After telling the parable of the Good Samaritan to a young man, Jesus asks him, “Which of the three men do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" The young man replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

Having been told that to inherit eternal life he must love God and his neighbor as himself—the young man then asked "Who is my neighbor?" and wanted to be told that his “neighbor” was a member of his family, a friend, or, at most, those he found favorable in his own eyes.

Jesus’ answer was magnificent. In effect he said, "It is not about who THEY are, young man, it is about who YOU are."

The issue is not about limiting the number of people for whom you are obliged to care as much as possible. Rather, it is about becoming the kind of human being that God would have you be, a person who cannot ignore someone in need if you can possibly help.

The same is true in the abortion context. Abortion advocates ask for "proof" that the unborn is “human” or is a legal “person.” However, the question is not whether the unborn is human but whether WE are.  Those who are comfortable in ignoring the unborn child can always find excuses. Early in its development, the unborn child “doesn’t look like us.” Later on, the physical resemblance is unmistakable but it is not “viable.” If allowed to be born, it becomes a “burden” -- raising it will put a severe cramp on my lifestyle.  Lame excuses all! 

But if the question is about ME, not them, we see everything in a new light. If it’s about ME, then it will be clear that the unborn child is most assuredly my “neighbor.” They don’t have to pass a qualifying exam -- I do! 

Jesus’ point was that kindness and mercy and generosity do not depend on the recipient being “worthy” or “one of us” or legally entitled to it.   You care for the unborn child because of who YOU are and WHOM you serve. What a privilege, what a blessing, what an honor!