Where is the Love?

The parable of the Good Samaritan is well known, but few appreciate the significance of Our Lord’s words in their historical context. The Jewish understanding of “neighbor” was restrictive, while the Christian understanding extends to all mankind. As traditional Catholics, we must be on guard against merely observing the externals of the law while neglecting the charity upon which it should be based. This fault can be found in many Christian homes, where the members of the family display great generosity and kindness to strangers, but indifference and even cruelty to those closest to them. Our love of God is tested by our love of neighbor, because whatever we neglect in our care “for the least of these” exemplifies our lack of love for God. We must conquer uncharitable thoughts, words, and deeds, first to those nearest to us, and then to all mankind. Salvation is shown to faith and prepared for hope, but it is given only to charity.