Those who passed by the injured man (well, in this case it was a cucumber) sang a song with the refrain: “Busy, busy, shockingly busy! You’ve no idea what I’ve got to do! Busy, busy, dreadfully busy! Much, much too busy for you!”

That song will sometimes run in my head when I use the “busy” excuse.

Barb

Good thoughts. It’s so hard to really live up to our own ideals, isn’t it?

One reflection on the Samaritan parable that I really like is this one.

Jesus is telling us that nothing should prevent us from showing love to our fellow man, not even our previous committments or our concern for following God’s law.

I think of that when questions come up about going to weddings of Catholics getting married outside the Church, and things like that. It’s good to remember that the real question is always how best to show Christ-like love.

You’re probably right! It was a discussion sometime last year, and it really made an impact on me. I have a lot of respect for Julie!

I’m pretty sure you’re thinking of Julie D. at Happy Catholic.

But, oh no, we wouldn’t do that, right!?

Great post Jen!

A fellow blogger (I don’t remember who anymore!) once mentioned that she keeps a case of water and a few boxes of granola bars in her car, so that she always has some way of responding to each individual who asks for help, without having the dilemma of whether or not a monetary donation will be misused, or whether to get out of her car to buy a meal. I thought that was wise.

I heard a homily in which it was commented that the road the poor man was on was a pretty abandoned place, and passers-by might have feared that the man was not really in trouble but simply part of a trap to lure them to the side of the road and into robber’s hands. In any case, it was obviously not a safe place, and I can relate to a desire to hurry up and get back to civilisation when you’re somewhere that makes you nervous.

Interesting all the things that get in the way of helping others in need, isn’t it?

I used to pause and wonder if I should give money; or offer my lunch; or go into the sandwich shop over there and buy something for this person? In the end, however, I was too afraid to do more than put spare change into their cups.

Afraid. Their mannerisms were often erratic, seemingly crazed; sometimes they ranted. If I offered my coffee, would they throw it–literally–into my face? Would one of those large men attempt to rob me?

Meanwhile, city-dwellers swiftly passed on their daily errands. The homeless were an unfortunate part of the landscape, and few situations were unique enough to make anyone stop… A common suggestion was that monetary contributions to beggars only enabled them to purchase drugs or alcohol. It was somehow charitable, then, to ignore them.

Once, a priest suggested that I contribute to foodbanks and charities, rather than give alms directly (or feel guilty about not giving them). I followed his advice, but still–that was a destitute human being, and I just kept walking! Can writing a check compensate for that moment of rejection?

Looking back, I’m ashamed to consider how many needy people I have passed by–out of fear, and out of conformity! Perhaps out of business, too, but I think it was the fear that ultimately decided my response (or rather, my non-response)…

And I’m glad that I no longer live in the city, because it’s easier to imagine that I’m good–like the Samaritan–when I’m no longer confronted with these choices.

Thank you for visiting my site! And you’re very welcome for the link; I love your blog and feel like God is really using you to do great things for Him.