“Their sturdy backs bent down, by labor and fatigue, their eyes intent upon the earth, sift through stubble discarded by the reapers.”

—Sister Michaela O’Connor

Sunday Scripture Reflection for July 13, 2025
15th Sunday in Ordinary Time

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus answers a question with a question, which prompts another question, which he answers with a story and a question. We all know the story of the Good Samaritan, and the answer to the question, “Who would you say is that man’s neighbor?” I just read a column on the Internet of all places, which pretty much answers the question, “Who is my neighbor?” It’s based on a FaceBook page “Beauty of Planet Earth,” and promises “50 Wholesome Posts to Distract You From the Current Horrors of the World.” Mother cat adopts lost baby possum. Man rescues dog trapped in oil sump. Child gives lute player a special tiara to protect her from trolls. Woman adopts oldest cat at shelter so it won’t die alone. Man invites 89-year-old neighbor to live with him so she won’t live — and die — alone. Man builds stand outside his house to provide fresh vegetables from his garden to neighbors who want/need them. Five-year-old asks to take extra hat and gloves to school because one of the kids doesn’t have any and he wants him to be warm. 85-year-old grandma makes tiny dolls and slips them in seashells, then hides them on beach for kids to find. These are all our neighbors. It’s not rocket science!