Mankind is helpless and cannot survive without the gifts of heaven. Man needs all of heaven’s natural gifts, sun, air and water provided by his Creator. Even these, he takes without any thought of giving thanks.

He also needs greater gifts because God has given him intellect and free will. Because of these powers, mankind is able to build a world and to bring creation to its highest level. Has that happened? Has mankind brought the world to its highest level where peace reigns and everyone enjoys a fullness of what God has abundantly provided?

Instead, the twin evils of violence and poverty dominate the world, twin paths that reflect the evil over which man has no control. Mankind has fallen victim to robbers and lays by the wayside. As time passes, and one person after another walks by, hopelessness sets in. Will no one be kind enough to bend over fallen humanity, dress its wounds and bring it to safe refuge?

Suddenly, someone comes. Who is this surprise visitor? A foreigner, someone despised, a Samaritan who has been set aside. Why should he stop for a Jew? Why should he bend over and wash the wounds? Why should he lift him up and take him to an inn?

Cannot these same questions be asked about Jesus? Has not society despised him, pulled down his images, and subjected him to ridicule? Yet, these are my words. Jesus will be your surprise visitor. At the moment you lie helpless by the wayside, He will come, pour His graces into your wounds and bring you to a safe place. Then, the eyes of all the world will open. Jesus will again be exalted. This is my path to lasting peace.