The ancient parable of the Good Samaritan applies to modern efforts to reclaim less-active members who figuratively lie spiritually wounded or who are sick in spirit, said Elder Merlin R. Lybbert.

Elder Lybbert of the Seventy said Sunday afternoon that "the beauty of the parables of the Lord is that they have many applications, and thus their teaching value is unending."He related the parable in which a Levite and priest passed by an injured man without giving help, while a less-regarded Samaritan had compassion on the man and extended care and healing.

Today, he said, "there are many of God's children . . . who are on the roadside. They are the less-active among us. Generally, we know who they are, and have association with them in various settings, but because they are not physically sick or injured, we too often play the part of the priest or Levite and walk by `on the other side.' "

He suggested that at times there may be a particle of similarity between the Levite and priest and an elders quorum president, high priest group leader, member of a bishopric or a home teacher and the way they treat the less-active member who has fallen by the way side.

"Perhaps we do not despise them, but we sometimes ignore or otherwise disregard them," he said.

"We can bind up their spiritual wounds by rendering needed service, pouring in the soothing oil of friendship, and supplying the soul-healing balm of genuine brotherly and sisterly love. We can set them in our own automobiles and accompany them to our homes and places of worship, devote the necessary time and attention to warmly fellowship them."

He said most members know of someone who is spiritually ill or wounded "who desperately needs the assistance of a good LDS brother or sister - a Latter-day Samaritan.

"Our prophet has repeatedly reminded us that rescuing the less-active is one of our greatest challenges of service," emphasized Elder Lybbert.

He recounted a modern parable in which an enterprising turkey gathered the flock together and taught the ungainly birds how to fly.

"All afternoon they enjoyed soaring and flying and the thrill of seeing new vistas. After the meeting, all of the turkeys walked home."

Like birds that are willing to walk when they know how to fly, members must learn that, "It is not our understanding of the principles of the gospel that bring the blessings of heaven, but the living of them," said Elder Lybbert.