Good Samaritans: Are You One of Them?

Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us everyday. Never get tired of doing little things for others. Sometimes, those little things occupy the biggest part of their lives.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates the profound impact of compassion and altruism transcending cultural barriers and societal norms. This narrative recounts the tale of an individual extending aid to a stranger encountered on their journey.

Unexpectedly, I found myself cast in the role of the "wounded man" in my own rendition of the "Good Samaritan" story. If given the choice, I would have gladly assumed the role of the Samaritan.

Not all strangers possess the fortitude to extend a helping hand, especially when they are in need themselves. However, if you encounter a stranger facing a situation similar to your own, would you offer assistance despite your own challenges? What if the help they require is something you also lack?

I believe some individuals would indeed make a small sacrifice and aid a stranger in need.

Remarkably, I encountered not just one, but two such individuals simultaneously.

As darkness enveloped the surroundings, I stood by the waiting shed, awaiting a bus amidst the heavy rain and intense traffic congestion. Regrettably, I had forgotten to bring my umbrella that morning, unaware of the impending downpour after the bright sunshine earlier. Alongside me were two companions, both young women equipped with umbrellas, sharing the shed for a bus.

Finally, as a bus approached and came to a stop, I hastened from the shed, anticipating its complete halt. Unexpectedly, one of the girls leaped forward, seizing the opportunity to board. Simultaneously, the other girl shoved me aside, eager to secure her place as well. Left standing outside, without an umbrella, I patiently waited for them to get inside the bus.

Thankfully, a small corner inside the bus offered me refuge which I gladly accepted just to get home quickly.

I understand your skepticism. How could these two girls be considered Good Samaritans when they prioritized their own needs? No, they are not the individuals I am referring to.

Before arriving home, I would typically catch another ride at the corner after disembarking from the bus at the highway intersection. On this particular occasion, the rain poured relentlessly, leaving me with no option but to stand among the crowd waiting for a jeepney, allowing the rain to drench me.

Beside me stood an older man, sheltered under an umbrella that could easily accommodate three people. I hoped he might offer to share, but when I timidly inquired, he moved away. However, a young man soon approached and kindly offered me his umbrella, insisting I take it.

Initially, I hesitated, aware that he too might need it. Nonetheless, he persisted, so I accepted his gracious gesture. This young man was a familiar presence, earning a living by assisting with the street traffic, signaling incoming jeepneys to stop for passengers in exchange for a modest payment from the driver.

Upon the arrival of a jeepney, I returned the umbrella to him, offering a token of appreciation which he humbly declined, though I insisted it was a small gesture of gratitude. However, halfway through the journey, the driver announced it was the final stop, leaving me disheartened as I faced a four-block walk to reach home.

Fortunately, one of the passengers, a young lady, generously offered to share her umbrella with me, as we both traveled in the same direction. I expressed my gratitude and provided her with directions to her destination, as she was unfamiliar with the area.

Encountering compassionate individuals along the journey, particularly during moments of need, is truly heartwarming. Such experiences inspire a desire to reciprocate kindness and perpetuate it forward, one benevolent deed at a time. Having experienced what it's like to be in the shoes of the "wounded man," one becomes more attuned to the impact of empathy and generosity.