March 11, 2011
Justin Horner writes a piece in the Lives section of the New York Times magazine that recounts three instances of getting stranded in his car during the past year. Many people passed him by. Each time, it was only a Mexican immigrant who stopped to help.
Horner realizes a truth that I, and so many who have worked with the poor and marginalized, know well. Very often the most disenfranchised and persecuted members of our society are also the most generous and compassionate.
Horner’s story of a particular encounter with a Mexican family would be a wonderful companion piece to the gospel of Luke. Not only is it a living illustration of the Beatitudes, it could also be understood as a modern twist on the Good Samaritan parable.
