New Year’s Day: Who is my Neighbor?

Dec 31

Fr. Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, and his family on NYE 2020

On January 1, the Octave Day of Christmas, the Church celebrates Mary, the Holy Mother of God. The scripture readings call us to reflect on the events of the birth of Christ (see Luke 2: 16-21). However, on New Year’s Day, I like to reflect on another story in Luke’s Gospel (Luke 10:29). This is the scene when a lawyer asks Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus responds with the parable of the Good Samaritan. This is a perpetual question for the Christian.

However, during the holidays, I find it is easy to recognize my neighbor. Being a good neighbor and looking out for others comes naturally during the days of December. People bring gifts and cheer to their friends, neighbors, and co-workers. At this time of year, most of us look out for our neighbor and have a deep sense of duty to the stranger. Christmas calls us to recognize in one another the God who became visible in a tiny child.

When I was a child, I was amazed at the Nativity set in our living room. A true stable, there were no walls or doors. It impressed me that the shepherds, kings, angels, and animals could all walk into the manger and find Jesus. There were no barriers or checkpoints for those who wanted to visit the newborn king.

During the time between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, it seemed that my family home was mirroring the open stable. Relatives, neighbors, co-workers, and friends would stop by for a visit, a meal, a late-night snack, or a long talk during the holidays. The hustle and bustle of life slowed down, and time seemed to pause as we celebrated the birth of Christ. For a few days, our neighborhood was like the little town of Bethlehem, and there were no doors or barriers on our homes. Anyone could walk in and enjoy the hospitality of the holidays. Anyone could walk in and find Jesus.

On New Year’s Day, many families and neighbors do just that. There are open houses and opportunities to connect with others. In my hometown of Philadelphia, the 125-year-old Mummers Parade is an opportunity to mingle with old friends, meet new neighbors, and welcome visitors and tourists. The city celebrates the new year with a parade featuring costumes, music, and all kinds of merrymaking. The official parade starts in South Philly, but the partying and revelry extend through many neighborhoods. Even though there is a healthy competition among the locals, there is a real sense of unity and togetherness. On New Year’s Day, everyone is my neighbor.

St. Francis de Sales reminds us in his letters that we “must always consider our neighbor when we contemplate our relationship with God.” As the holidays continue, may we take time to contemplate and celebrate the God made visible in our neighbor.