Off in the Ditch

In the story of the Good Samaritan, what if we identify with the person in the ditch, the dying, half-dead one who is utterly dependent upon others for life itself? What if we read this beloved story from Jesus, not as encouragement for those of us who consider ourselves resourced, powerful, and responsible but rather as an honest assessment of how we are indeed dependent, needy, and connected to others for our very lives? We may not be dramatically in need—bleeding and dying in some ditch—but we are daily in need of the kindness and gifts of strangers. That is, we are in daily need of God’s grace.