3 October, 2022 05:43

Fr. Rick’s Gospel Reflection for Monday 27th Week in Ordinary Time 10-03-2022
Mark 10:2-16 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100322.cfm

Please take a moment to pray over today’s Gospel.

So Far Away

The song “So Far Away” by Carol King came to mind. In the Gospel, a lawyer asked Jesus, “who is my neighbor.” Jesus responds that we are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and our neighbor as ourselves. The two go together because God is present in everyone, good and bad.

The question the lawyer asked Jesus is not so innocent. He wanted to justify himself, so he asked who he was obligated to love. Jesus tackles the question, “who is my neighbor” differently. He tells the story of the good Samaritan, who took care of an outsider, someone despised by the Jews.

In this story, a priest, a Levite, passed by the outsider left for dead. The man didn’t deserve their mercy. However, a much-hated Samaritan shows the man mercy. He bandaged his wounds, took him to a motel, and paid for all his expenses. This man risked his life to show mercy. That is how vital compassion is to Jesus. Remember, Jews hated Samaritans for centuries. He was blessed that he wasn’t beaten up and left for dead.

The Gospel Challenge: I think of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. She didn’t stop and check the nationality of a dying person. Instead, she saw the face of Jesus in each person, so close did Jesus live in Mother Teresa’s heart.

My friends, take a hard look at who needs your mercy. Go all out for folks that we usually “pass by.” Jesus won’t be “So Far Away.”

IGNITE THE FIRE.God bless you, my friends.

Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
Pastor

www.bscchurch.com

or .