Each one of us has his own interpretation of the Good Samaritan parable. Taking off from what the Church Fathers taught about it, I am going to expand on it for us Catholics trying to be holy, but often falling into sin.
A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, who also stripped him, and having wounded him went away, leaving him half dead. And it chanced, that a certain priest went down the same way: and seeing him, passed by. In like manner also a Levite, when he was near the place and saw him, passed by. But a certain Samaritan being on his journey, came near him; and seeing him, was moved with compassion. And going up to him, bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine: and setting him upon his own beast, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two pence, and gave to the host, and said: Take care of him; and whatsoever thou shalt spend over and above, I, at my return, will repay thee. Luke 10:30-35.
The man who fell among robbers is Adam and the robbers are the devil and his angeles who stripped him of grace, peace and dignity. They left him deeply wounded with the effects of his sin, (concupiscence) and barely alive with God’s friendship and life.
The priest and levite represent the Old Law which cannot heal, but only lets you know what is wrong. Christ is the Samaritan who takes the old man Adam, (all of us before baptism), and anoints us with the oil/chrism of Baptism and pours the wine of His Blood at the Holy Mass into our souls to heal their wounds. The inn keeper is Jesus’ priest, to whom he has entrusted the taking care of souls in the inn of His Church.
We have much to learn about this parable for our own good. First we need to remember that the devil, other demons, our bad family members and friends are waiting to rob us of sanctifying grace and to wound our souls. Every time we seriously sin, the robbers do deep damage to our soul and our lives. They also rob us of our dignity and peace, so that we no longer feel like children of God. Then we have to recover, and it takes time and the problems our sin has caused are still there.
God is a loving, merciful God who will forgive us every time we are truly sorry and confess with a firm intention of not sinning anymore. We turn to holy priests and holy friends who can help us as we begin to heal from our folly. 
But we do also want to learn our lesson. Been there, done that, and I do not want to do it again. That means making all precautions to never traveling on that dangerous road again where the robbers are waiting for us. From now on we will be very careful to only travel with holy friends and to avoid anyone, anything or action that will lead us into sin. Hopefully we will learn our lesson quickly, stay close to Jesus and Mary, go often to confessions and reception of the Holy Eucharist.
The original author of this blog passed away in July of 2016. RIP Father Carota.
BE A GOOD SAMARITAN
I heard the Good Shepherd’s invitation
to be a Good Samaritan
to the destitute of His Creation
in this love-deprived Globalistan
If it is really You, my Lord
calling me to do this chore
don’t let it be an inedible gourd
bring me where You want me, I implore
I want to love You in the needy
whom You called me to serve
so that eyes may be bright and beady
and all tears may quickly swerve
I’m ready Lord, just pick me up
don’t let me wait too long
to drink the longed for stirrup cup
just let the big bell bong
I will give myself completely
until I no longer can
and will be waiting discreetly
for the coming of my Good Samaritan
Rita Biesemans, January 24 2014
To be a Good Samaritan : Help others in need without any thought for recognition or reward for yourself, for Heaven will be your reward.
Luke 10 : 25-37
I have never heard this gospel explained like this. I’m a “senior” citizen.
I liked your explanation. Gives one something to ponder. Thank you.
Really enjoyed your interpretation of the Good Samaritan. I am encouraged each time I visit.
Father,
Would you please recommend a book on meditations of the Gospel by Church Fathers?
Thanks
One of the best and thorough explanations of the parable of the Good Samaritan I have ever read is entitled “Divine Parables Explained; or, The Church of the Parables” by Fr. Joseph Prachensky, S.J. first written in 1890 and republished in 1973. It is available through Loreto Publications in Fitzwilliam, NH.