Who is our neighbour?

Whenever we are trying to learn a new skill or activity there is a desire to know the rules we will play by.  This is important so that we may not only appropriate what is necessary for the task at hand but also so that others can know with a sense of certainty that we can be relied upon. This is born out not just by our observations of others performing the task but also by discovering the gift inside ourselves. Yet of equal importance needs to be placed on why we choose to exercise that skill or be involved in a particular activity. We need to know ourselves and the other. It is by discovering that the task has a deeper meaning which engages us in making a positive contribution to the community of which we are part.

As Jesus echoes the Golden rule about loving God and our neighbour we need to discover that we need to be open to the circumstances of our lives. The "rule book" that Jesus gives us is the people we encounter each day. The way we approach each of these people seeks to discover what is for their good and not just our own. There is a need to become aware of the environment in which we live which calls us to be people who have compassion for people in need. Some of these situations will call us to be more available than others but the desire is the same, we seek the good of the other.

One of the modern day curses is the need to look busy or preoccupied so that we can be seen to be making our mark on the world. Yet this very desire to be constantly active can say more about our desire to be useful rather than to be present. We attach our sense of worthiness to our productive ability and to make things happen. When it looks as though somebody will intrude on our activities we hold them at arm's length or maybe just walk on by. We do not stop to take stock of whether we can attend to what others need. We tell ourselves stories about our own busyness or how a person should be self-sufficient. I don't need to list examples we know them too well.

Yet as prayerful people we seek to discover how our lives are called to embody that loving presence of God. This is not just about performing good works but developing a good heart. One which is not closed to the world around us and is moved into action. This looks not at what we cannot do but how we can be present with the gifts entrusted to us. Each day provides the opportunity to be present to others in great need.