Thursday, 8 July 2021
Title: Be A Good MCO Samaritan
By Dr. Tho Lye Mun

Read Luke 10:25-37

36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

MCO means Movement Control Order. These are the restrictions that have been implemented in Malaysia over the last 15 months in order to combat the spread of COVID. We are now entering the 5th week of our latest round of lockdowns. Travel is restricted and the majority of businesses and factories are closed. Those particularly affected appear to be the most vulnerable in society to begin with, the lower income group, casual workers and the migrant community. Many are struggling to put food on the table. We hear of mothers who cannot afford to buy milk for their babies and are resorting to feeding them coffee or condensed milk. People are unable and too afraid to leave their homes as they will never be able to pay the fines imposed for breaching SOPs. We hear of the mental anguish and depression leading to suicides. We’ve all received the gory pictures on our WhatsApp groups.

What is our response? Clearly the right response is to reach out to help. As a front-liner, my colleagues in other hospitals and I have seen first-hand how Buddhists, Muslim and non-religious NGOs have come forward to offer assistance. Funnily enough, we have not been approached by any churches or Christian organisations, nor have my own Christian colleagues been particularly forthcoming in offering to help others admittedly. If non-Christians can pour out their resources, time and love, surely the bar should be set even higher for Christians.

Now, back to the parable. It’s interesting that Jesus’ choice for the first two bad examples were not just ordinary Jews, but a priest and a Levite specifically. These people were meant to helm religious activities of the day, worship and scripture teaching, as well as act as community leaders. Yet, they turned a blind eye. I think the burden of responsibility placed on church leaders today remains equally critical. In this time of widespread need, they are tasked with leading us to identify needs in the community, to organise and mobilise the church to offer assistance to those who cannot help themselves anymore. I urge church leaders to rise to the occasion and stop holy-huddling, praying and waiting for the pandemic to be over. The time is now, the Samaritans are hard at work, so lead your church to become a beacon of light in the darkness. Your testimony is in your actions and is plain for everyone to see, especially the younger generation.

Prayer:

Please help us Lord to stop being selfish and fearful. Love is not fearful. Help us to open our eyes to the needs around us and move us mightily in the Holy Spirit to help our neighbour in need. Help our leaders lead. Help them spur their flock on to love and good deeds to bring you glory.

每日灵粮
2021年7月8日，星期四
题目：做一个好MCO撒玛利亚人
作者：陶乃文医生
翻译：吴淑娉姐妹
经文：路加福音10: 25-37节

请阅读路加福音 10:25-37

36 “你想这三个人，哪一个是落入强盗手中的邻舍呢？” 37 律法师回答说：”是怜悯他的。” 耶稣对他说：”你去照样行吧。”

MCO是指行动管制令，为着防止新冠肺炎传播，在过往的15个月，大马都在实施行动管制令。目前，我们已进入最新一轮封锁的第5周，旅行受到限制，大多数企业和工厂都关闭。本来就是社会弱势群体的人所受到的影响最为严重，例如低收入人士、散工及移民。很多人都拼命工作，只求天天有饭开，据说有母亲因无力购买婴儿奶粉，而用咖啡或炼乳喂养婴儿，很多人因无法、也因怕要缴付违反SOP的高额罚款而不敢步出家门，一些人因此而陷入情绪低落或什至自杀，我们都可能在WhatsApp群组收过一些惨不忍睹的图片。

我们的回应是什么？很明显，正确的回应是伸出援手。 作为前线人员，我和其他医院的同事都亲眼目睹了佛教徒、穆斯林、非宗教、非政府组织如何挺身而出提供帮助。＂ 可笑＂的是，我们没有接触过任何教会或基督教组织，我自己的基督徒同事也没有特别主动地帮助他人。 如果非基督徒可以贡献他们的资源、时间和爱心，那么基督徒的标准应该定得更高。

再看以上的比喻，有趣的是耶稣所选择的两个坏榜样并不是普通的犹太人，而是一位祭司和一个利未人，他们的职责是主持宗教活动、崇拜、教圣经及担任社区领袖，然而他们对这个受伤的犹太人却视而不见。我认为今天的教会领袖所肩负的责任同样重要，在这个有需要的时候，他们应该带领我们了解社会上的需要、组织及动员教会，为那些无助的人提供協助。我促请教会领袖不要逗留在自己基督徒的小圈子、单单祈祷或静候疫情自行结束，而要采取更实际的行动。现在是时候了，好撒玛利亚人正在努力工作，你们也要带领自己的教会，成为在黑暗中发亮的灯塔，让所有的人，尤其是年轻的一群，看见你们将见证实践在行动上。

祷告：

主啊！请帮助我们不要自私和害怕，爱里没有恐惧，帮助我们张开眼睛看到周围的需要，并让圣灵大大的感动我们去帮助各邻舍。帮助领导者，让他们可以激励羊群、以爱和善行为祢带来荣耀。