15 th July, 2007

15 th Sunday - Year C

S: Good morning - Our thoughts for this weekend are based around the story of the Good Samaritan and you all know the story. To put it mildly the Jews and Samaritans did not get on with each other. Yet the Good Samaritan was prepared to cross that divide – that divide of intense loyalty which keeps people apart – which prevents people from communicating and listening to each other.

B: One of the principal ways any group of people maintains its identity is by asserting its difference from other people. Pride in our difference is a good thing and shows itself in badges and flags, attitudes and beliefs, stories we tell and our traditions. Whatever the nature of the group – followers of a sport, a tribe, a trade union, a political party or point of view, a religion, a race – loyalty within a group can foster the growth of its members. BUT intense loyalty can promote hostility towards strangers. The real danger comes when members of one group believe that their difference gives them a right to lord it over other people.

S: Jesus is asking us today to be compassionate towards each other, and is telling us that my neighbour is anyone who needs my help. Who needs my help? To answer this question takes listening and compassion – in fact compassion could be described as listening with the heart. Maybe we need to make that journey from listening with the head towards listening with the heart, a move towards being sensitive to the needs of others. This move takes courage

B: Sometimes it seems that we are constantly listening to voices, both big and small. But when was the last time you really listened to your heart? Why not promise yourself now to take a moment to find a quiet spot free from distraction. Then in this space, quiet your mind. Then listen…. What is your heart saying? Perhaps it won’t be clear at first, but keep listening until you know. Trust in the Lord with all your heart!

S: You’ve been listening to “Just a thought” with Seamus Madigan

B: and Brenda Cribbin. We can be contacted through the Limerick Diocesan Offices at Henry Street. You can also download your own copy of this reflection by clicking on limerickdiocese.org

S: We look forward to your company again next week, so take care...

S & B: Bye !!!!!!!

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