Luke 10:25-37

This summer at RMC we're focusing on telling stories of hope from the Bible. Katie Mangum was our guest speaker this Sunday and shared reflections on one of the most common and beloved of Jesus' parables, that of the Good Samaritan.

Jesus' parables can be frustrating, since many don't have clear meanings. Even this story of the Good Samaritan, which may have obvious meanings on the surface, can be looked at from many different perspectives.

When we weary, exhausted humans, with all our unsolved problems and unanswered questions show up on Sunday mornings, and Jesus tells us what seems to be a riddle about a Samaritan or a vineyard owner or a seed, it can feel a little frustrating. But we know, as Jesus knows, that pat answers won't bind up our wounds. The only thing that has ever been able to do that is a story.