Lectionary # 461. Scripture reflection for 27th Mon. ordinary, Oct. 6<2008

Scripture: Monday of 27th week, ordinary time. Galatians 1:6-12. Psalm
111:1-2.7-8.9.10. Luke 10:25-37. Lectionary # 461:

In this year, which Benedict XVI has dedicated to St. Paul, we are
fortunate to be listening to several of Paul's epistles in the liturgy of
the word.
Our first reading is from the Galatians which tells us clearly how Paul is
faithful to the Gospel tradition which he has received both directly from
the Lord and also from the "memoirs of the apostles". He had learned much
from consulting with Peter and James in Jerusalem. Barnabus both as a
disciple of the Lord and missionary preacher continued to help Paul know
the "full Gospel." Paul urges us to adhere scrupulously to this Gospel and
not to deviate from it. We follow the example of Jesus himself who did not
change one iota of the Torah and the Prophets.
Jesus shows us what is the central message of the Gospel. It is the
same as the covenantal commandment found in Deuteronomy: "Thou shalt love
the Lord thy God, with all thy heart,with all your soul, and with all your
strength, and with all your mind;and your neighbor as
yourself." (Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18). Jesus is showing us that the
words of the covenant--the loving-kindness of God which are essential to
the Israelite are also to be practiced by anyone who follows Jesus. In the
exchange between the lawyer and himself, Jesus acts as a teacher or rabbi
of the law and through his parable about the Samaritan he will illustrate
who is neighbor from one who receives to one who bestows kindness. The
alien Samaritan becomes a model for our own spiritual life as it is based
on the Gospel. The parable is an illustration of the commandments of love
of God and love of neighbor. Jesus does prompt the lawyer to understand
who is neighbor by his parable. The lawyer also responds to the message and
tells Jesus that the "one who showed mercy and care for the wounded one is
neighbor to him. Jesus tells the lawyer and us "to go and do likewise."
Covenantal love is unselfish and compassionate. It responds quickly
to the needs of the one who is suffering or hurt and carries through the
stages necessary to bring the person back to health. Luke continues to
show us the kindness of Jesus through his words and his actions. We can
easily see that Jesus is compassionate even as the heavenly Father is
compassionate." Amen.