A reading form the holy Gospel according to Luke 10:25-37
There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test Jesus and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” He said in reply, “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.” He replied to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn, and cared for him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’ Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
REFLECTION: “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
It sounds pretty simple. To get to heaven we need two tickets--Love of God and Love of neighbor.
--"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind."
-- "And you shall love your neighbor as yourself."
The Gospel is all about God's love, His mercy. Many times the right words are said, the right gestures are done and the philanthropic charity of the season keeps us busy. All is good and should be done but is that our ticket?
Are we doing our deeds for the right reasons? Are we doing it because of love of God or because of the rush of a "feel good" emotion? Chances are we will pass by someone in need today. Is it a coworker who is lonely? Is it a street person who is hungry? Is it someone who works hard but their work is not appreciated? Is someone upset and do we in kind respond back with anger or disregard? Do we dare enter into someone's life and love as Jesus did?
People might not remember your kind words or the intentions of your actions. But they will remember what you did for them. Lest we forget, Jesus was the perfect model of love. He left His home, assumed a human form, taught us and endured pain and death so we could be with Him in heaven. We are always reminded, daily at Mass of Jesus' merciful love.
“The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
God bless you
Comments