Readings:
Jonah 1:1-2:1,11
Luke 10:25-37
Reflection:
The Parable of the Good Samaritan is well known and is foundational to the practice of Christianity. “Who is my neighbour?” is the question, and Jesus’ answer is designed to startle us. However, because the story is set in a social situation different from ours we can be tempted to imprison it in the past.
Different readings can open other doors to the meaning for us now. For example:
A lawyer asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbour?” Jesus replied, “A story appeared on the internet about a small country that was taken over by a large country. Many of the small country’s people were murdered and their resources were taken by the other country over many years.
A politician saw an account of the history on her computer but she didn’t take much notice. A bishop also saw it but decided he couldn’t do anything. But an atheist was moved with pity. He found some other people to work with and sent some donations to those who were able to give practical help. He wrote to his government and drew its attention to the matter over and over again. He told the story to everyone he knew.
Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour?” The lawyer answered, “The one who showed mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
None of us has the monopoly on loving God or our neighbour.
Sister Susan Connelly RSJ, past teacher and Motor Missioner, has been involved with Timor-Leste since the 1990s and is concerned about West Papua. She is involved with the Passionist Parish of Marrickville, NSW.