Recently, a Good Samaritan once again obeyed Jesus' command to love others more then himself. As describe in the below video and CNN article, Victor Perez selflessly, and in many respects, against what common sense would have advised, rescued a young girl from her abductor. Victor believes the a "higher power" was at work in this situation, allowing him to be at the right place, piece together the facts and ultimately bring what could have been a tragedy to a happy ending. Victor is quoted in the article as saying that "God works in mysterious ways."
In the above clip, a panel raised some questions that relate to our discussion from last class, the idea of broken community and disconnect in relationships. Why do some people act in reckless and selfless ways to save another life, while others will just allow the suffering to continue? As in the parable of the Good Samaritan, many people just walk by, figuratively and sometimes literally, while someone is hurting and in need of help. In the video, when the psychologist claimed this was because of a lack of community between people, the priest immediately stated that he felt that it was because of his spirituality that allowed him to care for humankind. This would support our discussion that without salvation, people are broken in their relationships to each other and with God. But once they allow the Holy Spirit to work in their lives, a connection is formed over this relational gap and a community is rebuilt; with that a love and concern for others.
This lead me to wonder, are all "Good Samaritans" Christians? Or, do they at least believe in the "higher power" that Victor referred to? Do people without a connection to the spiritual, care for others in the selfless way that Victor exhibited in this story? And if so, where does the motivated for this compassion come from?
This story reminds me of an ABC special I saw not too long ago. Experts were interested in whether good samaritans would stop to help a child alone on a sidewalk in busy NYC. (The child was an actor and the situation staged). Shockingly, not too many people stopped-they appeared too busy. Those who did stop were a mix between Christians and those who were not...
ReplyDeleteI believe even unbelievers can do good and acknowledge that we as people on the earth need to help one another. There is a general moral to help one's neighbor but whether or not the motives behind this matter is for their own glory or some kind of award is under question. We as Christians have this compassion and choose to love God and love one another because we know that God loves us and sent his son to die for us that which we did not deserve.
ReplyDeleteEvery human being whether saved or not has in them the capacity for great good and evil. We all have moral code of conduct one way or the other. I believe has something in which they believe in. It is possible to risk our own lives in other to save others and at the same time it is not an easy thing to do. I commend this man for doing what he knows is right and good. It must not have been an easy thing to do. God bless him.
ReplyDeleteThat is a very interesting study, Mary Ellis. I would love to see the ABC special. Another example that the news clip refers to is the one where the man was hit by a car and no one helped. This happened near where I lived and I could not believe it. People have become so uncaring in many respects. We are so busy that many times we can not stop and help another hurting individual.
ReplyDeleteThis should not have been an unusual experience to us if we esteem others above ourselves. Unfortunately, the world has an opposing view of taking care of yourself before others. The best thing a man can do for himself is helping others, because when you do that you lend to your Maker.
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