Scripture: Luke 10:33-37
“But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’” Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” The lawyer said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
Thought for the Day: Samaritans were a category of despised people. Had the word been used in a melodrama, it would have been followed with boos and hisses. Yet like he so often did, Jesus broke the scorned category by introducing us to an individual. Hate is often obscured when it is associated with “those people” who are demonized without specific evidence. In fact, the use of broad categories creates fear and suspicion that are not easily refuted. In today’s sermon, I will be emphasizing the importance of breaking the perceived categories used for perpetrating hate. Breaking open these ill-construed categories happens as we get to know the individuals involved. Hate has no place among the followers of Jesus, and as those who love Jesus, we need to do as he did – breaking the categories that obscure people’s humanity. We can start by reaching out to the individuals within those categories.
Prayer: Hate has no place in your Kingdom, O Lord, and since it has no place in your kingdom, it must not be present within your church or the people who are the church. Amen.
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