Along the Same Road
I enjoy simple traditions that connect me to something larger than myself and enrich my spiritual journey. For me, the Book of Common Prayer is one such useful tool. I have an old 1928 version about the size of a pocket bible. I keep it by my bed with a candle that I light as part of a shared spiritual discipline and mystery we call prayer. This book and candle are not required or needed by God, but they are helpful to me – helping me to focus my mind and spirit. Today’s gospel reading is the familiar story of the Good Samaritan. Kierkegaard reminds us that, in life, it is not the road we are on but how we travel that road that really matters:
...When we read in the Gospel about the good Samaritan, there is mention of the road between Jericho and Jerusalem. The story tells of five people who walked "along the same road." Spiritually speaking, however, each one walked his own road. The highway, alas, makes no difference; it is the spiritual that makes the difference and distinguishes the road. Let us consider more carefully how this is.
The first man was a peaceful traveler who walked along the road from Jericho to Jerusalem, along a lawful road. The second man was a robber who "walked along the same road" -- and yet on an unlawful road. Then a priest came "along the same road"; he saw the poor unfortunate man who had been assaulted by the robber. Perhaps he was momentarily moved but went right on by. He walked the road of indifference. Next a Levite came "along the same road." He saw the poor unfortunate man; he too walked past unmoved, continuing his road. The Levite walked "along the same road" but walking his way, the way of selfishness and callousness. Finally a Samaritan came "along the same road." He found the poor unfortunate man on the road of mercy. He showed by example how to walk the road of mercy; he demonstrated that the road, spiritually speaking, is precisely this; how one walks. This is why the Gospel says, "Go and do likewise." Yes, there were five travelers who walked "along the same road," and yet each one walked his own road.
Provocations, Spiritual Writings of Kierkegaard compiled and edited by Charles E. Moore, Plough Publishing, Copyright 2002.
Dear God,
Let us walk -- not on some other road -- but the road we are on. Help us develop awareness of what or who may be on our path. Help us to live consciously in the moment, always aware of and sharing your love and mercy. And may you keep our souls from death, our eyes from tears, and our feet from stumbling (Ps. 116:8) as you guide our feet in viam pacis -- on the path of peace. (Luke 1: 79)
