Last night, I sat with my kids and told them a story of old about a Jewish man who went walking along the countryside when he became the target of some thieves. The thieves beat him and took what little he had and left him to die. After some time, a priest walks by and seeing the man, he goes on the other side of the road.
“Ooh, that was a close one! Can’t let anyone thing I know him or was going to touch him.” I imagine the Priest saying to himself.
Next comes a Levite and he, too, passes on the other side. “I cannot being associated with that man–I would not want sometime to think I did that to him. Worse, I can’t let that blood and yuck get on me: I’ll be unclean for a few days. I have stuff to do!”
Last, a Samaritan, demographic enemy of he Jews, walks by and seeing the man he took pity on him, as Jesus’ words say, and he attends to his wounds pouring oil and wine and bandages him up…
If the story sounds familiar you may have read it in the Bible. Follow the story: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2010%3A25-37&version=NIV
I think of how Christ taught this parable and ends with the following…
36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” --Luke 10:36-37 As we consider ways we can lift the heaviness of oppression in our world, let's consider doing likewise to help others... Mercy is a quality Jesus wants us to have upon others no matter their skin color. Housing, work, and jobs and such should not be dependent on a person's color but their character, gifting and competency--it goes beyond nationality and gender. Reflection: Is there an area I can advocate for equality? Is there a sense of looking down on others simply because of their education or lack thereof? Is there a sense that one group better than another? How can I grow in compassion for all people? Do I make fun of people who do things different? How do I let differences come in the way of getting to know others? Who can I get close to that is different from me? How do I think I am better than some? What areas can I pray and ask God to help me have a sober self-assessment?
Abundant Mommyhood 