On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?”

He answered, “‘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.’” “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Luke 10:25-29

As may of you, my morning (and most of yesterday) was filled with snow blowing and shoveling.  I am exhausted and quite done with this winter (although it may not be done with us).  As I sat down at my desk and thought about this meditation, the parable of the Good Samaritan came to mind.  Who is my neighbor?

We are blessed that we purchased a snow blower from a neighbor who moved away, and I am able to clean our drive and walk efficiently.  I normally do our neighbors, and sometimes others if they are in need.  Today was the same.  I do not write this to pat myself on the back, and truthfully this parable was in the back of my head. 

The snow seems to bring out the best in us as neighbors gather together and talk and help each other with the snow removal.

Jesus answers the question “Who is my neighbor?” with one of the greatest parables, reminding us that our neighbors include everyone – even people we may not associate with – and we are to do what ever we can to help.

As you travel through this week, be on the lookout for your neighbors.

Peace,

Pastor Bill