Today’s Gospel features one of Jesus’ most famous stories, the Parable of the Good Samaritan. It’s important for us to see the context. This passage is an expansion of a discussion between Jesus and a scholar of the law who was trying to test Jesus.
In answer to the scholar’s desire to justify himself, Jesus illustrates his equation of the two greatest commandments with his magnificent parable. We all know the story well, but I want to point out that the only person who responded with compassion to the man who was robbed and beaten was a Samaritan, a tribe that was despised by the people of Judah. Notice that the priest and the Levite – leaders of the people – did not offer help or assistance. The victim was half-dead, which meant they would be ritually impure if they touched him. The despised Samaritan had no need for such scruples. A fellow human being was in dire need, and he gave of himself above and beyond the call of what might be considered minimal by offering to pay for the victim’s room and board.
Notice, too, that the scholar of the law could not even bring himself to say the word “Samaritan.” When Jesus asked him which of the three strangers was neighbor to the robbery victim, the scholar could only say, “The one who treated him with mercy.” This parable was shocking to a people who were set in their ways and accustomed to prejudice. It’s a perfect illustration of Jesus’ equation of the two laws of loving God and loving neighbor. In the Kingdom of God, “neighbor” is not confined to one race or one people.
Who is my neighbor? Jesus’ answer to that question is the key for understanding who belongs to the Kingdom of God.
15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Entrance Antiphon As for Me, in Justice I Shall Behold Your Face (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #142
The antiphon text from Psalm 17 brings out the call to compassion and justice, as embodied by the Gospel’s story on the Good Samaritan.
Entrance Chant The House that Love is Building (Sarah Hart)
Breaking Bread #319
This hymn sings of Love as the foundation for building the Kingdom of God on earth. “Here is refuge for all people from every tribe and tongue. In the house that Love is building there is room for everyone.”
Responsorial Psalm Turn to the Lord in Your Need (Casey McKinley)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 268
The steady beat of Casey’s verbatim setting helps to emphasize the psalmist’s confidence in God’s mercy.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia: Mass of Endless Mercy (Steve Angrisano)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 270
This Gospel verse is an essential text for Ordinary Time.
Preparation of the Gifts The Summons (John Bell; arr. Bobby Fisher)
Spirit & Song #230; Breaking Bread #391
A beloved hymn on discipleship that is perfect for summer singing with its appealing Scottish melody.
15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Communion Antiphon The Sparrow Finds a Home [Option 1] (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #143
Antiphon Option 1 speaks of the sparrow’s confidence in God’s providence. This is an inspiration to us all.
Communion Chant A Place at Your Table (Ben Walther)
Breaking Bread #351
Ben Walther’s Communion song reminds us of the social justice aspects of the Eucharist.
Sending Forth Can We Love? (Tom Booth)
Spirit & Song #280
Tom Booth’s lyrics challenge us as we go forth from this liturgy. Quoting in the third verse on the two greatest commandments from today’s Gospel, Tom proclaims: “We must lay down our lives!”
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