“‘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, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

— Luke 10:27

When we moved into our house 12 years ago, there were only five other houses on the street and a lot of empty lots where new homes would be built. We imagined what the houses and neighbors would look like—and now, with almost 100 houses on our street alone, we have made friends with many of our neighbors.

Along the way we decided to become “muffin people,” delivering those treats to about a dozen houses nearby. We introduced ourselves without thinking who might be behind the door except that they were neighbors. We began a soup and buns night with neighbors too, learned their stories, and shared life with them. It may have cost us a bit, but the reward of sharing experiences has been life changing.

The parable of the good Samaritan offers a picture of what Jesus was trying to show a religious leader who wanted to test him. It is about risk and relationship with people who are not identical to us. It is about seeing the one that Jesus has placed in front of us and becoming involved in their story. It is about addressing hurts and loneliness because that is what Jesus is asking us to do. It is about paying attention to the needs of people around us and not stepping aside or walking by, thinking that someone else can take care of them.

Who is your neighbor?

Lord, open our eyes and hearts to all the people whom you have given us to be our neighbors. Help us to see and share your love for all. Amen.