are you a "good samaritan"?
"But a Samaritan who was journeying along came on him and was moved to pity at the sight." —Luke 10:33
If we are "Good Samaritans," we truly love our neighbors and truly love God with all our hearts. Therefore, it is very important for us to know whether we are "Good Samaritans." Contrary to popular opinion, "Good Samaritans" do not merely do good deeds. Rather, "Good Samaritans":
- help people whom others refuse to help,
- help people who may be prejudiced against them because they are Samaritans,
- risk their lives in helping others,
- "get their hands dirty" in serving others,
- help others at great personal expense, and
- help others for an extended time, if necessary.
"Good Samaritans" are not generic "do-gooders," but disciples of Jesus who help others in specific ways which present difficult challenges to the Samaritans.
If we understand what it means to be a "Good Samaritan," we will conclude that it is humanly impossible. But "nothing is impossible with God" (Lk 1:37). His grace is sufficient (2 Cor 12:9). By His grace — only by His grace — be "Good Samaritans," love your neighbors, and love God totally.
Prayer: Father, make me merciful even if I have to suffer.
Promise: "No, it is something very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts; you have only to carry it out." —Dt 30:14
Praise: Praise Jesus, risen, glorified, and seated forever at the right hand of the Father!
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, January 4, 2001
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 24, 2001