First Reading: Deuteronomy 30:10-14/Resp. Psalm: Psalm 69:16.29-30.32-33.35.36(R. see 32) Second Reading: Colossians 1:15-20/Gospel Acclamation: Jn. 6:63.68/Gospel: Luke 10:25-37
Theme: Walk The Talk
In a world of global politics, most of us are very conversant with the promises some politicians and public office seekers make on campaign platforms. Sometimes, we applaud them with thunderous cheers when they do so, only to get disappointed to the point of a heart-break when they are unable to fulfil them. Unfortunately, in seeking re-election, they throw more dust into our eyes, or trick us by initiating projects they know too well have the life span of evaporating steam. In some situations, for instance, the construction of a road, sod will be cut for its commencement prior to elections, but after that, it may never see the light of day! And they always say, “Plans are far advanced,” “It is in the pipeline.” Indeed, talk is cheap, hence, in today’s liturgy, God, encourages us to practice charity and honesty by putting into practice what we believe and speak about. Doing so not only shows our integrity, but will also lead to eternal life. To such summons, we now turn our attention.
In the first reading, Moses speaks passionately to the Israelites about the proximity of God’s words, his laws and statutes. He admonishes them to obey all of it wholeheartedly saying: “For this commandment which I command you this day is not too hard for you, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will go up for us to heaven, and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us, and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ Then comes the poignant point, the thrust of Moses’ argument: “But the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.” (Deut. 30:11-13, 14). In this modern world, where information and communication technology makes it easy to listen to the word of God in the mass media, we need to make every effort. We also have Bible translations in many international and local languages.
To make this point clearer and practical, Jesus in today’s Gospel, answers the trial question of a Jewish lawyer with a question: “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” This is Jesus’ answer to the lawyer’s question: “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Lk. 10:26, 25). Jesus’ style of handling this intentional test of his character and life is didactic. First, he is not angry about the behaviour of his critics or opponents. Rather, with love, he seeks every little opportunity to bring them to faith and salvation in God, the purpose for which he was born. Secondly, he comes to the law expert’s level and as a true teacher, enlightens his mind. Thirdly, using the Socratic method, that is, maeutics, Jesus, like a midwife, helps the lawyer to birth what is innate in him. The ancient Greek philosopher, Socrates, believed that knowledge is innate, and perhaps, Jesus alluded to this by practicalising what Moses said in the first reading that the word of God is…in your heart. For David, he keeps God’s word in his heart so he may not sin against God (cf. Ps. 119:11). We too can keep God’s word in our heart through reading, listening to it, studying, and meditating on it day and night (cf. Ps. 1:2, Josh. 1:8), and this will inspire our lives.
Be that as it may, knowing God’s commands is one thing; putting them into practice is another. The thread that weaves both of them together is love – love of God and neighbour, the vertical and horizontal dimensions of authentic relationship! So, Jesus uses the parable of the Good Samaritan to teach the essence of love. It is true the Jews at Jesus’ time understood what ‘neighbour’ meant. However, it was an exclusive and myopic way of discriminating against others. To this day, some persons continue to stoke the embers of racism, ethnocentrism, religious bigotry and tribal politics. The result is that, many more people are marginalised and thrown to the peripheries of society. They have no regard for minorities and the voiceless. The rich-poor divide widens everyday with little or no enabling environment for the needy but brilliant youths to explore their potentials. And even though the consequences are well written on the wall, – youth restiveness, addiction to drugs, armed robbery, kidnappings, violence and insecurity – indifference and impunity on the part of some governments, look on with no iota of concern. It is all about the usual politicking that has turned certain economies upside down with high inflation and fiscal deficits, and corruption.
As we speak, the Russian invasion of Ukraine is in a stalemate, COVID-19, monkey pox and other public health challenges rage on. Many people are suffering and have become like the injured, robbed and almost-dead man on the road to Jericho who, added to his predicament, suffers the indifference and isolation of the priest and Levite passers-by. Furthermore, our natural environment, our common home, akin to the situation of the bruised man, also suffers violence from ‘human and industrial passers-by.’ With all the numerous international conventions on the protection of the environment, we still stop short of walking the talk and ‘doing the do’! So, what remedies can we employ? In the light of today’s scriptural texts, what are our responsibilities?
We need a change of heart; a heart that is big enough to accommodate our neighbours, others who are different from us. We also have to show commitment, compassion and charity to others. The Samaritan whose example Jesus emphasises for our imitation, came to the injured man “and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him” (Lk. 10:34). As if this was not enough, he also paid his medical bills and promised to pay any additional costs thereof! (cf. Lk. 10:35). If we all think of one another’s welfare in society, and leaders take particular care of the citizens, and work hard to reduce unemployment, provide social safety nets, combat violence and terrorism, and share the national cake equally, the “Jericho experiences” we see all around us, will be reduced to the bearest level, if not eradicated. This is what it means to love God and neighbour with all we are and all we have!
Politics is about the progress of people, and true religion is about love, not mere words. We continue to destroy the world with our greed and selfishness. These are not from God. Like the priest and the Levite, we are busy and preoccupied with our own tasks and interests, and we ignore others in the line of our duties. Like the Jesus whom we serve, who has in him all the fullness of God (cf. Col. 1:19), as we are told in the second reading, we too must endeavour to reflect the God living inside of us through actions of love, activities of charity and solidarity, and behaviours of humanity and compassion. It is about “walking together” as one, as Pope Francis talks about in his desire for a synodal Church. God is counting on us to be good Samaritans (those whom the Jews regarded as worst than pagans because of their mixed blood {II Kgs. 17:24-41}), yet, one of them showed practical love to an unknown person – his neighbour – by caring for him and his needs.
Finally, the Psalmist exhorts us to search for God and resort to ardent prayer even in the midst of all these challenges. He sings: “You who are poor, seek God and your hearts will revive” (Ps. 69:32). Dearly Beloved, let us stop the long talk, and start to practise the truth evident in our hearts. Blessings await us and our societies would be peaceful and safe if we obey the voice of God asking us to love God and our neighbours. May the good Lord strengthen our hearts to embrace what is right and to do good. Happy Sunday and may God richly bless us. Remember: #Walk-The-Talk#
