Gospel: Luke 10:25-37
Then a teacher of the law came and began putting Jesus to the test. And he said, “Master, what shall I do to receive eternal life?” Jesus replied, “What is written in the law? How do you understand it?” The man answered, “It is written: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind. And you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus replied, “What a good answer! Do this and you shall live.” The man wanted to justify his question, so he asked, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus then said, “There was a man going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him and went off, leaving him halfdead. It happened that a priest was going along that road and saw the man, but passed by on the other side. Likewise, a Levite saw the man, and passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan also was going that way; and when he came upon the man, he was moved with compassion. He went over to him, and cleaned his wounds with oil and wine, and wrapped them in bandages. Then he put him on his own mount, and brought him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day, he had to set off; but he gave two silver coins to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him, and whatever you spend on him, I will repay when I return.’” Jesus then asked, “Which of these three, do you think, made himself neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The teacher of the law answered, “The one who had mercy on him.” And Jesus said, “Then go and do the same.”
Reflection:
"All people are worthy of being loved."
Read: Deuteronomy teaches that God’s law is not beyond our reach or comprehension, since God has written it, his commandments in our hearts, commandments which are summed up in love of God and neighbour. In his parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus explains that the love of neighbour is universal in its application. Jesus himself shows us a universal love by dying for all and in him all things hold together through that love.
Reflect: The parable of the Good Samaritan powerfully demonstrates that all people are worthy of being loved, regardless of race, religion or circumstance, and the parable prompts us to ask ourselves, “What is my response to people in need? Do I stop and offer help, or do I pass by? That help may be direct involvement, or indirect support through contribution to charities trained and skilled in helping the hungry, the sick, the homeless or any other physical or emotional need. The whole focus of the parable is the call to have eyes to see the needs of others and a heart that is willing to love, because if we fail in loving our neighbour, how can we be sincere in loving God?
Pray: Pray for a heart that is more open to others.
Act: Reach out to someone who needs your support or help.
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