Thirteenth Sunday After Trinity, August 25, 2024

Thirteenth Sunday After Trinity, August 25, 2024

You and I know that “neighbor” is an inclusive term that, when considering those both near and far, pretty much encompasses all people living on the planet. The lawyer, like we would also do, seeks to limit that demand “love your neighbor as yourself” to a more manageable number of neighbors. When Jesus responds with the parable of the Good Samaritan, he puts a twist on the lawyer’s question. As the parable unfolds, it turns out that mercy is a quality of neighborliness. The Samaritan was merciful to the naked and nearly dead victim of robbers. Jesus’ pointed question back to the lawyer, “Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among thieves?” (vs. 36). The lawyer is forced to admit that the neighbor proved to be the “one who showed him mercy.” The twist is simply that the parable doesn’t define to whom you should be a neighbor. It leaves that consideration as all encompassing. The parable instead illustrates the quality of being a neighbor—that is, showing mercy. You are a neighbor to those to whom you show mercy and those who show mercy to you are your neighbors.

Prayers from one who struggles to justify himself…

Heavenly Father, you have provided us with the great gift of justification by faith alone in your Son, Jesus Christ, alone. Grant that I hear that word of promise and cling to it, looking solely upon Jesus and not to my own piety. Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer.

Heavenly Father, you have provided me with a preacher who will deliver the word of promise to my ears. Grant that I am not neglectful in the hearing of your word such that words other than Christ’s come to fill my ears. Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer.

Heavenly Father, you have set before me a myriad of neighbors both near and far. Grant me the confidence of faith such that I pour myself out in the usefulness of love and mercy toward them. Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer.

Heavenly Father, you have nurtured the Institute of Lutheran Theology through its years of growth. Place in the mouths of its teachers and instructors your word of mercy so that those who hear them are good neighbors to the school. Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer.

Heavenly Father, as I hear your word I am held in readiness for your culminating act of mercy, that day when Jesus Christ shall appear in all his glory. Grant that my ears are so full of your word that I do not flag in my eagerness for that day to appear. Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer.