Being good neighbors

by Peter Guzulaitis, Family Faith on the Go

How are we good neighbors? This is the question that Jesus asks in the parable of the Good Samaritan (see Lk 10:29-37). Jesus answers the question with the greatest challenge of all: everyone is our neighbor.

In 1999, my family moved into a brand-new neighborhood. Within a few months, seven families who were once unknown to each other became neighbors. My son was about 2 years old at the time, and needing a place to play, this led us to buy a swing set. It was the only one in the neighborhood, and it attracted toddlers of other families like moths to the flame. And wherever toddlers are gathered, parents are never far away. The swing set became a place where my son met his best friends and a place where my friendships began with my neighbors. Today, it is a symbol of hospitality for me. So many good friendships developed at the swing set and helped our neighborhood become more than a collection of houses.

Several years later, one of the families in our neighborhood learned that they were going to be welcoming triplets into their lives. We neighbors swung into action to support this family. After the triplets were born, neighbors helped with yard work. Many also helped care for the infants — feeding, washing and dressing the triplets was a normal part of life for many of us. My children are so proud of their involvement and care for the triplets. They were able to live out what it means to care for people.

The parable of the Good Samaritan also challenges us to see beyond the people who live next door to us or even in the same neighborhood. Being a good neighbor means that we take the risk to invite new people into our lives. Regardless of another person’s station in life, someone who is poor, a new immigrant, or a person of a different religion, walk of life, or race, we are all called to offer hospitality and care. Our invitation to friendship needs to extend to each person we meet. Indeed, everyone is our neighbor.

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