Boundless Mercy and True Neighborliness

 Boundless Mercy and True Neighborliness

Reflection on Luke 10:25-37

In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus answers the question, “And who is my neighbor?” not with a definition, but with a story—one that turns conventional expectations upside down. A man, beaten and left half-dead, is passed by a priest and a Levite—figures typically associated with holiness. But it is a Samaritan, someone despised and considered an outsider by the Jews, who becomes the true neighbor by acting with compassion.

This parable teaches us that mercy transcends boundaries—ethnic, religious, or social. Jesus challenges us not merely to ask, “Who is my neighbor?” but rather, “To whom can I be a neighbor?” The call is to love with action, to see the suffering of others, and to respond with compassion regardless of their identity or our convenience.

For Catholics, this story mirrors the life of Christ Himself—who, moved with pity, came to heal our wounds and carry us to safety at the cost of His own suffering. As disciples, we are invited to imitate Him by embodying a love that is active, sacrificial, and inclusive.

Key Takeaway:
To be a true follower of Christ means to show mercy without limits and love without prejudice, becoming a neighbor to all, especially those in need.