This month, Bev explores the 2nd chapter of Fratelli Tutti in which Pope Francis unwraps the parable of the

Good Samaritan, telling us that ‘we cannot be indifferent to suffering …instead, we should feel indignant,

challenged to emerge from our comfortable isolation and to be changed by our contact with human suffering.’

For the reflection material click HERE

An easy to print Marist Laity guide to the reflection can be found HERE

 

 

Begin with Prayer, then read Luke 10:29-37

A lawyer … desiring to justify himself, said …, “And who is my neighbour?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped, beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side.  So likewise a Levite, when he … saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, … came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, … bound his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.  The next day he gave two denarii to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?”  He said, “The one who showed mercy on him.” And Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (For extended version cf. Lk:10:25-37)

  • Read the Scripture again to yourself. Notice how you feel.

  • Share a word, phrase, or sense that touches you.

  • Listen to the Reflection or Read the Script.

 

To Listen to the Audio, click HERE.

Simply use the questions below as starters to guide your sharing.

  • What aspects of this reflection challenge you the most?

  • Bev did safety checks then welcomed the young accident victim and her dog into her home for 4 weeks. How have you experienced this parable in your everyday life, either as victim or as Samaritan?

  • What are my ‘discreetly hidden biases’ that prevent me from seeing ‘strangers’ as part of the family of God and ‘Christ himself’ in hidden form?

  • What groups are most likely to feel excluded or uncomfortable in our parish settings and how could we be more inviting in mission and support for them?

  • Gospel hospitality that’s “put aside all differences and in the face of suffering, draws near to others with no questions asked”, is a deep call on the church today. What contribution can I make, personally, or as a group or parish?

 

Marist Moment:

Through thee, O Mary, may the name of the Saviour of mankind, be known and adored throughout the whole world. 

Prayer of St Peter Chanel SM

 

Pray Together then Conclude with this Prayer

Come Holy Spirit, show us your beauty,

reflected in all the peoples of the earth,

Free me from fear of those I see as foreigners or strangers,

and those I am challenged by.

May we discover anew that all are important  and all are necessary,

different faces of the one beloved humanity cherished by God.

Help us give ourselves in loving service and compassion in your Holy Name.

Mary, mother of perpetual help, Pray for us. Amen.