The reading according to Luke 10:25-37

²⁵ An expert in the law stood up to test Jesus.^[a] “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” ²⁶ He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” ²⁷ He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and your neighbor as yourself.” ²⁸ And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.”

²⁹ But wanting to vindicate himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” ³⁰ Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and took off, leaving him half dead. ³¹ Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. ³² So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 

³³ But a Samaritan while traveling came upon him, and when he saw him he was moved with compassion. ³⁴ He went to him and bandaged his wounds, treating them with oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. ³⁵ The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him, and when I come back I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ ³⁶ Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” ³⁷ He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”

The August Mission Spotlight focuses on Lutheran World Relief. This Mission focuses on people in need, either domestically or globally. Whether wildfires, flooding or hurricane damage in the US or drought, famine, disease or other natural disaster, Lutheran World Relief is there.

Founded by Lutherans in the United States at the end of World War II, grounded in Lutheran theology and building on decades of experience, Lutheran World relief tackles global poverty by helping people adapt to the challenges that threaten their livelihoods and well being.

LWR works with people based on need, regardless of race, religion or nationality and does not evangelize. They provide aid in emergencies and help families restore their lives. They partner with communities to build and grow rural economies and break the cycle of poverty, so that families and communities can thrive.

Lutheran World Relief works through a wealth of expertise, resources and networks to find solutions for difficult problems. In the days and weeks after a disaster, they are on the ground, meeting the people’s immediate needs. In the months and years following, LWR is dedicated to working with those affected to ensure they can rebuild better and stronger than before.

Please include the dedicated staff and volunteers of Lutheran World Relief in your prayers, as well as the families and communities they service. A dedicated offering will be collected on Sunday, August 23.

Peace,
Service chair
Karen Laughlin