The Muddy Path to Compassion

I intentionally sought this photograph as a personal reflection inspired by the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37). This gospel reading poses a crucial question: In our life’s journey, often a challenging, muddy road, who is the wounded traveler we encounter?

The Lord calls us to cross the road, to go the extra mile, and become the kind of neighbor who stops, helps, and heals. So, who is that wounded person in our journey to life today?

In my work focused on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability, this might mean reaching out to marginalized communities and collaborating with partners to achieve our program goals. However, I sometimes get caught up in large-scale initiatives, forgetting that my immediate family also represents those who are wounded. My daughter, for example, longs for playtime with me on Saturday mornings. It is a request that competes with my training for an upcoming race. A faculty member has also offered me a teaching load on Saturdays—a time I typically reserve for rest and personal activity. However, the compelling opportunity to mentor and inspire young minds about sustainability in business who will become the next generation of ethical leaders makes it difficult for me to decline. I was deeply moved by the dedication of a jiu-jitsu coach and competitor who, despite rigorous training for an upcoming tournament, prioritized accompanying his father for major surgery. His selfless act, foregoing his own strict routine, is truly inspiring. These are some needs of our closest neighbors who are represented by our loved ones and family who simply need our presence, attention, and time. These are opportunities for us to stop, help, and heal them.

I also have this thought that a fourth person exists in the parable, representing those who superficially offer help to ease their own guilt and quickly rid themselves of the person in need. Their help is limited to what’s convenient for them; they avoid any significant inconvenience. I sometimes recognize myself in this fourth person. For example, I might donate extra money, not out of genuine concern, but as a quick way to alleviate my own discomfort and avoid further involvement. Essentially, I contribute funds simply to resolve the immediate problem rather than truly assisting and immersing with the individual.

In the movie “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)”, Saruman believed only great power could combat evil. Gandalf countered, stating, “It is the small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Simple acts of kindness and love.” This message powerfully reminds us of what it means to be a neighbor—going beyond obligation and acting out of love. These wounded people need our simple acts of kindness.

Regardless of whether they are family, housemates, or colleagues, these are the people who yearn for our compassionate service. It’s easy to identify the “wounded” ones. But Jesus’ challenge in the gospel is to go beyond definition. We are called to become neighbors to the wounded. We are called to be good neighbors, even when inconvenient—at home, at work, in our community, in society, and even in our environment.

So, who will I be today? Will I be the Levite or Priest, ignoring the wounded and proceeding with my plans? Or will I courageously choose to be the Good Samaritan? I hope to avoid the trap of superficial aid such as initiating CSR programs for mere appearances or offer quick financial fixes simply to dismiss the suffering individual. I hope and pray that my actions to be genuine and impactful taking time to stop, help, and heal, despite the inconvenience.

Finally, this photo might seem ordinary, but it depicts the challenging journey to our tree planting site which demonstrates our commitment to environmental restoration. The hour-long trek through the mud was a small price to pay for the satisfaction of helping our wounded neighbor- the environment. (Francis Manayan)