Reflecting on the parable of the good Samaritan, we recognize that one valid interpretation sees Christ Himself as the Samaritan, who pours on us, sick and wounded humanity, the oil and wine of the healing sacraments. The inn He brings us to is the Church. In other words, the parable concerns other levels as well as that of exterior service. One of the most loving things we can do for our neighbor is to pray for our neighbor. Behind all exterior ways of serving our neighbor there should be prayer.
Prayer is our greatest service.
One hears occasionally that prayer is a cop-out. Prayer is not the easy way out. It is a work for everyone to do. In Matthew 25 we see Christ identifying Himself with each of our neighbors. Here Christ calls on his followers to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, give hospitality to the homeless, care for the sick and visit the prisoner.