HOMILY FOR THE 15TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C (5)

HOMILY FOR THE 15TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR C

THEME: Being the Good Samaritan!

BY: Revř Fr Oselumhense Anetor (Uromi Diocese)

HOMILY FOR SUNDAY JULY 10 2022

Deut. 30: 10-14; Ps. 69:13 and 16.29-30.32—33.35ab and 36 (R. see 32); Col.1:15-20; Luke 10:25-37

Some years ago, as I drove through Alli Square in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria, I saw a man lying face down too close to the road. I parked my car close-by and went to check him out. Others saw me and stopped too. The young man had been knocked down by seizures. We were able to collectively help him before I left the scene. Very often, we come across humans beings abandoned by the side of the road. Most times, we presume they’re mentally unstable. Other times, we refrain from trying to help because deep down we’re scared something might happen to us if we try to play the good Samaritan.

Friends, one of the first themes encapsulated in the social teachings of the Church proclaims the respect for human life, one of the most fundamental needs in our world, now distorted by greed and selfishness. The situation is fundamentally worse here in Nigeria. With daily killings, kidnappings, and general insecurity by bandits and Terrorists, it’s becoming a lot more difficult to be a good Samaritan. But we’re called to put the word of God that we hear into action. If Jesus made peace by his blood, why not me and you? From God’s sacrificial love and care for us, we realise that no price is too high to pay in order to be truly good Samaritans to one another. Even that known enemy might be the neighbour God wants us to save.

Good morning dear. Happy Sunday.