Gospel: Luke 10: 25-37
The story of the Good Samaritan begins with a question from a lawyer to Jesus: what must I do to inherit eternal life? The story ends with Jesus asking a question back to the lawyer: which one was neighbor to the one in need? When the lawyer responds - the one who treated him with compassion - Jesus tells the lawyer to go and do likewise. The second question answers the first.
The way to eternal life is one lived in continual mercy and compassion offered to others in concrete acts of love. The way to eternal life is not found in a particular church membership, attendance at the "correct" liturgy, exhaustive knowledge of theology and the catechism, the construction of churches, or the endless recitation of prayers. Eternal life is found only in a life of mercy and compassion shown to others, even our worst enemies and rivals.
Each day provides us with countless opportunities for such service. There are family members and neighbors who need our help. Countless people are in hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons who need compassionate interaction and care. There are migrants and refugees who need our help in adjusting to a new home. Today is a day to reflect on how God is calling us to walk the way to eternal life.
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