Zip Code Segregation

Unfortunately, as is probably common in many areas, our state has what I like to call Zip Code Segregation. You know what I'm talking about. Those who live in zip codes which traditionally have higher income families and those who live in zip codes which traditionally have lower income families develop a deep resentment towards one another. I'm sure many, if not all of you know what I'm talking about.

I have friends and family who live in what is traditionally believed to be a lower income area. I can tell you first hand they are far from living in a lower income lifestyle. They have what they need; a nice home, good clothes, good food for the family to eat. They also have what is most important in anyone's zip code - good relationships with their neighbors.

I also have family and friends who live in what is traditionally considered a high income zip code. I can tell you first hand that they, too, are able to provide the same things for their families and share the same level of relationships with their neighbors.

So what's the difference? As far as I can tell it's their zip code. So why do those in one zip code think others in a different zip code to be, well, different? I wish I knew.

In today's reading from Mark 7:24-37 Jesus is traveling between two zip codes. He finds in the one zip code where those who are considered less people (aka the Gentiles) who are just as honest, caring, respectful, hospitable, and love God and each other the same as the zip code he came from. With that discovery he doesn't hesitate to do what is right.

When we're going about our day we often meet people we come to believe are good; who share the same values we do. We never immediately ask, "Where do you live?" Instead we get to know them by who they are and what they do because we know these things to be very defining of the person we're now considering to be a part of our community. Don't let your heart become clouded by where these people are from.

Remember this one thing if you don't remember anything else. We are all neighbors, and we are called to love our neighbors just as we love ourselves.