Lk 10:25-37
“Master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” The gospel tells us that the lawyer who asked Jesus this question did not mean well. He wanted to discredit the Lord, perhaps by proving to the people that he was more knowledgeable about the law than Jesus himself. Aware of the malicious intent of the interrogator, Jesus threw back a question to him: “What is written in the law?” The lawyer was quick to reply, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” Every Jew during Jesus’ time knew this commandment, but not all, of course, took this by heart or put it into practice. Thus, Jesus said to the lawyer, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.” Knowledge about the law of God does not mean anything if the person himself does not observe it in his life.
“Who is my neighbor?” Quite remarkably, Jesus did not address this question. By narrating the parable of the Good Samaritan, the Lord clearly suggested that the better question to ask is, “Who should I be a neighbor to?” The first question is about other people and how am I going to classify them; while the second is about me and how am I supposed to treat others. The Samaritan was the good neighbor of the dying man on the road because he stopped to save his life.
Today, the gospel inspires us to make our love as wide and as inclusive as the love of God. There is no outsider in God's heart for His love is unconditional. In the same spirit, let us be a good neighbor to every person in need, regardless of that person's social status, political and cultural beliefs, or religious affiliation.
