The Gospel of Luke 10:25-37
Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.”
But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, `Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
Let us Pray: Father of Mercy, The Samaritan crossed boundaries—social, religious, and personal, to show compassion. Teach me to cross the road, to step into discomfort, to love beyond convenience. May I not ask “Who is my neighbor?” but instead, “How can I be one?” Amen.
Again here is another Gospel that is today.
We see in the news so much happening to ignore the plight of the disadvantaged, cuts to health insurance, cuts to food assistance and cuts to housing support. Are we going to ignore those who are being left behind or are we going to be the Samaritan and take time and give some of ourselves to help. The lawyer and priest act like some of our politicians of today. Ignoring the need around them, not stopping on the road to help, instead making things worse to profit for themselves. Many of our politicians show little compassion. There needs to be compassion without boundaries. In a world where suffering is often ignored or politicized, this parable calls us to see the wounded, those marginalized, overlooked, or dismissed and respond with tangible care.
The Samaritan’s actions show that love and mercy should not be limited by race, religion, or social status. True compassion and empathy are defined by action, not proximity or similarity. Regardless of what culture or religion we’re from, we should be willing to help people in need, even if they’re different from us. So, the question to ask is not “Who is my neighbor?” but “Whose neighbor can I be?” If we were to pose Jesus, the question “Who is my neighbor?” what would he answer? He would certainly remind us that our neighbor is not only our fellow countrymen but also those outside our community. What does being a neighbor mean to you? It can be a lot of things, if we look close to home it is making sure our older neighbors close to us are being looked after, as we grow our neighbors become our church family, and soon we realize the people in our communities, state, and country are our neighbors. We than have to remember those around the world that can also be suffering, especially in Ukraine, Gaza and other countries in turmoil.
So, as we look at the words of Jesus: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” Is there someone in your life right now who might be lying “by the roadside,” metaphorically speaking? Is there someone you have passed by, perhaps out of fear, judgment, or business, who needs your compassion?
Let us Pray: Lord of All, In a world divided by race, creed, and class, Your parable reminds us: mercy knows no borders. Heal our prejudices, dismantle our indifference, and build in us a community of care. May we be neighbors to the wounded, and witnesses to Your love. Amen.
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Reflections by Bob 