Photo was taken at Garnish Island, near Glengarrif, Co.Cork (Irl)
This beautiful red flower caught my eye on the picturesque Garnish island.
Thought on Sunday – July – 10/07/2016
Two Reflections today – the first is by Fr. Bernard Cotter and the second is by Triona Doherty
Reflection 1
‘Go and do the same yourself.’ (Luke 10:37)
There’s a story told of students who are learning how to preach. They are given the task of a homily on the Good Samaritan. Their eloquence knows no bounds. But, unknown to them, their tutor has positioned a homeless man outside the door they are to pass when their preaching was over. Most avert their eyes and run by, tripping along on the wings of their eloquence. One stops and spends time with the poor man. The prize for best preaching goes to that student. For what good is eloquence if the preacher is not converted by his own message?
The story of the Good Samaritan would be easier but for the sting in the tail. Going and doing as the Good Samaritan did is not an easy path. It is much easier to preach about it and leave the practical implications to others.
Lord, you are our model. Your attention was always drawn to hurt and vulnerable people. Help us to go and do likewise, following up lofty words with practical deeds.
Reflection 2
‘A parable brought to life’
Listeners to Joe Duffy’s Liveline radio programme may have heard the story earlier in the summer of an American tourist who was beaten and robbed of his valuables during a violent mugging in Dublin. Forty-six-year-old Donnie Brown, who was travelling alone on his first holiday in Ireland, was attacked after stopping to ask a woman for directions back to his hostel. The gang held a knife to his throat and stole his wallet, bag, and phone, before leaving him lying bloodied in a lane.
Donnie recalled how he had found help in a local shop and from Garda’ who drove him around the area in the hope of identifying his attackers. However, after his story was aired on the radio, he experienced a real outpouring of kindness. A bed and breakfast owner offered him free accommodation, and he received more than 40 offers of help from all over Ireland, including free use of a rental car. ‘I feel like I’ve won the lottery,’ he said afterwards.
It is extraordinary that such a horrific experience could end with someone feeling so blessed. The man in today’s parable must have felt something similar, to be treated with such generosity, from an unexpected source, after his ordeal. Those who helped Donnie in Dublin didn’t know him or have any reason to help him. Their kindness to a stranger was very much in the spirit of the Good Samaritan we hear about today.
