The question of ‘Who is my neighbour?’ is as vexed today as it has always been. And, in response to the question, Jesus told the story that we now know as ‘The Good Samaritan’ (Luke 10:25-37). It’s a story where those who should have come to the aid of the man who had been robbed, beaten up, and left for dead, simply passed by. Whilst a Samaritan, who would not have been expected to come to his aid, risked his own life to help him, and then provided the means for him to get back on his feet.

It’s a familiar story for many. And yet, today, the message seems to be well and truly lost.

Indeed, from a secular point of view, in regard to the russian war on Ukraine, there are countries who are just sitting on the sidelines watching the Ukrainians being beaten up and doing nothing. And in regard to the west, well they’re providing some support, but they’re not risking their lives to come to Ukraine’s aid, nor are they providing sufficient support for Ukraine to totally fend off their attackers.

Furthermore, lest anyone think that the church is any better at putting Jesus’s lesson into practice, the current practice is for social welfare to be institutionalised. As a consequence, parishioners pass-by victims thinking that the church has organisations to help people in those sort of circumstances. Meanwhile, the church watches from the sidelines, not risking themselves, but advertising that help is available should victims wish to come and apply for it. But even then, the only help that is available is what is provided for within the framework of a particular funding package. And that help will be provided by someone who is employed to help, but not necessarily by a member of God’s church.

It’s a sad world that after having been told what God expects of his creation, that we totally ignore him. Is it any wonder that the world is in the mess that’s it in today?

Brian A Curtis
Copyright © Brian A Curtis, 2025