The Unlikely Evangelist

Lectionary Reflections
Week: Ordinary 15 Year C
Luke Chapter 10 verses 25 - 37

The best alternative use I ever heard about the Good Samaritan story was from my old supervisor John Atherton, former Canon Theologian at Manchester Cathedral. He told the story of society needing to make the 'roads of society' flat, a just and safe place for all to live freely, with nowhere for 'robbers' to hide. Also for society to ensure those likely to turn to crime are in employment with a decent wage. If there is no opportunity for crime and no need for crime, then we can remove it from our society and 'make earth as it is in heaven'.

The point of the story isn't therefore; if bad luck befalls you, let’s hope you're then lucky enough for a kind person to walk past (eventually). The point is what kind of society knows things like these are happening and does nothing to remedy the cause?

Therefore, the next stage is, for the occasions when preventative measures do not work and people are 'mugged', as a society we need systems whereby someone can be assured of an ambulance, hospital care, recovery time and sick pay or unemployment benefit. Not a kind individual who may or may no pass that way.

The Good Samaritan story is a call to the whole of society, not individuals, to ensure a fair and free society with little crime, high employment, decent pay, and a strong welfare state where health care is free at the point of provision and people who need it get a hand up, till they can contribute again.

Powerful stuff! Clement Attlee couldn't have put it better!

Political, YES, better than Thatcher’s use of this story, YES, worth a risk on Sunday ... ?
I'll leave you to decide. Hope you find it as helpful as I did, thanks John.

Mike
The Unlikley Evangelist