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Today we celebrate God's nearness to his people. In the book of Deuteronomy Moses tells the people of Israel that the Law he has received from God and passed on to them is not remote, distant and impossible to keep. It is part of their identity, and because they repeat its words and love it, the Law is in their mouths and in their hearts. Therefore the Word of the Law is very near to them.

God is near to us in another way too and this truth is illustrated in the gospel. A lawyer had asked Jesus what must he do to inherit eternal life. In return Jesus, affirming the importance of the Law asked what is written there. The lawyer understands that the two most important parts are to love God and one's neighbour, but probes even further to ask "Who is my neighbour?" The characters in the parable of the "Good Samaritan" emphasise possible answers to that question and to the question, "Who should I be neighbour to?" The message of the parable challenges us to transcend any preconceived barriers we may have in our minds. My neighbour is not just a member of my own faith or my own town or even country. It is anyone who is in need of my love and compassion.

Let us read the parable again and take to heart the words of Jesus, "Go and do the same yourself". That is where we will find God.