Today we hear one of the most famous parables uttered by Jesus: the Good Samaritan. It is well-known and often used to illustrate a variety of theological and social truths. But ultimately, the story should not even need to be told. Jesus should not even have needed to bring it up IF only people were living what Moses had told them in Deuteronomy. As he says, the commandment [to love God and love your neighbor as yourself] “is something very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts; you have only to carry it out.”
Most of scripture and theology is common sense. Most religious doctrine is common sense. The problem is sense is not common to most people. What should be obvious is often obscured by legalese and posturing and making excuses about why we can’t behave properly. Instead of fixing the issues of the day, we create reasons about why we can’t make things better. Generally, it centers around, “it’s someone else’s fault” or “I would fix the problem but so-and-so is preventing me from doing so.”
The Samaritan in the parable just did what needed doing. He did not let his own fears or preconceived notions prevent him from doing the right thing. He truly was living God’s commands which were written on his heart. May each of us learn to be more like the Samaritan and do what is right, true, holy, and just and leave the details to the Lord.
