The Fifth Sunday of Pentecost

This week Luke relates the story of Jesus’ encounter with an expert in the Jewish Law.  Jesus replies to the young lawyer’s questions with questions of his own, and by telling the story of a Samaritan, and a man beaten and left for dead.  What Jesus wanted the young man, and us, to see is that the greatest commandment is not to be right, but to be in love.  Anyone can memorize correct responses to a few theological questions.  What matters is that the right answers lead to righteous and faithful living.  What matters is the fruit of the Spirit born out of our belief and faith in God.  Faithfulness means loving like Jesus and recognizing that everyone is our neighbor, and all, all deserve the kindness and gentleness of God.