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 bregands; 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 on to his own mount, carried him to an 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?
- Jesus uses the parable of the Good Samaritan to explain the real meaning of “love of neighbour” and to show the extent of God’s love and mercy for all.
- Jesus’ story tells us that true love for one’s neighbour means we must be willing to help others in need for their sake regardless of who they are. Mere words of empathy but no action to help them are not enough.
- When we are able to reach out to others with love because we see the face of Christ in them, we will understand more clearly what “love of neighbour” as commanded by Jesus is all about.