Day 29: Compassion
Scripture:
“On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”
He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[c]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”
But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor 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 10:25-37
Prayer:
Jesus, you left the glory of Heaven to live among sinful people so you could pay the price for our sin.
Like the religious leaders in the parable I avoid uncomfortable appointments with hurting people you bring my way.
I confess my selfishness.
Soften my heart to be compassionate to people who are hurting. Remind me I am a sinner who needs a savior. Show me how to be your hands for hurting people around me.
Reflection:
How will Jesus show up in my day today?
Do I have the eyes and ears to see and hear the wonders of his love and mercy?
How will I experience his grace? Will I see something miraculous? Something hope-filled that will transform me?
