Meditation for Trinity 4 2025
Collect for Trinity 4
O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that with you as our ruler and guide, we may pass through the things of this world and gain the eternal things: Grant this, heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake, our Lord.
Luke 10: 25-37
A lawyer stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he said, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the law? What do you read there?’ He answered, ‘You shall 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 your neighbour as yourself.’ And he said to him, ‘You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.’
But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbour?’ Jesus replied, ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while travelling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, “Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.” Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?’ He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’
I suspect that the parable of the Good Samaritan is one of the widest known of all.
It takes place on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho, approximately 17 miles long. It was a difficult journey, dropping around 1000 metres through rugged sometimes narrow terrain with lots of possible hiding places for bandits and robbers. It has history – David, Joshua and others in the OT are travellers upon it, but it was also a winter resort for rulers and rich people.
We don’t know why the man was travelling – but we do know he was robbed, badly beaten and left for dead – his body wasn’t even hidden, just left in the middle of the road so that people would have to step over it to get past.
The Priest does nothing – he knows the law, and doesn’t want to be tainted by touching a person who might be dead, which would involve him in a prolonged period of cleansing. He justifies his inaction on the basis that he wouldn’t be able to do his job properly. There’s a Levite coming along – he’s not as important as the Priest. He will be better equipped to help.
The Levite doesn’t do anything either. He says it’s not his job and anyway the traveller deserves what he got. Shouldn’t have been walking alone. Anyway, it could be a trap to get him to stop. There will be plenty of others who will help.
These are examples of what is called the ‘Bystander Effect’ – people are reluctant to help if they think there are others who are present.
The Samaritan – half Jew and half Gentile, mutually estranged and opposed to both. But he sees a need, and is moved in compassion to do something about it, despite the potential consequences and cost to himself.
The innkeeper takes responsibility for sanctuary, but only when assured of payment.
We know that Jesus’ lesson is about unconditional service of our neighbours, whoever they might be.
But what if it was set today?
A man and his young family, threatened by his political or religious beliefs, try to escape persecution at home. On his journey, they face violence and hardship. When they get within sight of safety, they are rejected by both government and existing population and sent to a country who accepts payment with no guarantee of ongoing support. Just asking…
A prayer from Christian Aid
Lord, who changed the story
from stranger to sibling,
equip us to change the story.
From frustration to freedom,
for those stuck in refugee camps.
From panic to peace,
for those separated from families.
From trafficking to safe passage,
for those on perilous journeys.
From despair to hope,
for hearts weary with grief.
From worry to hospitality,
for minds uncertain of change.
From crisis to opportunity,
for countries providing a home.
From foreigner to family,
as we were welcomed by you.
May we never miss meeting your gaze,
in the eyes of our sibling, the stranger.
Amen.
Previous Posts
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Just like those early disciples and apostles there’s an important work to continue. You and I are part of that bunch of followers – ordinary people – let’s keep that in mind – as we reach out to others, each and every day of our lives.
Praying Together 23rd August 2026
Cambridge dictionary definition: ‘Conform’ – to behave according to the usual standards of behaviour that are expected by a group or society.
Praying Together 16th August 2026
We share the shame of both if we fail to address the divisive hatred within our own purportedly Christian ‘tribe’ before condemning others. For Scripture also says Judge not lest ye yourself be judged (Matthew 7:1). Jesus Himself makes it clear that hypocrisy has no place in a Kingdom founded upon love.
Praying Together 9th August 2026
Trusting Jesus and obeying His call takes commitment, it takes faith, it takes the courage to face antagonism, discomfort and sometimes suffering.
Praying Together 26th July 2026
Just cling to the promise that neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord
Pray Together 19th July 2026
We define hope as ‘to want something to happen or to be true, and have a good reason to think that it might’.
Praying Together 12th July 2026
But the real task to which godparents promise is to ensure that the newly-baptised are supported in their Christian growth, by prayer, advice and example.
Praying Together 5th July 2026
We obey His command, but not as slaves – instead, he invites us to be willing servants, alongside the freedom to always ask and reason together with Him as we choose our actions. Therein lies the path to Wisdom, and in God’s Wisdom lies gentleness, humility and rest for our souls.
Praying Together 21st June 2026
‘You are of more value than many sparrows.’
Yes perhaps we are – but that doesn’t mean that sparrows have no value at all.
Praying Together 31st May 2026
Throughout the world, greeting one another with a kiss is a standard way of greeting – once, twice or more (four times in some regions of of France.) In our less demonstrative culture, we perhaps tend to ‘Share the peace’ by means of a nod, wave, handshake a hug or sometimes even a kiss itself in order to respect what we understand as the boundaries of a person’s ‘personal space’.
Praying Together 17th May 2026
‘Somethin’s comin’, don’t know what it is, but it is gonna be great’
Praying Together 10th May 2026
This week I offer a report of our Archbishop John’s Introductory address to this week’s General Synod. It speaks for itself. I wish certain political leaders would read it too.