13-Jul-25 (Luke 10:30-35)

The odd thing, often missed, about the story of "the Good Samaritan" is that it's not a story us helping out someone in need. It's about us, in our time of need being helped by someone we not only don't expect, but don't very much like.
There are a lot of lessons we can learn from the story, but one at least is that help will come to us from unexpected corners.
And so, as we enter into the time where we give of our financial resources to meet the needs of others, let us consider that, just as the Samaritan did in the story, so we should not put limitations or conditions on the help we give. Let us commit our time, our talent, and our treasure to reach out in love to all of God's children, wherever and whomever they may be.

Prayer:

Please join me in a spirit of prayer.
God whose love knows no boundaries and has no conditions, we thank you for all the ways your love has found us.
Make us not only aware of the needs of your other children but also give us generous hearts that we can give of ourselves and our resources to meet those needs. Help them to see your love in what we say and do.
Bless these gifts as well, that they reach as far as the needs and as far as your love.
We pray in the name of Jesus, our Risen Lord, Amen.