Deut. 30:10-14; Ps 68(69); Col 1:15-20; Lk 10:25-37
Like the Good Samaritan
Dear friends, Today is the fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The readings are helping us reflect upon the commandments/law of love. In the world, we have three main types of law: namely, natural law, civil law, and divine law. When we hear about commandments or laws, we often think of a set of restrictions imposed on us that we must follow. However, if we reflect carefully on laws and commandments, we will realize that these are meant for the good of society. Certainly, we may argue about the existence of unjust civil laws, but we can be sure that natural and divine laws are infallible. These are all meant for the individual good and the good of human communities. Because of the fall of the first man and woman, everyone is born with a tendency toward selfish interests. The laws and commandments help to check our excesses driven by our selfish nature.
In the first reading, Moses speaks to the people of Israel about the commandments that God had given them. Many thought that the commandments were too complicated and far beyond their reach. Consequently, many were excusing themselves from observing the law. Moses explains to the people that the law was very close to them, in fact, in their own mouths and hearts. I know people who have fallen away from the faith because they feel that matters of faith are very complicated. Do you feel the same?
The law of nature is written in the fabric of every human being. In Hebrew understanding, the heart was not just the organ that pumps blood but also the seat of emotions, will, and intellect. Naturally, everyone chooses what is, or at least seems to be, the best for them in any given circumstance. Even those who take their own lives do so because they convince themselves that it is the best thing for them and for those around them. Thus, it is not for us to judge. However, today, I would like to break this news: that God’s will is not hidden from us. We can discern it through prayer, aided by the reflection of His Word. The problem is that we hardly have time to reflect. There is a lot of noise in and around us. Have you tried to reflect upon the Word of God on your own?
In today’s Gospel, we read the story of the Good Samaritan. For the Jews, a Good Samaritan was self-contradictory because there existed mutual hatred and discrimination between Jews and Samaritans. Jesus tells this story to the lawyer to help him make a personal conclusion about who his neighbour was. The lawyer, like many of us, wanted to justify himself in front of Jesus. To his surprise, Jesus showed him that knowing very well the commandments and fulfilling them for public show was not good enough to inherit eternal life. Sincere practice of the commandments was the major requirement. “Not everyone who says, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will inherit the kingdom of God” (Mt 7:21). Remember! Are you a good neighbour?
Many times, we are like the lawyer, very conversant with the laws and regulations that are supposed to help us attain sanctity. However, the practice of these seems to evade us. Many consider the commandments of God a hindrance to happiness. However, the truth is that God’s commandments are meant to help us walk in the path of righteousness despite our tainted nature. Because of sin, we lost the capacity to choose good over evil. The commandments help us discern. They are tools that help us opt for the will of God. Jesus summarized all the laws and commandments into one law – Love for God and neighbour. The Pharisees had complicated the path to righteousness with so many bylaws. Many Jews felt that they could never fulfill the law, and therefore could never attain salvation. Jesus came and tore the curtains of rigid religion that veiled the love and mercy of God from the people. Through His death and resurrection, God’s love and mercy are now accessible to all who wish. This year, the Church is celebrating this gift of divine mercy given to all without any discrimination. Have you sought this mercy yet?
Being a neighbour to someone is something active and deliberate, and not passive. The Christian missionary vocation is not only to help those who knock at our doors, but also to go out there seeking those who need help. We are called to discern the wounds of the world and find creative ways to heal them, starting from our immediate communities. We must break the cultural, ethnic, racial, belief, economic, social, and political boundaries that hinder us from helping the neighbour.
Dear friends, I invite us today to reflect upon the commandments of God not as restrictions but as symbols of His love for us. Love is a beautiful thing that increases when shared with others. With love, we will attain lasting inner peace and in the whole world.
Have a blessed Sunday.
Fr. Lawrence Muthee, SVD
SVD JAMBO KENTAN 