RBWords

  

      The "scholar of the law" would be someone skilled in the nuances and "whereas-es" of rabbinical argument.  His question is sincere enough but his sincerity is narrow because he tries to make even the greatest of all the commandments more "convenient."  He asks, "And who is my neighbor?"  Jesus' reply is the story of the Good Samaritan.  The story concludes with the question that Jesus poses above.  When the lawyer gives the obvious reply, then he receives the obvious challenge:  "Go and do likewise!"  There are no "What if...?" exceptions.  The same kind of response occurs later in Luke when a rich man asks the same initial question about how to "inherit eternal life."  [18:18-23].  The man knows the law but he is not expecting Jesus to tell him to get rid of all his riches.  The lawyer in today's scene is not expecting to be told that everyone is his neighbor and he owes mercy to all!

 

     When we are faced with challenges like the ones Jesus poses to the lawyer and to the rich man, do we try to "whittle" down the challenge so that it fits our "comfort zones?"  Do we choose "convenient mercy?"  Do we say, "Well, I suppose I could downsize just a bit?"  Once we discover that our lifestyle or politics or prejudices are determining how we follow Jesus, we may be surprised to learn that giving up those prejudices, lifestyle options or political opinions is precisely what the Lord is asking of us in reply to our own anxious question:  "What must I do to inherit eternal life?" 

 

     The first scripture for today tells us that the command of God is very near us - "already in your mouths. and in your hearts; you have only to carry it out."  Our neighbor is right in front of us.  Our lifestyle and opinions and prejudices are also right there in front of us.  In the light of today's gospel (or the one later on about the rich man) what choice do you think will lead to eternal life?  AMEN