Focus
As you quiet yourself for this brief time, be willing to be open to God in whatever way that may take place.
Read
Luke 10:25-37 (NRSV)
Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he said, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the law? What do you read there?’ He answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.’ And he said to him, ‘You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.’
But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, ’And who is my neighbor?’ Jesus replied, ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while travelling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, “Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.” Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?’ He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’
Reflect
“The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.” G.K. Chesterton.
The Christian ideal, which is summed up in the parable of the Good Samaritan, is not just Christian; it is also Jewish. No doubt the lawyer was aware of the prophet Hosea’s God-inspired statement; “I have desired mercy more than sacrifice.” And no doubt the priest and the Levite who crossed to the far side of the road to avoid the robbery victim believed they were in compliance with their sacrificial atonement.
It was mercy that made the Samaritan a neighbor to the victim, and love that placed him in compliance with the great directive. God created humankind for one purpose: to love others. That is the Christian ideal, but it won’t be easy. Let’s not cross the road to avoid it.
Pray
God, grant us the wisdom and strength to stay on the side of the road that is the Christian ideal. Amen.
Go with God.
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