In moments of worship and communion, I can’t help but see people — friends and strangers alike — through the lens of dignity: as human beings with inherent, even divine, worth. It may not change everything, but it changes me. And that’s a good start.

In this encounter, the man formerly blind since birth is the only person who can see Jesus in his fullness. From knowing Jesus’ name, to calling him prophet, to offering testimony and witness, the man has grown in his understanding and in his belief in Jesus.

Each week in The Christian Citizen, we publish a Religion News Roundup with summaries of religion news stories and links for those who want to read more.

Those who care deeply about the values of justice, mercy, and faith may find themselves more easily dehydrated spiritually in these times. But there is a fountain of living water, which can rehydrate, refresh, and renew us for the journey. 

God can bring new life – something creative – even out of the ashes of our worst nightmares.