We usually hear the parable of the Good Samaritan as an appeal to do good and to help the stranger in need. This is true and necessary, especially in a world so often characterized by our neglect of one another. Now imagine that you are the person in the ditch and that your rescue is delivered by someone whom you would never consider to be your neighbor, your friend, or your sister or brother in the faith. Imagine that your greatest need is filled by such a person. What would that teach us about the meaning of loving God and loving neighbor? In short, we might discover that loving God and neighbor know no bounds, that if we look at the world with God’s eyes we would see Good Samaritans all around us. Thanks be to God!
