Most Christians recognize the parable of the good Samaritan but may not realize that Jesus tells the story in response to a question.  In His encounter with the lawyer, Jesus reminds him that the Great Commandment – to love God and neighbor – is how we inherit eternal life.

The lawyer is looking for a loophole.  If I have to love my neighbors, then I want as few of them as possible.  However, in the parable Jesus expands the definition of neighbor to include everyone – including our enemies.

In the story of the Good Samaritan – which only appears in Luke’s Gospel – Jesus gives the lawyer and us a thought provoking challenge.  In the story the two upstanding Jews – a priest and a Levite – can not or will not help the injured man.  It is the hated Samaritan who acts correctly and cares for the man.

Just how much this story disturbed the lawyer is indicated by his response to Jesus’ question, “Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?”  The lawyer says: “the one who showed him mercy.”  He was unwilling to even pronounce the word “Samaritan.”

Jesus gives us all insight into the true spirit of the Great Commandment of love.  Jesus exhorts His disciples – including you and I – to extend the same love and concern for an enemy as we would a friend.

I know I speak for myself and also maybe for you when I say that it is only with the grace of God and the help of Jesus that I can accomplish this goal.

Lord help me to love my enemies as you taught us.

God Bless,

Msgr. Powell