St James Catholic Church

Today we hear the story of the good Samaritan, the parable that Jesus told to explain how far-reaching the concept of neighbor is, and how to show love to our neighbor in need. Remember, Samaritans were looked down upon by the Jewish people in that era. If even Samaritans were neighbors, then everyone were neighbors. If this undesirable Samaritan is the only person willing to minister to this injured man, we should do the same ministering to anyone in need, no matter how different they are.

There would have been many reasonable excuses to hurry past a severely injured person on the crime-ridden road from Jerusalem to Jericho. The priest and Levite likely used the need to maintain ritual purity as an excuse. Touching a corpse would have left them unable to fulfill the duty they were undoubtedly rushing to do. Others may have reasoned that it was the responsibility of the Roman authorities. A Samaritan could have rationalized that a kinsman of the victim should be one to help. Certainly, no one thought it was to spend any more time  than necessary on this dangerous road, especially since there were criminals in the area. But for this Samaritan, his heart won out over his head.

The Hebrew word “Rakhum” which means compassionate is derived from “Rechem” meaning womb. The deep, emotional, caring response to someone who is suffering is identified with the connection between mother and baby, established from the very beginning when the baby in the womb is completely dependent on the mother. The compassion that the Samaritan is driven to give to the robber’s victim is akin to the powerful heartfelt bond a mother has for her child. May we heed this lesson today just as Jesus taught it two thousand years ago.

Love, Peace, Joy,

Fr. Bob