Eucharistic Gospel Reading for Sunday of Proper 10: Year C
“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.” said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10: 36 and 37)
This is the parable of the Good Samaritan. It is a well known, but too rarely followed, example of expected Christian behavior.
Jesus explains that not just regular Israelites passed by the injured man, but indeed a Levite (the tribe from whom priest come; and also a priests himself passes without even getting close to the injured man. Then a Samaritan, those who the Israelites disowned, puts forth both medical aid and financial support.
There is no hint about the Samaritan’s faith or belief in words, only deeds. What he believes is expressed in his behavior. Rather than getting into theological debates with people about different beliefs we, who call ourselves Christians, should just follow our Lord Jesus’ instruction to “Go and do likewise.”
From the Gospel reading for today Jesus tells of the Samaritan who finds a wounded man left for dead on the side of the road. The Samaritan is not necessarily a doctor but he cared about human life. He tended to the man and made provisions for his continued care. The very people entrusted with the spiritual care of the people (the Priest and the Levite) pondered the negative consequences to themselves and avoided contact with the wounded man. They thought that if the man was dead, and they touched him, they would then be defiled and not fit to enter the temple.
Any faith that hinders our compassion to help others, any others, or at least investigate their situation, should be more closely examined. This includes some Christian walks in life as well. We never know when fate will alter our situation in life. It could be disease, or an accident, or fires, or storms, or even evil people as in this case of robbers who left this man for dead. When we notice someone in bad shape we should remember that they are our neighbors. All people on this planet are our neighbors. This is the point that Jesus is making.
We are called by God to have compassion for all people who are in any kind of distress. And where there is doubt, check it out. Your investigation may make a real difference in the lives of the distressed, it may even save a life. But know this; as you notice the unfortunate situations of others, God is noticing you. Be the neighbor to those who are in need. Show mercy, go and do likewise.
As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
Let us pray: (BCP p. 231)
O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
onewhoponders 