Deuteronomy 30:10-14; Colossians 1:15-20; Luke 10:25-37
Despite the scholar’s intention to trap Jesus, we learn from him to dig deeper. The Son reminds us to love the Father whole-heartedly. Following that we are to love our neighbor. But this man asks the next question. Who’s our neighbor? Jesus gives a clear example of helping those we encounter. Our efforts to help others are often prompted by immediate need and we see instant, positive results. We cannot allow people’s pain, suffering and need to be invisible or fall on deaf ears.
However, that only addresses one aspect of loving our neighbor. The Good Samaritan didn’t just bring him to the inn though, he returned. This was not a simple, random act of kindness. Because he made provisions and intended to return, he made a commitment. He didn’t say, “It’s someone else’s turn, I did my bit.” Our Good Samaritan was not texting, worrying about his next Facebook post or having a beer with co-workers. Whatever was on his mind didn’t distract him from paying attention to others.
But we can go further than observing and addressing needs right before us. Unlike Jesus’ day, because of technology, we are aware of the needs and suffering of people beyond our immediate vicinity. The wounds of the world seem to be getting deeper and rawer. There is so much to do that triaging becomes necessary. Where should we focus our energies? Where to start?
The first reading has the answer. “For this command that I enjoin on you today is not too mysterious and remote for you…No, it is something very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts; you have only to carry it out” (Dt 5:12, 14).
Maybe we think about equal opportunity and fair employment practice, are concerned with the plight of a specific ethnic group or immigration issues. Perhaps we dwell on care for the sick, elderly and dying, or think about the homeless and hungry. More than just gifts and talents, we’ve been given insights and interests. If we objectively study our motivations, attitudes and preoccupations, we get a sense of our internal world’s panoramic landscape. When these thoughts pop up repeatedly and we find a sense of urgency and insistence in our hearts, we know we’ve been called and invited in a special and specific way.
If we notice the happenstance, accidents, unexpected surprises, experiences which hit us “out of the blue,” we can often see a message or suggestion of action we may have missed. Loving our neighbors as ourselves requires us to sacrifice something; the Good Samaritan gave up his time and money; and made a longer term commitment. Such sacrifice is countercultural.
Reflection Questions
- Is there anyone who I’ve made a commitment to whom I should reach out to at present?
- What preoccupations, interests and issues are on my mind and in my heart on a regular basis?
- What might I be invited and called to sacrifice in service of others?
© 2016 Marilyn MacArthur, all rights reserved
Writing to Pray 