Article January 24, 1970 Issue

Involvement, Responsibility, Sacrifice

MARGRET E. KEATTS

Much has recently been said about the reluctance of many people today to become involved, often refusing to go to the aid of those in distress or danger. Many do not want to assume responsibility for their fellowmen at the sacrifice of their own time, comfort, or safety.

One day a person known to the writer was discussing with a friend a problem concerning a mutual acquaintance who was rather new in town. This acquaintance, who was going through deep waters, was in dire need of financial assistance as well as spiritual support. The friend ended their conversation with the remark, "Well, I just don't want to get involved."

Thinking about this afterward, this person wondered if she too should refuse to become involved. Then she remembered the story of the good Samaritan. She asked herself, "When the Samaritan found the man beaten and robbed along the roadside, what if he had said, 'I don't know this man. So why should I help him? I don't know what his social status is and what he has been or done in the past. If he had been leading the right kind of life, he wouldn't have got himself in this predicament. He may even be a trickster trying to get me into trouble. I just don't want to become involved!'"

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