After reading the First Reading and the Gospel, doesn't it sound like we are being given a broad lesson in Discipleship?
The last line in our First Reading (DT 30:10-14) is valued and timeless: 14 "The Word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can hear and keep it!"
The Israelites had been taught God's commandments or his will. So the inspired Word was certainly in their hearts and on their lips (mouths) as they recited his laws and taught them to their children. Even so, because of their disobedience and lack of faith, only three men survived from the first generation of people who had been rescued from Egypt. Now those three and their descendants will enter the Promised Land, and they will receive many blessings "If they obey and keep God’s commandments." In other words, the only thing remaining is "discipleship" - the living out God's will.
Similarly, the gospel today (Luke 10:25-37) gives us the familiar "Good Samaritan" story. But the message is as good as to the first reading: a true disciple will live out God's will, meaning he/ she will give a full commitment to love God and love neighbour unconditionally. Now, here's the thing, does this mean that we have to wait and find an injured traveller, and then help him, to fulfil the meaning of the example in this story? Not at all! The injured and wounded, both physically and spiritually, are all around us! They are in our families, neighbourhoods, school, college, work places, retail stores, everywhere that there are people.
So, how do I carry out the commandment to love and be a "Good Samaritan"? We can do this simply by offering a caring, listening ear; by a hug if appropriate; a simple touch on the arm or shoulder which says, "I understand"; a request for permission to pray for them for something specific; by sharing a word of encouragement from the psalms or gospels that fits their situation; and yes, sometimes in some circumstances, by just reaching for our wallet or purse.
KNOW YOUR CATECHISM!
Article 2822, of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, states that "Our Father desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. He "is forbearing toward you, not wishing that any should perish. His commandment
is "that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another." This commandment summarises all the others and expresses his entire will.
So as “Love” is God’s commandment a committed disciple loves because he to simply wants pass on God's love to others. In this way, when we are loving, we are a beacon of light revealing the presence of Jesus Christ in our lives.
The last line in our First Reading (DT 30:10-14) is valued and timeless: 14 "The Word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can hear and keep it!"
The Israelites had been taught God's commandments or his will. So the inspired Word was certainly in their hearts and on their lips (mouths) as they recited his laws and taught them to their children. Even so, because of their disobedience and lack of faith, only three men survived from the first generation of people who had been rescued from Egypt. Now those three and their descendants will enter the Promised Land, and they will receive many blessings "If they obey and keep God’s commandments." In other words, the only thing remaining is "discipleship" - the living out God's will.
Similarly, the gospel today (Luke 10:25-37) gives us the familiar "Good Samaritan" story. But the message is as good as to the first reading: a true disciple will live out God's will, meaning he/ she will give a full commitment to love God and love neighbour unconditionally. Now, here's the thing, does this mean that we have to wait and find an injured traveller, and then help him, to fulfil the meaning of the example in this story? Not at all! The injured and wounded, both physically and spiritually, are all around us! They are in our families, neighbourhoods, school, college, work places, retail stores, everywhere that there are people.
So, how do I carry out the commandment to love and be a "Good Samaritan"? We can do this simply by offering a caring, listening ear; by a hug if appropriate; a simple touch on the arm or shoulder which says, "I understand"; a request for permission to pray for them for something specific; by sharing a word of encouragement from the psalms or gospels that fits their situation; and yes, sometimes in some circumstances, by just reaching for our wallet or purse.
KNOW YOUR CATECHISM!
Article 2822, of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, states that "Our Father desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. He "is forbearing toward you, not wishing that any should perish. His commandment
is "that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another." This commandment summarises all the others and expresses his entire will.
So as “Love” is God’s commandment a committed disciple loves because he to simply wants pass on God's love to others. In this way, when we are loving, we are a beacon of light revealing the presence of Jesus Christ in our lives.
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