Love Your Neighbor

Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he said, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ He said to him, ‘What is written in the law? What do you read there?’ He answered, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.’ And he said to him, ‘You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.’ But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’ Jesus replied, ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan while travelling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, “Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.” Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?’ He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’ Luke 10:25-37

We can all probably sing some of Fred Rogers lyrics including "won't you be my neighbor". In 1969, he took a stand against racial prejudice and exclusion by inviting Officer Clemmens, played by Francios Clemmens, to cool off in the kiddy pool and Mr. Rogers shared his towel. Although the Civil Rights Act was made law in 1964, much of our country was still very segregated and most pools were. We adults might sneer at his simplicity and folky ways, but he changed television and our country by his simple acts of love and inclusion. We too can change the world with simple acts of mercy and neighborliness. Let us respond yes to Jesus. words, "go and do likewise!"

Loving Creator, you are the source of mercy

you call al people, of all races and creeds your family

Jesus sat down at table with enemies and outcasts

and told us to go and do likewise, showing mercy and love.

Some of us have been taught to fear those different

some are outright afraid of the people that surround them

despite being called to be neighbors across barriers

we hide away and condemn those who are unlike us.

O Lord, give us your power to change the world

may love and mercy be our true calling and work

may we make neighbors of outcasts and strangers

following the way of the good Samaritan and Mr. Rogers. Amen.