Daily Word Of God
Luke 10:29-34, 36-37
A lawyer was anxious to justify himself and said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbour?’ Jesus replied, ‘A man was once on his way down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of brigands; they took all he had, beat him and then made off, leaving him half dead. Now a priest happened to be travelling down the same road, but when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. In the same way a Levite who came to the place saw him, and passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan traveller who came upon him was moved with compassion when he saw him. He went up and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them. He then lifted him onto his own mount and took him to the inn and looked after him.
‘Which of these three, do you think, proved himself a neighbour to the man who fell into the brigands’ hands?’ ‘The one who took pity on him,’ he replied, Jesus said to him, ‘Go, and do the same yourself.’
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- In today’s Gospel Jesus uses the Samaritan, an “outsider” despised by the Jews, to illustrate the meaning of true neighbourly care, compassion and mercy to a mugged victim.
- Jesus uses this parable to show how God’s love and mercy is for all mankind, whether believers or people who do not yet know Him. No one is excluded.
- Our love for others must be as inclusive as God’s love for us. We must be ready to do good to others unconditionally, just as God is good to us. Are you prepared to lay down your life for your neighbour?