Preparation for Total Consecration

WEEK 2:
SELF-KNOWLEDGE

All of us have strengths and weaknesses on the emotional, psychological and physical levels. They interact. The more we have some understanding of what is happening, the better for ourselves and those among whom we live. It is helpful to consider this in the light of the ideal of Jesus.

Sixth Day: Lk. 10: 30-37

LEAVING HIM HALF-DEAD

Parable.A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed leaving him half-dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road ... He passed by on the other side. So likewise a levite ... But a Samaritan, when he saw him, had compassion, and ... bound up his wounds.... brought him to an inn, and took care of him. Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbour to the man who fell among the robbers?

Reflection.Do I know who is my neighbour? Would my neighbour realise that I know? In the parable, the Samaritan was someone not socially or religiously acceptable. Yet of the three who passed along the road, only he was neighbourly.

We are aware of needs today on a global scale. Television brings them home to us. So great and numerous are they that they give rise to 'compassion fatigue' - no matter what I give to help it seems to make so little difference, as further claims are made on me. How do I help?

If I take my cue from wherever I am, 'my neighbour' is beside me. I must not ignore him or her to attend to a wider world. Does personal need have to be spelt out before I am aware of it?

To ensure that I do not pass by anyone 'half-dead', or be blind to my immediate circumstances, I must glimpse Christ here. The insecure, the crippled, the exploited, the handicapped for whatever reason, are to be seen in what I know of my Lord Jesus.

If I need him he is there. Not even a grave can come between us. If I am aware in wonder and love of this enlightening my life, I should find the love to reflect what I see to those around me.

Prayer.Lord Jesus, your parable sketches a lovely picture, and I so easily see you in it. But you say it should reflect me! Whenever I am the victim, how I welcome help. I am uncomfortable as I realise that I must have been in a position to help and did little or nothing. Help me to see.

May your Mother, who hurried to Elizabeth and was so quick to help at Cana, and must have done so much unseen good, pray that I have the insight to see and the courage to do.

Montfort.'While waiting for the poorhouse authorities to receive me (as chaplain), I have been teaching catechism to the beggars of the town ... I visit the inmates of the prisons and the sick in the hospitals, preaching to them as well as sharing with them the alms I receive' (L 10).