Fr. Joseph Copeland, this Sunday’s guest priest, opens his sermon with the purpose of humanity as defined by our sacred Tradition: to become like God. This is the purpose today, and this was the purpose in the beginning. However, our first parents chose their own way, forsaking intimacy and communion with God. Consequentially, we live in a confused, broken world.

Fr. Joseph relates this concept to today’s Gospel reading, in which we hear the story of the good Samaritan. He shows how humanity is like the poor man, enslaved to the tyranny of the passions. Then there is the good Samaritan, who is like our Creator. He shows love and mercy and compassion on us, and he carries us to the inn, which symbolizes the church. In the church, we receive the sacraments, which begin to heal our brokenness. Because of the mercy of our Lord, we are able to begin to fulfill our purpose as humans.

Along with accepting our Lord’s mercy andhealing, Fr. Joseph encourages us to embrace the commandments of God, as this will help us rise again to the likeness of God. He specifically calls out one commandment, in which Christ tells us, “Do not be anxious.” St. Paul says something similar, advising us not to be anxious but instead pray and fast, and the peace of God will follow.