Why this Samaritan is called GOOD - Will I be called as a Good Christian?

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

27th Week – Sunday

Gospel – Luke 10:25-37

First Reading Gal 1:6-12

Why this Samaritan is called GOOD - Will I be called as a Good Christian?

This particular Samaritan is specially called as *Good Samaritan* why? What would be the various reasons? 

1) He took the risk

In his work of taking care of the person the Samaritan took high risk 

Because, the same robbers may come and attack him once again

Since he was a Samaritan, the fallen person was not known to him. If the fallen person happens to be a Jew? Then there is a great problem

He risked his life, his possessions, and his belongings. 

2) He first thought about the fallen person and not about himself

The priest and Levite thought first about themselves when they saw this man. 

They thought what would happen to me if I take the risk of helping the person 

Where as the Samaritan thought *what would happen to the wounded person if I don't help* That is the basic difference

3) He was ready to spend his time

This Samaritan practically stood with him and personally took care of him. Which involves a lot of time and energy. 

Today time has become very precious and no one has time for others. Spending time for others has become a big challenge for all of us 

But the Samaritan gave sufficient time for the fallen person 

4) He was ready to spend his Resources

He used the oil which he has with him to clean the wounds

He used the bandage to wrap the wounds of the person 

He used his own animal to carry the person to the inn

He spent his money to pay the expenses of the treatment.

Since he was good in hear he was able to use his resources 

5) Total involvement

The Samaritan was totally involved in taking care of the wounded man 

There are people who give only money, but they do not have time 

There are some who give only advice, nothing else 

There are people who have time, but they don't have resources

Some have everything, but don't have compassionate heart 

Some refuse to share their resources

Some are frightened to take risk 

But when we look at this Samaritan, we have a perfect balance of all these above things and above all he had a compassionate heart to reach out others 

6) He was ready to change his plan and program

He was on a mission. He had his own work and program. That did not hinder him from helping the needy person 

He was ready to change or to give up his plan for the sake of helping another person 

He was not rigid, but very flexible for the sake of the others and to reach out others 

7) He did not find fault with anyone

We see this Samaritan calm and serene. He did not blame anyone 

He did not find fault with anyone 

He did not curse those person neither he blamed the situation.

The only thing that he did was, to reach out the other as early as possible. 

Only concern was to save the person and to help him in whatever way was possible

8) He was ready to take the extended responsibility

With all the preliminary things he takes the wounded man to the inn. 

With this he did not think that his responsibility was over 

On the following day he comes to see the situation and to help the person 

He sees that the person gets the maximum care for the maximum days. 

His extended responsibility is really a matter of great concern  to note.

9) He did not wait for recognition for the work he did

Nowhere in the parable we see that the Samaritan had even a slightest desire for recognition

No one can find fault with the Samaritan to say that he did it for name and fame 

There wasn't any hypocrisy or hidden agenda in doing this great work 

He did this work as a matter of duty and responsibility. 

10) He was quick in doing the work

As soon as he saw the person he got into the action. 

He didn't take time to think what to do now, what will happen now, is it necessary that I should take care of him? Will there be any problem if I take the responsibility? None of these things came to his mind 

The only and the great thing came to his mind was 

I need to take care of him as early as possible

He needs my care and protection

I must help him in whatever way may be possible. 

These made him to get into action as early as possible

*For these above reasons the Samaritan is called GOOD* and popularly known as *GOOD SAMARITAN*

11) Will I be called as Good Christian

The final aim of our life is to become *good Christians*

All of us want to be called as *good Christians* 

If we follow the path of *Good Samaritan* definitely will become *good Christians*

*Am I ready?*

God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones.

Fr Maxim D’Souza

Jeppu Seminary

Mangalore