Martin Luther King Jr. often referenced the Parable of the Good Samaritan in his speeches and sermons to illustrate the moral responsibility of helping others, especially those in need or suffering injustice. One of his most powerful interpretations came during his “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech, delivered on April 3, 1968, the night before his assassination. In that speech, he said..
“The first question that the priest and the Levite asked was, If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?’ But then the Good Samaritan came by, and he reversed the question, If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?’
This distinction was central to King’s moral philosophy. He used the parable to show the importance of selfless compassion, a shift from self-preservation to other-centred love.
The story of the Good Samaritan is very familiar to every Christian. It happened to be the message of yesterday’s Catholic gospel. It teaches us something simple but powerful..
We all have a choice, to walk past someone who needs help, or to stop and care.
Martin Luther King wanted us to understand that it’s not just about playing it safe, it’s about doing what’s right, even when it’s not easy.
Let’s bring it home, especially for children and youth.
Sometimes you’re the ones who walk by.
At home, in school or your neighbourhood, you ignore little good gestures, kindness, and warmth that you could offer even without feeling it.
It’s easy to come up with reasons not to get involved.
I don’t want to get embarrassed.
I don’t know them.
Someone else will probably help.
But here’s the truth;
You are someone.
And guess what? You don’t have to wait until you’re in the right position to help.
God can use you right now to be the person who notices, who cares, who acts.
So What Can You Do?
Be courageous enough to care. If someone’s hurting, don’t ignore it. You might be the only person who sees them.
Ask the Samaritan’s question: What will happen to them if I don’t help?
Don’t underestimate small things. A kind word. A text to check in. A seat saved. It matters more than you think.
Lead with love. Even when others don’t. That’s what sets followers of Jesus apart.
Always ask..
Who’s lying on the side of the road in your world?
Who’s hurting, alone, or ignored?
What will happen to them if you don’t stop?
Be the kind of people who don’t just walk by.
Be the ones who stop. Who cares.
Be The Good Samaritan.
And like Dr. King said,
Always ask the better question.
✍️ Amara Ann Unachukwu
