July 13, 2025 Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: Deuteronomy 30:10–14; Colossians 1:15–20; Luke 10:25–37
The Lord desires our whole heart—nothing less. He does not delight in half-measures or lukewarm devotion. When someone chooses to love God, it must be with all their heart and soul. This is because the Word is close to humanity. In Hebrew, the term dabar means both "word" and "action" the living of God's Word. Deuteronomy 30:14 makes it clear: the Word is in our mouths to proclaim and in our hearts to obey. God’s Word calls not only for faithful observance but, more importantly, wholehearted obedience.
In his letter to the Colossians, St. Paul emphasizes the supremacy of Jesus Christ. Theologically rich, this passage affirms that Jesus is the image of the invisible God the fullness of the Divine. Hence, Jesus’ statement in John 14:9, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father,” holds profound truth. Paul’s teaching echoes the Johannine Prologue (John 1:1–5),affirming that “all things came into being through Him” (John 1:3). Creation is reconciled through the blood of Christ shed on the Cross. This is the path to peace. Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers all serve one goal—to build up the Body of Christ, the Church (cf. Ephesians 4:12).
In today’s Gospel, a lawyer well-versed in the Law approaches Jesus and respectfully calls Him “Teacher.” He asks what must be done to inherit eternal life. He knows the commandment: to love God with all one’s heart, soul, strength, and mind (Deuteronomy 6:3–9), and to love one’s neighbour as oneself. But he seeks clarification: Who is my neighbour?
Jesus responds with the parable of the Good Samaritan. A man likely a Jew is attacked and left half-dead. A priest and a Levite, both Jews, see him but pass by. Yet a Samaritan and a non-Jew stop, moved by compassion. He cares for the wounded man, brings him to an inn, and pays two denarii two days’ wages for his care. Jesus compels the lawyer to admit the truth: the true neighbour is the one who shows mercy. The law instructs, but love transcends, it sees the person in need and responds. Only those who are kind, compassionate, and merciful can truly be called neighbours.
Call to Action: How do I conduct myself when I see a person who is in need of my time, a word of comfort, or encouragement?
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
Latest News
