Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and took off, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came upon him, and when he saw him he was moved with compassion.” Luke 10:30-33
“Except during the time of prayer, of Mass, of necessary rest, the bishop should be ready to give audience to everyone and at every hour. He belongs not only to his church, but to his flock. For this purpose the bishop should specially recommend to his servants to announce to him those that have come; above all, if they are parish priests; because these, as has been said above, are the most occupied, and have charge of the most important affairs. If we once delay in giving them an audience, they will afterwards neglect to come by pleading in excuse that they could not obtain an audience; and thus the good of souls and the interests of the glory of God will have to suffer.”
Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787) in The Complete Works of Saint Alphonsus de Liguori, translated from the Italian, edited by Rev. Eugene Grimm (New York: Benzinger, 1890) 469.
I read the Good Samaritan story today alongside this exhortation from the Alphonsus to overseers everywhere. The overseer needs not to have such a full schedule that he cannot move toward those in need with compassion.
Think about this story. We have read it many times and our focus goes to the hero, the Samaritan who, moved with compassion, moves toward the broken and needy person and, in so doing, models love of neighbor for the world.
But today, my focus is the priest and the Levite. They did not have time. They had busy schedules. They could not stop their work to serve the person in need. Today’s message is for anyone who thinks their time is theirs.
Why is it so hard to be ready to give an audience to everyone and at every hour? Why is it so hard for some readers to believe that the overseer belongs to his flock. I can think of at least three reasons.
First, we think our time belongs to us. So, we reason to give a portion of it to others and keep the majority for ourselves, when in reality it all belongs to God. We belong to God.
Second, we fill our schedules with so many good things, and we have no margin to help others. In short, we have forgotten the we cost of discipleship, namely, to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus.
Third, we settle for good when we could have unspeakably great. Whenever we move toward those in need we find brokenness and blessing, hurt and hope, indescribable pain and unspeakable joy. And, we find Jesus there. Are you ready to give an audience?
I am sitting in Pakistan activating two new team members who thanked me last night for taking the time to give them an audience. To shuffle my full schedule to come half way around the world to be with them.
Upon arrival I learned that an influential worker had replicated Stations of Generosity with many people in Lahore. They already have plans to replicate it with others. This marks only one of the blessings I have received since returning.
Pray with me for our 250+ trained workers in Pakistan. Pray for our two new GTP staff here. Pray God’s blessings on the 3 million Christian is a sea of about 250 Muslim and Hindu neighbors.
In the words of Alphonsus, pray for “the good of souls” and “the glory of God.”