Who Are We to Our Neighbors?

Today’s Good Samaritan Gospel calls us to reflect on who we are to our neighbors – those in our workplaces, homes, families, churches, and communities. Are we a passer-by or someone that stops to help others in their need in all of those places?

In the workplace… Are we the person that doesn’t respond to others quickly? Are we the person that doesn’t help the coworker in need of something? Are we the person that feels interrupted when someone asks something of us beyond our job? Do we try our best to be what others need us to be each day?

In the home… Are we serving our families to the best of our abilities? Do we do our fair share? Are we bending our schedule when they ask or need something of us or clinging to our agenda for the day? Are we complaining about our household duties or doing them with acceptance?  Are we a co-partner with our spouse in taking responsibility for our home?

In our churches… Are we volunteering our gifts in one of our church’s ministries? Do we participate in any/all of the giving opportunities our church offers? Do we give some of our talent and treasure for the good of our parishes, or rely on others to do the giving and work that it takes to run our parish?

In our communities… Do we see and intentionally pass by the person on the road that needs something from us? Do we throw away all the charitable requests that come to us in the mail? Do we overlook that food donation or clothing donation box at the local community center? Do we engage in any service to our communities or do we pass by those opportunities on a regular basis.

Our neighbors: They’re everyone around us. Think today about whether you’re engaging in love of God and neighbor or passing by opportunities to witness to love of God and neighbor.