Daily Devotions

SCRIPT URE Luke 10:36-37 “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.” WORDS OF HOPE Much has been written about the Parable of the Good Samaritan. We find that when an expert on the law tries to give Jesus a religious litmus test, he finds himself not only being compelled to understand what neighbor means, but to live the parable as well with the words “Go and do likewise”. We learn from Jesus to redefine neighbor as anyone in need, rather than the proximity of people in your own community. In a recent reading of someone’s commentary on the Good Samaritan, I found something I had not considered before. Not only does this parable teach us about ourselves and how to respond to those on the margins, but also that this parable might be talking about the nature of God as well. For those on the margins, for those who need light and life, for those who search for food and justice, God has no limits on love. That when it comes to those on the margins, God isn’t afraid to use communities of people who are non-religious or perhaps even antithetical to religious communities. If the church won’t work for these things, then God will find other communities that will. A 2019 University of California study suggested that atheists and agnostics are far more willing to help other people than those who identify themselves as religious. The study suggests that atheists are driven by emotions, such as compassion, as opposed to religious people, who may be more influenced by "doctrine, a communal identity, or reputational concerns." It further suggests that even though atheists tend to be less trusted, they may actually be more inclined to help their fellow citizens than more religious people. The parable is called Good Samaritan. The story is more than a description of a spirituality that leads one to be empathetic. It is also an assessment of religious inaction. The Samaritan, reviled and marginalized, is called ‘good’ not for any other reason than that he had mercy. The priest and Levite, members of the establishment, are vilified not because of their faith system, but because they had no empathy. PRAYER Lord Christ, So open our eyes that we might see what the Good Samaritan saw. Grant us the insight to see the need in others, the wisdom to know what to do, and the will to do it. Amen. DEVOTION AUTHOR Thomas Riggs

SCRIPTURE Ephesians 4.29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. WORDS OF HOPE A long time ago I took a course in ancient Greek. I can’t remember exactly why in the world I would want to learn about it other than I was in need of learning to read and understand the Scriptures in their proper context, whatever that is. In the end I had a much better understanding of how the phrase “It’s Greek to me?” began. What I do remember is that Jesus spoke a language, more specifically a dead Hebrew variant language called Aramaic. It’s been described as sort of proper Hebrew with a cockney accent, the peoples’ language. It’s easy to understand why some of his fellow Hebrews had a hard time understanding him, if at all. More important, I find it an interesting study that we can presume so much context from what he said, from a language that is mostly consonants. This gives a whole new meaning to the other phrase that comes to mind, “words are cheap.” After all, there are still so many things left to conjecture in our modern understanding of biblical messages, but more specifically the stuff that Jesus is said to have said.. We’ve managed to try to understand the context of living in those times 2000 years ago. But I know even if I had a time traveling DeLorean, I don’t know that I would really want to live in those days. The thought really kind of scares me. I would imagine that if those people living in the biblical age could have a glimpse at our world, they would be equally frightened if not mortified at how we use and misuse their words. As an author, I’ve come to understand that we want to convey our stories in the most precise manner we can; not too many words, not too few words, but just the right amount to convey an idea close to what’s in our brains as possible. Easy? No. Communication + proper context is vital. The idea makes me yearn for context and truth and to discover for myself not just what the Bible says but how these words survived to begin with. All this to say, the greatest lesson I’ve learned is to choose my words wisely. I don’t often do that. I would like to but so much of my personality is about shooting from the hip. It’s a trait that I often want to go back and re-edit, but that’s how I learn. It makes me wonder if the ancient scripture writers would like the chance to re-edit their Greek or even Aramaic words for clarity their meaning to our generation. In reading the Bible in whatever translation I can understand today, I’m left with that thought. Choose your words wisely! Then ask yourself, “How will my words survive beyond today?” PRAYER Colossians 4.6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Amen DEVOTION AUTHOR Charlie Rose Order of St. Francis and St. Clare