It happens. Discarded rope fouls the screw of the boat’s engine, and it jams. Our boat was near; after a few moments we recognised the drama unfolding. The skipper ahead climbed onto the engine casing, cutting and pulling. As we came closer our own skipper offered help- and two other boat crews joined in.
After about ten minutes of the balancing act, the blue rope strands were cleared and taken onboard so that no-one else could be jammed. A marvellous example of community teamwork: and the uncomplaining attitude of the crews spoke volumes. A colleague, possibly a friend, was in need of help- and so the obvious thing was to get involved and solve the problem.
Working at sea is always hazardous, even if limited to the tourist boats and inshore waters. Sailors follow a code of support and rescue. After all, a boat in difficulties is a potential risk to life. Responsibility for others is built into the sailor’s way. The sea is their common enemy.
I started thinking about the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). Jesus, challenged by those who sought to cause trouble, told of a man waylaid by robbers. Two “worthy” religious men found good reasons to leave the victim in the gutter- but the third traveller, a man from a detested ethno-religious group (Samaria), did the unexpected. He stopped, took the victim to safety, and paid for his care. Can you imagine the shock for those listening to the tale? Their most precious customs of ritual cleanliness were shown to be less important than simple, costly, mercy.
Love your neighbour. Even when they aren’t “my kind of people.” If we say we love God, it should be evident in the way we live and behave- to everyone.
A modern analogy isn’t hard to find. Modern political divides… Republican/Democrat, Tory/Labour, south/north, Israeli/Palestinian … Social and racial barriers… Today, I suspect Jesus would speak of a refugee/asylum seeker helping as the “samaritan” whilst the respectable middle class and the nationalist demagogues walk past muttering “charity begins at home” or “nothing to do with me” – or worse.
Jesus asked “Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Luke 10 v36-37
Just imagine a world where the merciful outnumber the uncaring. Think of the famines that might be ended, the wars stopped, and the social structures unjammed by people daring to prove they truly “Love God- and love their neighbour.” Go and do likewise.
The Reflectionary 