Today is the 15th Sunday of the year C in ordinary time. The gospel reading of today presents a very important question, that says, who is your neighbour? Jesus presents to us a parable that answers the question who is your neighbour. The wonderful thing about the question is the fact that we are all called to be good neighbours. You and I are called to be neighbours that are willing and ready to go beyond the created boundaries. Interestingly, the Samaritan that attended to the man that was attacked does not know him. He was just meeting him, going by the parable of Jesus and also taking into consideration the relationship between the chosen people and the Samaritans which was not cordial, one begins to wonder about the motive of his action.
The action of the Samaritan simply shows that he was a man that had the love of God and neighbour at heart. Thus, he was willing to go beyond the barriers that have been created based on ethnicity, religion and race. In the same way in our own time, we are all called to be true neighbours. We should be able to transcend the boundaries that are created based on ethnicity, ideology, religion, class, race and colour. What should drive all of us at all times is the fact that we are children of God. We are people of God. Boundaries should be removed and not be allowed to guide our lives and relationships with other people. The boundaries that are created as a result of self-interests should not be found in our lives.
By so doing, showing others that we are people of love and children of God and not limited by the dictates of the world. My brothers and sisters in Christ, from today’s first reading, Moses tells the people that it is important for them to keep the commandments and dictates of God in his word. While in the gospel, we see that the word of God is deeply rooted in love. The question I present to you friends in Christ is, are you a true neighbor? Do you truly represent the name Christian, are you a true ambassador of Christ, and are you willing to go beyond boundaries to be a true neighbor; that is what Jesus subscribes to. The first reading invites us to keep the word and commandments of God, and we will experience the blessings of God. Thus, friends in Christ, we are all encouraged on this 15th Sunday of the year to strive to be good neighbours. To put into practice the word of God that will make us true representatives and ambassadors of Christ where ever we find ourselves. My brothers and sisters in Christ, we are children of God, we are people of God. As such, we are encouraged and invited to live like true children of God. People whose lives are guided by Gods love. Love of God and love of neighbours. If we can do this, our lives will be better, our families will be better and the society in which we live will become a better place.
We pray that the good Lord in his goodness and love will grant us the strength and the graces we need to live like true children of God and be good neighbours. Peace be with you. Amen!