“Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn, and cared for him.” – Luke 10:34
How often do we go out of our way to help someone in need? I have found that I tend to avoid these opportunities when they come to me. There are many examples of times when I have been slow to offer a helping hand.
Just the other day I was at a fast-food restaurant with my wife. We were waiting in line to get our drinks as a lady in front of us struggled to figure out the soda dispenser. We watched as she tried again and again to coax the touch screen machine to spit out her desired beverage. Finally, my better half came to the rescue and helped the woman navigate through the menu.
Likewise, it would not be unusual to drive past a stranded motorist on the highway, but it would be unusual for me to stop. For some reason, it simply seems easier and more convenient to assume that aid is already on the way or that someone else will be better able to help. In my head I justify my apathy by assuming that they have already used their cellphone to call for assistance.
Similarly, it is not uncommon to drive through the city and encounter people who are homeless and begging for help by means of a cardboard sign. Instead of offering them a few dollars or even just stopping to talk, I typically just stare straight ahead and continue with my day as if they did not exist. I might say a prayer for them, but beyond that, I don’t actually do much of anything to help them.
Why, then, do I hesitate to help? How can I so easily turn a blind eye to the needs of my fellow human beings? Honestly, it is because I lack love. I am too preoccupied with my own comfort, my own goals, and my own priorities that I neglect to do the most important thing our Lord commanded; love thy neighbor.
Far too often I allow fears of discomfort, danger, and embarrassment to dissuade me from reaching out to those all around me who are in need. Instead, I should take the same attitude as St. Ignatius of Loyola, who asked the Lord to make him generous enough to “give and not to count the cost.”
This same attitude of generosity compelled the Good Samaritan in the Gospel passage for this Sunday to care for a complete stranger while others passed him by. May the Lord find us being Good Samaritans as well and taking advantage of every opportunity that He gives us to love one another.
Merciful Father, flood our hearts with your generosity and love, so that our works of charity may overflow and bear much fruit for your kingdom. Amen.
