Pope Francis issued his latest encyclical “Fratelli Tutti” on 10/3/2020, with the theme of fraternity and social friendship. There are eight chapters in this encyclical. Fr. Anthony summarizes the second chapter, a reflection on the parable of the Good Samaritan, below.
Fr. Anthony Armstrong, O.Carm.
Chapter 2 is a reflection on the Parable of the Good Samaritan (§56-86). When Cain killed Abel he asked, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” and the answer is yes (§57). We all have the same Creator (§58). God loves all, and we are called to do the same (§59). We can’t love God if we don’t love our neighbor (§61), wherever they come from (§62). The Samaritan gave the wounded man something we crave: time and attention (§63).
We are called to imitate his care for the needy (§67). We cannot be indifferent to the suffering of others (§68). “Each day we have to decide whether to be Good Samaritans or indifferent bystanders (§69).” “There are only two kinds of people: those who care for someone who is hurting and those who pass by (§70).” “There are many ways to pass by at a safe distance: we can retreat inwards, ignore others, or be indifferent to their plight (§73).” Both the passersby were religious but neither loved their neighbor as God calls us to (§74). Just as the Good Samaritan was helped by the innkeeper, so we are not called to be Good Samaritans alone (§78).
Jesus asks us to become neighbors to all (§80). “He challenges us to put aside all differences and, in the face of suffering, to draw near to others with no questions asked (§81).” Though Samaritans were despised by Jews it was the Samaritan who showed true love of neighbor (§82). Ultimately, the parable “gives a universal dimension to our call to love, one that transcends all prejudices, and all historical and cultural barriers (§83).” Jesus reminds us that, when we welcome the stranger, we welcome him (§84). Ultimately, we must not forget that Christ died for ALL (§85).