Being Kind to Your Neighbour and to the Least

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Readings - Exodus 22:20–26; Psalm 18:2–4, 47, 51; 1 Thessalonians 1:5–10; Matthew 22:34–40

(Image courtesy: Creative Commons)

I 

Our works of mercy and kindness must be the rule book

"Love ought to show itself in deeds rather than in words." These words of St Ignatius of Loyola in the book Spiritual Exercises No. 230 summarize this Sunday's readings. The word "Love" has a phenomenal meaning and connotations. In fact it finds its fullest expression only when we demonstrate in our deeds. Both Yahweh in the book of Exodus and Jesus in Mathew's gospel compel us how to practice that love. Our book of life must be summarised by our actions of love, in other words, my very existence must be expressed in works of mercy, charity, compassion and emptying myself to the other. Each one of us do these works of kindness, however, the readings encourage us to do more and put ourselves wholeheartedly in doing such things. Even though the 613 commands that are found in the first five books of the Old Testament (Torah) which help us to live our lives according to God's design still we need something more to make them complete, that is "love of God and love of our neighbour". Our love for our neighbour must express itself in concrete actions, such as those set out in today’s First Reading - Exodus 22:20–26. It means that our lives also should focus on the needs of the others.

II

Priorities of God must be our priorities 

God of the Exodus is very particular in being kind to three categories of people, namely, strangers (aliens, foreigners, those with differing viewpoints), widows and orphans. There is a reason why these people should find a priority when it comes to safety, security and mercy. It is because they are the most vulnerable and helpless in this world and in society. In recent years the pathetic migrant crisis that has hit Europe, Asia and Americas is an eye opener to all of us. Countless people have lost their lives in the seas, on the roads while crossing the borders. Just recall the unforgettable migrant crisis that India faced soon after the unplanned, hasty and unintelligible Covid-19 lockdown the careless government of India (dysfunctional Modi sarkar) imposed just seven months (March 2020) ago in India. Widows, orphans, migrants, aliens and foreigners are the most vulnerable  and feeble cluster of people in our society, country and world today because they are blatantly subjugated to degenerating status by our caste, class, religious and social system. Just see the place of husbandless women and fatherless and motherless children in our staunch traditionally bound Hindu society.  Probably, we should add some more people to our list in the changing scenarios of the world civilisation today, namely, the elderly, sickly and physically or mentally challenged people. Neither the families nor the religious or secular communities would like to have them in their homes or in their communities. In this context, even if the world thinks differently, we should think like our saviour Jesus. Jesus came to the downtrodden, vulnerable, weak and the voiceless. Even in difficult times, following Jesus’ example of focusing on others will produce positive results. Thus we will not be carried away by the standards of this world which are nothing but often folly, fake and faulty. 

III

Wholeheartedness in loving our neighbour and vulnerable

The words of Jesus, "you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind... [and] you shall love your neighbour as yourself" (Matt 22:37-38) as a commandment has a bearing on our lives. Human person according to philosophy consists of mind, body and soul. Heart is the center of the physical body. If we take out one part then there isn't a human person. In other words, to be a human being one must have heart, soul and mind. Therefore, when a person does some action or opens oneself to communicate with the other either in words or in deeds, he or she must do it with one's whole self or being. Love is the hinge that binds the whole humanity even though we may belong to different nation, race, religion, language or culture. The paradox of Jesus is this, for we can’t love God, whom we can’t see, if we don’t love our neighbour, whom we can (1 John 4:20–22). We love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). But this love we are called to is far more than simple affection or warm sentiment. We must give ourselves totally to God—loving with our whole beings, with all our heart, soul, and mind. Loving God means loving and caring for the global family, where everyone in included and none is excluded. All those in each of our lives represent the “neighbours” that Jesus is talking about.  The simple truth is that we have a holy obligation to respond with love and compassion to those God has placed in our lives. 

IV

We are not here to abandon but empower

Often we are stuck with ourselves, my needs, the needs of my families or of my community. So our ability to respond with love and compassion towards others takes a back seat when we become reserved, self-centred or unready to face simple challenges of one's survival like medical, financial, food, clothing, and shelter. However, the Psalm 18 reminds us that we can derive strength from a solid source that is our Lord who is our ROCK, our DELIVERER, and our STRENGTH.  The promise that if we keep the Lord’s word, then the Father will love us and will come to us – we will never be alone as we seek to follow Jesus. God reminds us that He hears the cries of those in need and that there are consequences if we fail to show compassion. "If you do afflict them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry; and my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless." (Ex 22: 23-24). In other words, we are here not to abandon or fail anyone but empower everyone. God will surely bless those efforts bountifully and reward us abundantly and with eternal life.

Questions for reflections?

1. Who is my immediate neighbour in my family, community or apartment building needs my attention, love and compassion?
2. How far in my life, when distress and difficulties arose, God has been my rock, my deliverer and my strength?
3. Do I like to be gentle towards others when someone hurts me in my family or in my community and offer the hurt and uneasy feelings to God and forgive and forget them for the greater good?

4. How could I summarize my life? Do my deeds speak louder or my rantings?

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

24 October 2020