Chapter 44
Good Monday Morning to this week 44 of 2023
A twist on the Good Samaritan Story – now called the Wounded Samaritan.
In the landscape of today’s world, the age-old parable of The Good Samaritan finds resonance in the unfolding narrative of the Wounded Samaritan. This poignant story unravels on the treacherous path from Jerusalem to Jericho, where an injured Jew, abandoned by callous passersby, discovers an unexpected ally in a Samaritan. In a world still marked by animosity and division, the Samaritan’s heart swells with empathy, compelling him to extend a helping hand.
Yet, as night blankets the land, a cruel twist of fate transforms the Samaritan from a beacon of hope into a victim of brutality. The very assailants who had inflicted harm upon the Jew, upon discovering the Samaritan’s true identity, unleash a torrent of violence. Blows fall with merciless force, resonating through the desolation. Even the wounded on the roadside muster his last ounce of strength to join in, lashing out at the Samaritan.
In the midst of this maelstrom, the Samaritan endures excruciating pain and the searing sting of rejection. The air crackles with hostility, reverberating with curses and blows. This savage assault, born of prejudice and hatred, serves as a harsh reminder of the world they inhabit. It underscores the painful reality of “when helping hurts” — a poignant lesson that even the noblest intentions can give rise to unforeseen consequences. The Samaritan’s body bears witness to the complexity of offering aid in a world scarred by division.
As the assailants retreat into the night, leaving behind a resolute yet broken Samaritan, a profound realization takes hold. He has intimately tasted the depths of human suffering and grappled with the burden of sacrificial compassion. His assistance to the wounded on the road, though partial and unreciprocated, has left him equally bruised and battered. Rising from the ground, he remains resolute, committed to both tending to the one in need and seeking help and care for himself.
Their path to healing, now intertwined, stretches ahead, paved with empathy, compassion, and sacrifice. In this poignant moment, the wounded Samaritan emerges as a living testament to the enduring power of compassion, even in the face of its harshest trials. Through their shared journey, they affirm the profound truth that, in the darkest corners of adversity, the light Gods immense Grace and love can only make a difference and change and transform hearts from deep within. There are now many “Wounded Samaritans” in the current conflict in the Middle East, but also Ukraine and Russia, or Sudan, Myanmar, the Insurgency in the Sahel/Magre, The Mexican Drug war, the Ethiopian Civil war name some of the biggest conflicts of 2023.
There are many “Wounded Samaritans” working tirelessly in many forms of social, spiritual, advocacy, pastoral, educational and healthcare settings.
Let’s pray for them that they do not succumb to hatred, complacency, or over-reliance on their on external, strength and abilities. Instead, may they find unwavering strength in God’s boundless compassion, love, and care during these critical moments of bridge-building in numerous polarized situations, wars, and conflicts.
Wishing a blessed start to this new week.
Philemon