Samaritan Walk

How we react to what is happening to us and around us matters.

Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart. - Hebrews 12:1-3

Today's epistle is a reminder that we are surrounded by witnesses to our faith, noticing how we act and react in this world.  We are not invisible, and what we do matters.

Yesterday, we gathered at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Manhattan to renew our vows as Deacons, Priests and Bishops.  We were witnesses to one another of our commitment to God and to one another to continue to serve and care for God's children, this earthly family to which we are all a part.

We entered by processing along the street, a long line of us walking two by two.  As we exited the basement of Synod House on 110th Street, to walk to Amsterdam Avenue, we passed by a small group of people who were sitting against the wall of the Cathedral close.  They appeared to have all their belongings with them.

As we passed by, I said "Good morning," and one young woman smiled.  She then crossed herself.

I felt strange.  I wanted to step out of line and do something to help her, but I continued on my way.

I couldn't help but think of the parable of the Good Samaritan. 

I was the holy man who didn't stop to help the man on the road, focused on my needs and not his.

Chances are that woman didn't hold it against us that we had someplace important to be and something important to do, but it says something to the world to have an entire diocese of clergy pass by the homeless and poor without taking action.

After the service, we all sat down for lunch upstairs, feasting on a hearty meal with wine.

I wonder if the people outside were hungry.

One could argue that we needed to recharge our batteries so we could go back to serving those in need today, but I can't help think the money could have been better spent helping others.

Imagine if we thought that way with every dollar we spend.

More to come...