“by chance” [Luke 10:31]

“by chance”. This is the reason given for a priest to be passing by when a man lay robbed and wounded by the roadside. The Levite who passed by was the same. Both men declined the opportunity to help.
“By chance” or “so it happened” are descriptions we give when we did not plan it beforehand. Absence of planning is no excuse for neglecting to attend to needs. Opportunities to do good or to speak a word of comfort or to bear testimony to the grace of God present themselves unexpectedly. Be ready for them.
The Good Samaritan was observant (he saw the victim), compassionate (he had compassion), responsive (he went to him, bound up his wounds) and caring (he took him to the inn and paid expenses). Be like him whenever you can.