An religious man, who was an expert in the Law and Jesus were discussing the Law. In Jesus' classic reductionism, he boiled it down again to one law with two parts: Love God, and love your neighbor. So the expert says, "yes, but who's my neighbor?" Today, we read Jesus' answer in story form:
"A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'
Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise." -- Luke 10:13-37.
Who needs your mercy today? Who are you passing by that needs your grace and attention? Remember to be a good neighbor to all.
Readings: Deuteronomy 23:1-25:19; Luke 10:13-37; Psalms 75:1-10; Proverbs 12:12-14
