First Reading: Gal 1:6-12; Psalm: 111. R. v. 5b; Gospel: Lk 10:25-37

LOVE BEYOND PITY

BY FR VALENTINE NNAMDI EGBUONU, MSP

Love is not pitying one’s condition or predicament but offering a helping hand to lessening the burden of the needy or suffering person in question. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, the Priest and the Levite saw the wounded traveller but passed by. Apparently, they felt pity on seeing the critical condition of this unfortunate traveller; but their sin was that they did not move a finger to help him. The Good Samaritan acted differently. He was not only moved to pity but acted in love. He stopped, treated the wounds of this dying man, took him to an inn, paid for his treatment and was ready to pay more should the treatment require more bills.

Pity for peoples’ condition will not go anywhere to lessen their pain or worry. A true neighbour is someone who takes practical steps towards helping those in need. We can be very good at pitying and consoling people; but if we cannot go beyond this to helping them materially when we have all it takes to do so, then our show of pity is nothing but pretence. Love and concern for people should translate to action if truly we are a neighbour to them.

The lawyer who asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?” obviously found the answer to his question as Jesus concluded this parable. He has no excuse anymore as to what constitutes a true neighbour. We heard his reply when Jesus asked him who among the three passersby proved a neighbour to the dying man. He said, “The one who showed mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” When we are clear on what is required of us as Christians called to be neighbours to one another; we have no excuse why we shouldn’t be one. Love is not pity. Love is reaching out in mercy. It is that unconditional charity towards those in need. So just like the Good Samaritan, we can go and do likewise.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Lord Jesus, we pray for a loving and caring spirit. Amen.