The Parable of the Good Samaritan – Practicing Mercy
In what ways is our worship an opportunity to practice for a life of service, offering mercy to those who are suffering?

We draw near to one another: we sit shoulder to shoulder with people who might be very different from us. We see each other: over the months and years, we learn to really love each other as we are. We are moved with compassion: as we share our prayer concerns, we are vulnerable with one another and feel tenderness for those who are suffering. As we share the peace of Christ, we move toward each other in kind and loving ways. We even practice offering what we have to help others. The man in the story offered the oil and wine he had with him, and we offer canned goods for food pantries, quilts for Lutheran World Relief, school supplies for students, time, talents, and monetary gifts.

Having been nourished by the practice of mercy in our worship life, we are strengthened to “go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37)—to draw near, see, care, help, and pour out what we have been given to those we encounter.

Excerpt From sundaysandseasons.com. Copyright © 2019 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.