15th Sunday in Ordinary Time 

Deuteronomy 30:10-14
Psalm 68(69):14,17,30-31,33-34,36-37
Colossians 1:15-20
Luke 10:25-37

The parable of the Good Samaritan isn’t just a story; it’s a powerful lesson that continues to resonate with us today! Time and again, we witness Jesus being “tested” by a law scholar hell-bent on catching him off guard. It’s a thrilling scenario where Jesus’ wisdom and authority challenge the rigid interpretations of the law that some cling to. In this stunning parable—unique to Luke—Jesus brilliantly reveals who our true neighbor is and what the law genuinely demands of us.

But the scholar isn’t satisfied with Jesus’ simple answer, “Do this and you will live.” In a bid to “justify himself,” he asks, “And who is my neighbor?” This reveals his limited understanding, seeing neighbors as just fellow Israelites. Leviticus 19:18 starts with “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people” but goes on to declare that we should “love our neighbor as ourselves.” Jesus, however, takes this notion and throws it wide open! By spotlighting a (despised) Samaritan as the one who shows real compassion, He challenges the scholar directly and confronts his preconceived notions.

Echoing the words of the prophet Isaiah, “You will indeed look but not perceive, for this people’s heart has grown dull” (Is. 6:10), we find that the priest and the Levite looked and turned away, ensnared by strict purity rules. But Jesus urges us to see and act! Love of God and neighbor must be our guiding principles—always! St. Paul reminds us in Colossians that Jesus is the firstborn of all creation, the very image of God, through whom everything is made. Created in His image, we press forward with hope and joy! While the events of the world can feel overwhelming, we are Easter people, and the triumphant “alleluia” is the heartbeat of our spirit!

Deuteronomy provides us with the uplifting promise that when we turn wholeheartedly to the Lord, we will triumph in our efforts to build His kingdom, one glorious act at a time. Theologian Dolores Williams powerfully asserts that “God makes a way out of no way.” With this truth fueling our hearts, we will remain vibrant and alive!

So let’s embody the words from our psalm: turn to the Lord in our moments of need, and we will truly live. Amen!

Fr Joseph Osho