Being Neighbor

07-10-2022Weekly ReflectionFr. Aruldoss

Dear People of God,

Good morning to you all. On this fifteenth Sunday, we have the parable of the Good Samaritan in the gospel reading. It was in response to the question, “Who is my neighbor?” asked by a scholar of the law. Jesus told him to love his neighbor as himself. This is a classic parable because it clearly depicts the need to care for those who are in need. It should be noted that in the end, Jesus referred to the Samaritan who helped the robber’s victim as the neighbor. Thus, the one who help is being neighbor to the neighbor in need.

The first reading is a beautiful compliment to this parable. Through Moses, God told Israel what they had been missing. They only need to carry out the commandments and everything will be in order for them. In the end, God said, “It (the command) is something very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts; you only have to carry it out.” The commands are easy to understand, very accessible, and doable.

The Good Samaritan represents those who seek Christ in the weak, wounded, and the poor. He represents those who are mindful of their neighbors and wounded. Also, he represents Christ who is always quick to come to our help when we are weak, despised, and abandoned. He is ever ready to help us to recover from our injuries, and He is so close to take care, and to heal us.

In short, the readings of this Sunday are telling us that the key towards being neighbor is by following the commandments. The commandments include care and responsibility towards neighbors. The source of being neighbor is love of God.

Have a Joyful Sunday,