“Who am I?” and “Who is my neighbor?”
These two questions are subtly raised anytime someone encounters the work of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas’ 30+ programs. These questions are etched upon the human heart and have echoed for 2,000+ years through scripture (Lk 10:29).
In response to the first question, the deep ache we have for relationships points us back to our original identity in the one who is the Creator, the reason each of us has innate dignity. He extends an invitation to us to partake in His life and grow in love of Him. However, the love He shares does not stop there, the love of God and the love of our neighbor cannot be separated and so this widens our perspective to see the breadth, height and depth of who is our neighbor. As our communities and country continue to develop interdependence this broad definition of seeing all as neighbors proves to be of utmost importance (Gaudium et Spes, 24).
“There must be made available to all men everything necessary for leading a life truly human, such as food, clothing and shelter; the right to choose a state of life freely and to found a family, the right to education, to employment, to a good reputation, to respect, to appropriate information, to activity in accord with the upright norm of one’s conscience, to protection of privacy and rightful freedom even in matters religious.” (Gaudium et Spes, 26)
When this is the perspective we take towards all of our neighbors, then we shall live out the greatest commandments (Mt. 22:34-40).
Reflect: How does the image expand your perspective about who your neighbor is?
Pray: God of all life, help us to appreciate the great gift that is human life formed in Your image, a reflection of Your holiness.
Help us to recognize You in all whom You have created: children not yet born, families affected by poverty and war, people of different abilities, people from other lands and all who are victims of hatred and racism.
Help us to bear witness to the dignity of all whom You have created, regardless of stage of life, wealth, ability, color or creed, for every person is fully equal in Your loving eyes.
Share with us Your holy knowledge that we are all Your children, each bestowed with inherent dignity.
May Your justice reign forever!
Amen.
Prayer Credit: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops/USCCB
