DEFINING BOUNDARIES

The boundaries of neighbourliness should not be seen simply in generalised terms. In the ‘parable of the good Samaritan’ as we know it, Jesus asks a question that sought to push boundaries a little: “

Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”(Luke 10:36)

Thus, in different contexts, your neighbour could change. In the setting and circumstances described in the Gospel, if the intention of the encounter with robbers was to test resolve and the strength to get up after a big set back, then the priest and Levite would have been better neighbours while the merciful Samaritan would have been an interruption to the school of process.

Likewise, Peter was no neighbour when he rebuked Jesus for suggesting the cross was the way to go. Even though it was Peter’s show of goodwill and commitment, regarding the cross, the man who helped Jesus carry it was more a neighbour when compared to Peter, and that is in spite of their pre-existing relationship.

Beloved, there is more to the definition of neighbour, else the Teacher of the law would not have asked his question. It goes beyond a show of mercy, but neighbourliness encompasses understanding of context, circumstances and what role one’s involvement could play. Surely, show mercy to all, but bear in mind that “true neighbourliness could be situation dependent: You may honestly wish another person well, and still be a bad neighbour to them in specific situations.”

#sly