The Road to Jericho
Luke 10:25-37
Go and do likewise. v.37
Life is a road to Jericho. Many dangers lie in wait along that road. It is a road that passes through the shadow of the valley of death. The shadow of the cross lies across it.
As a person who went to hospitals and nursing homes as part of my on-going work, I’m always surprised by those who either won’t go or who go very reluctantly to visit a family member or a friend in the hospital. Sometimes they have had a bad experience with a hospital stay for themselves or someone they love. Sometimes seeing someone helpless in a hospital bed makes them feel too vulnerable themselves.
The folks, who passed up the man lying by the side of the road, all had good reasons for avoiding him. Fear for their own safety, the busyness of life, the fear of the demands that might be put on them. However, one person does stop. The Samaritan stops and helps. He places the bandaged man on his donkey, takes him to a place where he can rest and recover, promises to pay ahead and foot the bill whatever it might be. He also promises to return. This is not a one off.
The hearers can easily see and acknowledge that the Samaritan showed mercy. The Samaritan didn’t just see the injured man as neighbor, but also proved to be a neighbor by acting like one.
We often cite the 10 commandments when asked about the will of God—this is what God wants us to do. Or we cite the Great commandment of love for God and love for neighbor—this is what God wants us to do. Here is another command, “Go and do likewise.” Care for the sick and injured is more than charity, but also investment in the return to health. Showing mercy to the sick in our world, may be as simple as a visit to the hospital or a visit to a shut-in or as complicated as providing malaria nets or aid stations or building clinics and hospitals where medical care is non-existent. Whatever we do, we join the Samaritan in his errand of mercy. This what it means to live in the light of the resurrection in a world living in the shadow of the cross.
Prayer: O God the giver of health and wholeness, we give thanks for doctors, nurses, CNA’s, Medical Assistants, dentists and others who work together to maintain our health. Give them patience, compassion, and wisdom in their care of their patients. Help them to see you in each person they meet. Amen.
Fast: By beginning or restarting an exercise regimen.
Act: Support scientific research on a health with a contribution.
OR $1 for World Hunger Appeal medical projects.
...the least of these... 