Three Thoughts on the Parable of the Good Samaritan

Carving by Arturo Escobar, St. Patrick (Oakland)

As you sit and listen to the words of today's Gospel reading (Luke 10:25-37), chances are you will most remember verses 29 through 37. Those are the passages that deal most directly with the Parable of the Good Samaritan. But the parable simply serves to support the message in verse 27, which describes the two greatest commandments: ‘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 neighbour as yourself.’ 

The Ampersand, a blog published by the Catholic Diocese of Camden Life and Justice Ministries, posted a very nice reflection on today's Gospel reading, entitled "Three Thoughts on Sunday's Gospel."  I would like to share some excerpts from this piece, but I urge you to read the full reflection.

1) This passage sends us out…
(highlighting a talk from Jack Jack Jezreel, founder of JustFaith Ministries)
Our churches gather people in for liturgy and prayer, education and formation, social events, and more. We often spend most of our time and resources on these gatherings. But parishes are also meant to send us out to live the Gospel mission in the world, especially with and for those who are most vulnerable in society.

2) …to get uncomfortable…
Good Samaritan love also calls us to work to change the structures in our world that perpetuate injustice. 

3) …and to look for God in the unlikeliest people and places.
The radical love and service Jesus calls for breaks down barriers and dismisses nobody.

Read full reflection