Bishop’s Sunday Gospel Reflection:
Today’s readings, including the famous parable of the Good Samaritan, remind us that God’s will for the way we live our lives is not an obscure secret. As Moses declares in the first reading, “this command that I enjoin on you today is not too mysterious and remote for you. It is not up in the sky…” We can almost hear Moses’s words as an eloquent, Biblical version of “this is not rocket science.” The Ten Commandments, and specifically the Great Commandment of “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,” is “something very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts; you have only to carry it out.”
Yet, as the Gospel parable shows, so many of us can be like the priest or Levite—neglecting love when it is not convenient and appealing. The Samaritan models what loving your neighbor as yourself really means, and Jesus confirms to His listeners that we are called to follow the Samaritan’s example.
The Samaritan makes sacrifices in order to love his neighbor in need, even though the man on the road was a cultural enemy. He gave up his own steed for the wounded man and gave up a day of his time to personally care for the victim. Surely the Samaritan had plans for his day, yet, he saw the need to show compassion as more important. Further, when the Samaritan’s obligations necessitated his departure, he still offered his resources and advice in order to ensure his neighbor received care.
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Gospel Reflection: The Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - AD Today
Moses said to the people:"If only you would heed the voice of the LORD, your God,and keep his commandments and statutesthat are written in this book of the law,when you return to the LORD, your God,with all your heart and … Continue reading
