The parable of the Good Samaritan encapsulates the history of mankind as well as our own personal lives into a few simple words. The man coming down to Jericho represents Adam and therefore each of us. From the spiritual realms, we descend to worldly realms. Adam left Paradise and entered the worldly life symbolized by Jericho. On the way down, we have fallen among robbers — the devils.
The robbers first stripped the man of his garments; the devils first strip men of their spiritual garments. They first lead us to question God, to doubt the true Faith. Once the garment of the faith is removed the devils find no obstacles to prevent them from inflicting harm upon us. Adam was first stripped of the true faith because he preferred to listen to his wife rather than God. Eve was first stripped of the true faith because she preferred to listen to the serpent rather than God and Adam. Once deprived of spiritual life, it was nothing for the devils to take away the physical life. Adam had freely chosen death; the moment he chose not to listen to God. Each time we individually sin we renew within ourselves the suicidal choice of Adam.
With the sin of Adam, he and all mankind were left to die by the robbers/devils. The Law and the Prophets both passed by, unwilling or unable to give any help. The Law and Prophets only served to further condemn us. That which is forbidden only arouses the desire to do what is forbidden. Without the garment of faith and grace, we become incapable of improving our lot, but only make matters worse with every attempt. The sick person seldom knows or does what is best for his health. He often seeks relief of his pain, only to end up making matters worse than before. This is the case of mankind and the case of every sinner. The sick person needs the physician to diagnose the problem, determine a course of action and to implement it — because he cannot clearly see his own malady or what is truly in his best interest.
The Divine Physician is revealed to us in today's parable as the Good Samaritan. Jesus Christ is the Good Samaritan — Who has come along and taken pity upon us. He has bound our wounds, poured on oil and vinegar. The curative medicines that the Samaritan administered symbolise to us the Words of Christ. If we will only allow the Words of God to touch us, they will heal us. The binding of the wounds may be painful, the pouring on of vinegar will be painful, but the oil will soothe and help to heal us. Some of the Words of God are painful and sting us, while other Words of God soothe and heal our souls.
The Samaritan does not stop here. He raises the poor man upon his own beast and takes him to an inn. Christ is, likewise, not content just to apply the healing remedies, but He takes us spiritually upon Himself and carries us to the inn. The Fathers of the Church tell us that the inn represents the Church. Jesus Christ brings us to the Church. In the morning (after the Resurrection), Jesus entrusts us to the inn-keeper promising to repay the inn-keeper whatever he spends, in the care of us, upon His return. We are entrusted to the Church hierarchy who shall be repaid for all their efforts for our cure when Christ returns at the end of time.
This is what Jesus has done for all of mankind, and this is what Jesus has done for each of us individually. What is left for us, is simply to not resist; and to follow the prescription of the Divine Physician. We must not fear the cross and painful cures that our disease of sin makes necessary. Instead of wincing and turning away from the stinging cleansing and purging, we should welcome them. If we welcome these, then we will soon discover the soothing healing oil being poured upon us. Our crosses will be made sweet and joyful. Our burden will become light as Christ picks us up and carries us. Once we find ourselves at the inn (The Church), we must not turn away or refuse the inn-keeper (the true clergy). It is true that they are not Jesus, but they are His representatives and He has entrusted us to them. We must allow them to continue the cleansing and purging that are necessary for our healing. They will apply the curative Word of God to our souls. Sometimes it will cause a sting of pain or hurt; but if we realize this is what God has given the Church to do and that it is for our own good; then, we will welcome it. And from time to time our souls will be soothed and filled with the gladness of the Word of God, as the Church pours on the healing oils.
Sunday 28th August is the Feast Day of St. Augustine E. C. D. Though using the 1962 missal rubrics his feast is not commemorated, he is one of the most important Fathers of the Church. In the ancient Church catechumens attending Mass left after the sermon, were not permitted to stay for the Canon, which was revered as a great mystery, unlike to-day, where it has become routine. At least once, St. Augustine advised the Faithful, after departure of the catechumens, to be careful to invite only persons seeking Our Lord and believing in His Church and Teachings, not opportunists, who wished to join the Church to update their social status or some such unholy reason. Other secular organisations do the same, admitting candidates through a series of degrees, and only after a period of time and study.