“And who is my neighbor?” Luke 10:29
Jesus continually surprised all around him by including folks they (we?) just knew were on the outside of God’s kingdom.
There were Gentiles, lepers, tax collectors, prostitutes, Samaritans, prodigal sons, common laborers, prisoners, the poor,
even women for goodness sake. And what about folks who knew surely they were on the inside, like Pharisees, Sadducees,
temple leaders, and also his followers at times? Jesus told stories, shared meals, and poured out love in ways that
demonstrated where their (our?) hearts, minds, and souls must be if they (we?) are truly following him.
Perhaps helping change the world for Trinity’s community of faith is to embrace more fully and humbly the grace of
serving our neighbors who are – to society in different ways – on the outside. People of Trinity are active in Mommy
Reads, Kids Count, Family Promise, Habitat for Humanity, Pace Center for Girls, House of Hope, and Called to Action.
Faith Mission is now being launched. Through these organizations, how can we enter into relationship with our neighbors
more deeply? How can we more faithfully enhance the vitality and well-being of our neighborhood?
The scripture in Luke is not just corporate, it’s personal too. What about me? When am I judging others who I’ve put in
some category as outsider? Where are my prejudices? Am I blind when persons are being marginalized right in front of
me?
Jesus surprises and Jesus challenges me both at the same time. As Anne Lamott says, I hate when that happens! But I
don’t hate it – not really – because it’s a reminder that only in those too brief moments when my life – heart, mind, and
soul – is tied to Jesus am I in a place where there’s no judgment, no condemnation, but mercy, forgiveness, and giving.
And that makes all the difference to me and my neighbor.
Ward Simonton
We still need a few more devotionals for the DSE; please send to Tammy at tkarafa@trintygnv.org
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