The Big Picture

The story of the Good Samaritan has probably inspired more Christians over the centuries to acts of neighborly love than any other passage in the Bible. While it is a simple story, it is also inspiring and challenging in the model it offers of what love of neighbor entails. The essential element in being a true neighbor is our compassion and mercy at the sight of another in need. This story has a deeper significance in the light of Christ’s mission and ministry. He is the Good Samaritan come to heal our brokenness, reconcile us to God and bring us into his kingdom. That is the big picture, which not only inspires us to be good neighbors, but makes true love of neighbors possible. The gift of the Holy Spirit fills us with the love that empowers us to live as “Good Samaritans.”

When we think of being a good neighbor, our first thoughts are about the other person’s physical needs – food, clothing, transportation and other kinds of help. But there are many other kinds of needs. The neighbor may need something very scarce and precious – time. Yes, a listening ear, an encouraging word, and an encouraging attitude. Then there is another precious need that we can help care for – the spiritual welfare of the neighbor. We all know about the corporal works of mercy, but how about the spiritual works of mercy? When we see someone in physical need we will respond as fast and as best we know how. Somebody injured on the roadside will get help pretty fast. But how about the person who is suffering from lack of faith or hope? What about all the people who are hungry for God, and for meaning in life? What have we to offer them! How can we be a good neighbor to them?

We cannot go out and preach on the street corner. If we did nobody would listen. But there are other ways to help people face the reality of their true destiny and their need for something more in life. We can start by taking an interest in the neighbor, in their work, family, and recreation. Our attitudes and outlook in life can show that our thoughts are never far from God. We can show by our lives that we truly believe the words of Scripture: “We have not here a lasting city, but look for one to come.” Our lives can reflect the words of Saint Augustine: “Our hearts are made for you O God, and they shall never rest until they rest in You.”

If asked to give a reason for your faith and hope you will gladly do so. In doing so you will help others come to know and love the Lord. To be a Good Samaritan means bringing God to people and people to God. This is what Christ did. This is what Christians do. This may be done by our caring for the physical, emotional or spiritual needs of those around us. If Christ will reward those who have taken care of the least of these “little ones” in their physical needs, how much more will he reward those who take care of the spiritual needs of those same little ones?

“What love looks like: It has feet to go to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has ears to hear sighs and sorrows.” - Saint Augustine

The Works of Mercy

The works of mercy are charitable actions by which we come to the aid of our neighbor in his spiritual and bodily necessities. Instruction, advising, consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as are forgiving and bearing wrongs patiently. The corporal works of mercy consist especially in feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and imprisoned, and burying the dead. Among all these, giving alms to the poor is one of the chief witnesses to fraternal charity; it is also a work of justice pleasing to God.