Many of you are familiar with the parable of the Good Samaritan in the Bible; a native of Samaria (Samaritan) who stopped to help a man who had been attacked, robbed, and left by the side of the road after two passing religious men ignored the beaten man. The Samaritan took care of his wounds, placed him on his donkey, and took him to a nearby inn where the injured man not only got the needed care but the Samaritan paid the expenses for his recovery.
This story reminds me of a photo I once saw where a busload of religious people were getting off the bus, holding on to their prayer books and right in front of them on the sidewalk was a homeless man lying there, motionless. Not one person looked at him, let alone helped him.
I thought to myself, what happened to “Love the neighbour as thyself”? You can read all the religious books you want but it’s not just the words that count; it’s the action. It’s not just what we believe in that counts; it’s how we live that belief. The message of kindness is love in action.
What does it mean to be a Good Samaritan today?
A Good Samaritan is someone who steps up while so many stand back, watching or taking selfies/pictures with what is going on around them. A good Samaritan is one who has compassion, empathy and is ready to help someone in need without any discrimination, obligation, or expectation.
The message of kindness makes the world a better place. During the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season, think of how you can help those in need. No matter how small the gesture, it can make a big difference in someone’s life, and it doesn’t have to cost anything. Carrying your neighbour’s grocery, shovelling someone’s driveway, running errands for someone else, doing volunteer work, offering a helping hand by giving a moment of your time or talent.
I read an article about a man who does landscaping and goes around the poorer sections of town offering to mow people’s yards or remove the snow free of charge. At first, they are skeptical, but then they are filled with heartfelt joy.
Random acts of kindness, like paying it forward, include buying a coffee or meal for the person behind you in line, donating food, blankets, toiletries, pyjamas, and socks to shelters, leaving a big tip for a server, and writing a letter to express your gratitude to the unheralded people for all they do. Get to know their names as it shows respect; “I see you and I notice you.”
Spread good cheer, lift people’s spirit, and show your love through service during this blessed season.
Antoinette Giacobbe M.A.
