I realize that my posts have been a bit thin on the theme of neighbours (contemplation of Jesus in our neighbours) recently.

Partly this is due to my present reading, which has a lot to do with contemplation in silence and transfiguration of the body.

I’ve also been a bit too happy with my sketch of the poles and interrelationships between Christian contemplation in its various forms. Maybe this has kept me from writing about neighbours.

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One thought that I’ve been having about neighbours recently is whether one sees Jesus in a neighbour or behind a neighbour. Do we see Jesus in their features and actions? Or do we see Jesus by their side or behind them, with a hand on their shoulder?

I think my own answer is that it’s a mixture of the two, sometimes more, sometimes less, that depends on the situation. But I don’t know what factors determine the predominance of in or between. The choice between the two is a mystery to me.

What are your thoughts?