*"Having _compassionate hearts_ and becoming true 'Missionaries of Mercy!'"*
One of the vivid observations that we can have from this parable is the "sin of omission" from the part of the first two possible helpers - the Priest and the Levite.
The man who was attacked, and lay in pain and anguish along the road from "Jerusalem to Jericho"…
… was in need of immediate attention
… was in need of aid and assistance
But the parable says that both - the Priest and Levite - responsible and supposedly God-serving people - refused to extend help.
There could be several reasons proposed as to why they did not stop by, to help the one in need.
Maybe…
… they risked ritual and social impurity - since they were at the Temple of the Lord and touching the man had a risk of defilement.
… they were short of time - wanting to make sure they would reach in time for their Temple duties
… they were afraid of the robbers - since this 17 mile stretch from Jerusalem to Jericho was robber-infested
… they were indifferent to the cause of the needy - only being concerned with cultic service of the Lord and not translating them into acts of mercy
… they had a past experience of having faced danger - and were unwilling to put themselves into risk once again
… they were unable to set their priorities in order - unable to distinguish and discern that, not just Temple service, but even helping a needy person forms part of a true spirituality
The reasons….
… could be varied
… could be speculated
… could be argued upon
But one thing is certain: They failed to help a person in need…
… and thus had a missed a chances in doing good and serving Him!
This "missing the chance in doing good" constitutes the "sin of omission"
Yes, our daily life gives us ample opportunities to do good…
… and more than equal, are the number of opportunities that are often lost, in doing good.
Young persons who stray away from the honest and right paths of life - knowingly or unknowingly, willingly or purposely…
… demand our attention to pray for them and to find creative ways of bringing them back to the right path
Broken families which face crisis - either due to spousal misunderstandings or children's worries or financial constraints or any other problems…
… cry out to us, to intervene in their lives by interceding for them and to become channels of peace, reconciliation and harmony.
In all such causes and similar cases, we are challenged to be the "Good Samaritan"…
… being humble enough to get down to our knees
… being daring and courageous to face humiliations in extending help
… being compassionate and caring to do follow-ups on our acts of mercy
It is only thus that we can firmly follow the commandments to inherit eternal life (Lk 10:25):
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength and with all your mind…
… and your neighbour as yourself!" (Lk 10: 27)
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Sr. Saluja OSMCERTIFIED LIFE STRATEGIST & EXECUTIVE MENTOR
Dedicated to guiding ambitious individuals, entrepreneurs, and seekers toward clarity, resilience, and actionable life mastery. Over 10+ years of mentoring.
