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 traveling 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
A childhood memory for all of us who grew up in the church is hearing the parable of the Good Samaritan.
After the story was read to us, our teachers would ask “Which person did the right thing? Which one was a neighbor to the injured man?”
Our innocent voices dutifully answered, “The one who helped the man who was hurt.” How easy it was for us to answer that question as children. We couldn’t imagine walking by on the other side to avoid someone in need, or not helping someone who was injured.
But, now as adults, especially in the caustic climate in which we live, how do we really respond? Do we truly aid those in need around us? We used to think that, yes, we would be neighborly to those less fortunate than us, but how often is this a thought that isn’t turned into an action?
Pray
Loving God, please help us to serve you by serving those around us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Go with God!
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