Week 7: Parables - Who is My Neighbor?

One of the interesting things to notice in the Gospels is the arrangement of the chapters. Why, for example, does the 10th chapter of Luke begin with sending out the Seventy, then go to the parable of the Good Samaritan, then finish with Jesus's visit to the home of Martha and Mary? I don't really know, but the chapter offers an interesting juxtaposition of gospel teachings with real-life applications. The remarkable experience on the Sea of Galilee, where a sudden storm arises as Jesus lies sleeping, is placed adjacent to the parable- heavy chapters. This tempts us to look at that story as a parable as well.

If we look at the stilling of the tempest as a parable, we might consider another word with the same root as tempest, and that is temper. The Mayo Clinic offers us Ten Tips to Tame Your Temper. Sherry Weeks wisely reminded us that without the Savior's help through prayer, any effort at stilling the tempest of our tempers isn't going to get very far!

We took a close look at the parable of the Good Samaritan. There is a wonderful LDS Bible Video that recounts this parable. But as we liken the scriptures to ourselves, we might retell this parable for our day and our area. In our own neighborhood we have the chance to help the women at the Community Resource Center with donations and volunteer work. We have those in our midst who are suffering and need a helping hand. Who is our neighbor? Those whom God places in our path, today. Each week we will encourage everyone to bring an item that is needed at the CRC. Next week (in keeping with our Biblical symbolism) it is oil! As the Good Samaritan ministered by pouring oil and wine on the poor man's wounds, we can help minister by bringing some cooking oil to fill the collection bins. Many families' lives will be easier each week if we remember to share.