Catherine Booth, co-founder with her husband, William Booth, of the Salvation Army, was an electrifying preacher. Wherever she went, crowds of people came to hear her message of hope: princes and nobles, beggars, and homeless people. One night, after preaching in a certain city, a certain well-placed lady invited Mrs. Booth to dinner. The lady's words of welcome as she arrived were: "My dear Mrs. Booth, that meeting was so dreadful." "What do you mean?" asked Mrs. Booth. "Oh, when you were speaking, I was looking at those people opposite to me. Their faces were so terrible that many of them were homeless. I do not think I shall sleep tonight!" "Why, dear, don't you know them?" Mrs. Booth asked. "Certainly not!" the host replied. "Well, that is interesting," Mrs. Booth said. "I did not bring them with me from London; they are your neighbors!" The lady who had invited Mrs. Booth to dinner understood her "neighbor" was not to be limited only to those on her social and economic level.
The word neighbor is derived from two Anglo-Saxon words, Neah and gebur, which means "near farmer." A neah-gebur or neighbor was a person with whom you rubbed shoulders, whose land touched yours, whose seeds blew your way, and whose animals shared common pastures. We are challenged to identify and tear down all the borders we have erected between those who belong to us and those who don't. Working with Jesus is to realize his dream for the world as a neighborhood without borders.
"To ignore human suffering means to ignore God." Said Pope Francis.
Real-Life Example of Caring
I remember an incident when I was in college when a college student was struck by a car; his survival depended on a delicate operation requiring many blood transfusions. The local hospital, lacking an adequate blood supply, needed urgent help. A friend of the victim posted a note on the college bulletin board, and soon, students and faculty members lined up to donate blood, even though they did not know the victim personally.
Those who responded to donate blood to an accident victim whom they never personally knew are the modern-day counterparts of the Good Samaritan in Christ's parable. The message is clear. There are no limits as to whom the law of love must be applied. A neighbor is not simply one who lives next door or in our town or country. A neighbor is linked not to geography but to the heart. One whom we come across on the road when we travel, who needs little money, food, and clothing, is also our neighbor in this modern time.
Our Lady of the Rosary
Mary, Our Lady of the Rosary, whose feast we celebrate today, exemplified being a good neighbor through her actions of love and service. When she heard of Elizabeth’s need, she traveled in haste to be with her, offering support and companionship during a difficult time. At the wedding in Cana, she noticed the couple’s dilemma and interceded, prompting Jesus’ first miracle. At the foot of the Cross, she stood by Jesus and comforted the disciples.
In these moments, Mary showed us that being a true neighbor means stepping in with compassion and empathy, noticing the needs of others, and responding with a generous heart. She invites us to live as neighbors without borders, reaching out to all in need.
- Father Boby's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)
