Good Samaritan Chicken Noodle Soup

Today we have two very special National Days that need recognition. The first is Good Samaritan Day. The point and purpose of Good Samaritan Day should be obvious. Most of us are familiar with the term “Good Samaritan” even if we don’t know our Biblical Parables.

To truly appreciate the act of the Good Samaritan, we must first understand who Samaritans were. During the time of Jesus, the Jews hated the Samaritans to such a degree that they actually destroyed their temple on Mount Gerizim. This bitter resentment was a two-way street; for the Samaritans hated the Jews just as much. Samaritans were considered to be outsiders who worshiped falsely and desecrated the Jewish Faith. They were regarded as the lowly of the low. It is in this light that the Parable of the Good Samaritan takes on even greater meaning as an example that good exists in everyone. When we recognize goodness in all those around us, it is far easier to love our enemies, just as Christ commanded of us.

When you look at the setting of the Parable, the road from Jerusalem to Jericho was notorious for its dangers, and was even known as the “way of Blood” because so often those traveling the route fell victim to robbers. It is a winding road that begins 1,200 feet above sea level in Jerusalem, and ends 2,200 feet below sea level in Jericho. With its twists and turns, the road is perfect for ambushing travelers. And so it was that a Jewish man, traveling the road, was robbed and beaten. Those who passed by him gave no aid. That is until a Samaritan came upon him. These two were enemies in society, and yet the Samaritan did not turn his back on a person in need. He put aside his own prejudices and did what he knew to be right. He cared for someone regardless of their differences.

We are encouraged today to act as Good Samaritans, to look past our differences and only see a brother or sister in need.

Today is also Chicken Noodle Soup Day. What better way is there to show kindness to strangers than to give of our time in a soup kitchen? Perhaps we can even be put in charge of making the soup. Or perhaps you have seen a homeless encampment in need of compassion. Bring soup there. Whatever the spirit tells you to do is the right thing to do.

Good Samaritan Chicken Noodle Soup
3 cups Rotisserie Chicken, coarsely chopped
1 medium Yellow Onion, diced
2 medium Carrots, diced
2 Celery Ribs, chopped
1 tablespoon Canola Oil
8 cups Chicken Stock
1/2 teaspoon Dried Basil
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
3 cups Egg Noodles, dry
1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley, minced

Remove all the skin from a rotisserie chicken, then strip the meat from the bones. Coarsely chop the chicken, set aside. Peel onions and carrots, dice and set aside. Clean celery, trim ends. Slice and set aside.

Warm oil in a 6-quart stock pot over medium-high heat. Add celery, carrots and onions; sauté until tender, about 6 minutes.

Add chicken stock, season with basil and black pepper. Bring soup to a boil. Once boiling, add noodles. Stir to submerge the noodles in the stock. Cook for about 12 minutes or until pasta is al dente.

While the noodles cook, mince parsley and set aside. When ready, add chicken and parsley to the soup. Lower heat, let simmer until warmed through.

---

I hope in the Lord, I trust in His word; with Him there is kindness