Let’s say that a new neighbor moves in next you to. That is, next to your house or to your apartment. And let’s say this new neighbor doesn’t look like you . . . has a different color than you. Or let’s say the neighbor is hard to understand . . . he (or she) talks funny. Well how do you react? Will you be welcoming? Do you go over and introduce yourself. Do you give them a chance?
What if the neighbor is [reveal R2D2]? For those of you who do not know this a replica of the robot from the Star Wars movies. This was put together by Youth of our parish for a contest called “Carts on Parade.” Its name is R2D2, which stands for Robotic Droid Series-2 or R2 as it is most affection ally called.
In my estimation, R2 is the glue of the entire Star War series.
has appeared in all 7 films
never makes a mistake
repeatedly saves the lives of the other characters
R2 has a sidekick C3PO that also is in all the movies. But notice that he is never as loved or as respected as the little robot.
I would say that R2 would be an ideal neighbor to have. In fact, I challenge you to consider if you could be as good of a neighbor as R2 is . . . . for example:
He understands people even if he doesn’t speak like them. R2 communicates with whistles and beeps, but he comprehends everyone else.
Do you find yourself only relating to those who look like you, same color, same?
Do you not have a lot of patience for someone who is older . . . or much younger?
Have you ever considered what that person (whom you cannot stand) if going through?
Do you try to understand what it is like to be in a wheel chair?
Do you consistently make jokes about obesity, while not even thinking about how hurtful some comments can be?
R2D2 is always helpful. Whether that is producing blowtorches, saws or computer interfacing. R2 rarely (if ever) backs down when there is a need. How about you?
Are you the kind of neighbor that is always pointing out problem (with offering any solutions)?
If someone asks for help . . . moving furniture or borrowing a cup of sugar, do you readily assist? Or does no one ever ask your help, because you have the reputation of “always saying NO?”
R2 is curious and has a sense of humor.
Do you ever ask questions, and try to get to know people, or do you lecture only?
Do you always feel a need to be serious?
When the last time that you laughed with a neighbor?
Heck, when was the last time that you laughed at all?
R2 never seeks limelight and wants others to succeed. He regularly saves the day but rarely takes credit.
Are you someone who needs to keep up with the neighbors?
That is, if they get something new, then you do.
Of you need to make sure that your “thing” is the biggest, the fastest or the best?
He’s small and often underestimated; incredibly brave but can also get scared;
Could we say the same things about you?
Jesus was trying to push the limits of who is one’s neighbor of what does a “good neighbor” consist of.
This becomes more pertinent in lieu of the tragic killings this past week (in Louisiana and in Dallas), but also right in our area . . . of Falcon Heights (which is where the State Fair is held). Fearing or not knowing your neighbor continues to have a ripple effect. That is, the more someone seems different, the less we try to get to know them. It becomes “them” versus “us.” And make no mistake; we all are responsible for the tension between the black community and the white police officers. Every time we tell a joke, share a stereotype, lump all of “those people” together in one big assumption. .. we contribute to the growing divide. It’s not THEIR problem, it’s OUR problem
It’s been said that R2D2 changed the mold of how robots are perceived. But R2 proved that one doesn’t have to resemble you . . . to be charming and funny and interesting. Perhaps that person on your team, or down that street, who doesn’t do everything like you, or has a different skin color than you, is the exact person that you need to get to know. For perhaps they can bring out the best in you and bring you to new insights to do what the greatest commandment calls us to do . . . love.