"WHO IS MY NEIGHBOUR"
First Reading : Deuteronomy 30: 10-14
Second Reading: Colossians 1: 15-20
Gospel Reading: Luke 10: 25-37
*First reading is from the book of Deuteronomy. In this passage Moses exhorts the people of Israel to keep the commandments of the Lord God so that they turn to the Lord with all their heart and with all their soul. The commandments of Lord God is essay to obey because it is in the very heart and soul of every person.
* Second reading is from the letter of St.Paul to Colossians. In this passage, Paul describes the incarnate Word. Jesus is the true image of God in human form. He is pre-eminent and supreme to everything created. He is also the head of the Church and brings reconciliation to the whole creation.
"The Good Samaritan"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. We have the wonderful parable of the Good Samaritan for our reflection and action. A lawyer put a very pertinent question to Jesus that day: "Who is my neighbour?". In response, Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan. What is most disturbing in Jesus'parable is not so much the attack made on an innocent man. But the fact that two respectable persons - a Priest and a Levite - pass by this unfortunate victim without showing any compassion or concern . Because for them , the first question that came to their mind was, "What will happen to me if I stop and help him"? . Where as , the first question that came to the mind of the Samaritan was, "What will happen to this wounded man if I do not take care of him"?
In a similar situation, like the Priest and the Levite in the parable, we too may have many excuses not to help those in need. It is much easier and safer to go quietly on the other side of the road as they did. But the Samaritan brushed aside all such thoughts and opened his heart to the wounded man. He went out of his way to help this wounded man. Jesus dramatically answered the question by the Lawyer through this parable and challenged every one to be a neighbour to whom our good will must go out. He told the Lawyer, "Go and do like wise". The same Jesus is telling us today to be a neighbour to who ever is in need of our help.
"It is easier to love humanity as a whole than to love one's neighbour" - Eric Hoffer.
"Love begins at home, love your family and your neighbours. Share with the poor and the needy around you, your smile, your word, your time, your belongings"- Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
First Reading : Deuteronomy 30: 10-14
Second Reading: Colossians 1: 15-20
Gospel Reading: Luke 10: 25-37
*First reading is from the book of Deuteronomy. In this passage Moses exhorts the people of Israel to keep the commandments of the Lord God so that they turn to the Lord with all their heart and with all their soul. The commandments of Lord God is essay to obey because it is in the very heart and soul of every person.
* Second reading is from the letter of St.Paul to Colossians. In this passage, Paul describes the incarnate Word. Jesus is the true image of God in human form. He is pre-eminent and supreme to everything created. He is also the head of the Church and brings reconciliation to the whole creation.
"The Good Samaritan"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. We have the wonderful parable of the Good Samaritan for our reflection and action. A lawyer put a very pertinent question to Jesus that day: "Who is my neighbour?". In response, Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan. What is most disturbing in Jesus'parable is not so much the attack made on an innocent man. But the fact that two respectable persons - a Priest and a Levite - pass by this unfortunate victim without showing any compassion or concern . Because for them , the first question that came to their mind was, "What will happen to me if I stop and help him"? . Where as , the first question that came to the mind of the Samaritan was, "What will happen to this wounded man if I do not take care of him"?
In a similar situation, like the Priest and the Levite in the parable, we too may have many excuses not to help those in need. It is much easier and safer to go quietly on the other side of the road as they did. But the Samaritan brushed aside all such thoughts and opened his heart to the wounded man. He went out of his way to help this wounded man. Jesus dramatically answered the question by the Lawyer through this parable and challenged every one to be a neighbour to whom our good will must go out. He told the Lawyer, "Go and do like wise". The same Jesus is telling us today to be a neighbour to who ever is in need of our help.
"It is easier to love humanity as a whole than to love one's neighbour" - Eric Hoffer.
"Love begins at home, love your family and your neighbours. Share with the poor and the needy around you, your smile, your word, your time, your belongings"- Bl. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
