Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish

In the story of the Good Samaritan that we read in today’s Gospel, Jesus is really trying to highlight the tension between sticking to the rules and showing compassion. A man is left beaten up on the side of the road, and here come a priest and a Levite. Instead of stopping to help, they just walk right past him, worried about becoming “unclean” according to the law.

Let’s pause and think about that. These guys were supposed to be spiritual leaders, but they let the rules blind them to someone in desperate need right in front of them. They got so caught up in following the law that they forgot what it truly means to love and show mercy. It’s a bit like when Jesus challenges the Pharisees in Matthew 23:25-26, saying they care more about looking good on the outside than about what really matters on the inside. They were so focused on appearances that they missed the point of true goodness.

Then we meet the Good Samaritan, who really shows us what compassion looks like. He sees the injured man not as a bother, but as someone who needs help. Out of love, he bandages the man’s wounds and ensures he gets the care he needs. This is the kind of radical love that Jesus encourages us to embrace.

Let’s also remember Matthew 25:35-40, where Jesus says, “For I was hungry and you gave me food… I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” When we help those in need, we’re actually serving Him. This call to action is so much bigger than any rules about cleanliness; it’s about putting love into action, no matter how messy it might get.

So, let’s ask ourselves: Are we more like the priest and Levite, just walking by those in need? Or are we ready to be like the Good Samaritan, willing to jump into the mess to help others? God isn’t just looking for people who follow the rules; He wants us to embrace the beautiful mess of loving one another.

In our everyday lives, let’s keep our eyes open for those who are hurting or marginalized. Let’s channel that compassion of Christ and let His love shine through us. Remember, our faith isn’t just about following rules or putting on a good show; it’s about living out love and compassion, reflecting God’s heart in everything we do.

May God bless us and guide us as we embark on this journey of love and service together. Amen.