Dear friends, when I first came to Australia, I was surprised to
learn that many people in my parish didn’t know their neighbours. One of the reasons was that
the people liked to change their homes often. Of course, there were many different reasons why
they were moving from one place to another; a new job, the needs of the family changed
and so they didn’t have enough time to get to know their neighbours.
This Sunday we are invited to reflect upon the following question: Who is my neighbour?
Think for a moment about your neighbours. Do you know them? How often do you see them?
Have you ever had a chance to invite them for a coffee? Do you trust them? Do you argue with them?
Sometimes there is a language barrier between people and clear communication is difficult.
Maybe we can make an extra effort in trying to understand those who came from other countries.
The other day I had a conversation with a small group of people who told me that it was easier for
them to avoid their neighbours because they didn’t understand their accent. Some time ago I watched a
documentary about two neighbours who irritated each other and constantly annoyed each other.
Two thousand years ago it was the case between Jewish people and the Samaritans. They avoided
each other as well. Some Jews used the term “Samaritan” as an insult. One of the reasons was
that Samaritans had different ideas about a place of worship and the interpretation of Scripture.
In today’s Gospel Jesus told the parable about a man who was attacked while coming from Jerusalem.
Surprisingly the only one who helped him was a Samaritan traveller. Jesus was talking
to a lawyer who thought that only people of his religion were his neighbours and worthy of help.
The Lord wanted him to understand that it was essential to change his perception of
how to gain eternal life. Jesus asked him to expand his concept of who was his neighbour.
True neighbours helped not only their own but the stranger.
Australia is a multicultural society. As a foreigner I feel very welcome in
this country. It has become my community that I love. When I participate in different gatherings,
not only connected to the Church, I see the people of different races and colour who have similar
problems and joys as I have. No matter where we come from, we all need God in our lives. Let us
remember that every human being is a beloved child of God for whom Jesus offered his life.
So, let us be enthusiastic about sharing the faith with others. Let us imitate the good Samaritan
and welcome everyone even if it costs us. During one of his audiences Pope Francis said,
“Welcoming other Christians and showing hospitality to strangers, especially migrants,
is an opportunity for unity and for sharing Christ's love” (Papal Audience, Jan 22, 2020).
Let us choose to share that love with others, especially with our neighbours.