Being Neighborly

 One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”

Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?”
The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
"Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!”
The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
Luke 10:25-29 NLT

Hurricanes and flooding and other so-called natural disasters don't pick and choose which side of town to wipe out. Devastation has no economic or social barriers. It doesn't care who you voted for or what color your skin happens to be. In the moment, it is a great equalizer.

We all know the story of the Good Samaritan. Once again, we're living it. People we don't know pitching in to help gut homes devastated by Ida, trucking supplies to neighboring states, hauling trash to the curb. Why? Simply because they need help. The kindnesses are both humbling and overwhelming. People connecting and helping each other, giving to one another, sharing whatever they have to share. People I know who have lost - out helping others who have also lost. Those who have not lost - out helping those who have. It's amazing. It doesn't matter who you are or where you live or whether or not the latest hurricane took anything from you, neighbors are helping neighbors.

Verses 36-37, “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked.
The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”
Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.”

Prayer:

Father,
         Oh, how I pray this love for our neighbors will transcend storms and earthquakes and tsunamis! Lord, we are witnessing Your love poured out across (and in spite of) socio-economic-politico barriers. Help us to be ever mindful to Now go and do the same. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen