The Difference between the Scholar of the Law and the Samaritan

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 15th Week - Sunday*

*The Difference between the Scholar of the Law and the Samaritan*

*GOSPEL -  Lk 10:25-37*

*FIRST READING - Dt 30:10-14*

*SECOND READING Col 1:15-20*

*1) Scholar of the Law*

As the name itself tells, the Scholar of the law was expert in Law and other things 

That is why when Jesus asked in return *“What is written in the law? How do you read it?”* a gave a beautiful answer 

The answer is *You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”*

To this Answer Jesus says *You have answered correctly*

So it is very clear that He knew how to attain eternal life 

*2) The Samaritan*

He was on a journey. He had his animal, and some things 

Theoretically, we do not know how much he knew about, who is his neighbour? How to help another  and about the great commandment 

In simple words we can say that the Samaritan was a more practical man than a theoretical scholar

*3) The Difference between these two*

The Scholar knew things in a  theoretical way. Samaritan did things in a practical context 

The Scholar goes to Jesus to show his knowledge. Samaritan meets the needy person, with whom he shows the compassion

To the Scholar Jesus said, do this and do like this. In other words Jesus says, to follow the commandments and to live a life in a practical way. 

The Scholar became *zero* The Samaritan became *Hero*

The Scholar came to Jesus to exhibit  His knowledge. The Samaritan showed his compassionate heart to the fallen man  

People regarded scholar is a wise man and Samaritan as ordinary man. Jesus shows that Samaritan as great man and the Scholar as a man who should learn about practical things 

Samaritan is the one who did something. Scholar of the law thinks he has to do something

The Samaritan's approach helped a needy person. The Scholar's approach didn't help anyone 

Scholar was thinking about the eternal life. Samaritan was moving towards eternal life 

*4) Who is Dominating in me?*

Is it the Scholar of the law or the Samaritan? 

Am I a theoretical man or a practical man? 

Do I have something to share with others or do i have only words? 

Am I dominated by words or actions? 

How can I activate the Samaritan nature in me?? 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*