But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity.
(Luke 10.33 NRSV)

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When Clara Barton learned of the terrible plight of the wounded soldiers at the battle of Second Bull Run, she immediately left the security of Washington, D.C., for the battlefield. Arriving on Sunday she labored all day and on through the night, aiding the stricken men. Exhaustion could not stop her as she bandaged one man and consoled another. Fear could not deter this nurse from her appointed rounds. As Rebel skirmishers began to pass over the knoll of a nearby hill, Barton continued her work. Alone, she treated the injured as the other medical personnel boarded the train, hoping to reach the safety of the city.

Slowly the Confederate forces advanced; soon the hospital would be overrun. Aware of the impending doom, a Union officer rode up to Barton with a mount in hand. He called, asking if Clara could ride a horse bareback. Nodding she could, the officer yelled, "Then you can risk another hour!" While bullets passed by her, she stayed to bandage yet another man.

When the Samaritan stopped along the side of the road to assist a fellow traveler, he was willing to risk yet another hour. He was willing to take the risk of getting involved. He was willing to sacrifice his time. He was willing to surrender some of his belongings. He was willing to walk, so another could ride. He was willing to offer his coins at the Inn for a man who had none.

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Dear Jesus, show me the way to be a good Samaritan. Amen.

Ron Newhouse

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