Readings: Deut. 30:10-14; Responsorial Psalm Ps 69:14 & 17,30-31,33-34,36ab & 37 (R.v.33) or Ps 19:8,9,10,11(R.9ab); Colossians 1:15-20; Gospel Luke 10:25-37.
Theme: Mercy through Charity As Recipe for Us Vs them Stereotype
Today’s gospel (Luke 10:25-37) presents us with the challenge of stereotype in society. We live in a society where people tend to treat us based on our sex, religion, race, social standing or political affiliation. Sadly, these stereotypes have sent many innocent people to their early graves.
In Nigeria, the Us Versus them stereotype takes the form of Muslim Versus Christian, Catholic Versus Protestant, Protestant Versus Pentecostal, Hausa Versus Igbo, Yoruba Versus Ijaw, North Versus South to mention just as a few. We are easily divided along religious, regional and ethnic lines. This ugly mentality blinds our sense of patriotism and nationalism. The situation gets worse to the extent that some cultures see themselves as superior to others - Just so, the Jews saw themselves in relation to others in Jesus’ time.
