Close Menu
Eden Prairie Local News
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Wednesday, May 21
    • About
      • About EPLN
      • Team
      • EPLN in the News
      • Policies
    • Contact
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Threads LinkedIn
    Subscribe
    Eden Prairie Local News
    • Home
    • Schools
    • Business
    • Sports
    • Public Safety
    • City
    • Calendar
    • Subscribe
    • Donate
    • More
      • Construction
      • Outdoors
      • Politics
      • Health
      • Spirituality
      • Community Service
      • Legacy
      • Obituaries
      • Arts
      • Family
      • Holidays
      • Letter to Editor
      • Listen
      • Jobs
    Eden Prairie Local News
    Home»Spirituality»Love your neighbor as yourself
    Spirituality

    Love your neighbor as yourself

    Rod AndersonBy Rod AndersonJanuary 20, 20222 Mins Read
    Pexels.com

    My wife, Julane and I lived in Arizona for a full year of seminary internship in a wonderful congregation learning and growing under the supervision of a much-loved pastor friend and a helpful team of ministry mentors.

    Julane Anderson with the greeting sign at The Casa. Photo by Pastor Rod Anderson

    Our first child was born and baptized there and countless other great memories with forever-friends keep drawing us back for visits in the desert.

    Over the years we’ve gravitated to a favorite house of worship called The Casa on the campus of the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale where the liturgical music is engaging, the message is uplifting and the community is always so welcoming.

    Earlier this January we arrived wearing our N95s expecting to see typical COVID-19 signs with bold black lettering on the doors saying “Masks Required.” Instead, we were welcomed by bright colorful signs with images of a gathered congregation and the scriptural words “For LOVE of NEIGHBOR PLEASE WEAR A FACEMASK INSIDE.”

    Advertisement
    Ad for Washburn McReavy

    That sign stopped us in our tracks, brought a smile to our faces under our masks and caused us to wonder and ask, “Why haven’t we seen more signs like this one anywhere and everywhere?”

    In these past two years, why haven’t we seen wearing our masks as a divine way of living out this Great Commandment in the holy scriptures of my faith tradition?

    And why hasn’t this pandemic taught all the people of the Earth to ask repeatedly, “Who is my neighbor?” and then be drawn to parallel and similar sacred writings found in many other faith traditions?

    What if we would have heeded the early encouragement that “we’ll get through this together” by adding “by loving our neighbor?”

    It’s not too late! There’s still more loving our neighbors in the days to come by faithfully wearing our masks, taking PCR tests, observing safe social distancing and getting vaccine and booster shots … all motivated and blessed as sacred means for “loving our neighbor” during worship and all the time!

    And in the days ahead, when greeting someone wearing a face mask, I plan to kindly say, “Thanks for loving your neighbor!”

    Comments
    We offer several ways for our readers to provide feedback. Your comments are welcome on our social media posts (Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn). We also encourage Letters to the Editor; submission guidelines can be found on our Contact Us page. If you believe this story has an error or you would like to get in touch with the author, please connect with us.

    Be Informed
    Sign up for the FREE email newsletter from EPLN
    Subscribe
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleFerguson will step down as District 3 Met Council representative
    Next Article New STEM bookstore is a dream that grew from a life-long passion for science

    More to READ

    2 Mins Read

    Spiritual connections: A time to plant … Ecclesiastes 3:2

    May 12, 2025
    5 Mins Read

    Local leaders reflect on Pope Francis as Pax Christi plans memorial Mass

    April 23, 2025
    7 Mins Read

    Catholic but not Roman Catholic? Local faith leader’s book explains

    April 11, 2025
    Subscribe to get EPLN in your inbox for FREE!
    Recent Articles

    Eden Prairie High School program gives seniors a head start on careers

    May 21, 2025

    Shakopee man charged in Eden Prairie sexual assault of 15-year-old girl

    May 21, 2025

    EPHS synchronized swim team advances to state meet

    May 20, 2025

    Minnesota legislative session ends, still with a long to-do list

    May 20, 2025

    Former Eden Prairie man sentenced for posting nude images of woman online without her consent

    May 20, 2025
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    INN Network Member Guidestar Seal
    Eden Prairie Local News is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization EIN 85-4248265 | Copyright © 2020-2025
    • About
    • Policies
    • Jobs
    • Contact
    • Advertising
    • Subscribe
    • Donate

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.