In the story, a Jew was robbed and left to die by his assailants. Two highly respected men passed by him but decided to walk away. Then a Samaritan came along. Unlike the other two, he tended to the man’s wounds and brought him to an inn. Then he gave money to the innkeeper saying, “Look after him and when I return, I will reimburse you for any expense you may have”.What makes this story very compelling is that Jews and Samaritans are historical enemies. Jews don’t talk to Samaritans as they consider them renegades. And this enmity is returned by the Samaritans. Having the intent to help is good but acting on that intent is much better. The Samaritan’s intent didn’t save the wounded man from death. It’s his actions that ultimately saved the man’s life. He didn’t walk away just like the two men before him. He decided to do something.

​

In our time, that half-dead man’s photos would end up in social media before he even gets to the hospital. Everybody would take pictures but very few would actually dare to help. We’ll feel sorry for that person but not enough to get involved. Now, are we the good Samaritan or are we the men who walked away? Consider putting yourself in the Samaritan’s shoes. What would you have thought of first? The fact that he’s from a different race or that he is dying and needs help? Be honest with yourself, would you help someone if you know they will never be able to return the favour? If you answered yes, then good for you. But most of us wouldn’t.

Most of us help because we are expecting a reward of some sort. We return a lost wallet and expect the owner to reward us. We help our friends because we assume that they’ll also help us when we are in need. But, in doing so, we create a world where we only help “our kind” and those who are “one of us”. There is not much incentive to help strangers if we know we can get nothing from them. The Samaritan knew that the wounded man may never help him in return. Yet, he pressed on because he knew it’s the right thing to do. Being a Good Samaritan in its modern-day context is hard. Most of the time, we are so wrapped up in our own lives that we forget about our less fortunate brethren. But you can still fix that. Start with little acts of kindness and practice more empathy. Think less about what others can do for you and more on what you can do for them. That, in itself, is already being a good Samaritan.

​

Lets practice the spirit of Good Samaritan as Jesus says: “GO AND DO LIKEWISE” (LK:10:37)

​

Stay blessed
Sr.Little Flower CMC
Provincial Superior
Vimala Province Ernakulam