I love going to the movies! I find cheering, sobbing, and sitting on the edge of my seat with others to be a great reminder of our shared human experience. Too often, however, someone pulls out his phone or starts a side
conversation with his neighbor, and everyone groans and casts an unapproving glance. One person’s choice sours the whole experience! We instinctively know the rules and norms of a movie theater, and so, we instinctively know when someone is breaking them.
 
As human beings, we have an instinct to pursue the good and avoid evil. This Sunday’s readings point to this instinct and help us to see that divine law does not emerge out of thin air. In our first reading from Deuteronomy, Moses explains that the law is “not too mysterious and remote”, “very near”, “already in your mouths and in your hearts” (Dt 30:11, 14). In his letter to the Colossians, Saint Paul says that Christ is the “image of the invisible God” (Col 1:15). This means that Christ provides a blueprint for us to respond to our instinct. We must do what Christ does as an image, a perfect replica, of God.
 
This instinct idea brings us to the gospel text, the Parable of the Good Samaritan. After the parable, Jesus asks the scholar which person was neighbor to the victim, and the scholar immediately, instinctively knows the answer. (As we hear the story, we instinctively groan as we hear that the priest and the Levite ignore the victim.) It is an instinct to praise the Samaritan and identify his actions as correct or good. In the same way, we know when someone is (or is not) acting like Christ.
 
Practically, we must take steps to cultivate this instinct. A first step is to make an examination of conscience and thoughtfully engage our sins, which counteract our instinct toward the good. (You can find examinations of conscience from reputable sources online or in print.) Do we rationalize our actions as apparently good? Do we have a nuanced understanding of Christlike behavior (as opposed to simply avoiding the “biggies” like murder or adultery)? While we must instruct others, it is essential to strengthen our own
understanding and conform ourselves to Christ. In other words, we must not be the ones pulling out our phones or passing by on the opposite side.