Page:PracticalCommentaryOnHolyScripture.djvu/606

 works. This inconceivable  love  of  the  Incarnate  Son  of  God  for  all men is  the  great  reason  why  we  ought  to  love  our  neighbour  and  even our enemy.

In the  case  of  the  priest  and  the  Levite  you can see  what  a hateful  thing  is  want  of  compassion. On the  other hand, the  example  of  the  Samaritan  shows  you  how  noble  and beautiful is  a heart  full  of  pity  and  a desire  to  help  those  in  need. Now which  heart  is  yours  most  like? that of  the  priest  or  that of the  Samaritan? Do you  feel  pity  for  others  in  their  misfortunes? Do you  not  sometimes  feel  a wicked  joy  when  evil  befalls  any one? Do you  help  the  sick  or  poor  as  far  as  you  are  able? Surely, even  if  you  can  give  them  nothing,  you  could  visit  them, show them  your  sympathy,  and  pray  for  them.

AVING returned  to  Judaea  and  being  on  His  way  to  Jerusalem, Jesus  entered  a certain  town  named  Bethania,  at  a short  distance  from  Jerusalem,  where  he  was  kindly  entertained by two  pious  sisters,  named  Martha  and  Mary. Now Mary  sat down at  our  Saviour’s  feet,  and  listened  attentively  to  the  words of wisdom  which  fell  from  His  divine  lips. Martha, on  the  other hand, busied  herself  with  preparing  the  repast.

Martha, then,  seeing  that  she  had  to  do  all  the  work,  complained to  our  Saviour  and  said:  “Lord,  hast  Thou  no  care  that my sister  has  left  me  alone  to  serve? Speak to  her,  therefore, that she  help  me.”  But  Jesus  answered: “Martha! Martha! Thou