Jesus told a story about a man who traveled from Jerusalem to Jericho. He was attacked by robbers and severely beaten, almost to death. A priest saw him lying on the ground and walked to the other side. A Levite religious leader came along and avoided the man as well. A Samaritan saw how badly beaten the man was and administered first aid to him. He put the man on his donkey and paid to have him taken care of at a nearby inn. He was even willing to pay for an extended stay for the man if he needed it.
Which one of the three would-be helpers was living out the adage: treat others as you would want to be treated? The answer is simple: the Samaritan. In looking at the news this morning, I wonder what Jesus would say about the current immigration crisis at the southern United States border. Would He call us the priests who look the other way when people are being housed in horrible conditions or when parents are being separated from their children? Would He call us the Levite religious leaders who don’t put pressure on our government and its officials to properly house these immigrants in more humane ways and to build barracks so that families can stay together? Would He call us the Samaritans who place hope, light, grace, and love above political gains and economic security?
I understand why these immigrants want to come here, but our immigration laws need to be updated for more humane conditions, with emphasis placed on ways to care for people, not to build walls to keep them out. After mentoring several Central American families who are seeking asylum here in the local farming areas, I know most Americans take for-granted the freedoms we have and how wonderful this country really is. I have never been brutally beaten by the police, had to pay money to keep my business running, gone hungry from lack of money, or walked a 1000 miles to get to the United States border so that my children could feel safe and have a better life. Unfortunately, most, if not all, of these immigrants banging on our southern border doors have been through these situations and much worse.
Maybe I have a soft spot for those less fortunate than myself, but I would rather be called a Samaritan than an uncaring priest or a Levite religious leader. I try to help those who are needy, and I will stop to offer help if I see an accident on the road. If you see someone who is hurting in any way, you help them in whatever way you can. The next time it might be you who needs the help. Our world has become a cold and hostile world, but it is our responsibility to love one another, not hold people in cages, tear families apart, or do everything possible to extinguish the light of faith, hope, and love in those less fortunate than ourselves.
As for our borders, the United States has a big problem; many Americans have no idea how to fix the problems. Above any walls put up, the immigration laws need to be changed, and people need to be treated more humanely. No amount is too high to become Samaritans once again, as we used to call ourselves on the Statue of Liberty. As the song goes, “God is watching.” He knows who the good Samaritans are and who is not. Which one of the three are you? Which one is America?
Anna Hartt
