One of the most well-known parables of Jesus is the story of the Good Samaritan. It begins when a scholar of the Law poses a profound question to Jesus: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” As a teacher of the Law, Jesus directs him back to Scripture: “What does the Law say?” The scholar answers rightly: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your soul, and love your neighbor as yourself.”
Seeking further clarification, the scholar asks, “Who is my neighbor?” In response, Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan—a story in which the most unexpected person, a Samaritan, shows mercy to a Jewish man who has been beaten and left for dead. This is striking because Jews
and Samaritans were historically enemies, yet the Samaritan was the one who stopped to help.
A priest and a Levite had already passed by the injured man. They avoided him because of ritual purity laws: touching someone who was bleeding would render them unclean for seven days, requiring another ritual purification. Their concern for remaining ritually clean outweighed their willingness to stop and help.
In contrast, the Samaritan approached the man. The original word for “approached” in this passage carries the meaning of “offering oneself.” The Samaritan not only came near but offered himself—his time, is resources, and his care. In this way, the Good Samaritan reflects Christ Himself, who offered His very life for us. Jesus left His heavenly throne to be with humanity, to form a relationship with us, and to save us.
Through this parable, Jesus teaches that to love our neighbor means to love everyone—even our enemies—and to do so sacrificially. It is not enough to love those who love us in return. True love is willing to give of itself, even when it costs something.
This teaching is challenging. Many of us find it hard to make sacrifices even for those closest to us. How, then, can we love and sacrifice for those who are difficult to love?
It can begin with small acts of giving, especially giving our time. Time is often our most treasured possession, and it is easy to become protective of it. Yet we are called to examine how we spend our days. Imagine the blessings that would come if, when we were in the presence of others, we put aside our distractions and truly engaged. Simple acts like sharing an uninterrupted meal, spending time together in prayer or activities, or simply listening to a friend or even a stranger can become profound expressions of love.
It is also important to remember the first part of the commandment: “Love the Lord your God…” Immediately after telling the parable of the Good Samaritan, Luke’s Gospel recounts the story of Martha and Mary. Martha busied herself serving Jesus, while Mary sat at His feet, listening. When Martha complained, Jesus replied, “Martha, you are anxious about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the better part.”
The heart of our calling is to love God first and cultivate a relationship with Him. From that relationship flows the grace to love others, even those who are difficult to love. Without a deep connection to God, our efforts to love sacrificially will quickly run dry. When we love Him first, He guides our lives, strengthens our actions, and empowers us to work for the good of others.
In the spirit of the Good Samaritan, may we give of ourselves generously—spending time with loved ones, offering care to those in need, and praying for those we find difficult to love. By loving God first, we find the strength to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Father James Schibi, Pastor