Galatians 1:6-12 Ps. 111:1-2,7-10, Luke 10:25-37
“Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed mercy on him.” And Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:36-37)
A lawyer met Jesus wanting to know the secret of inheriting eternal life. This lawyer was not asking how he would gain eternal life; he was asking to know what he would do that would permanently assure him eternal life. This is what prompted Jesus to tell the story of the Good Samaritan and He concluded by saying: “Go and do likewise.” In other words, anyone who seeks to inherit eternal life must behave like the Good Samaritan.
By telling us to do likewise, Jesus is saying that we should look for our neighbors from among persons who have been hurt and beaten by the challenges of life. If only we pay close attention to the difficulties encountered by people, we would see many areas and ways we can be Good Samaritans ourselves. Always put yourself in the shoes of your fellow human beings and try to see how you can be of help to them.
By telling us to do likewise, Jesus is saying that we should be kind to people based on their needs and not based on the color of their skin, their state of origin, language, or tribe. The Samaritan went out of his way to help this man even though it was forbidden for a Samaritan to associate with a Jew. Jesus wants us be kind, especially to those who hate us, those who practice a different religion, and those who may never repay our love.
Helping others is not some leisure activity we do when we are in the mood. It is a COMMAND. If all we do is amuse ourselves and gossip about the misfortunes of others, then we are not truly Christians. Jesus played Good Samaritan when he decided to be born as a man to live among us and die for our sake. We must do likewise.
Helping others should never be a question of trying to win the favor of men. It should always be about satisfying your conscience before God. In truth, no matter how we try, we can never please human beings. We are insatiable creatures.
However, if it is about pleasing God, our minds are always at peace. In today’s first reading, we hear St. Paul saying: “Am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10)
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, touch our hearts to respond to the misfortunes of our neighbor just like the Good Samaritan. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin, Doctor. Bible Study: Galatians 1:6-12 Ps. 111:1-2,7-10, Luke 10:25-37)
© Rev. Fr. Evaristus Abu