By Clay Collins, MSG Chaplain
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“But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, ‘who, is my neighbor?’ And Jesus, answering said, ‘A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise, a Levite passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan came by and when he saw the man, he had compassion for him. He went to him, bound up his wounds, pouring oil and wine, and put him on his own beast, and took him to an inn, and took care of him.”
Luke 10:29-34
I just realized that this month’s column tends to go right along with last month’s. Maybe I should have written this for last month, then had last month’s for this month, but I digress!
I am sure that I have asked this question before, but it probably needs to be asked again (and again!); do we really know our neighbors? I mean really know them enough that we can feel comfortable walking up to them, and start talking to them?
Are you able to be the ‘Good Samaritan’ in Jesus’ parable? This Samaritan, who was considered an outcast, a low life, not one to be associated with, saw a man in trouble, hurting, next thing to being dead, and helped him. This Samaritan did not know this injured man and did not know how this man felt about Samarians himself, but he helped him anyway!
If you read the verses before those at the top (Luke 10:25-37), you will get the entire feel for the parable. Here Jesus explains just what a neighbor is. Your neighbor is not just the people who live next door, but everyone. Throughout the Bible, we are told to be kind, and treat each other as we would want to be treated. This is very hard to do many times.
It seems in this day and age people have developed a “not my problem, don’t get involved” attitude. We are afraid that if we do get involved, we will somehow get hurt by helping out. We must learn from the Samaritan.
He was not afraid to get involved. He did NOT give a second thought to any repercussions if he helped the injured man. He just saw a man who was hurt. He took care of him. There is no evidence of the man’s health after that, but we are to believe he survived.
Jesus, in His teachings, wanted us to just be kind to one another. To help, support, and love each other. We can do it! I know we can!
Until the next time, “Be well, do good work, and keep in touch.” Don’t forget to thank a veteran and all first responders for their service!!
Benediction: Gracious Father of us all, help us to understand the teachings of Jesus. Help us to be kind to our neighbors, whoever they may be. We pray in Thy holy name. Amen.”
Thought for the month:
If God sends you down a stony path, may He give you strong shoes
an Irish Blessing