"And who is my neighbor?"
Luke 10:29

Good question!

Who is my neighbor?

Presently, I'm preparing to teach the adult sessions of our 2004 Vacation Bible School, August 1-5. One of the biblical stories to be explored by adults in the VBS is the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) - the passage wherein our key question arises.

Now, it also happens that the same story is the Gospel for Sunday, July 11. In a timely way, too, the question is asked: "Who is my neighbor?"

Moreover, the message of the Good Samaritan story in Luke 10:37 ("Go and do likewise.") is the current theme of the World Hunger Appeal, now celebrating its 30th anniversary.

So, is the neighbor to be served Wendy our next-door 'neighbor,' who recently showed up at our front door with a bloody head wound? She had hit her head on the edge of an open kitchen cabinet door. She asked, "Do I need stitches?" "Yes," we said. And, off to St. Mary's emergency room we went.

To define 'neighbor,' Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan. Thereby he said, 'Yes, Wendy is your neighbor, and there is more. Your neighbor is any person in need - near or far, rich or poor, young or old, black or white, male or female.' Anyone in need is to be served - actively, concretely and compassionately - in boundless mercy, unconditional, extravagant love, and with limitless, lavish care.

Echoing the biblical view, a hymn (With One Voice, page 765) answers our key question this way:

Neighbors are wealthy and poor,
Varied in color and race,
Neighbors are near-by and far away.
 
These are the ones we will serve,
These are the ones we will love;
All these are neighbors to us and you.

Accordingly, in words of the
same hymn, we pray.
Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love,
Show us how to serve
The neighbors we have from you.
Amen.

Contributed by Pastor Richard
Published Sunday July 11, 2004
Week 33 of Liturgical Year C