Puzzler

 I do crossword puzzles.  I only started doing them since I retired, and I'm not all that great at it.   I would say that I can do crossword puzzles in the medium range of difficulty.

Gerry does several a day, and is a master of the NY Times Sunday puzzle,  which keeps him occupied much of the afternoon.  (or maybe that is the acrostic quote??)

I do the puzzle from the Cortland Standard, and can usually do that one on my own.  If I get really stuck, all I have to do is ask Gerry.  He knows all the answers from his vast experience.

One does notice when clues reappear again and again.   I have discovered one that really bugs me!
The clue is:  Sermon Topic.  And the answer is:  Sin.

I suppose everyone is offended by something.  People of color are likely to be offended by racist comments or jokes.  People with disabilities do not like certain labels.  Women do not care for sexist comments.

So why I am offended by that particular crossword puzzle clue?  Maybe it is because it bugs me for all sermon material to be boiled down to that one little three letter word theme.  There are so many other better, more interesting and uplifting sermon topics.  And that particular one is probably not one I would choose unless faced with a scripture selection for the week which left me no other choice.

I'd be more likely to want to focus on things like the fruits of the spirit---love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,  gentleness, self control.  Then there is forgiveness and mercy and good works.

Healing is a good sermon topic, as is witnessing, and outreach and helping others.   I like the image of the persistent widow, and pressing on toward the goal.   Then there are the stories of conversion,  and not being afraid of the storm.   I like the story of the one lost sheep being found, and the prodigal son returning home.  I like the teachings about blessedness and perseverance in prayer, or about Jesus feeding the crowd.


I am offended that the entire range of possibilities for sermon topics has been boiled down to that one little word.

If I were creating the puzzle,  I would create a very different kind of answer.

The clue is:  Sermon Topic.    The answer is:  Grace.

Grace is the sermon topic that I prefer to preach.