• Sr. Dr. Bincy Thumpanathu CMC

Reading [Luke 10:30-37]

READING : A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by 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, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii 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 10:30-37).

REFLECTION : The parable of the Good Samaritan, found in the Gospel of Luke 10:25-37, begins with a man travelling from Jerusalem to Jericho, a journey fraught with danger as the road was notorious for robbers. The man is attacked, robbed, and left half-dead on the roadside. This moment in the story raises a critical question: why he did not get any help? The answer speaks to a broader human tendency towards indifference. The story invites us to examine our own lives: how often do we turn a blind eye to the suffering around us, justifying our inaction with excuses? The parable challenges us to overcome this indifference and to see every person in need as our neighbour, deserving of our compassion and care.

In stark contrast, a Samaritan—a member of a group despised by the Jews–comes upon the injured man and is moved with compassion. He not only tends to the man’s immediate needs, cleaning and bandaging his wounds, but also takes him to an inn and ensures he is cared for. The Samaritan’s actions exemplify true fraternity, breaking down social and religious barriers to show love for a fellow human being. The Samaritan’s example invites us to embrace a broader sense of fraternity, one that recognises the inherent dignity of every person and compels us to act in love, even towards those we might consider ‘other.’ It is not enough to simply understand the lesson of the Good Samaritan; we are called to embody it in our daily lives. This means more than just performing acts of charity—it requires a fundamental shift in how we see others and our responsibility towards them. To ‘go and do likewise’ is to live out a faith that is active, inclusive, and rooted in love. It is to be aware of the needs of those around us, to respond with mercy, and to break down the barriers that divide us. In doing so, we become true followers of Christ, living out the Gospel in a way that transforms both our lives and the world around us.

PRAYER  : Dear Lord, open my eyes to see the needs of those around me, and give me the courage to act with compassion, just as the Good Samaritan did. Help me to overcome indifference and reach out to those who are suffering, no matter their background or status. Teach me to love without barriers, showing mercy to all as you have shown mercy to me. May my heart be filled with a spirit of fraternity, recognising every person as my neighbour. Guide my steps, that I may follow your command to ‘go and do likewise,’ living out your love in all I do. Amen.

CONTEMPLATION : Sit quietly and allow your heart to be still. Close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths, resting in the silence. As you breathe, bring to mind the image of the wounded man lying on the road, helpless and abandoned. Reflect on how often you may pass by those who are hurting, occupied with your own worries or too afraid to get involved. In this moment of stillness, ask God to soften your heart, to give you the courage to stop and show compassion. Imagine yourself kneeling beside the man, offering what help you can, feeling the weight of his suffering. Ask God to open your eyes to those in need around you, and to help you see every person as your neighbour. Sit with this image, and let it shape how you live out your faith today.

ACTION : Make an effort to offer help, even in small ways, and break down any barriers of indifference, responding to the needs of others with kindness and compassion.