The Grateful Samaritan

Ten years later, I pass Porirua Harbour by train most mornings and evenings, and I often think of Allen when I see the sea that he loved so much and that ultimately claimed him. I think of how he helped me to appreciate the abundance of creation and to be quietly grateful for it.

Just like the grateful Samaritan of 2,000 years ago and the street person of today, Allen was an outsider who was looked down on by some, yet demonstrated gratitude and humility that was lacking in many of those who would consider themselves to be superior. We too need to consider how grateful we are for what we have received in life through God’s grace, and we must be mindful that we never ever count ourselves superior to those whose very existences confront us and challenge us to consider whether our lives really do reveal Christ in word and action.

Darryl Ward

14 October 2007

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