Another Reflection on the Story of the Good Samaritan

 Deacon Greg Kandra, from the Diocese of Brooklyn, NY, offers a homily for today's observance of the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time:

"If you visit the Holy Land, there is a museum that opened about a year ago that is getting a lot of attention, and attracting a lot of visitors. It stands on the road between Jerusalem and Jericho - the very same road mentioned in today's gospel. The museum holds various religious artifacts and mosaics. But what may be most intriguing is that it sits atop an archeological dig. Beneath the museum is the foundation of an ancient inn - dating back to the Byzantine era, and possibly even beyond. The museum's name says it all: it's called the Inn of the Good Samaritan.

"Which leads me to wonder: where did the parable in today's gospel come from? Could it have a basis in truth? Did Jesus witness some act of kindness like that, or hear about it?

"It's impossible to know. And, of course, it's not important if the story is literally true. Because what matters in the parable of the Good Samaritan is the larger truth it reveals about Christ's message, and the answer to the haunting question, 'Who is my neighbor?'"

To continue reading Deacon Greg's homily, visit:

Deacon Greg Kandra: Homily for July 11, 2010: 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time