As a child we are told that we lack musical talent, or that we are a liability to a sports team. It is true that not all of us will be great musicians or talented at sport, but with the right encouragement, training and opportunities it is amazing how far we can progress. In all these cases we exclude others from being part of our world and seek to build a world only for those whom we judge to be of worth. The kingdom Jesus Christ builds is one in which all are welcomed, and in welcoming others we grow in our humanity.
Jesus challenges us to examine our own attitudes towards others. In the parable of the good Samaritan He presents us with two ways of living. The first is that chosen by the priest and the Levite who pass by on the other side of the road to avoid the beaten man lying there. Jesus doesn’t tell us why they pass the man by. The shock to Jesus’ audience is increased when they hear that it is a Samaritan who comes to the aid of the man. It is the Samaritan who chooses the path of compassion, the path that leads to eternal life. The Samaritan sees a human being, someone who is like him, and he responds in compassion. In our lives do we look on others as threats, as obstacles to avoid, or do we look upon them as neighbors? The first path leads to a society in which pride and fear are the ruling forces, whereas the path chosen by the Samaritan is one in which humility and love rule. This is a challenge for each of us individually, but also for us collectively as a society.
In the parable of the good Samaritan Jesus Challenges us to examine our own hearts and to see how we are living according to God’s laws. Who is my neighbor? Those we know in our communities are most obviously neighbors to us, but do we always see them as human beings? Have we come to see them as obstacles to our own happiness? In opening our hearts to others, each of us battles against pride and fear. No one is beyond God’s love, and when we allow that love to enter our lives He will open our hearts to love others. This is why all our efforts to love our neighbor must start with prayer, in which we turn to God, knowing that without God’s healing love all our efforts will be in vain. God has loved us and accepted us, so that we can love and accept others.