September 2

Passing By

Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. — John 8:34 BSB

Not all priests or ministers are cold and heartless. Most ministers are warm-hearted, as they should be. They should set an example of kindness and sympathy, being like Christ, who was always ready to help anyone in need. No doubt, many of the Jewish priests were kind and generous, but the priest in this story wasn’t. This shows us that holding a sacred position doesn’t automatically make someone tender-hearted. It’s sad when someone in such a position lacks compassion.

This priest didn’t even stop to see if the injured man needed help. He didn’t ask how he had been hurt or offer assistance. He moved to the other side of the road, perhaps pretending not to see the wounded man. He probably had plenty of excuses — maybe he was in a hurry, tired, or felt he couldn’t do anything to help. But none of that matters. What matters is avoiding his mistake. Do we ever pass by human needs that we know we should stop to address? Do we avoid situations that tug at our conscience, looking for excuses to justify not helping?

Some people avert their eyes when passing a beggar on the street. Ministers have refused to visit the sick because they were tired. Others stay away from church because they don’t want to hear an appeal for money. This story serves as a mirror, reflecting the things in our own hearts that we might not want to see.