“A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise, a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him” (Lk. 10:31-34).
Lord Jesus,
You teach us in Your parables
How to be like You
In our compassion for others.
We grieve, Lord,
At the failure of the priest and the Levite
To help the victim on the road.
Perhaps they thought it too dangerous to stop
Lest the robbers attack them too.
Perhaps they asked,
“If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?”
Lord, give us today
The heart and mind of the Samaritan,
Who did not think of himself,
But rather asked,
“If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?”
Lord, make us Good Samaritans to the unborn.
Take away the fear many have to speak up for them
Or to intervene to stop their violent deaths.
Too many fear losing friends, popularity, power,
Position, prestige, or access.
Politicians fear losing votes,
Businesses fear losing money,
Pastors fear losing members of the congregation.
Lord, once and for all,
Free Your people from these selfish fears,
And move us to sacrifice ourselves
For our youngest brothers and sisters,
The children in the womb.
We ask this of You who live and reign forever and ever. Amen.