Who is my neighbour? 1

The word hubris is a Greek word that combines in meaning to be overconfident and full of pride. What an interesting reflection.

We live in a world that constantly promotes self-obsession. However, I have come to realise that the beginning of all injustice, is obsession with self.

This sense, that we have a right to always be right and that sharing our opinion without recompense for those it may offend, is a focus of a society that promotes the wellbeing of one over the preference of another.

When I think about this word, I am reminded of the Lawyer who came to Jesus in the book of Luke, wondering what it took to gain eternal life. Jesus told him about the commandment to love God and our neighbour.

With arrogance, he responded by asking “Who is my neighbour?” and Jesus answered in humility by telling the parable of the “Good Samaritan”.

In a world that tells us to achieve, what if we served.

In a world that says we have rights, what if we preferred others.

In a world that demands things, what if we gave away.

This is the greatest act of rebellion, to live our lives lifting up another, rather than trying to make a way for ourselves.