https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100526.cfm
You Have Got To Be Kidding, Or We Understand
“Lord Jesus, help me!” A priest prayed on his way to a wedding; he was the celebrant. The wedding was scheduled to start in about half an hour. A van full of people was parked on the side of the road and flagged him down. He pulled over, and the sun was blisteringly hot. They were thirsty and hungry, having been there for hours. He was the first to stop and see what was wrong.
The priest made a call, but as the people in the van knew, there was no help, not even from a tow truck. He prayed again, “Lord, what do I do? I have a responsibility to marry this couple. They have a reception and a hall booked.” His head said, ‘Tell the people in the van you will see what you can do and then get to the wedding.’ His heart told him they were hot, hungry, and thirsty. “You can’t just leave them hanging.’ The priest knew it would take more than an hour to get food and water and to find a mechanic on a Saturday afternoon.
My friends, in this parable, you are the priest. You are the one in need of help, the one who must make a difficult decision. What would you do in such a situation? It’s a question that can spark a profound discussion around the dinner table.
We know what the priest and Levite did in the parable. They passed by the man, beaten and left for dead. The hated Samaritan dropped everything and did all he could to help the man recover. This parable is not just a historical story but a lesson that applies to our daily lives. It challenges us to consider how we treat others in need.
Gospel Challenge:
So, Jesus asks, is it more important to fulfill the religious law or to offer the salve of human kindness? Both are critical, but the sacred dignity of human life takes precedence over the law.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
