The Holy Gospel according to Luke 10:25-37
There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test Jesus and said,
“Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law?
How do you read it?” He said in reply,
“You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being,
with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”
He replied to him, “You have answered correctly;
do this and you will live.” But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus,
“And who is my neighbor?”
Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers
as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho.
They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead.
A priest happened to be going down that road,
but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side.
Likewise a Levite came to the place,
and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side.
But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him
was moved with compassion at the sight.
He approached the victim,
poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them.
Then he lifted him up on his own animal,
took him to an inn, and cared for him.
The next day he took out two silver coins
and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction,
‘Take care of him.
If you spend more than what I have given you,
I shall repay you on my way back.’
Which of these three, in your opinion,
was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?”
He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.”
Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
Reflection: The Parable of the Good Samaritan is a story about neighborly love that is not restricted or carry boundaries. The Good Samaritan didn’t judge, or consider if he was too busy to care, or stepping out of their comfort zone, or ripping off those blinders. The Good Samaritan exercised what he had (what we all have) which is unconditional love, compassion, and mercy to anyone in need, regardless of their background. If you truly love God, then that means that you love all people.
True unconditional love knows no social, religious, or ethnic limitations. Jesus teaches that “neighbor” refers to anyone who shows mercy and compassion to another in need, not just the people we know. Love is an action and not just an emotion. It’s an active demonstration of kindness and selfless service, caring for all at our own expense.
This parable reminds me of a “Real Life” true story that occurred during the 911 attack in New York. We all know that in the intensity of this attack the nation was in shambles and were brought down to our knees because we were unaware of what possibly could happen next. We didn’t know how to react, so we responded with compassion. People helping people. In fact, if you really think about it, everyone was the same color during the attack. They were all covered with dust, so they were all grey in color. I am sure you heard several stories during this attack but allow me to give you one more. It’s a true story about true heroes and it’s called “Boatlift”.
Shortly after the attack and because there was concern about additional attacks, our military leaders and government decided to shut down ALL access to the city. So that meant that the people who were in Lower Manhattan couldn’t get out. Somehow, they heard that they could use the ferries to escape, and they all ran to the southern end of Manhattan. The beautiful part is that ALL boat owners converged and risk their lives to save others. There were ferries, tugboats, fishing boats, boats of all kinds that could carry people out. As one Captain of the boat said, “It was everyone helping everyone”. Another boat captain said that he was willing to risk his life because he didn’t want to sit at home watching this thinking I should’ve gone to help. In the end, there were so many boats that they were able to remove over a half-million people in less than 9 hours. Here is the link to watch this amazing 11-minute video called Boatlift https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18lsxFcDrjo (or go to YouTube and type in “Boatlift”) this video will make you cry and then make you feel good that there are heroes out there and everywhere.
You see my brothers and sisters, we are made in the “Likeness” and in the “Image” of God so, “Go and do likewise”. Do what Jesus would do. Jesus’ final command is a directive to all believers: actively showing mercy and care to everyone, demonstrating the character of God in our daily lives.
Action of the Day: Who are the heroes in your life? Who were the heroes at school, at work, at home when you were a child, your sports team? Then take a moment and say a prayer for them.
Audio Reflection:
