A scholar of the law asked Jesus about what to do to inherit eternal life. He asked just to test him. Jesus’ answer was a question whether he’s aware about the commandments. Masterfully, the scholar enumerated the commandments about love of God and love of neighbor. Theoretically, he passed the test but the Lord wants him to go beyond the book into a concrete living of the commandments. He then asked Jesus; “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus answered with a story about a traveler who was going down the road from Jerusalem to Jericho was robbed, beaten and left half dead. A terrible crime was committed but where were the perpetrators? They were gone leaving their victim helpless lying on the road. Three guys passed by that road. The first two, a priest and a Levite saw the man but they ignored him and walked away. The third was a Samaritan traveler, considered a second class citizen was moved with compassion at the sight. He stopped, cared for victim, brought him to an inn, took out two silver coins to pay a caregiver for the man’s hospice services and if there’ll be additional costs he’ll refund the extra expenses incurred upon his return. (Luke 10: 25-37). With that story, Jesus challenged him to do likewise.
Jesus’ answer and challenge to the scholar of the law is likewise posed to each of us. Who is my neighbor? As it were, that road Jerusalem to Jericho is also our “road.” We walk on it every day where the homeless, abused, bullied, harassed, neglected, abandoned, terrorized, injured and other victims of human atrocities abound. Some just pass them by insensitive to their plight, avoid, evade or ignore. Others however, care for them, give food and drink, shelter, bandage their moral wounds with love and mercy. Where do you belong? To the uncaring priest and Levite’s group or the compassionate Samaritan’s?
Let’s fertilize our faith with kind words and good works. Let’s get involved in charitable works. Let’s not discriminate but be fair, let’s not just be a neighbor, but a good one. Pope Francis said that the Lord says to us: “Do you remember? That immigrant who many wanted to drive away, that was me. That grandparent who was alone, abandoned in a nursing home, that was me. That sick man alone at the hospital whom no one visited, that was me.”
Let’s do good works even if nobody is looking, even if we don’t get compliments, what’s important is God’s approval. The Good Samaritan did extra mile with his time, talent and treasure to the person he didn’t even know. Let’s not just be contented with the minimum or be calculating but give extra. Mercy is what the Lord needs from us more than sacrifice and prayer. More than our articulate words bright ideas and wide knowledge, Jesus wants our COMPASSION. “I desire mercy not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Mt. 9:13).
On the flip side, someone said that once you carry your own water, you will learn the value of every drop. God gives us two gifts every day. One is choice, the other is chance. The choice of a good life and the chance to make it the best. Sometimes, you have to keep your good news for you. Not everybody is not genuinely happy for you. Never beg to be loved. Love freely give is true love. You’re unique in your own way and makes you so beautiful. Happiness blooms from within. Great things never came from comfort zones. Be careful with your words, they can only be forgiven, not forgotten. Believe you can and you’re halfway there. The greater your storm, the brighter your rainbow. When your relationship is over, move on. Don’t keep watering a dead flower. Whatever you decide to do, make sure it will make you happy. Stop being afraid of what go could go wrong, but think of what could go right. Amen on that folks!!
St. Faustina wrote Jesus’ words; “My Heart overflows with compassion and mercy for all.” (Dairy no. 11480.
Pray the Divine Mercy prayer every day. Daily recite the Chaplet of Mercy and the Holy Rosary for peace in our families and in the world.