When Fred Rogers received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, he wore a sweater and tie, just as he has for 30 years as host of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Instead of focusing on his career in public television, he talked to reporters about why we are on this earth—not to amass fortunes or win competitions or make great names for ourselves. The important things, he said, are the small, daily acts that make our world a better place.

Is that what we consider important today? Do we consider the small things important enough to interrupt our plans, rearrange our schedules, tap into our bank accounts?

In Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan (Lk. 10:29-37), a man who was considered racially, socially, and theologically inferior showed mercy to someone who was injured. Jesus commended this Samaritan outcast and said that he was a "neighbor" to the man in need.

According to our Lord and Savior, the world is our neighborhood, and every person in it is our neighbor whom we should love as ourselves.

Today, we will undoubtedly have an opportunity to show God's love, mercy, and kindness to someone in need. Let's do it, and make it a beautiful day for a neighbor.  — David C. McCasland