We learn from our today’s gospel that action speaks louder than words. Oftentimes, we build up legal boundaries, so as to shrink our moral obligations. We appeal to justice in order to deaden our sense of love.
There is a common Yoruba adage which says that “It’s not easy to befriend someone you have once summoned to court.” Love and legal boundaries are two poles apart. Any law that lacks human face will surely destroy rather than build. Instead of creating barriers with words, Jesus invites us to actions. Rather than delving not theological controversies, we rather ask the Holy Spirit to direct us in the path that leads to God’s will.
We see in our today’s gospel a priest and a Levite who had the language of religion but lacked the love of Christ. They are vast in ritual laws but lack the compassion typical of Jesus who cannot stand the tears of suffering.
The Samaritan, though outside the religious system, crossed boundaries with mercy. He speaks a universal language, the language of love, which knows no boundaries. Language can create walls; compassion builds bridges.
Jesus is not a fan of eloquent speeches not backed by commensurate actions.
To him, the question, “who is my neighbour?” is the language of bias. The lawyer who asked Jesus the question was a Jewish expert in the law of Moses, who apparently sees a neighbour as a fellow Jew, one who falls within the covenant community and someone who is not a Samaritan. However, Jesus presented the parable to break down any form of legal boundaries when matter of love is discussed. Love is never restricted. Shrinking our moral obligation for convenience is a sign that we do not truly understand the mind of Christ.
Hence, the best way to the gospel, is not just in words, but in wounds healed and burdens shared.
The face of Jesus can only be seen where there is a need to serve. He came to serve and not to be served. It is a thing of joy when we look beyond cultural or religious barriers and make ourselves present to all and sundry. Until our love goes beyond our sects or those who are close to us, we cannot truly prove that we love God whose love is for all he has made.
May the love of God be poured into our heart afresh that our services may know no boundaries. Amen.
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