Do Likewise
Monday of the Twenty-Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Luke 10:25-37 - There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test Jesus and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” He replied to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.”
But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them.
Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn, and cared for him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’ Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“Go and do likewise.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
The parable of the Good Samaritan, one of the best-loved parables of Christ, is wonderful on many levels. Certainly, it is a wonderful story of human compassion. It is also a beautiful expression of God’s desire to include all people in His family. Finally, it is a profound story that many people, including St. Augustine, have seen as an allegory of the story of Redemption: the dying sinner is us, the Good Samaritan is Christ, and the innkeeper watching over the sick man until the Savior’s return is the Church.
But Jesus doesn’t simply wish to leave us with a story. Jesus doesn’t just want to teach us about principles—He wants His words to be put into action, to change our lives. After Jesus finishes answering the pompous scholar of the law, He challenges the scholar with his own line of questioning. After He is sure the scholar understands His point, He says, “Go and do likewise.” Understanding Jesus’ message isn’t quite enough… We have to go out and live it. Who is hurt, sick, sad, lonely, disabled, old, unpopular, discouraged…that we would choose to avoid? Consider that person…and go and help them!
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above.(Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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