The Gospel story of ‘The Good Samaritan’ has become a universal example to express going above and beyond, to lend a helping hand no matter the circumstances or who the person may be.

So what particular message does the story hold for us?

First, one would need to understand why Jesus uses the example of a ‘Samaritan’. Samaritans were despised by the Jews for being a mixed race: half Jewish and half Gentile, because of intermarriage with their Assyrian captors of the Northern Kingdom of Judea. They were also considered pagans because of their worship of idols. There was tremendous mutual distrust and dislike between the Jews and the Samaritans. Jesus mentions the Samaritan in this parable because, in the circumstances, he would be the least likely to help a Jew.

The priest allowed his position to override his sense of humanity. The Levite, an expert in God’s Law, sadly ignored the meaning and fulfilment of that law. But the Samaritan went out of his way, at his own risk and expense, to help this man.

The Gospel message, then, is a reminder that as disciples, we are called to fulfil God’s plan, not just in word but in concrete action.