Go and Do Likewise

Monday 5th October 2020. Read Galatians 1:6-12, Psalm 111:1-10, Luke 10:25-37 

“Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbour to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed mercy on him.” And Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:36-37)

The story of the Good Samaritan is one that we have probably heard over and over again but there is one aspect of the story that we do not pay much attention to. And that is the aspect that concerns us. “Go and do likewise.”

By telling us to go and do likewise, Jesus is saying that we should start looking out for our “neighbours” among persons who have been hurt and beaten by the challenges of life. If only we pay close attention to the difficulties encountered by people, we would see many areas and ways we can be Good Samaritans. Put yourself in the shoes of your fellow human beings and you would see many ways you can help.

We like to think of ourselves as the centre of the universe. When things are not moving fine for us, we naturally assume everyone around us understands our plight and they should run around to help us. The truth is that just as people painfully walk away from us despite knowing our situation, we cause a lot of pain to others when we ignore them.

Go and do likewise means that the story is not just for entertainment. Helping others is not some leisure activity we do when we are in the mood or when we feel like, it is a COMMAND. And you don’t have to wait to be begged before you can help. Do not be so puffed up by pride that you refuse to help unless you are worshipped.

Very often, we fall into the grave mistake of simply amusing ourselves with the misfortunes of others. We know people are going to hell but all we care about is sharing the story on social media, gossiping about it and even altering the story by adding lies to it.

Imagine it was your own story going viral on the internet and creating huge traffic for some blogger who only cares about making money? What is the essence of our Christian faith if we cannot help?

St. Paul warns the Galatians in today’s first reading not to desert from the true Gospel which he preached. Let us be on guard against heresies, false doctrines and worldly aimed at destroying our faith.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, teach us to love others just as you loved us. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Homily for Monday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Galatians 1:6-12, Psalm 111:1-10, Luke 10:25-37).