DAILY HOMILIES #lawyer

Jesus did not just tell this story for the sake of entertainment; he passed on a powerful message by ending with the phrase: “Go and do likewise.” This final statement of Jesus was His answer to the question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” It is not enough that we hear God’s word. If we fail to do likewise, our hearing is in vain. Most of us like to think of ourselves as perfect candidates for heaven, but I ask you today: When was the last time you showed kindness to a stranger?

The Holy Spirit is our Counsellor. In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus describes the Holy Spirit as a Counsellor. The word ‘Counsellor’ can refer to a lawyer who defends a client in trouble or a therapist who advises one experiencing psychological trauma (or other related difficulties). In other words, the Holy Spirit as Counsellor is a solid helper for us as we battle to survive in a world that is not ours.

Be kind to people based on their needs, not their skin colour, 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 to be kind, especially to those who hate us, those who practice a different religion, and those who may never repay our love.