Today we heard from the epistle and the gospel about our belief that all gifts come from the mercy and love of God. Though we are unworthy, God sustains us with every good gifts to do laudable service that “we may not run without stumbling towards the attainment of His promises.” This is the collect prayer we utter signifying our total dependence on God alone.
The epistle today, taken from the second book of St. Paul to the Corinthians, affirms that “Not that we are sufficient to think anything of ourselves, as of ourselves: but our sufficiency is from God.” (2 Co 3:5) It is true that as Children of God, we are not able by our own limited capacity and power to do without the grace of God. The cooperation to the given grace of God makes us able to perform our works consistently for others. St. Augustine teaches that both faith and good works must come from God’s grace, which dictates for us to be receptive and be able to be strengthened to accomplish our primary responsibility, which is to dispense charity and service. It is clear that we are not in ourselves sufficient to do anything good by our own power. In humility, we are worthless ourselves in that we not only can do nothing, it is impossible by our own strength, and all our power to do good is derived from God. This grace comes from God alone which is necessary for the exercise of our ministry and good deeds. We are in the new covenant which we all believe that we are under the fulness of grace and truth revealed and given by our Lord. So St. John says, “The law was given by Moses, grace and truth came by Jesus Christ ” (John 1:17).
The gospel today taken from St. Luke narrates to us three points to remember:
Firstly, the consequence of committing a sin is man’s misery: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem, and fell among robbers, who also stripped him and having wounded him, went away, leaving him half dead.” This is a story of how sin affects humanity with such miseries, for the power of evil is real, “and fell among the thieves, who are devils taken the control.” St. Timothy says that “they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil who are taken captive by him at his will.” (2 Tim 2:26) The man being wounded means violation by sins which cause much hurt. St. Augustine’s concept is that sins have taken away from the person integrity, beauty, virtue, and salvation.
Secondly, it has revealed to us Christ’s abundant mercy upon the sinner, “A certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was; and when he saw him he had compassion for him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, “Take care of him; and whatsoever you shall spend more, when I come again I will repay thee.” How gracious is the Lord in baptism, Psalm 147:3, “He heals the broken in heart and bindeth up their wounds.” Jesus instituted the Sacrament of Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and for our salvation.
Thirdly, the rule which is given to us for imitation: “Go and do thou in like manner/likewise.” Brothers and Sisters, the clear message that we need to absorb is that regardless of what culture or religion, beliefs, and nationality, etc. we are from, we should be willing to help those who are in need. Even if they are different from us, they are still our neighbors so we should love them the way we love ourselves.
This gospel story reminds us that no matter how much we differ from each other, we must be obedient to God the way He loves. We should help each other even though we are not the same. Our neighbors are the ones who help us through anything. What have we done so far in the name of charity? When people measure charity according to the written policy, (Oh I don’t wanna give because it is against the policy), then that person is blinded by his ungrateful heart. Helping others from your loving heart is what makes you feel good about yourself.
God bless you.
Fr. Arlon, osa
