Monday 6th October – Monday of week 27 of the year

Reflection: Luke 10: 25-37

ETERNAL TREASURE

Today’s world if filled with a lot of enticing goodies…new fashion, ever changing technological gadgets etc. All these compete for our attention. We see them and want possess them. The quest after materials things if not put in check can easily prevent us from recognizing the needs of our neighbors. As Christians we are daily faced with the challenge of judging between the transient and eternal value of our numerous competing demands.

Beloved in Christ, such was the case with the Samaritan in the Gospel reading of today. He recognized and responded to the critical needs of a total stranger. Compared to the Levite and Priest, the Samaritan did not consider the man in need as a stranger, rather he saw him as a neighbor to be helped. He was able to set aside his journey, part with some money for the care of the man in need simply because he was a man with a compassionate heart who placed high premium on eternal treasure. Though the Priest and the Levite had higher knowledge of God’s laws, they refused to translate these into Godly action when it was most needed. Theirs was a cold heart devoid of the compassion required for their office. This is what happens when we only consider doing “good” when it is most convenient for us. Love is sacrificial; true love costs!

Dear friend, our knowledge of God can only earn us eternal treasure when it is lived and acted upon. Each day, God calls us to store up treasures in heaven by looking beyond ourselves and lovingly responding to the needs of those around us. Let us ask God to open the eyes of our heart by the power of his Spirit that we may see the works he has for us daily, thereby receiving them with love and trust.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, grant me a compassionate heart towards my neighbor that I may attend to their needs with love and trust. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 450 – What are the “corporal works of mercy”?

To feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick and the imprisoned, and bury the dead.

HIDE A TREASURE: “ Love is made perfect in us in order that we may have courage on Judgment day; and we will have it because our life in this world is the same as Christ’s” 1 John 4:17 GNB

Readings for Today: Galatians 1:6-12; Psalm 111:1-2.7-10; Luke 10: 25-37