Neighbour Poem by Elizabeth Kurian

Once an expert of the Jewish law
To test Lord Jesus, a fine chance saw,
And said 'Laws are many, big and small,
Which is the greatest of them all? '

Said Jesus 'Love God above all else,
Love your neighbour as you love yourself,
Resting on these two commandments
Are the laws and teachings of prophets.'

Hearing this, he asked Jesus again
'Who is my neighbour? Please explain.'
Jesus, in reply did elaborate
A parable did He thus narrate:

How a man by robbers was plundered,
And thrown on the wayside, half murdered,
Ignored by a priest and countryman,
But saved by a Good Samaritan.

Then Jesus questioned the questioner
'Who was the traveller's real neighbour?
Quick came the reply 'The one who was kind.'
Said Jesus, 'Ever keep this in mind.'