Family Activity

Television As a Window To Your Neighbor

The discussion between Jesus and the scribe represented one of the few areas of agreement between the two camps in the first century AD. The first part (love for God) came from Deuteronomy 6:6. The second part (love neighbor as self) came from Leviticus 19:18. Both verses are still considered to the most important in Judaism and Christianity today.

But, who is my neighbor? To answer that question, Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan (found in Luke 10:25-37). Since Jews and Samaritans hated each other, Jesus attacked the xenophobia and racism of his time with a simple message: my neighbor is everyone. To make this point with your family, instruct your family members to look for people different from your neighbors the next time your family sits down to watch television. Look for the poor, the hungry, and the lame. Use these images to spark a discussion. How can your family "love" these people? Brainstorm ideas, draw up a reasonable and doable plan of action, and carry it out. Don't forget to thank God for neighbors that are different from the people that live next door to you.