What lesson is God teaching me? Vv. 25, 27 An expert in the law used the law as a means of trial, not as an object of obedience. He did not put his knowledge of the law into practice, rejecting the way of eternal life before him. The way to eternal life is not to only know the Word but to live by it. It is not to use it, but to obey it. Do I walk the way of eternal life? Vv. 26-29 It is the way to eternal life to wholeheartedly love God and your neighbor. Faith that does not bear fruit of active obedience is not a saving faith. Sometimes, our knowledge might become boastful, falling into the danger of being an impersonal instrument filled with religious vanity. Do you experience the creative power of the Word with sincere application and practical meditation? Pray that the Word changes you, your surroundings, and your community through the simple obedience. Vv. 30-36 The priest and the Levite, the symbols of chosen people, ignored their fellow countryman. However, a Samaritan, who was an object of scorn and contempt, saved an enemy Jew with his own sacrifice. True neighborly love does not distort the definition of a neighbor. It is a proof that we must practice this love and consider even our enemy as our neighbor. Vv. 36, 37 In pursuit of our own convenience, we may draw the boundary of neighbors only around people who benefit us. But by grace, those who are in trouble can also be our neighbors. Even our enemy should not be excluded as an object of our love (Lk 6:27). If no one accepts me as a neighbor, it is probably because I do not love my neighbors. Then, I violate the law, and there is no eternal life for me. How many among the weak and the isolated will accept me as their neighbor?
Lord, teach me how to help others who are in trouble today.
