The Good Samaritan

“If we see someone who needs help, do we stop? There is so much suffering and poverty, and a great need for good Samaritans.”

Pope Francis

The Good Samaritan Parable

Luke 10:25-37

25 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
 26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” 
27 And 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.” 
28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” 

34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 
35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ 
36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 
37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”

29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. 
31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 
32 So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 
33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 
“And you know, it’s possible that the priest and the Levite looked over that man on the ground and wondered if the robbers were still around. Or it’s possible that they felt that the man on the ground was merely faking. And he was acting like he had been robbed and hurt, in order to seize them over there, lure them there for quick and easy seizure. And so the first question that the Levite asked was, “If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?” But then the Good Samaritan came by. And he reversed the question: “If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?”
Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Good Samaritian Parable

The biblical parable of the Good Samaritan is a well-known story from the Gospel of Luke that teaches a valuable lesson about helping others in need. In the parable, a man is beaten and left for dead on the side of the road. A priest and a Levite both pass by without helping him, but a Samaritan, who was viewed as an enemy by the Jews, stops to help the man and takes care of him. This story serves as a reminder to always show compassion and kindness to those who are in need, regardless of their background or circumstances.

The message of the Good Samaritan is still relevant and important in today’s society. With so much division and conflict in the world, it is crucial to remember the importance of showing kindness and empathy towards others. In a time where people are quick to judge and discriminate against those who are different from them, the parable of the Good Samaritan serves as a powerful reminder to treat everyone with love and compassion.

By following the example of the Good Samaritan, we can strive to create a more inclusive and compassionate world. Whether it is through volunteering at a local charity, helping a friend in need, or simply taking the time to listen to someone who is struggling, each of us has the power to make a positive impact on the lives of others. In a society that often values success and wealth above all else, the parable of the Good Samaritan reminds us of the importance of showing kindness and generosity towards those who are less fortunate.

How The Parable Relates To Today

The parable of the Good Samaritan is a powerful story that teaches an important lesson about compassion, empathy, and helping those in need. In the story, a man is beaten and left for dead on the side of the road, and while several people pass by without offering help, it is the Samaritan who stops to assist him. This parable serves as a reminder that we should not only care for ourselves and those closest to us, but also for strangers and those who are different from us.

When we use the parable of the Good Samaritan as a base for civic action, we are reminded of the importance of being active and engaged members of our communities. Civic action involves volunteering, advocating for social justice, and working to make a positive impact on the world around us. Just as the Samaritan went out of his way to help the man in need, we too can take steps to support and uplift those who are marginalized or in need of assistance.

By embodying the values of the Good Samaritan in our civic actions, we not only make a difference in the lives of others, but also contribute to the greater good of society as a whole. When we show kindness and compassion to those around us, we create a more inclusive and supportive community where everyone feels valued and cared for. As college students, we have a unique opportunity to use our knowledge, skills, and resources to make a positive impact on the world and create a more just and compassionate society for all.

The Lessions From The Parable In Action

The Good Samaritan parable holds significance in civic and political action in the United States by highlighting the importance of compassion and empathy towards others. In a political context, this story serves as a reminder to lawmakers and policymakers to prioritize the well-being of all individuals, regardless of their background or beliefs. Just as the Good Samaritan cared for the injured man without regard for their differences, politicians should strive to enact policies that promote equality and justice for all citizens. This parable challenges us to look beyond our own self-interest and consider the needs of those around us, especially those who are marginalized or in need of assistance.

Furthermore, the Good Samaritan parable can inspire individuals to participate in civic engagement and advocacy efforts to address social injustices and promote positive change in their communities. By embodying the values of kindness and compassion demonstrated by the Good Samaritan, citizens can work together to advocate for policies that benefit the common good and uplift those who are in need. This story serves as a call to action for individuals to act with empathy and selflessness in their interactions with others, and to work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all.

In a time of political polarization and division, the Good Samaritan parable offers a timeless message of unity and solidarity. By reflecting on the teachings of this story, individuals can foster a sense of belonging and interconnectedness with their fellow citizens, regardless of their differences. This parable challenges us to break down barriers and work towards a society where we recognize and respect the humanity and dignity of all individuals. Ultimately, the Good Samaritan parable serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and compassion in fostering a more just and equitable society.

The good Samaritan parable is a poignant story that implores us to look beyond our differences and prejudices and extend a helping hand to those in need. It serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of compassion, empathy, and civic responsibility. In today’s society, where divisiveness and apathy seem to be on the rise, this parable remains incredibly relevant. It challenges us to actively engage in acts of kindness and generosity towards our fellow human beings, regardless of their background or beliefs. We must not only aspire to be like the good Samaritan but also recognize our duty to advocate for social justice, promote equality, and support marginalized communities through civic action. It is through these collective efforts that we can truly make a positive impact on our society and create a more inclusive and compassionate world for all.
Ah, the timeless tale of the Good Samaritan and its relevance to equitable distribution of resources. Picture this: a man on the roadside, beaten and left for dead. Along comes a priest, a Levite, and finally, a Samaritan. The first two pass by without lifting a finger to help, but it’s the Samaritan who stops, tends to his wounds, and even pays for his care. This story highlights the importance of helping those in need regardless of differences or prejudices. In terms of resource distribution, it serves as a reminder that we shouldn’t turn a blind eye to those less fortunate simply because they may not be in our immediate circle or community. We must strive to extend a helping hand and share our resources with others in order to create a more just and compassionate society. After all, we’re all neighbors in this big old world of ours!