“Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ Jesus said to him, what is written in the law? How do you read it?’…You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ He replied to him, ‘You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.’
The story of the good Samaritan is one of the clearest teaching moments of Jesus, as He used the two first testament books to describe the only way one can love God is through love of neighbor. Perhaps I am like the scholar of the law, thinking that I am in pretty good shape, as I pray, honor God and try to do the right thing. But wait a minute. Do I dare ask ‘who is my neighbor’ without fearing the consequences?
Pope Francis has called us to see the face of Christ in those who ask our help, who need our assistance. He asks two things: that we recognize the Christ in people who come to us, and to reflect the face of Christ to those who approach us. The parable ends with the scholar, unable to describe the unnamed Samaritan, saying the neighbor was the one treated him with compassion. He was told, go and do likewise. Think today of one person or group who are looking for the good Samaritan. Do they find Christ in you?