Just then 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 neighbor 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 neighbor?" 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 traveling 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 neighbor 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." Luke 10:25-37
We live in a time when too many folks have been declared as enemies, outcasts and illegal. In Jesus' time, Samaritans were the "other", the outcast and enemy. The good, religious people pass the man by, for fear maybe, or not wanting to get involved. It is likewise in these times. It is always time to show mercy; it is always the time to see everyone as our neighbors. Yes, we live in times of conflict and great fear. Yet, the times that Jesus lived in were no less fraught and scary. Their homeland was occupied by a foreign government. The religious leaders judged everyone's behavior harshly. Jesus loved and healed people despite all of that. We are invited to be kind and loving, bringing mercy to those who no one will stop for, who others are afraid of, and who in their difference are cast aside.
A Litany for Sunday July 13th, 2025
Wondrous Creator, you give us your peace
so we might spread peace and mercy here
while we live on this sacred and fragile planet.
Lord Jesus, empower us so we can go and do likewise.
We have turned former friends into enemies
for they look, speak and pray differently
those you see no difference among people.
Lord Jesus, empower us so we can go and do likewise.
The times are full of cruelty and judgment
yet you know we humans can do more than hate
we can love our neighbor and change our world.
Lord Jesus, empower us so we can go and do likewise.
Sometimes we are overwhelmed by our fears
help us to shake off the fear and care for others.
Lord Jesus, empower us so we can go and do likewise.
We try to hide behind our gates and our walls
but you see the need and call us to respond today.
Lord Jesus, empower us so we can go and do likewise.
Make us your people again, Lord, as we venture out
carrying your love, your mercy and your justice.
Lord Jesus, empower us so we can go and do likewise. Amen.
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