And Who is My Neighbor?

Dear Friends,

I'm not sure that the world is really any worse (or any better, for that matter) than it ever has been. I am sure, though, that we are more aware of the devastating things that happen in our world. The news, especially the bad news, is just more present--more immediate, more constant--than it ever has been.

Because of how aware we are of all these different needs for so many different people in so many different places, we can be tempted toward an attitude that acts like we only really need to worry about what's happening in our closest community. "Why should I care about what's happening to people way over there that I've never even met. People are going hungry in our town!" You've probably heard that sentiment; maybe you've even felt it or said it. You wouldn't be the first!

"And who is my neighbor?" That's the question we'll hear a lawyer ask Jesus on Sunday. And I can't help but hear resonances of that question in this attitude toward the troubles of our day.

But my sense is, that's just the wrong way to think about it. Of course there are local needs and concerns, but that doesn't mean I have to neglect global or national realities if I'm going to serve locally. In fact, I think it all works together. To serve those in far-off places is to help ourselves better know how to serve those in our own backyard. To love and serve a neighbor is a good and joyful thing, whether that neighbor is in Chattanooga, at the southern border, or in a country across the world.

This Sunday, you will have a chance to hear about the ways we are seeking to serve our neighbors--some right next door, some in our neighborhood, and some across the world. Between the 9am and 11am service and after the 11am service you will hear about chances to reach out to students and faculty at St. Peter's School, students at risk of hunger in Hamilton County schools, and children in need of basic nutrition in Haiti.

Three different places, with three different sets of needs--and all of them are our neighbors. I invite you to come and hear about how we, as a church, can serve them together.

God bless,

Fr. Quinn+

[Photo by Juliana Kozoski on Unsplash.com]