And Who Is My Neighbor?

Text: Luke 10:25-37

Reflection and Question: In the familiar story of the Good Samaritan, there is a wonderful twist that supports the need for full inclusion of the GLBT faithful in the church. In Biblical times, Samaritans were considered unclean by the Jews, making it extra hard for the good lawyer to concede that “the one who showed mercy” was the true neighbor. We are instructed to “go and do likewise,” placing the burden on us to be the good neighbor, without judgment. Toward whom do you have trouble being a good neighbor?

Prayer: Dearest Jesus, like the lawyer here, we yearn to inherit eternal life and we know what is required: to love You and to love our neighbor. Strengthen and sustain us as we strive to love our neighbor as ourselves. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).