Readings:
Deut. 30:10-14; Col. 1:15-20; Lk. 10: 25-37.
Be
a Good Samaritan!
The command “Go and do
likewise” was given by Christ at the end of this morning’s Gospel reading.
It was directed at the teacher of the law and means ‘go and love, even your
enemies, and be kind to those you encounter on the journey of life.’ Christ
used the story of the Good Samaritan, who showed kindness to someone he did not
know, as an example in His parable.
This raises questions:
Why did Christ refer to the man from Samaria as ‘good’? What was the nature of
the acrimonious, rancorous, and malicious relationship that spurred so much
animosity between the Jews and the Samaritans? The Jews felt very uncomfortable
mentioning the Samaritans, and the feeling was mutual. Why? A brief history
helps clarify these questions. The Samaritans descended from the Israelites of
the northern tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, two of the twelve sons of Jacob,
who was also known as Israel. Jacob’s twelve sons were Reuben, Simeon, Judah,
Issachar, Zebulun, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Ephraim, and Manasseh,
which formed the twelve tribes of Israel. According to Pablo T. Gadenz in his
commentary on ‘The Gospel of Luke,’ Jews regarded the Samaritans as having
doubtful lineage due to intermarriage with Gentile peoples who the Assyrians
brought in after they conquered the northern kingdom in 721 B.C. and sent some
Israelites into exile (2 Kings 17:6-24; 2 Chron 30:6-11).
In addition to these
ethnic tensions, a long-standing religious divide existed because the
Samaritans worshiped on Mount Gerizim rather than at the Jerusalem Temple (John
4:20). Around 111 B.C., the Hasmonean Jewish ruler John Hyrcanus destroyed the
Samaritan temple on Mount Gerizim. Later, under the Roman Prefect Coponius
(A.D. 6-9), some Samaritans retaliated by scattering human bones in the
Jerusalem temple during Passover, thus defiling it. Furthermore, during the
tenure of Cumanus as Roman procurator (A.D. 48-52), Samaritans from the border
village of Ginae killed a group of Galileans who were passing through Samaria
on their way to Jerusalem for a feast. This then explains the animosity and
hatred between these two groups, who were, in essence, brothers from the same
family, yet unable to rise above their tribal sentiments.
In contrast, Jesus
tirelessly sought to forge a truce between the two factions. To answer the
question, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus told the parable of the Good
Samaritan, who took care of a man, beaten and left half dead on a perilous
road. The priest and the Levite could not help the man for fear of becoming
defiled, whereas the Samaritan bravely approached, spent his time and money,
and offered his donkey to transport the man. He even lodged him in an inn and
promised to return to check on his well-being. The lawyer who recognized the
Samaritan (as the one who showed mercy) as the man’s neighbor was instructed to
“Go and do likewise.”
The first reading
encourages us to follow this command by heeding the voice of the Lord, keeping
His commandments and statutes as outlined in the book of the law. It reminds us
that this commandment is inscribed in our hearts, readily accessible. We do not
need a teacher to show us how to love, forgive, and be human. The second
reading urges us to see in Jesus Christ the image of the invisible God. If God
is our Father and Jesus Christ our brother, we must treat everyone as brothers
and sisters. Everyone is our neighbor, regardless of ethnic background, creed,
color, or language. No one should be considered a stranger on Mother Earth, as
God’s blessings are abundant for all if we only cultivate love in our hearts.
A neighbor is anyone who
shows concern, mercy, and compassion to those in need, regardless of their
material, social, ethnic, or racial status. Such a person embodies universal
love and acceptance; they may be uneducated or educated, an immigrant or a
native-born citizen, a Republican or a Democrat, religious, agnostic, or
atheist. By demonstrating love for all individuals, they reflect love for both
God and humanity, serving as a model for all Christians.
The Good Samaritan showed
mercy through his care for the wounded man. Catholic tradition emphasizes these
corporal works of mercy, which include feeding the hungry, sheltering the
homeless, clothing the naked, welcoming the stranger, and visiting the imprisoned
(cf. Isa 58:6-7; Matt. 25:31-46). It also highlights spiritual works of mercy
such as instructing others in the faith, practicing fraternal correction,
providing advice or consolation to those in need, forgiving those who wrong us,
and praying for the living and the dead.
As you consider your own
actions, what works of mercy can you perform to love your neighbor?
There is a story by an
unknown author about an old man who carried a small can of oil with him
wherever he went. If he encountered a door that squeaked, he would apply a
little oil to the hinges; if a gate was difficult to open, he would oil the
latch. Thus, he journeyed through life, easing the burdens of those who came
after him.
Many lives creak, squeak,
and grate harshly day by day. They need to be lubricated with the oil of
kindness, gentleness, or thoughtfulness. That can of oil is one of the
predominant characteristics of a Christian life. Such a can of oil we are to
carry around with us at all times. So, go and do likewise!
Rev.
Augustine Etemma Inwang
