Be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. (Philippians 2:2)

We exist in homes, families, communities, to 'care' for each other, as well as being cared for by others. However, 'care' has ambiguous connotations, as Henri Nouwen has pointed out. (When a Mafia boss tells his henchmen to 'go and take care of somebody' that somebody is about to be made an offer he can't refuse! Actually, our English word 'care' goes back to a Gothic root, kara, meaning to 'lament, weep with, grieve'. So caring should mean we become aware of the other in ways that stir deep feelings, and out of these feelings resolve is born to care for them in appropriate ways. This means breaking out of the circle of selfishness and making our lives a resource to others.

The other day I noticed that one of my daughters came from a phone call to a friend, crying. That took care of the next hour, as we went for a walk to talk about a problem. This is the meaning of the Good Samaritan story. Every 'good Samaritan' says to the other: 'What happens to you makes a difference to me.' Just as God makes an unconditional covenant to commit himself to us no matter what happens, so we forgive 'seventy times seven' and serve the other, even if we are not thanked, or such labours are not returned. This is authentic caring.

You have given me so much, Lord. May I share some of those special resources with others. Amen.