Thoughts for another day

March 23, 2007

Today's verse: Lk. 10:37. Go, and do thou likewise. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

In the parable of the good Samaritan, we find a world of truth that Jesus gives us. The essence is, we are to reach out and help when help is needed of us. However we are generally apathetic to the situation and unless affected ourselves; we rarely get up to help. If we are not affected, we do not bother – the affected person be damned!

Just as Jesus was concerned about this attitude when He walked the planet, He is concerned today. He is looking at us as His instruments in reaching out to people. Jesus is even today telling us that our attitudes of keeping to ourselves, when our neighbor is in trouble is not right in Kingdom life. He knows that there may be a cost we need to pay in this. For e.g. if we see an accident victim and decide to take the person to the nearest hospital for treatment, we may be subject to much trouble by the authorities etc. But as this thought enters our minds, Jesus asks us to put ourselves in the shoes of that person: What if it was me who met with the accident and lay profusely bleeding?

My friend, this corollary applies not only to grievous hurt but also, day-to-day basic situations. We are not able to see our neighbor in some small need or we ignore it if we do. I remember, a discussion with the president of a parish association, engaged in helping the poor. This person was raising the association to the skies. I was so angry at his hypocrisy that I bluntly told him about a man who committed suicide, jumping in a well, pretty close to where he stays. Suicide, because that man couldn’t make two ends meet! And the irony is that this ‘president’ tells me he was not aware of the situation! Let me tell you, God is hurt. Very hurt when our hearts aren’t moved by the misery around. God’s heart is gripped with compassion for the unenabled. He wants to do something for them. He wants to use us as His instruments. Are we moved enough to be His instruments?