The Commandment – The Samaritan
Sermon for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time (13 July 2025)****
Readings:
Deuteronomy 30:9c–14 → https://www.bibleserver.com/EU/Dtn30%2C9-14
Colossians 1:15–20 → https://www.bibleserver.com/EU/Kol1%2C15-20
Luke 10:25–37 → https://www.bibleserver.com/EU/Lk10%2C25-37
Dear friends of the Prayer Studio,
Sometimes we ask ourselves: What does God really want from me? Isn't there some secret truth hidden somewhere – high in the heavens or at the other end of the world? The answer this Sunday is surprisingly simple – and yet deeply profound: God’s word is very near to you. It is in your mouth and in your heart. You can live by it.
1. Deuteronomy 30:9c–14: The word is very near
Moses reminds the people of Israel: God’s instruction is not far off. It is not just for religious elites or spiritual specialists. No – it is close to you. As close as the word you speak and the heart beating inside you. You can understand it. You can live by it.
Verses 9a–9b were omitted in today’s reading – they speak of fertility, livestock, and possessions. Probably because today’s focus is on the nearness of God’s word, independent of external blessings.
Biblical background: This passage from Deuteronomy stems from a liturgical covenant renewal (cf. Stuttgarter Erklärungsbibel, p. 247). It is a call to return to God after times of dispersion. The text is infused with the belief that by turning back and listening to God’s voice, a person can truly live.
Today this means: God’s will is not a mystery. It is not a distant riddle. Love for God and neighbor is what truly matters. God speaks through the simple, clear commandment – and through your own conscience.
2. Colossians 1:15–20: Christ – the center of creation and reconciliation
Paul describes Christ in a hymn as the center of all creation. Everything visible and invisible – even cosmic powers – were created in Christ. He is the head of the Church and the beginning of a new creation. In him, all the fullness of God dwells. And through him, reconciliation with all living things is possible.
Theological emphasis: The so-called "Christ Hymn" (Col 1:15–20) is considered an early liturgical text of the early Church. Christ is not just a teacher or role model – he is the one through whom all things were made and who holds everything together (cf. Elberfelder Bibel mit Erklärungen, commentary on Col 1:15–17).
Through the cross, Christ "made peace"
(v. 20) – not through power, but through self-giving.
Benedictine monk Anselm Grün writes: “Reconciliation happens where we open ourselves to Christ’s peace, not where we try to dominate”³.
In Catholic theology, Pope Benedict XVI particularly elaborated on this thought: “Whoever looks at Christ sees what God is like”² – this is not a theory, but an invitation into relationship.
In times of personal crisis – after a family conflict, or in the face of war and violence – this perspective can offer strength. Christ is greater than our brokenness. He holds all things together.
Today this means: If you're wondering what to hold on to in a fragmented world – look to Christ. He is the center, not you. And when you align your life with him, you’ll gain stability – and a new view on everything else.
3. Luke 10:25–37: The Good Samaritan – Making nearness concrete
A teacher of the law wants to test Jesus: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus responds with a counter-question – and the man himself gives the correct answer: Love God and your neighbor as yourself. But then comes the decisive question: “Who is my neighbor?”
Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan. A man is attacked, robbed, and seriously wounded. Two religious leaders – a priest and a Levite – see him and pass by. Only a Samaritan, an outsider, stops. He helps, cares, and pays. Jesus asks: “Who was the neighbor?” The answer: “The one who showed mercy.” And Jesus says: “Then go and do likewise.”
Commentary: Jesus flips the question around: Not “who is my neighbor?”, but “to whom will I become a neighbor?” (cf. Neue Jerusalemer Bibel, commentary on Lk 10:25–37).
In the Neue Jerusalemer Bibel, the Samaritan is described as “a symbol of someone who follows the law of the heart – not of the temple.”⁴
A pastor once shared how a homeless man interrupted his service. At first, he was annoyed – but then he realized: this man was “his neighbor,” sent by God. They went to eat together – and from that encounter, a project to help the poor was born.
Saint Catherine of Siena wrote: “Whatever you do to the least, you do to Christ.”⁵ Her mysticism was not an escape from the world, but a radical turning toward others.
Christian ethics begins with myself.
Today this means: Your neighbor is not the one who is likeable or belongs to your group. Your neighbor is the person in need – regardless of where they come from or what defines them.
4. Practical Connection and Spiritual Unity
What unites these three texts?
– Deuteronomy 30 emphasizes: God’s word is near – you can live by it.
– Colossians 1 says: Christ is the one who holds all things together – he is the center and gives you strength through the Holy Spirit to keep the commandments by helping like the Samaritan.
– Luke 10 shows: Those who listen to Christ act with mercy – tangibly, visibly, compassionately.
The message is clear: You don’t have to search for the Kingdom of God – it is already here, where you act in love.
You don’t have to analyze the commandments like a lawyer – live them as a person who feels with others.
You don’t have to look for God among the stars – you’ll find him in the wounded person by the roadside.
4.2. Another thread that unites these texts: Nearness
All three texts revolve around nearness. In Deuteronomy 30, it’s the nearness of God’s word. In Colossians 1, Christ himself is that nearness, being the image of God. And in Luke 10, nearness becomes concrete – in the Good Samaritan. It’s not about distant images of God, but about a spirituality that lives in daily life: in the heart, in action, in the face of the neighbor.
5. Contemporary Examples
– Perhaps your “neighbor” is sitting lonely in the apartment next door.
– Perhaps he stands with an empty look at the checkout line.
– Perhaps it’s the refugee family who just moved to your town – and needs your invitation.
The decision to stop and look is not spectacular – but it changes the world. The Samaritan saved that one man’s world.
5.1. Helping with wisdom
But: Mercy is more than mere spontaneity. Jesus tells of a Samaritan who didn’t just feel pity – he helped wisely. He treated the wounds, brought the man to an inn, paid the host – and made a clear agreement for continued help.
➡️ Mercy doesn’t mean: Just give money thoughtlessly.
Help in a way that truly helps.
➡️ Let others help you as you help.
Sometimes you need support from people with expertise: social workers, doctors, legal advisors, therapists – they can help better understand someone’s need and take sustainable steps.
➡️ Help wisely and as equals. Don’t just give someone a fish – after two or three, offer a fishing rod.
The Good Samaritan acts responsibly. He ensures immediate help – and trusts the host to continue the healing process. This is help for self-help. Responsibility that frees – not binds.
A practical example: When I shop in Kevelaer and someone outside the store asks me for money, I don’t give cash. Instead, I ask if I can buy them something to eat. Most accept this. In this way, I help tangibly – with what is truly needed. Because cash could potentially be used in harmful ways.
6. Witnesses of spiritual experience
– Francis of Assisi got off his horse when he saw a leper – and embraced him.
– Corrie ten Boom saved Jews – and later forgave her tormentors.
– In prayer groups, people often report that their decision to approach those in need was accompanied by a deep confirmation from the Holy Spirit.
God affirms what is done in love.
7. Appeal
Dear friends,
Don’t just ask: Where is God’s will?
It is near to you. It is clear.
God loves – and you can join in that love.
Jesus does not ask how many verses you can quote – he asks: Are you willing to stop, to help, to show mercy?
Then go – and do likewise.
8. Final Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ,
you are the living Word of the Father,
you have shown us what love means.
Give us open eyes for the suffering around us.
Give us the courage to stop.
Give us a heart that allows itself to be touched.
And hands that act wisely and intelligently.
So that your Kingdom becomes tangible – even today.
Amen.
9. References
Stuttgarter Erklärungsbibel, 3rd ed. (Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 2007), p. 243.
Joseph Ratzinger / Benedict XVI, Jesus of Nazareth: Prologue – The Infancy Narratives (Freiburg: Herder, 2012), p. 32.
Anselm Grün, Jesus – Wege zum Leben (Münsterschwarzach: Vier-Türme-Verlag, 2015), p. 91.
Neue Jerusalemer Bibel, 3rd ed. (Freiburg: Herder, 1985), p. 1877, commentary on Luke 10.
Catherine of Siena, Letters (Freiburg: Herder, 1992), Letter 265.
Bible verses available online:
Gospel of the Day: www.vaticannews.va/de/evangelium-des-tages/2025/07/13.html
Werner Jung; Germany, Kevelaer, Geldern: Sermon for the 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time (13 July 2025)