A Jesuit Catholic University
in Omaha, Nebraska, since 1878

[461] Galatians 1:6-12 Psalm 111:1b-2, 7-8, 9+10c Luke 10:25-37

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer The Daily Reflections

The story of the Good Samaritan remains me of the most beautifully truthful and simple parables from Jesus’ ministry.  I think it encourages us to remember to put life on hold for each other, to not let time and plans sweep us along, seemingly powerless and oblivious to the plights and cries of another. 
 
I do not believe that Christ would have encouraged us to fight the current of life (in reality there is so much about this world and our own situations that we, quite frankly, do not control), but I do think that he would have smiled, and led us towards swimming intentionally with the current, remaining mindful of the different eddies and whirlpools that may hinder us or currently be dragging down people we drift into.  When we decide to not float blithely by, we can take each other by the hand and teach one another to swim.  No matter what creed, color, mental ability, physical status, or sexuality, we have a chance and a choice to love the people who come unbidden into our lives by simply being present, or perhaps offering something more when it is called for (as the Samaritan does in the story).  It is a universal call to love, and I think that is what Jesus hopes we all can hear.

Let us take to heart the words of the Ignatian prayer for generosity…

Lord, teach me to be generous,
Teach me to serve, as you deserve,
To give, and not to count the cost,
To fight, and not to heed the wounds,
To toil, and not to seek for rest,
To labor, and not to ask for reward,
Save that of knowing that I do your will.