The Good Samaritan

If you are a disciple of Jesus, your eyes and ears are blessed, as he says; but if you are like the lawyer, you cannot read the Scriptures  rightly, for all you will see is laws and commandments. So consider  the Good Samaritan. What do you see there? A prescription for how to live? Good for you, for the law is good. But there is more: for embedded in this tale is a beautiful description of our Lord Jesus Christ, how he became incarnate for us, to rescue us who had fallen among thieves, stripped of our clothing, and left half dead (for  that is what is means to be a miserable sinner). What he does is binds up your wounds with his mercy, pours in the oil and wine of the Sacraments, sets you on the beast of his own righteousness, takes you to the inn of his Holy Church where the host cares for you, and promises to return. And what's more, he tells you now to go and do likewise: as he has been kind to you, so be kind to your neighbor. Help him in his need, defend his life and reputation where and when you can. Sermon for Trinity XIII.