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The Love that Compels

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Daily Reflections

Daily Scripture, July 13, 2025

Scripture:

Deuteronomy 30:10-14
Colossians 1:15-20
Luke 10:25-37

Reflection:

The parable of the Good Samaritan is so familiar to most of us that it can sometimes be a challenge to find new insight within the story. Once again, we read that Jesus is “tested” by a scholar of the law attempting to catch him out. It feels like the same old scenario where Jesus’ words (and authority) are seen as a threat to those who hold a strict interpretation of the law. Jesus masterfully uses this parable—only found in Luke—to demonstrate who our neighbor is and what the law requires.

Not content with Jesus’ response, “Do this and you will live” further attempting to “justify himself,”  he asks, “And who is my neighbor?” This scholar seems to understand the neighbor as the people of Israel alone. The first part of Leviticus 19:18 begins with, “You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people” and continues, “but you shall love your neighbor as yourself,” perhaps giving insight to the scholar’s understanding. There is no justification for this scholar, rather Jesus’ interpretation expands and broadens the scope of the law. In this instance, his parable demonstrating a (hated) Samaritan as being the one who shows compassion is insulting to the scholar.

Theologian Karl Barth has said that we should hold our Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other, read both, and interpret the newspaper through the Bible. In light of recent events, I cannot help but associate the man who fell into the hands of robbers and lies beaten and half dead with many situations of suffering. Six months ago, we had the devastating fires in California. Living in the Eaton fire area, we know so many who are still displaced, beaten down by all the tasks of rebuilding their lives. The obstacles are enormous, and the recent immigration raids have only added to the fear and economic hardships of an already suffering community. Additionally, the unspeakable horrors of the floods in Texas, claiming too many lives, amplifies the suffering.  Those beaten and broken—our neighbors—need many “good Samaritans.”  

Evoking the prophet Isaiah’s words, “You will indeed look but not perceive, for this people’s heart has grown dull” (Is. 6:10), the priest and the Levite looked and kept going restrained by strict purity and societal laws. Yet, Jesus tells us above all to see and act to care for our wounded. Love of God and love of neighbor is our lens—always. St. Paul tells us in Colossians that he is the firstborn of all creation, the image of the invisible God, from whom everything flows. Made in his image and likeness, we press on in hope. While current events can be overwhelming, we are an Easter people, and alleluia must ultimately be our song.

Deuteronomy offers us the hopeful assurance that when we turn to the Lord, our God, with all our heart and soul, we will succeed in carrying out the work of building the kingdom one act at a time. Theologian Dolores Williams writes that God makes a way out of no way. Refreshed and nourished by this truth, our hearts will never grow dull.

May we live out the words that our psalm instructs, turn to the Lord in our need, and we will live. Amen

Jean Bowler is a retreatant at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California, and a member of the Office of Mission Effectiveness Board of Holy Cross Province.

Daily Scripture, July 16, 2013

  Scripture: Exodus 2:1-15a Matthew 11:20-24       Reflection: Listening to God’s Call to Conversion Last weekend we had the archdiocesan Spanish vocation retreat "Vengan y Vean" (Come and » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 15, 2013

Feast of St Bonaventure Scripture: Exodus1:8-14, 22 Matthew 10:34-11:1 Reflection: We have just read the conclusion of Matthew’s effort to gather in one place (Chapter 10) Jesus’s instructions to his » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 13, 2013

Scripture: Genesis 49:29-32; 50:15-26a Matthew 10:24-33 Reflection: Fr. Hugo Esparza Pérez, CP, currently serves in a very poor area of Mexico.  In the strength and determination of the people he » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 12, 2013

Scripture: Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30 Matthew 10:16-23 Reflection: The Gospel speaks to the "New Evangelization" as the apostles are sent out on their mission to spread God’s Word to all people. One » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 11, 2013

Scripture: Genesis 44:18-21, 23b-29; 45:1-5 Matthew 10:7-15 Reflection: As Jesus sent out the 12 — this imperfect and frail bunch — to proclaim the good news, he gave them incredible » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 8, 2013

  Scripture: Genesis 28:10-22 Matthew9:18-26       Reflection: The Powerful Touch of Jesus The daily Scriptures present stories of faith that lead to new and renewed life for many » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 10, 2013

Scripture: Genesis 41:55-57; 42:5-7a Matthew 10:1-7 Reflection: In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus sends the Twelve to preach God’s reign, instructing them to deal only with the lost sheep of Israel and » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 9, 2013

  Scripture: Genesis 32:23-33 Matthew 9:32-38       Reflection: Martyrs, Pastors and Wrestlers We look to summer for refreshment, a change of pace, vacations. Today’s readings may suggest that » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 7, 2013

Scripture: Isaiah 66:10-14c Galatians 6:14-18 Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 Reflection: There it was again, that large, plain grey platform in the sanctuary. For weeks it seemed sister would tell us about » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 6, 2013

Scripture: Genesis 27: 1-5, 15-29 Matthew 9: 14-17 Reflection: Which comes first, fasting or feasting? Which is better, an old wineskin or a new one? These are issues that Jesus » Continue Reading.

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