We usually ask, who is my neighbor? Did you ever ask, for whom am I a neighbor? The word neighbor in Polish language is akin to the word twin, according to Fr. Krzysztof Wons, SDS, who gave us a retreat in Cracow, Poland on October 1-5, 2019. There’s close similarity in twins. I’ll love my neighbor whoever that person is, he’s my twin, my brother or sister. I have compassion on the miserable because I have my misery too. I should not judge my neighbor because as my twin, I carry similar fault. This is what Jesus would like to convey to the so called experts and smart people with lofty successes but could be insensitive to the poverty of others.
God identifies himself with the poor and suffering. (Deut. 15:7-8). Jesus told the story about a man robbed on the road coming from Jerusalem to Jericho. This cruelty is not news anymore for it happens every time in our world, even right in our backyard. That road is also our road. Some people are robbed of their freedom, work benefits, livelihood, dignity, honor, possession and position sometimes with your knowledge or ability to help, but the question is, did you do something about the situation?
Are you a neighbor only to your family, circle of friends, the wealthy, affluent, famous, and powerful who can reward your services and favors? If you are busy enriching yourself, getting your way with connections, or building up your name, you cannot see that man lying on the road half-dead. You will surely pass him by because you’re focused only on yourself and you may say that it’s everyone’s fate, you don’t have time, it’s not your business. You’ve errands and appointments to catch up with time line. You can either care less or none at all.
The person who helped the poor victim lying on the road didn’t ask about his identity, background, orientation, culture. race, religion or name. He had no “ifs” and “buts”, he has no prejudice but readily assisted him with tenderness and love. He was generous with mercy and compassion. He paid the caregiver’s bill and gave extra care. He was a Samaritan, a victim too of racial discrimination and religious prejudice.
In the story of the Good Samaritan Jesus is actually talking about himself caring for and loving us. When nobody cares, he comes to us through a caring person who stands by us, shares our tears and comforts us. We are a neighbor for Jesus and he for us.
On the flip side, someone said that in the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take. Don’t worry about other people’s opinion about you. God never told you to impress people; only to love him. If you get tired, learn to rest not quit. One of the best lessons you can learn in life is to master how to remain calm. Every time I judge someone else, I reveal an unhealed part of myself. What consumes your mind, controls your life. Always help someone, you might be the only one that does. Amen on that folks!!
St. Faustina wrote Jesus’ words; “ There’s more merit to one hour of meditation on My Passion than there is to a whole year of flagellation that draws blood. “( Diary 369).
Pray the Divine Mercy every 3 p.m. daily pray the Chaplet of Mercy and the Holy Rosary for peace in our families and in the world.