Today’s scripture: Luke 10:25-37 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Zier):
When you encounter someone standing at a street corner with a sign sharing the trouble they are in, asking for assistance (job, food, money, etc.), how do you respond? Is your first reaction to judge them, to have compassion for them, or to stop long enough to give them a dollar? How many times do we avoid and try not to notice, walk on the “other side” as the priest did in Jesus parable?
I remember when I was little (1960s) when we would be walking in downtown Washington, D.C., a parent would grab me and we would cross the street when someone of a different race was approaching. Or we would be driving down the street and then be instructed to lock the doors in “certain” neighborhoods. This is exactly how the priest and Levite responded in the parable.
So many times, judgment is part of our response, even if nothing is said. “Why can’t he get a job?” “She should go somewhere hidden away, so I don’t have to see this! Don’t occupy my road or space.” “He is too lazy to work.” Or it may be just an action — I will silently cross the street and avoid, or lock my door.
Jesus is using this parable to demonstrate who our neighbor is. Our neighbor can be the one in trouble, the one we want to avoid, or the one we fail to see.
It is easy to treat our friends and our families well because we receive back from them. But when we are called to be a neighbor to someone when nothing is given back in return, or even worse, to someone that makes us feel uncomfortable, it can be difficult and our judgmental side rears its ugly head. Perhaps it is even someone of a different race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, or someone who is disabled physically or mentally, etc.
How do you respond? This is not to say that we can all respond in the same way to help in every situation. Showing compassion can be a prayer, or just stopping to talk for a few minutes and providing a listening ear. Everyone is blessed differently, and gifted in various ways. Walking on the other side means we are just avoiding. Challenge yourself and walk on the same side of the street. Show compassion and give yourself permission to help others in need. Let others know that they are your neighbor, even if only with a smile or a simple hello to others walking down the street. It will help others feel “welcome” as one of your neighbors.
Thought for the Day: How am I a good neighbor?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.