Knowing the Commandments to love God and neighbor, a scholar of the law intent on justifying himself asked Jesus to define neighbor. The Lord answered with a parable in which His listeners would have pegged a Samaritan as the least likely of three passersby to help the victim of a brutal robbery. In another parable, Jesus depicted a traveler arriving late at night, prompting his host to pester a friend into getting up and supplying some bread for a midnight snack. God recognizes that people want quick answers to prayers and rewards faithful persistence. When our Lord visited two sisters, Martha wanted Mary to help with the hospitality. Jesus sided with Mary, who listened to Him without distraction. When we want God to take our side, do we pass by opportunities to do His will?