The one who treated him with mercy

“‘Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?’ He answered, ‘The one who treated him with mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.”” (LK 10: 36-37)

It wasn’t his family, for sure none of his relatives, friends or coworkers, just a “neighbor.” And he “treated him with mercy.” He didn’t ask questions like: is this victim of robbery worthy to receive help, or what is his societal status, or does he have insurance which could cover the cost of his help? He helped because it should be done. Our Lord reminds us “Go and do likewise” to our spouses, to our children, to our relatives and neighbors.

“Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life.” (Gospel Acclamation)