In our Pastoral Resident, Amelia Hamiter's sermon this past Sunday, we sit with Luke 10:25–42 — holding together the story of the Good Samaritan and the tension-filled moment between Martha and Mary. Two familiar passages. One shared thread: compassion.

Through the parable of the Samaritan, Jesus expands our definition of neighbor and redefines mercy as costly, embodied action. Through Martha’s overwhelm, we see what happens when service untethered from presence begins to drain us. Together, these stories invite us to wrestle with a hard question: How do we remain compassionate without burning out?

We explore compassion fatigue, the limits of our capacity, and the difference between urgency and intentional love. What if the invitation isn’t to do more, but to root our service in a different posture? What if mercy flows best from a place of grounded presence rather than anxious striving?

Whether you feel like the Samaritan on the road, Martha in the kitchen, or the weary traveler in need of care, this conversation makes space for honest reflection about loving well — and sustainably.