Faith Today

October 5, 2026

True Neighborly Love Goes Beyond Boundaries

“Which of these three, do you think, proved himself a neighbour to the man who fell into the bandits' hands?”

Luke 10:36

Today's Reflection

Dear Brothers and Sisters, the news of Alex Saab, a close ally of Venezuela's Maduro, pleading guilty in a US corruption case is a stark reminder of how justice, truth, and mercy must often wrestle with human failing and broken systems. Like the Galatians warned against false gospels, the reality of corruption shows us what happens when people turn away from the path of honesty and service to others. Just as the Good Samaritan chose compassion over division, we too are called to respond to injustice not with apathy but with action rooted in God's steadfast love.

Coping

When facing the pain of betrayal or troubling news, today's readings remind us to ground ourselves in authenticity and compassion, just as the Samaritan did—helping not with pretense but with genuine care, no matter the cost or circumstance.

Family

Family care asks us to put aside ego and division to be true neighbors to one another, forgiving and showing mercy even when it's difficult, drawing on God's justice and fidelity to anchor our actions.

Community

Community flourishes when we act with integrity and courage, refusing to let distorted messages or self-interest keep us from helping those in need, embracing the call to 'do the same yourself' as Jesus teaches.

Today's Readings

First Reading · Galatians 1:6-12

[6] I am astonished that you are so promptly turning away from the one who called you in the grace of Christ and are going over to a different gospel- [7] not that it is another gospel; except that there are trouble-makers among you who are seeking to pervert the gospel of Christ. [8] But even if we ourselves or an angel from heaven preaches to you a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let God's curse be on him. [9] I repeat again what we declared before: anyone who preaches to you a gospel other than the one you were first given is to be under God's curse. [10] Whom am I trying to convince now, human beings or God? Am I trying to please human beings? If I were still doing that I should not be a servant of Christ. [11] Now I want to make it quite clear to you, brothers, about the gospel that was preached by me, that it was no human message. [12] It was not from any human being that I received it, and I was not taught it, but it came to me through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

Psalm · Psalms 111:1-2, 7-8, 9, 10

[1] Alleluia! I give thanks to Yahweh with all my heart, in the meeting-place of honest people, in the assembly. [2] Great are the deeds of Yahweh, to be pondered by all who delight in them. [7] The works of his hands are fidelity and justice, all his precepts are trustworthy, [8] established for ever and ever, accomplished in fidelity and honesty. [9] Deliverance he sends to his people, his covenant he imposes for ever; holy and awesome his name. [10] The root of wisdom is fear of Yahweh; those who attain it are wise. His praise will continue for ever.

Gospel · Luke 10:25-37

[25] And now a lawyer stood up and, to test him, asked, 'Master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?' [26] He said to him, 'What is written in the Law? What is your reading of it?' [27] He replied, 'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.' [28] Jesus said to him, 'You have answered right, do this and life is yours.' [29] But the man was anxious to justify himself and said to Jesus, 'And who is my neighbour?' [30] In answer Jesus said, 'A man was once on his way down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of bandits; they stripped him, beat him and then made off, leaving him half dead. [31] Now a priest happened to be travelling down the same road, but when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. [32] In the same way a Levite who came to the place saw him, and passed by on the other side. [33] But a Samaritan traveller who came on him was moved with compassion when he saw him. [34] He went up to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them. He then lifted him onto his own mount and took him to an inn and looked after him. [35] Next day, he took out two denarii and handed them to the innkeeper and said, "Look after him, and on my way back I will make good any extra expense you have." [36] Which of these three, do you think, proved himself a neighbour to the man who fell into the bandits' hands?' [37] He replied, 'The one who showed pity towards him.' Jesus said to him, 'Go, and do the same yourself.'

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