Father Michael's Weekly Reflection

But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" (Lk. 10:29)

This is the Fifteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time. Our neighbor according to Christ is each member of humanity. Every person is either part of the mystical body of Christ or called to be part of. The Good Samaritan had compassion on the person left for dead. He suffered with him.  For Christ, my neighbor means another self.

In the Church we have charitable efforts done in groups but nothing can replace the individual contact with our neighbor. We must touch the wounds of others. There are always new forms of suffering that presents themselves. In the world, we must be wounded healers. Even though we carry our own burdens, it should never be an excuse to turn inward and pass by the needs of our neighbor.

Questions for Reflection:

• Do I participate actively in the charitable works of the Church?
• Does my faith enable me to see Christ's suffering face in my neighbor?
• What have I done to alleviate another's suffering today?