Accountable

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Accountable

Commandments     Statutes

Care     Show Mercy

Who Is My Neighbor

Love

(Photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Luke 10:36 and 37

Jesus shared the story of a Samaritan who helped a man who was robbed and beaten. A priest and a Levite passed him by. Jesus asked the scholar of the law who was questioning him,

"Which of the three in this story was the neighbor to the robber's victim in your opinion?"

The scholar of the law responded,

"The one who treated him with mercy."

Jesus told him,

"Go and act in the same way."

Reflection

It can be a challenge to hold people accountable for their actions. We can face a lot of opposition, excuse making, and avoidance.

God holds us accountable through the commandments. They are guidelines for us to help us live a happy life. These statutes maintain order and unity in society. They teach us to do good and to avoid evil.

The commandments help us to show care for others. We learn to respect the person and the property of others and to be honest with them. This care leads us to show mercy. 

The commandments are based on loving God and loving our neighbor. Jesus gives a good example of loving our neighbor in the story of the Good Samaritan. 

The scholar of the law questions Jesus about who our neighbor is. Is he trying to avoid being held accountable for his actions?

Jesus explains His concept of our neighbor: those who are in need. It doesn't matter if there are racial, ethnic, or religious differences. If someone is in need, we are accountable to show mercy.

Jesus is telling us that we have a relationship with each person in the world. We have all been created in love and to love. Jesus will hold us accountable. 

He will question us: did you help your neighbor in need, or did you walk on by and ignore her or him? 

Are you ready to be held accountable?

1. Do you find it difficult to hold people accountable for their actions?

2. Do you find the commandments are helpful in your life?

3. Do you agree that our neighbor is any person we meet who is in need?

4. What do you feel as you contemplate Kathy's photo?

(Scripture adaptation, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara)