Random Kindness and Senseless Acts of Beauty: The Good Samaritan

 In a quid pro quo world, he stands out. 

The Samaritan who helps the wounded man

From a race which despised him.

Going out of his way

And out of pocket

For a man he did not know,

Who could not repay him

Whom he might never meet again.

 

And what did he gain from

This random kindness and senseless act of beauty?

 

Not money, he landed up out of pocket

Not time, he lavished it.

Just random things:

An immortality in our collective memory,

Becoming a living inspiration,

Eternal Life.

 

But especially, he got to be a Son of God.

And if you do good to those who are good to you,

what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 

 But love your enemies, do good to them,

and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.

 Then your reward will be great,

and you will be children of the Most High,

because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. (Luke 6:33)

 

He got to be a Son of God most high

And all the blessings of his Father’s household:

Protection, abundance,

Peace, joy–and a smile

Were his.

 

Who is my neighbour?

Whom should I help?

Helping those who have helped me,

Or will help me, is a despicable calculation, Lord.

 

Within my limitations of time, calling and energy,

Let me open my hands wide, Lord

As you do, generously,

Letting your sun shine

And our rain fall lavishly, on everyone,

For lavishness is your nature.

 

Change my heart, oh Lord.