July 13, 2025・15th Sunday in Ordinary Time（C）
- Bahay San Martin de Porres
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
Deuteronomy 30.10-14・Psalm 69.31+33, 36abc+37a・Colossians 1.15-20・ Luke 10.25-37
In every Sunday as we come to Church for Mass, there must always be a specific theme to ponder upon as we celebrate the Liturgy of the Word. Bible readings though not our very first time to hear, can be all new to us depending on our daily life experiences. The verses of the Gospel for example may seem to be our very first time to hear and it therefore becomes the Word of God for each one for the day, revealing to us God`s calling here and now. The priest`s homily of course regardless of its length and presentation somehow contributes on how the Word of God enters/touches our hearts.
Today`s readings continue to encourage us to live our faith into action. In our first reading, we can understand that a faith lived in action means following God`s commandments with all our heart and soul. Moses was telling the people that following God`s commandments is not beyond reach. It means that it is not impossible for people to follow God`s commands. It means that God`s commandments is already handed down to people (not hidden). We already have them, deeply connected in our daily living and in our daily human interaction (not remote from our daily lives). Therefore the commandments of God are not difficult to further know and understand. Our faith in God who is the Source of the commandments can be well-lived when we try our best to follow the commandments, not hidden anymore, and are already in us..
Our second reading talks about our Lord Jesus Christ, the image of the invisible God. Jesus is the revelation of God invisible. Jesus leads the church and reconciles all things through His death on the cross. The great message is about conversion, forgiveness of sins, thanksgiving, and true service that is rooted in compassion and care.
The story about Samaritan traveler (the Good Samaritan) in our Gospel talks about how is it to be a neighbor to others (to another). The story shows that loving one`s neighbors means showing mercy, regardless of who they are. In here, we take note that loving our neighbor takes a big shot in God`s commandments., Jesus responds to the scholar of the law who was inquiring on how to inherit eternal life. Jesus says: “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”
The Samaritan traveler who was moved with compassion at the sight, compared with the priest and the Levite who did nothing for the victim of the robbers, becomes a neighbor to the robber`s victim. “At the sight” can be a big word as a hint for our reflection today. It means “immediate action” to whatever are necessary things to do for the robbers` victim left half-dead. The Samaritan traveler has treated the robbers` victim with mercy.
Each one`s seemingly busy life may hinder us in responding immediately to the needs of our neighbors. We often justify that we too have also errands that need immediate response or top priority. For that reason, we often do not see those struggling people near us. It is indeed hard to choose something or someone which has not been on our list of priorities. But, may our reflection today bring each one of us to constant awareness of what is going on around, and to having a natural response to service as it arises. The people of God are able to substantiate faith in God, fidelity to His commandments, and centeredness of Jesus in life when we are able to treat our neighbors with compassion and care at sight.
