Day Two: The Priest Who Walked By

Yesterday, we thanked God for all the occasions He has worked through us to help others. Yet, if you're like me, you'll also be guilty of missing many other opportunities. I feel bombarded by needs when I receive regular emails from countless charities asking me to give. Numerous campaigns would like my signature, tweet or share, and I walk past the homeless in the street whom I don't have time to help. Images of war and terror in the news leave me feeling impotent and powerless; could I even make a difference if I tried? Furthermore, as the founder of a charity helping women in Nepal, I often feel overwhelmed by their needs: drug addiction, alcoholism, poverty, abuse, poor working conditions, rape, and forced marriage. I could go on.

I don't identify with the Good Samaritan who came across a lone man who needed help; instead, I feel surrounded by people who need assistance, so I put my head down and walk on.

Let's take another look at Van Gogh's painting of the parable of the Good Samaritan. Further along the path through the gorge and walking away from us are two people. We know from Jesus' words in Luke's gospel that they are the priest and the Levite. Two pious people who could have helped the traveller following the attack on him by bandits but who chose not to. Although the Good Samaritan has stopped to help, neither the priest nor the Levite are concerned enough to look back and see how the traveller is faring.

When I ignore people and problems, delete emails and choose not to give, am I acting like the priest and Levite who decided not to help and walked on?

If this is you, too, there is hope, and we'll explore that more tomorrow. However, let's take a moment today to confess our negligence and ask God to change us.

Reflect: Be honest with God about the occasions when you could have helped someone but didn't.

Prayer: Merciful God, we confess that we have not always helped others when we have had the opportunity to do so. Forgive us and give us hearts of compassion. May we see others through Your loving eyes and have the wisdom and energy to help when You would have us do so. Amen.