Allegory has been a common way of interpreting Scripture through Christian history. St. Augustine shared an allegorical interpretation of the Good Samaritan parable: The traveler is humanity, descending from God’s holy city of Jerusalem, set upon by sin, then rescued and healed by Jesus.
What I find most appealing is Augustine’s vision of the inn to which the Samaritan takes the traveler. It’s the Church, entrusted by Jesus to heal. And what’s the Church, this Body of Christ? It’s us.
Often, my takeaway from this parable is, unfortunately, judgment of those who pass by the traveler (which of course can’t be me!). But this ancient view expands my understanding, bringing me into the story in a different way: I’m part of that safe place that Jesus has entrusted to care for hurting travelers on the journey. Are my doors open?
Ephesians 2:10, "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do!" It is God's good work, not my good works :-)
Well said, Amy. I always enjoy your reflections. I find myself sometimes in the character of the Levite or the priest and I must do better.
Amy Thx. Changing a POV makes all the difference.
Absolutely agree, I never heard that allegory before. I thought I knew everything about “the Good Samaritan”. We can learn so much from listening or reading other perspectives. I learned something today. Thanks Amy
Amen! Thank you Amy, this is a beautiful viewpoint.
Thank you so much!
Thank you for something new! I am the traveller, I am the church. I don't have to be a failed good Samaritan today. Because Lord, hotel people just don't take care of the injured anymore. There are so many organizations, organizations, organizations. But when you come across a real person that needs help, there's no one.
Wonderful reflection! So many different ways to look at the Bible stories and gospel readings. This one really kept my mind from wandering this morning. God’s blessings to all.
Amen! Thank you Holy Father for this beautiful day and for this Gospel today. Thank you Lord Jesus Christ for my faith, my life and for my family. Thank you Holy Father, most of all, for your great sacrifice and for the opportunity of forgiveness and reconciliation. Please Lord Jesus Christ have mercy. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ, King of Endless Glory. Amen Holy Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, we ask that you release your warrior angels and heavenly hosts. We decry and declare that they would take us off the enemies' radar and scramble the enemies frequencies (airwaves). Your Kingdom must come now. Your will must be done right now, as in the heavens, also on earth. Amen Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host - by the power of God - Cast into hell satan and all evil spirits that prowl about the earth seeking the ruin of souls. Amen
Lord, help me to see the immediate needs of those around me today and to respond with love and care.
Thank you Amy for expanding my mind early this morning. Allegory! Great reminder! God bless you and your family today.
Thank you! And bless you and yours, too!
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*** Galatians 1:6, "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the One Who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the Gospel of Christ." What is this different gospel Paul was referring to? *** Galations 2:16, 21, "know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified...I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” This different gospel is to justify by the works of the law and not by God's grace resulting faith in Christ alone! *** This is the Gospel in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast!" ******* Listen to Paul's question to the Galatians (and us today) who were going through a theological crisis in Galatians 3:1-5, "Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christ’s death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of His death on the cross. Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? Have you experienced so much for nothing? Surely it was not in vain, was it? I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ!" *** So, does it mean good works are not required from Christ followers? NO!!! Biblically, faith is the cause of salvation, while works are the evidence of it...God's grace gives me faith in Christ alone, and faith in Christ alone gives me the Holy Spirit Who guides me to do His good works according to His plan!!! So any good works done without God's grace, faith in Christ alone and the work of the Holy Spirit is NO good works at all...if it does not make sense, ponder that for a while and ask the Holy Spirit to explain!