Luke 10:25-37
To fully appreciate the parable of the Good Samaritan, we must understand how deeply the Samaritans were resented by the Jews of Jesus’ day. The Samaritans were considered heretics who had “sold out” to a godless society. Yet the hero of the parable is neither the priest nor the Levite (both respectable Jews), but the Samaritan. Why? Because he lived by the law of authentic love, not distinctions of race and class. The good Samaritan was also a good steward, giving his time and his treasure to meet his neighbour’s need. At the end of this familiar story, Jesus urges His hearers – and us – to go and do the same!
– Fr John Conway