Fratelli Tutti Chapter 2: A Stranger on the Road

The second chapter of Fratelli Tutti is the Pope’s reflection on the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25– 37.) I am going to make the assumption that anyone reading this note is familiar with it, but let me summarize the cast of characters: \

A lawyer, that is, a Jewish expert on Torah, who asks Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?”

Jesus, who answers by telling the story about:

    A Judean traveling on a road, A band of robbers that sets upon the traveler and leaves him injured by the roadside,

    A priest, who passes by,
    
    A Levite, who passes by,

    A Samaritan, who does not,

    An innkeeper who is paid by the Samaritan to look after the injured man.

The central irony, of course, is that the priest and Levite were Jews, even devout Jews, while the Good Samaritan was, well, a Samaritan. Samaria had been the ancient kingdom of Israel, conquered by the Assyrians in 721 B.C. The Assyrians imported colonists who brought in idols and intermarried. The Samaritans had their own Torah and own temple and so were despised by devout Jews.

Pope Francis’ comment:

Several people passed him by. These were people holding important social positions, yet lacking in real concern for the common good. They would not waste a couple of minutes caring for the injured man, or even in calling for help. Only one person stopped and cared of him personally even spending his own money to provide for his needs. He also gave him something that in our frenetic world we cling to tightly: He gave him his time. Certainly he had his own plans for that day, his own needs, commitments, and desires. Yet he was able to put all that aside when confronted with someone in need.

Pope Francis asks us, “Which of these persons do you identify with?”


Volunteer Requests:
Victoria Ries has volunteered to continue the garden in support of St Mary’s Food Bank Yea!!! But she needs your help. If you’re interested, contact her at victoria.ries@comcast.net.

We need someone with a modest familiarity with computers to help Nicole run our Livestream equipment. This is crucial. At a time when we’re running only one Mass, and that only 20% full at best, the Livestream is our best way to keep our parish vibrant. If you are able to watch Mass on your computer, you are computer-savvy enough to help. Contact Nicole at nicoles@st-therese.cc.
(Additional info on volunteer opportunities on p.8 of this Bulletin. —ed.)

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