Therefore, “go and do likewise” is an invitation to make empathic compassion one’s core nature.
When the Samaritan saw the wounded man, he was moved with compassion. The Greek word used in the Gospel of Luke for this being moved with compassion is “splagchnizomai.” This word, according to theologian James Allison, is “the parable’s bombshell.” The noun form “splagchna” was used in Greek literature to designate the inner parts (bowels) of a blood sacrifice. When the heart was cut out during a sacrificial ritual, it was called a splagchna. It later became a generic term for the inner organs.
Hence, using the word to refer to being moved implies a gut-wrenching reaction. In other words, the compassion of the Samaritan is not a reasoned-out, calculated decision based on an analysis of pros and cons, but an innate, spontaneous reaction emerging from his entrails, which moves him into action. Therefore, “go and do likewise” is an invitation to make empathic compassion one’s core nature.
I would like to invite you to have a moment this week where you can pray for the grace of empathy, this is, the capacity to be moved by the needs of others. And perhaps, you can practice one of the fourteen works of mercy, as taught by the Church.
May the Lord always grant you his peace!
Fr. Lalo Jara, OFM Pastor,
Mission San Luis Rey Parish
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