This is such a well-known story. The despised Samaritan is the only one who actually helps the victim. The modern version might have the helper as a recent refugee, or someone on social security with lots of tattoos. The Jewish audience would have been impressed by a good Jewish person who goes out of their way and risks their own life to help someone who might have been a non-Jew. By making a Samaritan the role model of righteous behaviour, Jesus has just given another reason for to crucify him.
For God the barriers of belief, behaviour, gender or sexuality don’t stop God’s compassion and help for someone in need. He calls each one of us, in our own ways, to put love into non-discriminating action.
Under all that is the deeply loving acts of Jesus, who gave himself up to death on the cross, that we might receive the gift of forgiveness, and the gift of knowing that God is with us, no matter what. Jesus keeps binding up our wounds, and cleaning us up, so that we can start to heal, and start to recover. Knowing and experiencing that allows us to be compassionate.
For the children’s talk I shared about face-planting off my bike in 2017. We counted up at least 12 people who helped me, and I sure needed that help (including 1 ¾ hours with the facial surgeon). At least half the helpers were unpaid. When have been the times that you were in trouble, and received help from unexpected people? We have a God who provides help in so many different ways. I’m sure that you have also helped many. Keep it up, as you are able.
