The Terri Schiavo Story
Where is the Good Samaritan when we need him?
Published: March 2005
Whatever happened to common compassion and mercy? When Jesus Christ was asked a question, by someone wishing to justify their lack of responsible action, His reply became a famous statement of social concern. The story of the "Good Samaritan," as it is referred to, is a great parable of compassion in action.
A man falls among thieves and is stripped and beaten and left beside the road to die. A Priest traveling on that same road, passes by on the other side. Later a Levite, another religious leader, passes by and does the same. Neither of them wanted to get involved. Finally, a Samaritan comes along, finds the man, ministers healing to him with bandages, oil and wine and takes him to a local inn where he pays for his long term care.
The issue with Terri Schiavo should be simple. Many people want to pass by this issue on the other side, ignore it, leave it alone, leave it to a biased and calloused judge, and let this woman die. But the question we need to ask is, "What would Jesus do?" The answer is so simple. He would have had compassion on her and taken responsible action.
Why would we allow this woman to die? Because it is inconvenient? Because it has gone on too long? Because of a lack of finances? Because we believe it to be merciful to allow her to die? None of these answers suffice.
Where is the good Samaritan? Where is the true compassion in our culture? Where is the one who is willing to step up and believe for her healing, pay the price no matter the cost, and show this woman the compassion of God? Well, there are many of course, who do want to do just that. America has been awakened over this issue. People are watching and praying. And some professional leaders are stepping up to intervene.
Terri's parents and siblings, of course, want to rescue her. People of faith and people of common compassion want to help her. And thankfully, even some leaders in Washington DC, those with a good conscience, want to do the same. This is the attitude we should manifest.
So what is lacking in so many people? One, we do not love our neighbor as ourselves, which Jesus said was the second greatest commandment. Secondly, we do not love God, which is the first and greatest commandment. We do not love Him enough to trust that He is able to heal broken lives and broken bodies. Third, we would rather pass by on the other side and not get involved. People are dying. "Let them die!" is the cry of many. But this is not the heart of the God we know and love. This is not the compassion He requires and this is not responsible concern.
Keep it simple. Let us love God by trusting Him to help us heal and rescue lives with "bandages, oil and wine". Let us also trust Him to help provide the necessary resources to allow them to stay in the "Inn" as long as necessary. And let us have "mercy and compassion" on others in the same way we would want them to exercise mercy and compassion toward us. Let us be the "Samaritan" that people are looking for.
We pray for Terri Schiavo. We pray she will be fed once again. We pray for her healing and complete restoration. We pray, for the Samaritans surrounding her that they will be allowed to apply their compassionate care.