Word to the Wise
Monday, October 9, 2006 - 27th Monday in OrdinaryTime
[Galatians1:6-12 and Luke 10:25-37]"But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved to compassion at the sight.'
Can there be a parable in the New Testament that is better known than the "Good Samaritan?" The term has become an expression in English and in the Law. There are actually "Good Samaratin" statutes in state law. Why? To protect these compassionate folks from lawsuits arising from their efforts to be of help! The whole parable arises from an effort of a "lawyer" to narrow the field of charity. "Who is my neighbor?" But the "operative" line is the one that identifies a "foreigner" as the one who shows compassion. The fact that it is a Samaritan adds to the sharpness of the story. Respectable folks fail to show compassion. Is it their "respectability" that keeps them from being compassionate? All kinds of reasons have been advanced to excuse them. The fundamental reality is compassion. Can we allow our "position" to keep us from any feelings for those who have been attacked or oppressed? This parable can really make us all squirm. Who is our neighbor? It could be anyone. It's scary and it's the gospel. AMEN