Fifteenth Sunday of the Year: C: July 10, 2022

            LOVE OF ONE'S 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. Moses exhorts the people of Israel to keep the commandments of the Lord God so that they turn to the Lord God with all their hearts and with all their souls. These commandments are easy to obey because they are in the very heart and soul of every person. 

   *Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Colossians. Paul describes the incarnate Word, the  Lord Jesus as the true image of God in human form. He is pre-eminent and supreme to everything created. He is the head of the Church and He brings reconciliation to the whole creation. 

The parable of the Good Samaritan                                                                              Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. Jesus presents to us the wonderful, touching parable of the Good Samaritan for our reflection and action. A lawyer puts a very pertinent question to Jesus. The question is, "Who is my neighbour?" In response, Jesus tells 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 those two  respectable persons - a Priest and a Levite- pass by the unfortunate person without showing any compassion or concern. Because for both of them, the first question that came to their mind was, "What will happen to me if I stop and help this wounded man?" Whereas the first question that came to the mind of the Samaritan was, "What will happen to this wounded man if I don't take care of him?" In a similar situation, like the Priest and the Levite in the parable, many of us may have ample excuses not to help those in need. It is much easier and safer to go 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 goes out of his way to help this unfortunate victim. Jesus dramatically answers the question put by the lawyer through this most touching parable. He challenges everyone of us to be a neighbour to whomever our good will must go out.  Jesus tells the lawyer , "Go and do likewise." The same Jesus is telling us too to be a neighbour to whoever 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." - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.