The parable is a good way to approach the issue of charity and justice. Charity is motivated by compassion, and it is often an immediate response to a crying need. Charity is direct aid for a basic human need. Sometimes the Scripture calls it almsgiving. The word is ancient English and seems to come straight from Greek for mercy I think of the movie Schindler’s List or the recently deceased Englishman Sir Nicholas winton w who saw a whole theater stand when asked whose lives he saved (667) total.. Jesus plays s on the prejudice of the audience here. Movies love to play on the ordinary on, even a looked down upon person, a scoundrel, who rises to the occasion. The coterie in Wizard of Oz-Harry Potter’s group-Frodo-- Bogart in Casablanca-
Good Samaritan has been made synonymous with someone who helps out in a time of need. The story is stronger, it is the last person one would suspect would ever help out someone in need. Alcoholic, womanizer-wife wrote that he was between light and shadow-less about Jews but about human beings-.the story also has become the last word in christian charity. For me, it is a plea for justice, for changes in the way things are into the way they could be. Why is the Jericho road so dangerous?
Let us be clear. The Samaritan is the last person the audience expects would provide aid and comfort. The Samaritan does not blame the victim for his plight. The Samaritan does not ask if the victim is worthy of aid. The others pass by hoping not to establish eye contact and maybe resentful at the sight of yet more misery. Maybe they are rushing off as they have important work to do. Maybe they shake their head feeling that what they could offer is not enough. Maybe they are afraid that if they stop to help they will be the next victim.
Passing by in silence when you are doing something important perhaps. Study in social psychology about stopping to help when you have an appointment.
In Amos the king passes by in essence by refusing to hear prophecy of doom. It reminds me of the House Science Committee’s refusal to listen to scientific studies , or refusal to fund research on certain topics-New Brueggemann piece on how system try to silence opposing points of view or isolate or marginalize them.we stop up our hearts from hearing as well as walk on by when we see trouble brewing or right in front of us (chapin Carpenter on not letting eyes meet)
Unlike a sword or pickaxe ,tin or plaster, a plumb line gives the sense that there is still hope to Most English translations of the Bible, When we consider symbols of justice in our culture, Lady Justice likely springs to mind. This woman (sometimes with a blindfold), who carries a set of scales in one hand and a sword in the other, is everywhere--from the Supreme Court to the local courthouse. The origins of this depiction can be traced as far back as ancient Egypt, to the goddess Ma’at, whose name indicates “straightness”
In a world of heartlessness,the only hope one can have is an act of mercy,an act of compassion,a completely unexpected act which is rooted neither in duty nor in natural relationships,which will suspend the action of the cruel, violent,heartless world in which we live."— Anthony Bloom,
We are so small. Careful with the word just. Careful with what we cannot do because we are small in numbers or perceived resources. Mercy in motion and to whom
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