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After Pentecost     Pentecost 8     Luke 10:25-37, particularly verses 30-37a

The Good Samaritan (2) (YC No 206)

After reading John Dominic Crossan’s book ‘The Power of Parable’, I thought I should write an alternate last couple of verses. This alternative is listed below. Your choice.

I quote from his book: ‘Think, therefore, of “good Samaritan” at the time of Jesus less as a cliché than as a challenge, a provocation, a paradox, an oxymoron, a contradiction in terms.’ P61. and ‘It (the parable of the Good Samaritan) becomes an example story only in Luke’s context and interpretation. Rather, it is better understood as a challenge parable, a story that challenges listerners to think long and hard about their social prejudices, their cultural presumptions, and, yes, even their most sacred religious tradition.’ P62.

Jesus told compelling stories;

Told to challenge, and refute

Many common-held opinions.

What he said could cause dispute.

Once a Jew, attacked by robbers,

Lay with injuries severe;

Temple leaders pause a little.

“Do not touch. Our law is clear.”

So they pass, show no compassion;

Keep the Law’s strict formula;

Then a stranger shows some pity;

He was from Samaria.

People list’ning to the story

Told by Jesus, would complain;

“Foreign outcasts are not worthy

Of such praise. They should be slain!”

 “You have damned our holy leaders;

Mocked our laws of purity.”

Those who listened would be outraged;

“This is rank apostasy!”

 Can we learn from Jesus’ story?

Is there challenge for today?

Does our prejudice prevent us

Helping love to have its way?

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