"And who is my neighbor?"

On Sunday, we will hear a very well known portion of St. Luke’s Gospel – the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). It is fascinating to observe the progression of this episode to teach a beautiful lesson on being a good neighbor. 

Sunday Readings' Discussion Questions
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, July 14, 2013 (15C)
From the Center for Liturgy at Saint Louis University

Sunday Readings 
Lecturas y Comentarios 
Prayer of the Hours
Burning Question: Is it better to help in secular or Church work?

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Questions on Sunday's Readings for use by discussion groups,
prayer groups, or for individual prayer.
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First Reading
Book of Deuteronomy, Chapter 30, Verses 10-14

1. Sometimes organized religion develops lists of involved codes and rules like the ones that Moses refers to in this reading. What do you think inspired these codes?

2. Where does every person find God’s commandment? Jesus said the commandments are: love God and love your neighbor. Do you find yourself relying on the codes and guidelines more than on the underlying commandment?

Responsorial Psalms
Psalm 19: 8, 9, 10, 11

1. Our Psalm response this Sunday is, "Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life." Tell of how God's commandments are for you uplifting and nourishing.

2. Our psalmist says that God's ordinances are for him 'sweeter than honey.' Explain what this verse means to you.

Second Reading
Letter of St. Paul to the Colossians, Chapter 1, Verses 15-20

1. With whom did Jesus spend time? After all, he was “Christ Jesus, the one who is before all things, the firstborn of all creation.” With whom do you want to spend time? Do you make an effort to give time to God and the people you love or are you always in a hurry to do more important things?

2. The reading says that Christ reconciled all things, making peace by the blood of his cross. In the story of the Good Samaritan, what are the things that need reconciling? What still needs reconciling in the besieged environment today? In the arena of human rights? How can you share in the work of creation, redemption and renewal?

Gospel
According to Luke, Chapter 10, Verses 25-37

1. If you found the victim by the road, would you be willing to help? Can you think of someone else who would? If the victim in the story were your neighbor or your friend would you be more willing to act like the Good Samaritan? So what is Jesus telling us? What is it that makes all people neighbors?

2. Think of the Good Samaritan story in terms of today’s world. How might you care for people when they can’t walk; bandage them when they are wounded; make arrangements decent shelter?

Online Sunday Bible Study Group
Please share your reflections on the above Sunday Readings with other ParishWorld readers. May we be blessed by God's words as reflected in your thoughts and experience-sharing.