The concept of the Good Samaritan is one that is understood the world over. Here was a man who stepped over the divide of belief systems to help someone in need. It is a seminal lesson in how we are to care for each other.
The man who was robbed and beaten is unidentified. A priest had walked by and done nothing. A Levite passed on the other side of the road. But the Samaritan took pity on him, bandaged his wounds, put him on his own donkey and took him to an inn where he paid for his lodging.
There were no questions about which books of the Old Testament the beaten man used in his worship, or whether his beliefs had pagan roots. The Samaritan did not try to find out if the wounded man had been one of those who had so rudely rejected the Samaritan request to help rebuild the temple. Neither did the Samaritan stop to find out if the inn was run by a man of like faith. He simply trusted and believed in another person of good will.
Yet, today, 2000+ years later churches have difficulty working with each other to help their mutual neighbors. The problem is so great in some cities that certain charities only accept their support if two or more churches join together in an effort. One of these organizations puts on clinics in inner city schools. They offer free dental services, medical check-ups, and other medical needs that are often difficult to obtain in a poor urban environment. If a large church comes to them saying they don't need a partner church, they are told to find one and call back. Why?
The main goal of this group is to promote unity between people who love God. And it works. So it is with UNITE INDY. We will need everyone to make the significant changes demanded in our poorest neighborhoods and across our city where the need overwhelms the available resources. It's a new day here in Indianapolis. The Good Samaritan is alive and well in our city. And Jesus said, "Which of these do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him. Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."
Blessings,
Nancy
