The answer is: Good Samaritan

Luke 10:29-37

The reply to the lawyer's question "Who is my neighbor?" comes through one of Jesus’s most famous parables: the Good Samaritan. Picture the scene: a man, beaten and left for dead on the side of the road—sounds like the prologue to many modern day heroes! Jesus paints a powerful picture here that goes beyond the typical understanding of neighborliness.

In this parable, it was a Samaritan, someone typically reviled by the Jewish community at the time, who steps forward to help the injured man. The audacity of this choice is staggering; effectively, Jesus is challenging societal norms and prejudices, showing that compassion doesn’t belong to a specific group of people. The Samaritans were synonymous with outsiders; they faced discrimination for their mixed heritage and different religious practices. Yet, it’s the Samaritan who embodies the call to action and moral duty, proving that grace includes those we might overlook.

You might wonder why Jesus focused on a near outcast in such a pivotal lesson about love and kindness. This reinforces a fantastic point: empathy knows no bounds. Trivia time! Did you know that in the Catholic tradition, the Day of the Good Samaritan is celebrated on July 5? Every time you encounter a helping hand in an unexpected place, think of the Good Samaritan—any act of caring can knit the social fabric closer together! So, the next time you ponder the essence of love and kindness, remember that anyone who acts with goodwill can be your neighbor.