Today's Challenge: Living as Good Neighbors - October 22

Today’s Readings:  AM Psalm 37:1-18; PM Psalm 37:19-42, Ecclus. 10:1-18; Rev. 9:1-12; Luke 10:25-37

“Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there,” says the jingle from an insurance company, informing the audience that they are here for you when you need them. Good neighbors are the best, aren’t they? Our former neighbors are the godparents of one of our kids. We keep in touch with many of the families – some on a weekly basis – who lived on our block in Crestwood. We became extended family for one another. Maybe you have similar stories.

What does a good neighbor do? Loan you a cup of sugar or an egg…help with a tree that fell across the fence…drop off cookies at Christmas…chat at the mailbox at the end of a long day. What about a bad neighbor? The unkempt yard becomes a breeding ground for copperheads, who slither into your yard; their bouts of marital unrest and depression erupt into outdoor shouting matches at midnight; each day brings something new through the revolving door of barking dogs, male suitors, and furniture strewn across the lawn.

I know that the dynamics of neighbors is more fluid than I have offered above, and I do it to make a point. It’s much easier to interact with a neighbor who shows more “good” qualities than “bad” ones, isn’t it? Even the examples I provided are more relational and “neighborly”. And, here’s the but: Jesus is calling us to show compassion and mercy, regardless of how easy our neighbors are to tolerate, or even talk to. Even when our neighbors may feel disdain for us, cheer for a different football team, or support a different candidate for President. In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus is calling us to act in love, not just know the rules about common respect and dignity. We are called to relationship. That is what Jesus modeled, and that is the messy, much harder part.

In Living Buddha, Living Christ, Thich Nhat Hanh writes about following the path that Jesus proclaimed. It was a call to “true relationship with God” through practicing the actions the Son of God exhibited. The truth of Jesus’ teaching was (and is) dynamic; it is the reality of life. (p. 55-56) Disciples of Jesus were not challenged to memorize the Law; rather, they practiced living as Jesus did, and when ready, the followers of Jesus spread out and practiced healing, feeding, and loving their neighbors of every ilk. We are called to participate in this reality, too.

Thich Nhat Hanh wraps up a reflection with these words, which strike me as quite relevant to the challenge of loving our neighbors as ourselves:

When we understand and practice deeply the life and teaching of Buddha or the life and teachings of Jesus, we penetrate the door and enter the abode of the living Buddha and the living Christ, and life eternal presents itself to us. (p. 56)

The lawyer in Luke 10 is seeking to inherit eternal life. Jesus invites each of us, as we test and question God, to accept the gift of eternal life given to us – and in accepting it, we get to live in love, act in love, do in love. Take a risk: get out of your head and get immersed in life today.

-- Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

What is a characteristic of a good neighbor that you wish you could do?

When have you avoided being neighborly, and what would you change?

Daily Challenge

Think of someone who is an “extra grace required” person, who causes you to have to dig deep to engage with them. It could be someone known to you, or it could be a neighbor you don’t know. Pray for that person. Show an act of compassion or mercy. Invite God to open your eyes to that neighbor in a new way.