October 26, 2026
An expert in the Law asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. After correctly identifying the commandments to love God and neighbor, he asks Jesus to define who his neighbor is. Jesus responds with the parable of the Good Samaritan. A wounded man is ignored by two religious figures but receives compassionate care from a Samaritan, someone whose people were often regarded with suspicion or hostility. Jesus challenges the questioner to become a neighbor by showing mercy.
Devotional
Most of us are willing to help somebody when the need is obvious and the circumstances are convenient. We might prepare a meal for a sick friend, contribute to a collection for a struggling family, or stop to help someone whose car has broken down. These are good things, but what happens when helping becomes inconvenient? What if the person needing help is someone we don't particularly like? It's much easier to show compassion when doing so doesn't require us to step outside our comfort zones.
The religious expert who questioned Jesus already understood that God's Law required him to love his neighbor. What he wanted to know was which people qualified. Jesus answered with a story about a wounded man who was ignored by a priest and a Levite but helped by a Samaritan. Because of the hostility between Jews and Samaritans, the Samaritan was the last person many listeners would have expected to demonstrate faithful love. Yet he was the one who stopped, cared for the man's injuries, and made arrangements for his recovery.
We can probably understand some of the reasons the priest and Levite might have continued on their way. We're busy, tired, and often overwhelmed by our own responsibilities. Sometimes we genuinely don't have the resources to meet another person's needs. Jesus isn't asking us to solve every problem we encounter. He's asking us to recognize the humanity of others and respond with compassion when we can. Instead of allowing the religious expert to decide who deserved his love, Jesus challenged him to consider whether he was willing to become a neighbor to someone in need.
God's grace has crossed every boundary we might have used to keep Him at a distance. Through Jesus Christ, He reached toward us when we couldn't save ourselves, offering mercy we could never earn. As people who have received that kind of love, we're called to extend compassion beyond the comfortable boundaries of our own lives. Sometimes the neighbor God calls us to love is the person we never expected to notice.
Action
Look for someone outside your usual circle of family and friends who could use encouragement or practical assistance. Rather than waiting for the perfect opportunity, consider what you can reasonably do today. Even a small act of mercy can make a meaningful difference.
Prayer
Merciful God, forgive me for the times I've walked past someone in need because I was too busy or too concerned with my own responsibilities. Open my eyes to people I might otherwise overlook. Help me see beyond differences and recognize the dignity of everyone You have created. Give me wisdom to know when and how to help, and a willing heart to respond with compassion. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Thought for the Day
Being a neighbor is more important than deciding who qualifies as one.
The Good Samaritan reminds us that loving our neighbors isn't about deciding who deserves our help. It's about becoming people who show mercy. Sometimes the person God calls us to love is someone we never expected.
