Liturgical Colour : Green
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, on this day, from what we have heard in the Gospel passage, we are reminded that each and every one of us must show true Christian faith by our actions and by our deeds founded upon the principles of love and compassion, as God Himself had shown us, and not to be ignorant of the plight of our brethren who are in need, and who are indeed calling upon us for help.

Today we heard that famous parable of the Good Samaritan which Jesus told to His disciples, to the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law. And that parable was meant as a rebuke and a reminder to these elites in the Jewish society, that unless they acted in the way expected of them by God. The Lord meant that parable to show to His people, how those who follow Him should act towards one another, that is full of love, mercy and compassion.

The Levites and the priest described in the parable is the representation of all those whom God had chosen to be the leaders and the guide for His people, as these were the ones who were privileged as the priestly caste among the society, to be the ones chosen to be in the presence of God in His Temple. They were the ones who understood the Law and having remembered them as part of their responsibilities.

And yet, as we heard their actions in the parable that we heard today, we noticed that these people just passed by the man who was robbed and beaten, left to death on the roadside. They did not show concern and care for the one who needed their help, even though they did have the ability and the opportunity to do so. They have conscientiously ignored their brethren in need, and therefore they have sinned, not from the sin of action but for the sin of omission.

Thus what God was trying to say to them was that, no matter what position we have in the society, and how well we are respected by others, no matter what intellect or power we have, but if we have no love in us, we will not be accepted, but instead will be rejected by God. God has no placed prepared for all those who have not been merciful and loving, even if they were counted among His own people.

Why so? That is because these people despised the Samaritans and looked down on them. They were proud of their lineage and position as one counted among the chosen people of Israel, and even so as those who were entrusted to be guardians and keepers of the Law of God. The Samaritans were seen as those who were pagans, and even of the worst stock, since the Samaritans were seen as abominations and barbarians who have taken the land that rightfully belonged to the people of Israel.

And yet, Jesus shattered all these perceptions and unjust judgments and portrayals of the Samaritans and the others alike. Through that brilliant parable, Jesus showed them that God does not look at our race, background, appearance or status, but rather, He sees our actions, our deeds, and all the things which we have done, or have not done, which have broad repercussions to our fellow brethren and our community alike.

Thus, brothers and sisters in Christ, even as we listened to the Scripture passages today, are we able to discern deep within ourselves and find what we need to do from now on in order to be truly righteous in God and His presence? If we have not loved our brethren, or worse still, ignoring them when they are clearly asking for help, then perhaps we should rethink our priorities in life and learn how to devote ourselves out of love for these brethren of ours.

Indeed, we cannot help the whole world by ourselves, but from whatever little and minor things we can do, we should be able to impact our brethren around us, and when each and every one of do our part, so much more suffering and pain can be eliminated by our combined work and effort. Therefore, from now on, brethren, let us do our part to love and serve our brethren in need, as how that good Samaritan had done to his brethren in need.

May God help us in this endeavour, and may He awaken in each and every one of us, the strong desire to love with great compassion and sincerity, to care and show concern without desiring for returns, and to give our best for one another. May God be with us all, now and forevermore. Amen.