Desert Reflections: Who is my neighbor?

Parable of the Good Samaritan by Balthasar van Cortbemde (1647) shows the Good Samaritan tending the injured man while the Levite and priest are also shown in the distance. [Balthasar van Cortbemde artist QS:P170,Q21345062, Balthasar van Cortbemde – The Good Samaritan, marked as public domain, more details on Wikimedia Commons]
Fr Peter points out that, like the priest and the Levite in today’s gospel, many still pass by those in need – sometimes even those in life-threatening need. How will we respond the next time we see someone in need? Will we move on? Or will we stop – struck by the fact our neighbor in need bears the face of Jesus – and offer our help?

Today’s Readings

This is the word of the LORD that came to Jonah, son of Amittai:”Set out for the great city of Nineveh, and preach against it; their wickedness has come up before me.” But Jonah made ready to flee to Tarshish away from the LORD.
JON 1:1–2:1-2, 11

“And who is my neighbor?”
LK 10:25-37