Lectio Divina for the Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
"A lawyer, anxious to justify himself, said to Jesus,
‘Who is my neighbour?’
Jesus replied, ‘A man was once on his way down from Jerusalem to Jericho
and fell into the hands of brigands;
they took all he had, beat him and then made off, leaving him half dead.
Now a priest happened to be travelling down the same road,
but when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.
In the same way a Levite who came to the place saw him,
and passed by on the other side.
But a Samaritan traveller who came upon him
was moved with compassion when he saw him.
He went up and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them.
He then lifted him on to his own mount, carried him to the inn
and looked after him.
Next day, he took out two denarii and handed them to the innkeeper.
“Look after him,” he said “and on my way back
I will make good any extra expense you have.”
Which of these three, do you think, proved himself a neighbour
to the man who fell into the brigands‘ hands?’
‘The one who took pity on him’ he replied.
Jesus said to him, ‘Go, and do the same yourself.’
When ready, begin by making a slow sign of the cross.
This text is very familiar; read it again.
Is there a word or phrase that speaks to you afresh?
Take your time, pausing often.
Ask these questions of yourself, ponder them very slowly,
pause to speak to the Lord honestly about anything that arises.
He who first spoke this parable is with you now.
Who is my neighbour?
Is it easier to ‘serve’ those who are far away than those who are much nearer?
Have there been situations or occasions when I have sought to ‘justify myself’?
How do I serve without bias or prejudice?
Can I recall times when I have felt in the care of a good Samaritan?
In what ways have I been a good Samaritan to another?
To whom do I relate in this story?
The man who was beaten-up and left for dead?
The ones who didn't want to get involved?
The public-spirited Samaritan?
The Innkeeper, giving hospitality to the wounded?
I stay in the company of the One who is, and forever will be,
a Good Samaritan to me.
When ready, I end by making a slow sign of the cross.
PRAYER
As I travel the road of life,
Samaritan Christ, walk beside me.
As I fall into pot-holes,
Samaritan Christ, raise me.
As I baulk at the rough places,
Samaritan Christ, encourage me.
As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
Samaritan Christ, carry me.
