Monday 19 March 2007

We pick up with the parable about being a neighbor.

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?" (Luke 10:25-26) He answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, 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." (Luke 10:27-28) 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, he passed by on the other side. (Luke 10:29-32) But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. (Luke 10:33) 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. (Luke 10:34)

To come near and to have pity is one thing...it is a beginning...it is what we so often do not do. But then, to move - not away but toward the trouble or danger - is an action not taken by many. It is at this point that our live come in direct contact with others. This is the place where healing begins to happen. This is the time when transformation is possible. The Samaritan does what is immediately needed. Who knows what wounds there were? What we know is that humanity becomes full in that action of one person taking on the responsibility for the welfare of another - and that other...is no known. This is a bold step. I'm not recommending as action for us to take. I am taking time to wonder about what this means today. How do we enter into risk...become vulnerable and in that movement become more human - in the image of God - unsettled until all are well? I am complete amazed at how far this Samaritan goes to see to this other person's needs and care. This is an act of mercy and grace. Some people say mercy and grace are fine but justice is the most important thing. And yet, what saved this brutalized man was mercy and grace and a heart filled with the meaning of how God's humanity is meant to act when needs arise.

Connection: We may not have to bind up someone' wounds and take them to a shelter, but we may find ourselves in a situation today when we are the ones who are given the opportunity to be a blessing to another person simply by being utterly human - in the image of God.

Lord, within your compassion you walk with and alongside and even in our shoes so that we might have this glimpse of how the Reign of God looks when humanity is swept up into its gracious power. We give you thanks for the many people who lead the way to bring a light of hope and love and care into a world that can be so disconnected and self-centered. Praise to you and blessed by the Spirit of Life that creates new life among us. Amen.