Yesterday, I was walking and saw a lady standing on the corner of one of the streets begging for money. As I was passing by, the lady said, "I am hungry, can you please give me something?" I had some changes, and I gave them to her. And right there immediately, there was another lady standing there who said to her, "Lady, everyone is hungry, everyone is suffering, what are you doing bothering people on the streets?" And this is what the woman begging answered. "I am your sister, and if you do not have anything to give me, just bless me and go your way. Do not insult me. If you do not give me anything, it does not mean I will love you less or that Jesus will love you less. Just bless me and go your way." 

My priest told this story today during his Homily on the 15th Sunday in ordinary time, because the Gospel reading was Luke 10:25-37. In The Parable of the Good Samaritan, the man who fell victim to a robber was blessed by the Samaritan, who went on his way.  With all that is going on in the world, anger, depression, financial hardship, violence, and even wars, we have forgotten to bless others and go our way. Most people are looking for something in return. As we look at the story Jesus told of the Samaritan traveler, let us not forget to "bless others and go our way!" Do not look at the color of someone's skin, gender, or status. Just bless them and go your way, seeking nothing in return. It will bring you joy, a sense of fulfillment, and gratitude. These are my personal views; however, if you are feeling overwhelmed, please seek professional help.  

Today, we will talk about the story of the Samaritan traveler, why we should be a good Samaritan, and how we can be like the good Samaritan. 

The Good Samaritan: What Jesus Really Meant in Luke 10:25–37

The Setup – A Lawyer's Question to Jesus

What shall I do to inherit eternal life?

The story starts with a lawyer, a scholar of the law who taught people the law of Moses, testing Jesus by asking: "Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus, using the Socratic method, turned the question back to the lawyer: "What is written in the law? How readest thou?" The lawyer answered correctly with the Shema Israel: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself." After Jesus told the lawyer, "Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live." The lawyer, wishing to "justify himself," asked the question, "Who is my neighbour?" Jesus answered with the Parable of the Good Samaritan.

The Parable – A Wounded Man and Three Responses

 A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance, there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came, looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee." 

The Lesson – What Makes Someone a Neighbor?

Jesus followed this parable with the question: "Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?" The lawyer replied, "He that shewed mercy on him." The person who showed mercy was not the priest or the Levite, who were experts in the church's teaching. But a Samaritan, someone who should not have associated with the Jewish victim. But the Samaritan did not look at the origin or status of the person. He saw someone who was a child of God and came to his aid. He blessed him and went his way. Just as the woman begging stated, "Bless me and go your way, Jesus charges us to do the same when he said to the lawyer, "Go, and do thou likewise." 

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With the understanding of the parable of the good Samaritan, let's look at why it is important that we bless others and go our way.  

Why Being a Good Samaritan Still Changes Lives Today

Being a Good Samaritan in today's world isn't just about kindness—it's about reflecting the heart of God in a culture that often walks by people in pain. In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus tells the story of a man beaten and left for dead. Two religious leaders passed him by. But a Samaritan—someone considered an outsider—stopped, cared, and sacrificed.

In today's society, we might have recorded the beating on the phone and posted it on social media to get that viral moment.

 But Jesus ended the story by saying:

"Go, and do thou likewise." — Luke 10:37, KJV

Here's why that message still matters more than ever:

1. Because compassion is rare, but deeply needed

In a world filled with division, distraction, and judgment, true compassion stands out. The Good Samaritan didn't check the man's background. He didn't ask if he was deserving. He saw pain and acted. That's the kind of love Jesus modeled—love without conditions.

2. Because faith without action is empty

Today, people are tired of empty words. The Samaritan didn't just pray—he paid, carried, and stayed. When we help others in real ways, we make our faith visible. As James 2:17 reminds us,

"Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead…"

3. Because you might be someone's only lifeline

Someone in your path—at work, online, or even in line at the store—might be hurting silently. You may be the only one who notices, and the only one who stops. Your kindness can change their story or even change their lives.

4. Because being a neighbor is how we live out the gospel

Jesus didn't define a neighbor by who lives near you—He defined it by how you treat people who are hurting. In a world obsessed with self, being a neighbor is radical obedience.

5. Because mercy brings us closer to Christ

Every time we stop to help, we reflect the love that Christ showed us. He found us broken and beaten by sin—and He didn't walk past us or post it on social media.

He picked us up, paid the price, and gave us life.

"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." — Matthew 5:7, KJV

How to Bless Others in Everyday Moments (Without Needing Money)

Blessing Doesn't Always Require a Wallet

In a world filled with distractions, schedules, and silence, you might wonder—can I really make a difference today?

 The answer is yes. Not through grand gestures, but by offering a simple blessing… and going your way.

1. Pray in Passing: A Blessing for Strangers

When I see a child, I say a small prayer:

"Lord Father, bless and protect this child."

Why? Because I don't know what that child—or their parent—is facing. We wear masks to hide our pain. But children? Children are the future, and they need God's covering more than we know.

"Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." -Mark 10:14, KJV  

You don't need a pulpit to pray. A whisper, a glance heavenward, a moment in your heart—that's enough to place someone in God's care.

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2. Smile: A Free Gift That Can Heal a Soul

Yes, people can be rude. Yes, the world can be harsh. But smile anyway. I remember the worst season of my life—when I lost my mother suddenly from a stroke. I was lost. Numb. Defeated. But strangers' smiles made me feel seen again.

Tears of gratitude still come to my eyes when I think of those people. They blessed me… and went their way.

"A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance." - Proverbs 15:13, KJV 

Even if someone doesn't return your smile, your light has already been given. And the world needs your light.

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3. Speak Life: Let Kindness Be on Your Lips

Kind words are tiny blessings. You've heard them before:

• "Good morning!"
• "I love your dress."
• "You have a beautiful smile."
• "Travel safely."
• "Thank you."
• "God bless you."
• "I love you."

We know these phrases, but don't always treat them as blessings. Think about how you feel when someone unexpectedly says, "Have a nice day." It warms your heart. It lifts the fog. It makes you feel seen.

"Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones." -Proverbs 16:24,  KJV 

Even when you're rushed, pause. Greet. Acknowledge. Smile. My mother taught me that. When she forgot to say good morning, she'd stop and say, "I'm sorry. I'm forgetting my manners. Good Morning." That stayed with me. 

4. Do a Kind Act: Quiet Blessings That Speak Loud

You don't need a platform. Just a willing heart. Here are some ways I've blessed others—and been blessed in return:

• Dropping coins into an expired meter
• Sweeping my neighbor's sidewalk
• Giving extra directions when someone is lost
• Secretly tipping a wedding server
• Giving up my seat for an elder
• Thanking the bus driver on the way out
• Saying "Good morning" or "Thank you for your service" to military, law enforcement, or firefighters

  
  

  

These things don't take much. But they mean so much. I'm still learning. But when someone does something that touches me, I try to pay it forward.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." - Matthew 5:18,  KJV

5. Be a Blessing Everywhere You Go

You may never see the impact of your smile. Your "hello." Your whispered prayer. But God sees. God multiplies. God moves through you when you simply care.

You don't need applause to live this way. Just the quiet joy of knowing you brought light into someone's cloudy moment.

"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." - Ephesians 4:32, KJV

Final Thoughts: Let Your Faith Be Seen: Quiet Blessings, Eternal Impact

So now you know the story of the Good Samaritan—why it matters, and how simple it can be to bless someone and go your way. We won't always have money to give, but blessings come in many forms. A smile. A whispered prayer. A kind word. A small act of love. These quiet gestures can heal hearts in ways we may never see.

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Don't wait for applause. Don't expect anything in return. Just bless… and go your way. Because the peace that fills your heart afterward. That's a reward no one can take away.

"It is more blessed to give than to receive." — Acts 20:35, KJV

✨ Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for every person you place in my path. Help me to slow down, speak kindly, and act in love. Give me eyes to see pain behind the smiles, and courage to share Your light with a simple word, a smile, or a prayer. Let my life reflect Your love—not only in grand things, but in everyday moments. May the Grace of God help and protect me so I may show the Grace of God to the people I encounter daily. Teach me to bless others and go my way, trusting that You will do the rest.

In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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