Gospel: Matthew 10: 37-42
Some might read this Gospel portion and conclude that our circle of concern for others is limited to prophets, the righteous, and those who are disciples of the Lord Jesus. In this interpretation our circle of concern is limited to those close to us - family and friends, fellow church goers, those of our own nation. This interpretation justifies the mistreatment of foreigners, the marginalized, and those regarded as unclean in our society. This interpretation would be wrong.
The Gospel of Matthew begins with the Beatitudes and an application of them in the Sermon on the Mount. When the Sermon on the Mount ends, Jesus descends the mountain and heals a leper, the most marginalized member of society. Next, Jesus heals the slave of a Roman centurion, a person with no status at all in society in the employ of the hated foreigners who occupy Israel. The actions of Jesus suggest that we too must serve those whom Jesus himself served.
When Jesus related the Parable of the Good Samaritan, he asks us: which one was neighbor to the one in need? - keeping in mind that such is the way to eternal life. The one who was neighbor was the foreigner, the enemy of the man attacked by robbers. Our commitment to show mercy and care to others is for all people, not just a few. For all are made in God's image and likeness, all are another Christ, all are temples of the Holy Spirit, all are our brothers in sisters in one human family.
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