In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Bike Week in Daytona Beach, Florida, brings thousands of motorcycles to Central Florida each March. The influx of tourists increases business for restaurants, hotels, stores, and other establishments.
However, throngs of bikers jam local streets and beaches. Residents contend with crowds as they try to go about their normal activities.
The stereotype of rowdy, rough riders fills many minds when they see or hear of disturbances and arrests. However, people of various ages, nationalities, and occupations gather for the iconic event. Some fit the label, but many don’t.
As I stopped at a traffic light on a crowded street in St. Augustine, Florida, three black-clad bikers waited in front of me. Pedestrians walked across the road. The light changed, and an elderly man in a wheelchair tried to maneuver across the bumps. He pushed with his feet but could not get to the curb.
One biker left his motorcycle and pushed the man to the sidewalk while traffic waited.
My heart smiled at his act of kindness. People who walked beside the elderly gentleman ignored him. The person who was perceived as the most unlikely candidate to help didn’t hesitate.
While I watched the encounter, I thought of the Good Samaritan who was also the least likely to stop that day. No fanfare or desire for recognition. But they both did what they could without thinking of themselves.
Probably some people looked at the trio in front of me as rough and scary. But I observed kindness and compassion.
No one honked or yelled for him to move when the light turned green. He jumped on his Harley after he completed his good deed and took off.
Hopefully, other onlookers remember what he did and want to emulate him as I do.
Heavenly Father, we may see people who look different from us and who don’t fit our acceptable images. Show us how to look at the heart and not outward appearances. Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment