Dear Parishioners of St. James:
Praised be Jesus Christ!
It is easier to love God Whom we cannot see than the distressed neighbor whom we can see.
The Book of Deuteronomy states that loving your neighbor requires no degree in theology or law. Simply treat the person in front of you with mercy and you have fulfilled the law of God.
Mercy is undeserved love. Mercy presumes that we stand in need of compassion. Love for your
neighbor acknowledges God’s love for you. If God had not extended His mercy toward us first, we would not even exist, yet alone be redeemed. Seeing one’s neighbor in distress and showing compassion makes us like God. He came down from heaven to redeem our miserable state, elevating us to the status of His sons and daughters. God is pleased when we assist His children in need.
Be a Good Samaritan this week. Have eyes to see your neighbor in distress. Help him. Help her. They have been beaten up and left half dead. You were there once in your sins when Jesus rescued you.
God Bless you,
Fr. Geary
Saint James Catholic Church 