Go and Do like Wise: Present Day Implications

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Twenty Seventh Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Lk 10:25-37*

*First Reading : Jon 1:1:2:1-2, 11*

*Responsorial Psalm : Jon 2:3, 4, 5, 8*

*Go and Do like Wise: Present Day Implications*

*1) Context of the Expression*

In the parable, a scholar of the Law asked Jesus:

“And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29)

To answer, Jesus told the story of a man attacked by robbers, left half dead, ignored by a priest and a Levite, but cared for by a Samaritan — a person whom Jews normally despised.

At the end, Jesus asked:

“Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man?”

The scholar replied:

“The one who showed him mercy.”

Then Jesus said:

“Go and do likewise.”

So, this command is a call to imitate the mercy of the Samaritan.

*2) Implication of “Go and do likewise”*

*A) Love in action, not just words*

Jesus shifts the focus from “Who is my neighbor?” to “How can I be a neighbor?”

Being a neighbor means showing compassionate love to anyone in need, regardless of race, religion, or social status.

*B) Universal compassion*

The Samaritan helps a Jew — his traditional enemy. Jesus teaches that true love crosses human barriers and prejudices. The command “Go and do likewise” means no one is outside the circle of our concern.

*C) Mercy as the mark of discipleship*

To “go and do likewise” is to live as Jesus lived — showing mercy, tenderness, and service, especially to the wounded and forgotten.

*D) Faith must be practical*

The command moves us from theoretical religion to practical compassion. Knowing the law or quoting Scripture is not enough — living it through love is what matters.

*3) Application Today*

*A) Helping the wounded in society*

The “man left half dead” represents all who suffer today — the poor, migrants, the sick, victims of violence, the lonely, or the neglected.

To “go and do likewise” means to stop, to notice, and to care — even when inconvenient.

*B) Breaking barriers*

Like the Samaritan, we are called to go beyond our comfort zones — helping those of other faiths, backgrounds, or beliefs.

*C) Being merciful in daily life*

Mercy can be shown in simple ways — forgiving someone, visiting the sick, giving time to the lonely, or speaking kindly.

The modern “road from Jerusalem to Jericho” is all around us — in workplaces, schools, families, and streets.

*D) Church as a field hospital*

Pope Francis often says the Church must be like the Samaritan — not walking past human pain but stopping to bind wounds with mercy. “Go and do likewise” is a call for the Church to be compassionate and healing

*4) Spiritual Reflection*

“Go and do likewise” is not only a moral command — it is an invitation to become Christ-like.

The Good Samaritan is an image of Jesus Himself, who finds us wounded by sin, binds our wounds with mercy, and pays the price for our healing.

To “do likewise” means to continue His mission of love in the world.

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*