Gospel Extract
When a man asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbour?” He told him this story:
There was once a man who was robbed, beaten and left for dead at the roadside. By chance, a Priest and later a Levite passed by, however, they both ignored him! Then a Samaritan arrived who tended to his wounds, took him to the nearest Inn and cared for him until he recovered.
At that point in the story, the man found the answer to his question! So Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same”. (Luke 10:37b)
Thought
The Good Samaritan, who cared for the beaten-up man, knew his neighbours!
Will I discover a ‘new neighbour or two’ today or will today, slowly slip by?
Reflection
Lord Jesus, help me to renounce the barriers that prevent me from accepting my neighbours. May I never discriminate, whether they are young or old, male or female, black or white, atheist or religious, beggars or rich… help me to embrace everyone as you ask.
Prayer: Working (Jacob Boehme)
Give me, dear Lord, a pure heart and a wise mind,
that I may carry out my work according to your will.
Save me from all false desires,
from pride, greed, envy and anger,
and let me accept joyfully every task you set before me.
Let me seek to serve the poor
the sad and those unable to work.
Help me to discern honestly my own gifts
that I may do the things of which I am capable,
and happily and humbly leave the rest to others.
Above all, remind me constantly that I have nothing except what you give me, and can do nothing except what you enable me to do.
