My Neighbor

For Thursday, October 25th

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 traveling 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

While flying recently I watched the movie about Mr. Rogers. The iconic children's program was a staple in our household and often joked about as my children outgrew it. Yet inside of the very simple messages and educational pieces was a much deeper gift. Fred Rogers made neighbors of all sorts of people and integrated television long before others. He taught children welcome and to not be afraid. A message we need to repeat loudly these days.

Jesus used a story to illustrate true neighborly behavior. He told about the Samaritan who took care of one who was a mortal enemy while his own people passed him by. Jesus emphasized, through a religious leader and lawyer, that we must break down barriers and respond to those around us without fear. There was much to fear in the story he told, as he was telling us that those we fear, those we want to build walls to keep out, are the neighbors we should be serving.

Today, I ask God to give me the sight to see my neighbors and the heart to respond without fear. May we follow the way of joy by caring for those who are different than us but our neighbor in God's sight.