Reflection: Called to Be Good Samaritans

Happy Sunday,

I went to Mass at St. Anthony, Nanuet,NY.

Today's Gospel is the parable of the Good Samaritan, found in (Luke 10:25–37). It's a story Jesus told to answer a question that still echoes through our world today:

 “And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29)

Jesus also added in subsequent verses:

He 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."

He replied to him, "You have answered correctly;

do this and you will live."

Years ago, I worked at a hospital called Good Samaritan Hospital. The name alone carried a mission—one that reminded us that we are all called to be Good Samaritans, people who notice, who care, and who act when others are in need.

Sadly, that spirit is often missing in the way we treat one another, especially in healthcare settings. I was recently at a hospital where the tension between permanent staff and traveling staff was overwhelming. The welcome was cold. The hostility? Off the charts.

It’s not natural, or human, to treat someone poorly just because they don’t belong to your clique. A workplace is not high school, and trying to carry that kind of immaturity into adult professional life is a travesty.

In the parable, Jesus tells of a man beaten and left for dead on the road. Religious and respected people passed him by. But:

“A Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.”

 (Luke 10:33)

He didn’t ask where the man was from. He didn’t check his credentials. He didn’t care if he was part of his circle. He saw someone in need, and he responded with mercy. That’s what maturity looks like.

We are all that traveler on the road at some point in life. Everyone you meet is carrying something you can’t see. Sometimes the need is deep, physical, emotional, or spiritual. Other times, it’s as simple as needing directions to a good barbershop, or a recommendation for a local diner, or a heads-up about a part of town that isn’t so friendly to strangers.

“Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37)

 That’s what Jesus tells us at the end of the parable.

And that’s the call, to see, to feel, and to act with compassion. Wherever you are today, be the one who stops. Be the one who helps. Be the Good Samaritan.

God bless you 

Have a wonderful Sunday 

Pal Ronnie