The Middle East Council of Churches

Today’s reflection has been written by Fr. Antoine Al Ahmar, Head of the Theological Department at the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC).

The MECC is a partner of Embrace and a regional ecumenical organisation, which brings together churches in the East for a common Christian witness in the region where Christ was born, lived, died and resurrected.

Bible reading

The Good Samaritan: Luke 10: 25-37

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

“What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’”

“You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.”

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?”

In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he travelled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. “Look after him,” he said, “and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.”

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Thought

Through Jesus’ words – ‘Go and do likewise’ – Jesus sends each of us, and each of our churches, to live out his commandment to love. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, we are sent to be ‘other Christs’, reaching out to suffering humanity in compassion and mercy. Like the Good Samaritan towards the injured man, we can choose not to reject those who are different, but instead cultivate a culture of proximity and goodwill.

How does Jesus’ invitation to ‘Go and do likewise’ speak to my life? What does this call of Christ imply for my relationships with citizens in my country? How can we charitably bear witness together to God’s love? As ambassadors for Christ, we are called to be reconciled to God and to one another, for fellowship to take root and grow in our communities, and in all areas affected by inter-communal conflict.

As mutual trust and confidence increase, we will become more willing to reveal our wounds, all kinds of wounds, that Christ’s love may visit and heal us through each other’s love and care. Working together for the poor and the marginalised helps rebuild relationships, so that violence and disasters can give way to solidarity and peace.

Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

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