From our Old Testament reading, from Deuteronomy: ‘But the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it’. Today’s readings go on to tell the story of the Good Samaritan, surely an instance of the word both heard and practised: ‘A Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbour to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed mercy on him.” And Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”’

We are all called to ‘Go and do likewise’. Today, may we find someone in need, and do what is in our heart to relieve and assist them; and may God bless your Sunday.