Jesus often speaks in parables, which we describe as earthly stories with a heavenly meaning. The earthly story is something that we can connect with and understand, something that would or could happen in our world. Yet, behind that story, there is a deeper meaning, something more that is meant, something more that is said. In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, we often want to think of ourselves as the Good Samaritan, when in reality, we are more like the priest, the Levite, and most often the one who is left for dead, and needs to be rescued, lifted up, cared for and brought back to health. Thanks be to God that Jesus is our Good Samaritan!