We are continuing our sermon series, Hearing God through the Parables, with the parable of the Good Samaritan.  The “us vs them” view and way of relating is taking root and going to seed in our society.  This parable calls that into question.  The kingdom that Jesus brings is one of love of God and neighbor.  Are we being neighbors to all we meet or only to those of our own kind?  One day a Samaritan man happened upon a Jewish stranger who had been beaten and left for dead.  The Samaritan gave care, time and money to enable the man to recover.  At the close to the parable Jesus instructs us:  Go and do likewise… loving even the stranger and/or the enemy that we encounter.