Why Confess to a Priest?
Sponsored
Catholic365 is sponsored by
Road to Purity
“What must I do to inherit eternal life?” That was the question posed to Jesus by the lawyer in Luke 10:25.
Wow what a question. Isn’t that a question we have all asked at one time or another? So what is the long awaited answer? In true Jesus' fashion, He answers with a question: What does scriptures say? The lawyer answers with the old testament verse “you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul…(Deut6:4) Jesus affirms the answer, but the lawyer persists further, ” and who is my neighbor?”
The parable that follows the question tells of one that is traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. The road is narrow, rocky and dangerous with would be thieves. The one who is has been robbed and beaten is a Jew, and the who offers assistance is a Samaritan. There is an intense rivalry between the two groups, as Samaritans were considered outsiders. It's precisely this “outsider” that offers to help his neighbor.
Many see this parable as to help all in need. Well yes, without question, if you witness one in such a condition, you should assist them. I recently viewed a beating of a boy on a school bus,where not one of the other students helped the one being beaten by five other students. The point Jesus wants to make here is to help everyone, even your enemy; to love everyone, as God loves you. Now you have to ask yourself, if we insert you into the Samaritan's role, would you help your despised enemy, or walk on like you didn’t see them?
Christopher Brown resides in Missouri with his wife of 18 years. He and his wife enjoy their three children and are expecting their first grandchild in October. Christopher is a third year theologian in formation the Permanent Diaconate in the Catholic Church.
