Who is my neighbor?

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 27th Week - Monday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 10:25-37*

*First Reading - Jon 1:1:2:1-2, 11*

*Who is my neighbor?*

*1) The Place of Neighbor*

In the teachings of Jesus the place of neighbour is clearly mentioned. 

After God, comes the neighbour. Therefore Jesus says *You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”*

So After God, it is the neighbour who takes a very important place in Christian spirituality

*2) The definition of the Neighbour*

According to Jesus, the concept of neighbour gets a new meaning.

For Jews neighbour is the another Jewish fellow being. A person who belonged other than Jewish religion could not become the neighbour

But Jesus gives us a new understanding. A neighbour is the one who is in need. 

One who gives his service and one who receives the service in grave needs, become neighbours to each other 

So in Jesus' concept of neighbour, there is religion, caste, creed, colour, nationality, region, language, rites and culture. 

So Every other human being is my neighbour

*3) The opportunities to become the Good Neighbour*

As we read in the Gospel of today, we have many occasions to become good neighbours to our brothers and sisters

By doing any little act of service one can become a good neighbour to another 

Since Christian Spirituality is nothing but becoming a good neighbour, one has to strive to become a good neighbour

*4) The title Good Samaritan*

Today the title good Samaritan has a special significance to the world

This title had been taken by various NGO and other charitable institutions

The title itself conveys a powerful message to the entire world. In other words we can say the title *Good Samaritan* has become a eternal title, which will remain for ever 

It is only through the service to the neighbour, the Samaritan became a Good Samaritan.

*5) Good Samaritan and Good Christian*

Today the title Good Samaritan can be seen in different ways 

Being a good Christian is like a Good Samaritan 

Like wise, being good in charity, service, out going, sharing, helping are the various ways of becoming Good Samaritans in our day today life 

*6) Will I be called as a Good Samaritan?*

To answer this question, first we must ask the question, who is my neighbour? 

Once we know who are my neighbours and our responsibility towards them will decide whether I will become a Good Samaritan or not.

Through our mission let's try to become Good Samaritans in our lives 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*