My brothers and sisters,
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ!
I hope that you are enjoying your summer holidays with your family and friends. I would like to ask you to include in your prayers all people who are having difficulties in their lives at this time – especially those who are experiencing natural disasters like floods resulting from the overflowing of water due to heavy rainfall, melting snow, or storm surges. These events can cause widespread destruction, impacting lives, property, and infrastructure.
Our Gospel this weekend (Luke 10:25-37), talks about what to do to inherit Eternal Life. Jesus tells the story – the parable of the Good Samaritan, a story to illustrate the concept of loving one’s neighbour. A lawyer asks Jesus who his neighbour is, and Jesus responds with a story about a Jewish man robbed and beaten who is ignored by religious leaders, and passed by without receiving help. A Samaritan, from a group despised by the Jews, stops, tends to the injured man’s wounds, and pays for his care at an inn.
The parable emphasizes that loving your neighbour means showing mercy and compassion to anyone in need, regardless of their background. Jesus expands the definition of “neighbour” to include everyone, regardless of their race, or social status, and urges his followers to love all. He teaches us that we must show our love for all by being attentive to their needs, even at the cost of personal sacrifice. Only if we fulfill these conditions can we claim to be disciples of Jesus, the Divine Samaritan.
Reflect on these questions: Who are your neighbours at this point of your life? Consider how you can extend compassion and love to those around you, even those you might not typically consider your “neighbour.”
What prevents you from showing love and mercy to all? Any prejudices or biases that might hinder your ability to be a good neighbour. How can you put love into action in the world, and in your daily life? Think about practical ways to serve others and show compassion in your community. Let us pray for those who find it difficult to accept and love all as their neighbour.
So, Jesus teaches us that a neighbour is anyone in need of help, and that true love is shown through practical acts of compassion and mercy, even to those considered enemies or different from us. “Jesus asked, which of the three, do you think, was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” The lawyer said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and Do Likewise.” AMEN.
God Loves You!
~ Fr. NEIL