Who is my neighbor?

Who was neighbor to the robbers' victim?

Who was neighbor to the slave, the imprisoned?

St. Peter Claver pray for us.

Who was neighbor to the homeless, the disabled, the jobless?

St. Vincent de Paul pray for us.

Who was neighbor to the sick poor, the diseased?

St. Aloysius Gonzaga pray for us.

Who was neighbor to the outcast?

St. Camillus de Lellis pray for us.

Who was neighbor to the street people, the mentally ill?

St. John of God pray for us.

Who was neighbor to the brigands, the robbers, those suspected of crime?

St. Angelo pray for us.

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The sparrow finds a home,

and the swallow a nest for her young:

by your altars, 

O Lord of hosts,

my King and my God.

Blessed are they who dwell

in your house,

for ever singing your praise.

-Communion Antiphon

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If we can't help someone - we can at least leave them alone so someone who cares can do so - pass them by like the priest did, like the Levite did.  Congratulate yourself for not defiling yourself or getting yourself sullied.  Be at peace, pass them by, and let the Samaritan take care of him.

If and when we really want to help, we need to quit judging, quit condemning, and help one another - and if we can't help, we need to pray for help for ourselves.  We need to seek help.  We need to pray for a heart of flesh, a heart of mercy... then maybe we can treat one another with mercy.

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The one who treated him with mercy.