Jesus uses very strong words in this parable: attacked, stripped, beaten, left half dead! We cannot simply overlook or ignore them. But, isn’t this exactly how we feel when we are most in need of God’s loving mercy, and the acknowledgement, compassion and loving care of a good neighbour?
Jesus makes no mistake in pointing out
exactly what circumstances call for us to be loving and caring towards one another, or to receive the loving care of others.
In today’s noisy, fast-moving world, it is so easy not to notice the troubles and predicaments of those around us. Often this applies to those closest to us – our spouses, children, parents and family. But it also makes us insensitively ‘blind’ to the real needs of our friends or strangers around us.
Surely, with this graphic description of the man attacked, Jesus wants to say, “Open your eyes, ears and hearts! We find these people everywhere. They are your neighbours!”
Spend some time imagining Jesus’ description of the man in need of neighbourly care in this story. Allow God to bring to mind those in your life whom Jesus would consider someone in need of your
compassion and help. Ask him to show you how to reach out.
Reflections by Reggie Venter
