The Good Samaritan

The parable of the Good Samaritan contained in the Gospel according to Luke is an all-time favorite of most of us. It constantly challenges us and stimulates us to become neighbor to any human being that needs help, without distinction of race, social status or religious affiliation.

“There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test Jesus and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law?” “How do you read it?” The scholar said in reply.

“You shall love the Lord, Your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”

Jesus said, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” But because he wished to justify himself, the man said, “And who is my neighbor?”

Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. The he lifted him up on his won animal, took him to an inn, and cared for him. The next day, he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, “Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.”

Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” The man answered, “The one who treated him with mercy”. Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise”.

Postscript: To all the Good Samaritans in my life, thank you for bearing with me, you know who you are, I can’t help but be really moved by your kindness. Someday, I will be able to be a good neighbor to others. In trying times like what I am going through, true friends started to surface, thanks for being there. Pay it forward, as you said.