“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.”
Luke 10:33-34 (NIV)
I remember as a child, watching a TV show, with my grandmother, which was her favorite show. It was kind of a hybrid between a game show and a reality show that aired until 1964, and was called “Queen for a day.” If any readers are old enough, they might remember it.
Each contestant was asked to describe their pitiful situation of hardship, whether financial, emotional or a health problem. Some had a need for medical equipment for themselves or their chronically ill child. Others might have needed a hearing aid, a new washing machine, or a refrigerator.
Strange as it seemed to me, my grandmother loved watching as each woman described her dilemma with intense emotion. After each of the contestants told their sad stories, a live audience voted with applause. The woman who received the most applause was crowned Queen for a day. Besides a crown, she received many prizes based on her story and particular needs. It was a reality show long before reality shows ever existed.
If I could rewrite that show today, I would have the contestants be good Samaritans who helped someone overcome their misfortune, and get back on their feet again. It wouldn’t be about prizes and gifts, but rather recognizing stories of kindness and voting for the best example, by crowning someone Queen or King for a day. I’m sure Jesus would have voted for the Good Samaritan in His own gospel story.
Whether Jesus knew that good Samaritan in real life, or told a fictional story to make a point, it’s clear that He thought very highly of what the Samaritan did. Not only did he bandage the man’s wounds but he carried him to a nearby inn and paid for his stay, to rest and recuperate.
We all know real life stories of good people like that Samaritan, who go the extra mile to help someone. I know good Samaritans who help people every week, giving their time and resources to help those who are struggling with a dilemma of some kind.
I remember a true story about a homeless man, named Bugsy, who I once wrote about in a meditation last year. He lived in a brick bus shelter on a street corner in Chicago for many years. I spoke with him a few times and once bought him a few pairs of sweat pants. I don’t live in that area and only pass by once in a while. I was happy to learn that many people got to know him and helped him out in different ways.
Bugsy was different from other homeless people, because he never held a sign, or stood in the street begging. In fact, he never asked anyone for anything. He had a limp and a cane, but cheerfully lived in his bus shelter home. I once asked him if he’d be better off in a homeless shelter and he smiled saying,
“This is my home.” Many people befriended Bugsy and regularly stopped by, to give him money, because of his pleasant demeanor.
One day, last winter, I drove by and the bus shelter was completely empty, with no sign of Bugsy or his belongings. I was concerned and wanted to find out what happened, so I decided to google, “Where is the homeless man who lives in the bus shelter on Cumberland and Forest Preserve drive?” A link popped up which led me to a neighborhood Facebook site.
Many people in the neighborhood were posting comments, asking the same question that I asked. One person who knew what happened , finally answered. They said that a good Samaritan brought him to a motel and paid for him to stay there during the arctic cold days of winter. Bugsy must have been very ill, because when they later inquired about him, the police confirmed that Bugsy died in that motel room.
It made me very sad to think of Bugsy dying alone, without getting the medical care he needed, but I was also thankful that there are good Samaritans today, still doing what Jesus so admired.
God bless Bugsy, and that modern day good Samaritan, whether it was a man or a woman, he or she will receive a crown in heaven one day.
Lord, open our eyes and our hearts to see how we can do our part to help others, as good Samaritans today. Amen
