BETWEEN MERCY AND SACRIFICE

MY REFLECTION: The thought never came to me before, only this time, that the Biblical phrase: "I desire mercy, more than sacrifice." Could be applicable to the parable of the Good Samaritan, the gospel reading for this Sunday. The Priest and the Levite failed to respond because both were encumbered with their priestly duties and not wanting to be ritually defiled by handling the bloodied Samaritan, they preferred the service to the Temple rather than extend their help to the wounded man. But here was the Samaritan, bitterly despised by the Jews, offered his help and even paid for the inn-keeper to take care of the man. Jesus said that this Samaritan man has fulfilled the commandment of God. And this is what is meant by true neighborliness. The greatest commandment is this: "Hear, O Israel, The Lord is your God and you shall love Him with all of your heart, with all of your mind and with all of your strength." and Jesus said, "the second to the greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as you love yourself." "And who is my neighbor?" blurted the pharisee. This is where Christ our Lord illustrated the mercy of God and the true meaning of the word "neighbor". The parable of the Good Samaritan demonstrated the true meaning of "neighbor". It brings us to a concrete example as to how the verse, "for I desire mercy and not sacrifice" should be brought to fulfillment. Amen. >>>>>A blessed Sunday to everyone.