July 10, 2016. We can talk about love. We can believe in love. We can do lots of loving. But if the systems are unchanged, the problems that cause hurt won’t go away. Today, Pastor Keith preaches on the parable of the good Samaritan. How often do we avoid those in need because we don’t see them as our neighbors? Jesus embodied mercy to us. But how can we live out this mercy? Working one-on-one, working within organizations, or working to change the system, God gives us the eyes and ears to recognize need. We only need to be willing to do something about it.

*** [Keywords: Babylon Black and Blue play Dorothy Day Epworth Gateway 180 Gerizim Hammond, IN Humanitri Jefferson City Jesus Jewish Levite Lord have mercy Luther Seminary Lutheran Family and Children’s Services Metro St. Louis Muslim Pastor Keith Holste Philando Castile St. Paul, MN Syrians agency avoid those in need awful people believe bind mercy together burdens change the system cheering community compassion cross democratic process died discern do something about it drawing close dying a very death like ours ears to hear earth education embodied mercy employment ethnicity expectation eyes to see full human beings good Samaritan hate by the Jews healers healing power of God health care heart high school student inn intermarried jeering justice least of these left at the side of the road live out love love our neighbors as ourselves loving mercy mind misery need neighborhoods oil one-on-one open their eyes parable person of mercy persuasion potential threats prayer priest real estate recognize need redemption revolt rich and successful Jew salvation scripture skills for living social workers soul statistics strength suffered sympathy put into action systems are unchanged tends to his wounds the way of mercy those in need unclean underserved uprising upside down vigil vulnerability what must I do to be saved who is my neighbor willingness within organizations]