Welcoming the Holy

Here we invite you to take time for yourself in personal prayer. The following spiritual reflection offers words and images which we hope will evoke for you an experience of God. 

Opening Prayer

Oh, God, our God, the command you give us is not mysterious or remote. Open us to your Word and give us the courage to respond. We pray in the name of Jesus, our brother, one with you in the Spirit. Amen.  
 

Reading 

Luke 10:25-37

But a Samaritan traveler … was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn, and cared for him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, 'Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.' Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers' victim?" He answered, "The one who treated him with mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."

Reflection

We reflect on being the dear neighbor to one another.
We let the words of Deuteronomy challenge us:
This command that I enjoin on you today is not too mysterious and remote for you….
No, it is something very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts; you have only to carry it out."
Who is the suffering one I am meeting on the road?
Who is it that calls me to be the dear neighbor?

Closing Prayer

Oh, God, open our hearts to the ones with whom we journey, to our neighbors on the road. Amen! Alleluia! Amen!