“It is something very near to you.” —Deuteronomy 30:14
The priest and Levite both “saw” the wounded victim, but didn’t want to get near him to avoid becoming ritually impure (Lk 10:31, 32). The Samaritan, though, had no hesitation about getting near the hurting man. The Samaritan “approached him” (Lk 10:34) and “treated him with compassion” (Lk 10:37).
Love has to get near and get involved. Love by its very nature can’t keep its distance. Jesus, Who is Love, could have remained in heaven in eternal bliss with His Father. However, His love impelled Him (see 2 Cor 5:14) to seek us out (Lk 19:10), be near us (Ps 145:18), and even be God-with-us, Emmanuel (Mt 1:23). Now He is so near us that He dwells within us (Jn 6:56; 17:23).
Is there any person, group, or class of people you won’t get near? Do you stay away from the poor, uneducated, crippled, aged, criminals, unrepentant, or those of a different race or religion? These may be your “wounded victims,” your chance to be a good Samaritan. Jesus may be saying that as often as you neglected to get near these people, you neglected to get near Him (Mt 25:45).
PRAYER: Jesus, You never kept Your distance from anyone. May I and all who follow You love as You love.
PROMISE “The Lord hears the poor, and His own who are in bonds He spurns not.” —Ps 69:34
PRAISE: Praise You, Jesus, resurrected, ascended, and glorified. You sit at the right hand of the Father to intercede for us (Rm 8:34). Alleluia!
Reference: This teaching was submitted by a member of the editorial team of Fr Al Laury’s Presentation Ministries, who, in accord with the Code of Canon Law, have been granted the Nihil Obstat (Church’s permission & Blessing) for the publication of these reflections.
John Portelli
