Baptism is sometimes called enlightenment. The gospel for this Sunday is the story of the man born blind healed by Christ. I was blind, but now I see, declares the man. In baptism God opens our eyes to see the truth of who we are: God's beloved sons and daughters. As David was anointed king of Israel, in baptism God anoints our head with oil, and calls us to bear witness to the light of Christ in our daily lives.

Who can read this and not think of the old standard "Amazing Grace?"  With us Lutherans, it's all about grace.  Without grace, we are all lost.  Through God's grace, we're found, made to see, made safe, led home and saved.  Thanks and praise to God for his grace and salvation!  God loves us and gives us that grace, no matter how badly we mess up.  Share that grace with your neighbors. 

Spring is definitely here in Chattanooga.  All the trees are budding or blooming, the daffodils are in some cases here and gone already.  It's my favorite time of year.  There was a time when I dreaded Lent and having no alleluias, music mostly in minor keys...but now, it's like a great rebirth.  Not only is the earth being reborn, but we are being reborn as well.  Some of us give up something for Lent, some don't, but we all are anticipating the celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  It just doesn't get any better than that for Christians.  We ARE a Resurrection people.  Let's live every day with that Lenten anticipation.  Go ahead and stay with your plan to give something up (processed sugar, for me) and reflect on your life and what new life in Christ is all about.