Wanting to Justify Himself, the Lawyer Prompts an Answer

This meditation is based on a passage for October 21, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Luke 10:25-37

Reflection and Question: The lawyer has pleased Jesus with knowing that loving God and neighbor are necessary for eternal life but, being overly confident, he pushes further with the question, “Who is my neighbor?” In response, Jesus tells this story of the Good Samaritan who cares for the stranger by the side of the road after the priest and the Levite pass on the other side. And the answer to the question, “Who is my neighbor?” is not the stricken traveler but rather the Samaritan, an unclean heretic in the eyes of the lawyer who — good for him — acknowledges the mercy that leads to eternal life. How does the story of the Good Samaritan support lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) inclusion in the church?

Prayer: Blessed Jesus, we are as swift to justify ourselves as this lawyer in Luke. May we also be as honest, admitting that the one who shows mercy, including the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender neighbors in our midst, shall inherit eternal life. And may we show mercy, too. Amen.