Ways to Help (1)

25 On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

26 “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

27 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

28 “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

A well-known proverb helps us think about different ways to respond to poverty: “Give a person a fish, and they will eat for a day. Teach them how to fish, and they will eat for a lifetime.” Both approaches can be appropriate, depending on the circumstances and whether they involve short-term or long-term needs.

In the parable of the good Samaritan, Jesus illustrates the “give a fish” model. The Samari­tan responds compassionately and generously to the immediate needs of the wounded traveler. He bandages the man’s wounds and doesn’t concern himself, for now, with whether the roadway should have better security!

Sometimes a bandage is what is needed. When winter temperatures in our city plunge far below freezing and homeless shelters beg for mittens and socks, that’s a need calling for an immediate solution. Similarly, when a cyclone tears up a community in Bangladesh and people are left homeless and without food and water, short-term relief is vital for saving lives.

I thank God for the generosity of people everywhere who respond to needs that arise from natural disasters. And yet bandages, while necessary, are temporary. Compassion for the poor and a commitment to overcome poverty can require more.

Lord, like the Samaritan, we long to show love to our neighbors in need. Help us to be generous and wise in the opportunities you present to us. In Christ, Amen.