Today, in the centre of the story of the Good Samaritan, we are presented with the fundamental question of what shall we do to inherit eternal life. Jesus Christ very simple refers him to the Bible, the reply of which is indisputable. But the topic derives towards a practical matter, of ambiguous elucidation at that time: "Who is my neighbor?".

To such a specific question, Jesus answers it with this parable… Then a Samaritan enters the stage. He does not ask how far his obligations of solidarity extend nor does he ask about the merits required for eternal life. Instead, something else happens: his heart is wrenched open and he himself now becomes a "neighbor", over and above any other consideration. Here the question changes: the issue is no longer which other person is my neighbor or not. The question is about me.

—O Lord, help me to become like a person in love, someone whose heart is open to be shaken by another’s needs. Then I will find my neighbor or better, then I will be found by him.