“Which of these three do you think was a neighbour 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.” Luke 10 ; 36 - 37

Readings this week Deuteronomy 30 : 9 - 14; Colossians 1 : 1 - 14; Luke 10 : 25 - 37

Thought for this week

Our gospel reading features Jesus’ Parable of the Good Samaritan. A parable that has become so well known and familiar that everyone knows it. Yet we can lose sight of just how immensely powerful this parable is in speaking to millions of people of the transforming effect of acts of compassion, How every person is precious to God. How help can come from surprising places. How Jesus shows how boundaries don’t matter, that with God’s love there are no limitations or conditions to God’s love and mercy, and the love He calls each of us to share, no matter who we are.

The parable is a reminder of how powerful God’s word is in our hearts. For one thing the name Samaritan is now associated with unlimited help and support. Moreover it is known in the UK for the organisation that comes alongside those who are despairing when there is all other support has faded away.

It is an example of how Jesus’ words continue to speak into the human world, challenging, redefining, transforming, and having a lasting, life – changing effect. No matter how often we hear Jesus’ words, they are still full of the truth and grace of the Lord. When we receive them, act on them, pray about them, we are changed! 

Rev Paul

Prayer for this week

O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that with you as our ruler and guide we may so pass through things temporal that we lose not our hold on things eternal; grant this, heavenly Father, for our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, Amen

Gracious Father, by the obedience of Jesus you brought salvation to our wayward world: draw us into harmony with your will, that we may find all things restored in him, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

People to pray for

The churches in Papua New Guinea, and our Diocesan link

For the work of the Samaritans