Although the parable is found only in Luke’s gospel, the story of the Good Samaritan is among the most widely known gospel passages. So much so that the term "Good Samaritan" has entered everyday English language. Perhaps the very familiarity of the tale, can sometimes stop us realising just how radical it is.
The central question “Who is my neighbour?” remains as live today as it was in the time of Jesus. It is a question relevant to conversations about immigration, cuts to international aid and how we treat others, especially those who are different to us.
You are a good neighbour who, like the Good Samaritan, refuses to stand by – you take action and offer support to your sisters and brothers.
Jesus' choice of a Samaritan – despite the animosity that existed between them and the Jewish people -– to illustrate true neighbourly love is striking. It shatters the notion that our neighbour is merely someone nearby, or someone who shares our culture, nation, or faith. Instead, it unequivocally declares that our neighbour is anyone and everyone in need.
The parable in full
A lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”
But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.
But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbour to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”
(Luke 10: 25-37)
Pope Leo's reflection
Reflecting on this parable, Pope Leo XIV asks, “when will we too be capable of interrupting our journey and having compassion?” Let’s pray for the grace to be good neighbours to all our sisters and brothers, as we seek to “go and do likewise.
Prayer
Gentle God,
fill us with compassion
so we may imitate your love
caring for our neighbours,
both near and far.
Amen.