Go and do likewise

 Most straightforward parable of Jesus. The main theme of the parable is Compassion, it needs no explanation. Compassion should be showed to others irrespective of colour, caste, creed, or any other difference.  Jesus makes strong accusation on two elite classes of people who are expected to show compassion but failed to do it.  A Samaritan, someone who is least expected to show compassion goes out of his way to show compassion, thus breaking all prejudice.

 The name Samaritan becomes synonym for all that is done with the motive of charity.  The Levite and the priest might have asked themselves, “What will happen to me if I stop?” But the Samaritan had asked himself, “What will happen to the wounded man if I don’t stop?”  Compassion is putting the other person more important than oneself. The unconcerned people put their duty, position, and status before the needy person.  The Samaritan was interested only on what he has to do next. For the Levite and the priest what will happen to them next was more important.

 Compassion arises from humanness; part of being human, an inherent quality of being a human being. Devoid of compassion is being inhuman, loss of our human nature.  Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive. (Dalai Lama)  The action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience…  Compassion means sympathy, empathy concern, kindness, consideration, care and antonym is coldness or indifference.

 Spirituality addresses qualities of the human spirit that include love, compassion, patience, tolerance, forgiveness, a sense of responsibility, which bring happiness to self and other. It as well includes a basic concern for the well-being of others.  There is no spirituality without compassion.  Love of God cannot be devoid of love for neighbour; they make the two greatest commandments.  Christ often puts himself as a needy person.

 It is often “none of my business”.  It could be “looking for problems”.  It is putting oneself into risk, even a permanent risk.  It is messy business.  It disrupts normal life.  It is a thankless job.  In the modern times a “a good neighbour” is one who minds his own business.  It is much safer, and far easier, to close your heart and go quietly by on the other side of the road.

 As a Samaritan, he was not expected to help a Jew. Often he is economically and socially not in a position to help.  Now for this Samaritan, his social and economical status had nothing to do with his human quality of being compassionate.  Often we are “compassionate” only after knowing the status of the person who is in need.

 SAMARITAN  SAMARITAN - the stone rejected by elders  Jerusalem to Jericho – from paradise to sin  Among robbers – temptations and clutches of the devil  Stripped him – devoid of graces  Priest – the rituals of the Old Testament  Levite – the laws and commandments  Journeyed – a purposeful mission  Came where he was – his incarnation

 Saw... Had compassion – his salvific mission  Oil and wine – Baptismal Anointing and Eucharist  His beast – his cross  Inn – the Church  Two denarii – Gospels and St. Paul’s Epistles  Innkeeper – St. Peter and his successors  Come back – the second coming

 Empathy can be very costly; it may even cost you your life. However, only in willingly embracing the dangers and injuries of caring, will you find healing and happiness for yourself and for others. There is no better way.