other direction. He was predisposed to think of people as sinners in need of healing and saving no matter what group, actions, lifestyle, etc.
This talk reminded me of this blog from Liz Strauss about a person of influence–words from a song (No Secrets) by Carly Simon. Talks about a way of life that we all should be living. Toward everyone we meet.
His friends are more than fond of Robin
He doesn’t need to compliment them
And always as he leaves he leaves them
Feeling proud just to know him … — His Friends Are More Than Fond of Robin
Faith Venture 
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