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The Good Samaritan; a difficult story to reflect upon without being banal and writing a thought that has been shared before. This is a story that is so integrated into our society that we even have a law named after it. Though most people cannot describe the finer points of the legal code or recount the parable verbatim, I’m confident that everyone from the practicing Catholic to the non-church-goer can surmise that “The Good Samaritan” has something to do with being available to aid individuals who have an immediate need.

But to what measure do we help?

 By Jesus’ standards, we ought to respond to those around us by saying: “I will take care of you until you are well.”

 In His story, Jesus creates a portrait of a Christian with the Samaritan, one whose foremost quality is generosity. The authentic followers of Christ that I know personally, though they differ in many ways on a superficial level, are similar in their capacity to be absurdly generous. And they give in different ways.

My dear friend, band mate, and soon to be one of my best men Douglas Hutchings is generous monetarily. Over the past 11 years, he has paid for more of my friends’ and my dinners than I can remember… and it is never when he is asked to cover the bill; he sees an opportunity to care for his loved ones and takes the initiative.

My Spiritual Director, Sr. Marie Pappas, is generous with her time and attention, never wanting in patience, allowing me the freedom and opportunity to celebrate, lament and query about my life for upwards of 3 hours in a session and never making me feel like I’m taking her away from something more important.

These persons in my life, like the Samaritan in the parable, like Jesus, proclaim to their beloved through their actions: “I will take care of you until you are well.”

 Be available.

 Be generous.

During the week, Matthew Juliano is a mentor for individuals who have developmental and intellectual disabilities. On the weekends, he is a drummer for Full Armor Band. You can find more content by Matt and his band at www.fullarmorband.com.