When we think about the chaos of our world and all of the turmoil that we face every day, it is quite easy to get discouraged. It becomes easy to think, how can we possibly combat all of this hurt and heartache, how can we move forward? When we talk about living as people of faith who are working to transform the world, we often mention the things that we are going to do to create transformation. We are going to feed the hungry, nurture the sick, work with the vulnerable and marginalized, find peace and bring love. Yet, there is something that calls us further, deeper into ministry, what we are called to do, and what we are called to be.
When we read the parable of the Good Samaritan we often stick to the first question that the young lawyer asks Jesus. “What do I need to do to inherit eternal life”. It focuses on what our plan of action is. However there is a second question that occurs here, that leads Jesus to tell the parable and that question is “who is my neighbor”. Perhaps what Jesus is saying here is that the work of ministry is not just about DOING but also about BEING. It is about doing good works and the call within ourselves to be light. Gandhi once said “we need to be the change we wish to see in the world”. It is my hope that this quote and the story of the Good Samaritan continues to inspire us and that when we are thinking about the work we are called to do we can also think of the people we are called to be.
This is a story about how we are to live as disciples every single day, right here at home, in our own neighborhoods and churches. It is a call to see the needs of the people we meet on a walk, or in the grocery store, or on our way to do something else, and to live as people who willingly let the needs of the world around us interrupt our plans so that we never miss an opportunity to serve. This, says Jesus, is how we transform the world.
Please join us in Middletown at Community United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. Sunday as we celebrate Living As Disciples. All Are Welcome.
Melissa Hurley is Pastor at Middletown Community United Methodist Church.
