Good Samaritan

Seminary students prepared a sermon
On the Good Samaritan.
They were told that an audience awaited
Across campus.

An actor was strategically placed on the way,
Doubled over and moaning.

Of the students told, “Hurry! You’re late!”
Only one in ten stopped to help.

Of the students told, “Take your time,”
Six in ten stopped.

This study brought tears to my eyes.
Are not most of us busy, most of the time?

How could anyone rightly weigh the priorities
Of an impatient audience with the groans
Of an ill man?

If the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few,
Are we too busy to labor?

Even assuming we identify the harvest correctly?