Who is my neighbour?

 Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C - 10th July 2022

Gospel Luke 10: 25–37

There was a lawyer who, to disconcert Jesus, stood up and said to him, ‘Master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the Law? What do you read there?’ He replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.’ ‘You have answered right’, said Jesus. ‘Do this and life is yours.’

But the man was anxious to justify himself and said to Jesus,

‘And who is my neighbour?’ Jesus replied, ’ A man was once on his way down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of brigands; they took all he had and then made off, leaving him half dead. Now a priest happened to be travelling down the same road, but when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. In the same way a Levite who came to the place saw him and passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan traveller who came upon him was moved with compassion when he saw him.

He went up and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them.

He then lifted him on to his own mount, carried him to the inn and looked after him. Next day, he took out two denarii and handed them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and on my way back I will make good any extra expense you have’. ‘Which of these three, do you think, proved himself a neighbour to the man who fell into the brigands’ hands?’ ‘The one who took pity on him,’ he replied. Jesus said to him, ‘Go, and do the same yourself.’

Christ as the Good Samaritan, Dmitry Shkolnik

Gospel Reflection from St Beuno's Outreach

I move slowly into this time of prayer. This text is very familiar but there may be a word or phrase that is speaking to me differently just now. I take my time, pausing often.

In time, I might like to ask myself these questions. I ponder them very slowly, pausing to speak to the Lord honestly about anything that is arising.

He who first spoke this parable is with me now.

Who is my neighbour? Is it easier to ‘serve’ those who are far away than those who are much nearer?

Have there been situations or occasions when I have sought to ‘justify myself’? How do I serve without bias or prejudice?

Can I recall times when I have felt in the care of a good Samaritan?

In what ways have I been a good Samaritan to another?

I stay in the company of the One who is, and forever will be, a Good Samaritan to me. When ready, I end with a slow sign of the cross.

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