Jesus answered a lawyer’s question, “Who is my neighbour?”, not by giving an elaborate definition, but by telling a self-explanatory, famous parable about a good Samaritan.
The lesson and the implications of that story are always relevant. Encountering, suddenly, a person in dire need is both a challenge and an opportunity. In order to pass the test of compassion and mercy, it is necessary to set aside any biases, to not exaggerate the importance of my own plans and schedules, and to avoid a moral judgment. However, in real life situations, a certain dose of discernment has to be applied, to make sure that the presented case is not a fake one. The guiding principle should be that it is better to be on the over-generous side (as the good Samaritan was) than to regret a stinginess afterwards. Let us pray to God for the grace to remain joyful while providing comfort and mercy to our anonymous neighbours.
The satisfaction of reaching out to others in need deepens our self-esteem (love of ourselves), and also deepens the understanding that we are all children of God, whom we have been trying to love with all our hearts, soul, and strength.
– Fr. Toni Baranowski, SJ
