Sunday Reflection with Fr Robin Gibbons - 10 July 2016

15th Sunday of the Year July 10th 2016

As somebody who is part of ordained ministry, I have to continually remind myself that whatever I may think, no matter how hard I may convince myself otherwise, I and others like me are symbols of authority, power and a dose of privilege. That's why parables like the one about the Good Samaritan are necessary reading and reflection for ministry, there we see in the action of the Levite, no doubt convinced that he is following the law of non pollution and perhaps avoiding a trap by robbers, a shadowy reflection of ourselves. I know that as a priest there will have been countless times I have acted like that Levite or the Pharisees Jesus challenges so often.

It is good for anybody in the Church to be challenged by events and people, because it shines the light of truth on our deeds and actions. In Deuteronomy, Moses is told quite clearly that the Law of God is not something external, a rulebook to be poked and prodded and used against people. It is internal, something connected with our own relationship to a loving God:

"No, it is something very near to you,
already in your mouths and in your hearts;
you have only to carry it out."( DT 30:14)

I've been bothered by the silence of so many Church figures about the shootings in Orlando amongst other issues. Whilst Pope Francis has called for a merciful approach, that is a loving compassionate approach to issues about people and relationships in the Church, I have noted the hard sharp rhetoric from some of our religious leaders, particularly about issues of sexuality and love. Some of the language has been very disrespectful and it is time we religious people noted that we do not have the right to judge others, least of all if we ourselves have not taken the route of the Good Samaritan and stepped over our safe boundaries to support others from time to time! .

Jesus is very clear; any judgement is left to God, who alone knows the secrets of our hearts! God is known, not through law, which is a servant of care, but through service of our neighbour, done in the love of God. This parable tells us that there is no choice in the matter, fulfilment of the Law is by love and in practicalities this is our neighbour. Jesus says to the Scholar, eternal life is gained by actions of mercy! His words call us to, "Go and do likewise."

From the Desert Fathers:

Abba Poemen said, "There is no greater love than that a man lays down his life for his neighbour. When you hear someone complaining and you struggle with yourself and do not answer him back with complaints; when you are hurt and bear it patiently, not looking for revenge; then you are laying down your life for your neighbour."