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.
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