Reflection for the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

by Kris Lanik, Notre Dame Associate

The Gospel reading includes the well-known parable of the Good Samaritan. It could just as well be called the parable of the Good Disciple.

The first thing is that the Good Samaritan is aware of the needs of others and responds immediately and generously. While the priest and Levite see the injured man on the side of the road, they intentionally walk past him. The Samaritan sees the injured man and springs into action. He does not just offer some quick words of encouragement from across the road. He sets aside his own plans. He goes right up to the stranger. He cleans and bandages his wounds. He puts the man on his own animal and takes him to an inn where he can heal. He makes certain that the innkeeper will continue to look after the stranger. He promises to return on his way back.

A good disciple springs into action when seeing someone in need. This is how we are to live out God’s commandments to love one another. And Jesus says to each of us “Go and do likewise.” This week, let’s roll up our sleeves. Let’s get to work seeing and serving those in need.