Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time – Ifeoma Okpala, SNDdeN
July 13, 2025
Luke 10: 25-37
True Love Crosses All Boundaries
The story of the Good Samaritan emphasizes the need to extend our neighbourly love beyond persons who share religious, physical, social, racial, ethnic and class proximities with us.
We might appreciate the genuine love and heroic action of the Good Samaritan if we try to put ourselves in his shoes. Imagine yourself meeting this man who has been beaten and left half dead. Bearing in mind that the man is a stranger, of a different race and class, no one is watching you to see your response and in fact, attending to him might even land you into serious trouble, what would be your response: Go to the police station to report the case? Wish him well and hope that someone would come to his aid? Take photos of him to post on social media? How frequently do we pass others by?
The Good Samaritan’s Response
The Good Samaritan simply responded to a need staring him in the face. He saw a human being in need and was moved to action regardless of their differences and background; religion, ethnicity, economic class and social status. He was not concerned about knowing all the details surrounding the victim’s case before reaching out to him; no judgement, no clarity, no prejudice, no stereotyping, no self-interest and no second thought. His prompt response was motivated by love and informed by the Gospel values. His love extends far beyond the limits expected by the lawyer.
We are called to follow in the footsteps of the Good Samaritan in showing mercy, concern and compassion to those in need, regardless of their religious, ethnic or social identity. Hence, what ought to move us to action in the face of human needs should not be merely our shared identities but love of our neighbour which implies possessing a sensitive heart towards our fellow human beings.
The story of the Good Samaritan highlights that love is a state of being, involving clarity of perception and accuracy of response. Our expression of love need not be motivated by the worthiness of others and our feeling of attraction towards them. We do not need to feel drawn to other people before we can respond to their needs. Our love ought to be pure, undiluted and intentional.
What often motivates our actions and inaction when human needs stare us in the face?
We pray that our common humanity may spur us to positive actions when confronted with the needs of others. May we have the courage to witness to the love of God in a non-discriminatory manner. Amen!
Luke 10: 25-37
There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test him 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?” 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.”
But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “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. Then he lifted him up on his own 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?”
He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Meet Sister Ifeoma Okpala, SNDdeN
