We know that it is our duty to be kind to people in need. Many of us give generously to charities and donate to food banks, but how many of us shy away from the homeless drunkard accosting us in the street or walk past the beggars who sit every day outside our churches and supermarkets? Are we guilty of assuming that they have fallen on hard times due to a less than salutary lifestyle? Do we fear getting involved, to interfere? What about illegal immigrants, and benefit scroungers? Are they our neighbours?Have we become a society of strangers rather than a community of good neighbours?
The parable of the good Samaritan clearly defines the word ‘neighbour’ – whom Christ enjoins us to love as much as we love ourselves, and as He loves us. A good neighbour doesn’t see humanity as ‘us’ and ‘them’. In his eyes everyone is his neighbour. And just as a good neighbour’s heart is filled with love compassion, Jesus loved us enough to be our neighbour for all time.
