Sacred Connections: Who is My Neighbor?
Some of us may be experiencing that question arising in real time as we encounter people in our neighborhoods whom we simply haven’t seen before. I know most of the dog-walkers in my neighborhood, and not so many in the non-dog households unless they walk for exercise on a regular basis. But now, so many of us are just longing for fresh air, longing to be outside in a more spacious, safe environment where we’re not instantly reaching for hand sanitizers or reflexively measuring distance. A gentle stroll at a relatively quiet time in our very own neighborhoods seems to be a soothing tonic. Or simply going out on the porch or balcony, even opening a window to the outer world may encourage us to breathe more easily. And for those of us who live alone – just to see another face and hear another voice, albeit at a safe distance, can be quite comforting.
Jesus commands us to “love your neighbor as yourself” and that seems to invariably invite the question – “Who is my neighbor?” Our present situation with the many challenging aspects of the coronavirus creates a fresh environment for us to reflect on this question. I mentioned in last week’s blog about the Redeemer neighborhood groups we are forming to help us support each other and be church with each other, during this difficult time. Some of you may have received a contact, and some not yet, but our hope is that all of the groups will be engaged within the next couple of weeks.
These Redeemer neighborhood groups are organized to connect people who are literally neighbors to each other, whether they’re in the same building, down the street or a couple of streets over. Each group has someone who has agreed to facilitate the first connections by phone call or email, and to share names and contact information. After that, the neighbors will sort out how they want to nurture these connections. So far, we’ve heard of swapping jigsaw puzzles, sharing book and movie recommendations, a walk carefully maintaining six-foot physical distancing, offers to pick-up groceries, personal notes of encouragement, and holding each other in prayer. All of that is just in the first week or so. We’ll keep you posted as more stories are shared.
Being on the receiving end of such a neighborhood group call was a personal delight for me. Christy Borneman is our “Connector” in our cluster in East Hyde Park, and just hearing her friendly, enthusiastic voice was a gift. She was calling to say she was going to the grocery in the morning and was checking with all of us to see if we needed anything. I very sheepishly mumbled, “popcorn salt”. This is so clearly not a necessity on anyone’s possible list, but I’ve been fixing much more popcorn in my evenings while sheltering in place, it’s become my comfort food of choice, and that item on my shopping list had eluded me. I assured Christy not to give it a second thought if she forgot or didn’t spot it easily. For me the gift was 99% her call and offer – to feel that there was someone nearby offering help with a generous heart, that I wasn’t just on my own. For someone else on the receiving end, that offer might be the difference between getting medication or having a meal or not.
Redeemer folks have generous hearts filled with Christ’s love, and seek to share Christ’s love in the world. We see these generous hearts in the beautiful outreach ministry going on with Cincinnati Public Schools at John P. Parker Elementary School and the meals and activity resources we’re providing each week, and with Interfaith Hospitality Network and the meal support we’re providing while not being able to host during this time. We see it in Redeemer folks selflessly serving our broader community, through sharing expertise, medical care, support in essential community services, and individual acts of kindness when kindness is needed and cherished more than ever.
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus’ commandment is a gift to us. Such love brings light even in the most difficult circumstances. It lightens the heart of the one who gives and the one who receives. Let us walk in Christ’s love – now, more than ever – while carefully maintaining physical distancing.
