"Love your neighbor as you love yourself."
Dear Friend,
In the Gospel for this Sunday is a lesson in compassion. But before Jesus taught this lesson, Luke cited an introduction to the teaching -- a teacher of Law wanted to know what to do to receive eternal life.
Read first this introduction to the family (Luke 10:25-29) and explain to the family how Jesus replied to the teacher.
Then, read the rest of the Gospel (Luke 10:30-37) to them. After reading the Gospel to the family, ask them who are the principal characters (the priest, the Levite and the Samaritan) of the story and how these persons responded upon seeing the man who was attacked and left for dead by the road.
After the family understood the whole story, request them to listen again as you read verses 33-35. This time, request them to imagine the Samaritan coming to the aid of the wronged man. Let them feel his compassion for the man, from the time he saw him and left him with the innkeeper.
That is the same compassion Jesus has for His flock that makes Him leave them to search for a lost sheep. To feel the compassion of Jesus is to know and follow Him.
Prayer and Reflection ~
Go back to the experience of Christ's compassion and spend some time along that road
with the wronged man. Throw away all fear that you, too, can be attacked, and all inhibitions that prevent you from touching the man. Imagine yourself pouring wine over his wounds, cleaning and bandaging it. Then, help him on your animal and take him to an inn where he can receive more care.
Upon leaving the man in the inn, be aware of how your feel, joy? Sadness? Share how you felt with the family.
How did the experience change your attitude towards a person whom you do not know, yet is in
need of your help? Share this with your family.
End by thanking the Lord for this experience of Christ's compassion.
Joe & Charito
THE CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE OF MANILA'S
ONLINE RESOURCE FOR FAMILY MINISTRIES
www.simbahayan.org
servants@simbahayan.org
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