Today’s Gospel reading, Luke 10:25-37, presents us with one of the most powerful and
enduring parables Jesus ever told: the story of the Good Samaritan. As we reflect on
this passage here at St. Michael’s Catholic Parish, a part of the Unified Old Catholic
Church, let us consider how this ancient narrative speaks profoundly to our lives in
today’s complex world.
The passage begins with a seemingly innocent question from a lawyer: “Teacher, what
shall I do to inherit eternal life?” It’s a question many of us might ask, seeking the surest
path to salvation. Jesus, ever the master teacher, turns the question back to the lawyer,
“What is written in the law? How do you read?” The lawyer correctly answers, quoting
Deuteronomy and Leviticus: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and
with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor
as yourself.”
“You have answered correctly,” Jesus affirms. “Do this, and you will live.” But the lawyer,
perhaps wanting to justify himself, or to find a loophole, presses further: “And who is my
neighbor?”
This is the pivotal question, and it’s as relevant today as it was two thousand years ago.
In a world increasingly defined by divisions – political, social, economic, racial, and
religious – the question of “who is my neighbor?” is at the forefront of many hearts. Do
we limit our definition of “neighbor” to those who look like us, think like us, or worship
like us?
To answer this, Jesus tells the parable. A man is going down from Jerusalem to Jericho,
a dangerous road prone to robbers. He is attacked, stripped, beaten, and left half-dead.
Along comes a priest, a man of God, whose duty it would seem, is to show compassion.
But he passes by on the other side. Then a Levite, another religious official, also passes
by on the other side. Perhaps they feared ritual impurity, or perhaps they simply didn’t
want to get involved. Their priorities, whatever they were, overshadowed the immediate
human need before them.
But then, a Samaritan appears. Now, it’s crucial to remember the context: Samaritans
and Jews were bitter enemies. They despised each other. Yet, it is this Samaritan, this
outsider, this “other,” who sees the wounded man and is “moved with compassion.” He
doesn’t ask about man’s religion, his ethnicity, or his social status. He doesn’t debate
whether the man is truly his “neighbor.” He simply acts.
He bandages the man’s wounds, pouring oil and wine on them – acts of healing and
comfort. He puts the man on his own animal, takes him to an inn, and cares for him.
The next day, he gives the innkeeper two denarii, a significant sum, and tells him, “Take
care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.”

After telling this story, Jesus asks the lawyer, “Which of these three, do you think,
proved neighbor to the man who fell among robbers?” The lawyer, unable to even utter
the word “Samaritan,” admits, “The one who showed mercy to him.” And Jesus’ final
instruction echoes through the ages: “Go and do likewise.”
What does this profound story tell us about today’s world?
First, it redefines “neighbor.” Our neighbor is not just the person next door, or in our
pew, or in our social circle. Our neighbor is anyone, anywhere, who is in need. It
challenges us to look beyond the labels, the prejudices, and the divisions that humanity
constantly creates. In a world of increasing global connectivity, our “neighborhood” has
expanded dramatically. News of suffering, injustice, and poverty reaches us from every
corner of the globe. The parable compels us to consider how we respond to these
distant cries, as well as to the needs right in front of us.
Second, it calls us to radical compassion. The Samaritan didn’t just feel bad for the
man; he acted. Compassion moved him to inconvenience himself, to spend his
resources, and to risk his own safety. In a society that can often encourage
individualism and self-preservation, Jesus calls us to a selfless love that prioritizes the
well-being of others, even strangers, even enemies. This is particularly poignant today,
when many are quick to judge or dismiss those in need, rather than extending a helping
hand.
Third, it challenges our own prejudices. The priest and the Levite, figures of religious
authority, failed. The despised Samaritan excelled. This reminds us that true
righteousness is not found in religious titles, or in strict adherence to ritual, but in the
practical outworking of love and mercy. It pushes us to confront our own biases and ask
ourselves if we, like the priest and Levite, are sometimes passing by those in need
because of ingrained prejudices or a fear of stepping out of our comfort zones.
Finally, “Go and do likewise” is a direct and unambiguous command. It is not an
invitation for theological debate, but a call to action. It means getting involved, reaching
out, and actively participating in alleviating suffering and bringing healing to a broken
world. As followers of Christ, this parable
is our marching orders. It means volunteering, donating, advocating for justice, and
simply being present for those who are hurting.
My brothers and sisters, in a world often marked by indifference, division, and
selfishness, the parable of the Good Samaritan is a beacon of hope and a powerful
challenge. May we always remember that our “neighbor” is anyone in need, and may
we have the courage, the compassion, and the unwavering commitment to “go and do
likewise.”

Amen.