Who is my Neighbour?

Yesterday at Arby’s some of us were chatting about Mr. Rogers and how really good he was in his day on TV. He was a comforting presence that we welcomed into our homes, where so much of what we welcome into our living rooms nowadays is not nearly as healthy.  Mr. Rogers had a strong theology of love and really saw in each person a child of God who needed love and who was called to be loved.  He once said, “I think everybody longs to be loved and longs to know that he or she is lovable and, consequently, the greatest thing that we can do is to help somebody know that they are loved and capable of loving.”

Today I am reflective that it is indeed true that the world needs love and needs growth. God is all about love and all about service and Mr. Rogers reiterated that when he said “At the center of the universe is a loving heart that continues to beat and that wants the best for every person. Anything we can do to help foster the intellect and spirit and emotional growth of our fellow human beings, that is our job.
Those of us who have this particular vision must continue against all odds.  Life is for service.”

So when it feels frustrating some days and there does not appear to be progress in the mission to BE the people of God and to Advance the cause of love and growth for all of God’s children, think of the late great Fred Rogers and his well communicated theology of love and community.  “Won’t you be my neighbour?”

Here is a video tribute – you can pause the music on this page first by clicking player above.