Neighbors: Short Reflections on Loving the People Around Us

The wisdom of this collection is remarkable. It is mystical and practical at the same time. Lubich says, ＂We can’t go to God alone, but we must go to him with our brothers and sisters, since he is the Father of us all.＂ Bill Hartnett’s foreword sets up the book beautifully, noting that each aspect of the spirituality of unity insists upon the presence of our neighbor. The neighbor is never an obstacle between the twosome of me and God but a sacred ＂archway＂ through whom I come into God’s presence, and through whom God comes to me. Indeed, the neighbor is a necessity if we are to have mutual love, the profound love that is receptive to the grace of unity.

The pages also have a constant presence of Mary as a perfect model of neighborly charity. ＂Love is only mindful of the beloved - like Mary.＂ And, ＂We can’t imagine Mary staring at herself. Mary looks to Jesus.＂ Each phrase from Lubich offers a new color for the palette you use to love your neighbor, and you’ll find that the book sends you forth with a heart ready to love as Jesus loved.

This is a small book with profound thoughts and insights. Some of them are easy to understand while others are mystical and difficult to grasp. Therefore, the nature of this book is spirituality and it is not a practical handbook on how to help the strange others.

Alan L Chan
Canaan Chinatown Christian Church, Las Vegas, NV, USA

Chiara Lubich (1920-2008) was born in Italy. An internationally renowned religious leader and writer. Chiara and her gospel-based spirituality have inspired millions. The Focolare Movement stands at the forefront of ecumenical and interfaith dialogue.

The New York Times called Chiara Lubich ＂one of the most influential women in the Catholic Church.＂

She was awarded 15 honorary doctoral degrees, numerous civic awards, the Templeton Prize for Progress of Religion, and the UNESCO Peace Prize. She has published more than 50 books in 29 languages.