My Silent Helper (04/08/2025)

Yesterday was the final bible study meeting on the parables and I’d volunteered to bring soup. I decided to make chili. I took out all the cans of beans and tomato paste and set them on the counter. I started with browning the ground beef with onions. As I worked at the stove with my back to the island, I heard a noise I couldn’t explain. I turned to find my husband, can opener in hand, opening the beans and tomato paste. He’d seen what I was doing and without my asking pitched in. He’s that kind of guy.

Then last night as we were reading and discussing the final parables for our study, we came to the rich man and Lazarus. I read the parable out loud and then asked the participants to discuss it in their small group before we covered it in large group. Minutes later when I asked for insights that flowed from their reading and discussion, the first to arise was the rich man’s failure to “see Lazarus.” And we discussed briefly how Jesus was calling us through that parable to see the other and their need. I’m sure the participants didn’t understand the smile that came across my face at that moment. I thought of my husband, can opener in hand. He’d seen me and my need.

Daily we have the opportunity to see one another, fellow pilgrims on this journey called life. Frequently, if we truly “see” the other, we will see a need that we can help with on the way. Sometimes it will involve action. Sometimes it will involve listening. Sometimes it will simply involve walking together silently but still together, dispelling that feeling of loneliness and isolation. Our heavenly Father created us with multiple ways to “see” the other – eyes to literally take in the sight, ears to hear the pain or sense of urgency in another’s voice. As I pondered my day, I recognized the LORD’s nudge to be more attentive to the other in my presence. I thought of multiple times in my own life when others noticed and helped me along the way. And I promised to be more attentive.

As we continue our journeys of faith, hope and love, let us do so attentively, taking the time and making the effort to truly see the others in our midst. And when we can, let us, without much ado, do what we can and should to accompany them on the way, knowing that others have done the same for us. Let us do it in love, with love, and through love. Jesus would be proud.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.