There’s a great story told about the Jewish teacher Martin Buber. Once, a man came to his door to ask him a question. Buber was polite, but in the midst of deep study of scriptures that day. Buber was cordial, but as he put it: “I did not answer the questions which were not asked.” The next day this man killed himself.

From then on “Buber concluded that encounters with people must take precedence over scholarship and mystical speculation.” (Telushkin)

He soon afterwards wrote “I and Thou”, his famous book about the two types of basic relations or orientations we have with others.

Kindness and depth listening still go a long way with people. Nice to be reminded again today to prioritize souls above study or even art making at times. To keep oil on your door hinges! Even activities which are good in their own right can block us from Love. Good can be the worst enemy of best.

People still matter most. It reminds me of Jesus’ response when asked why he was helping people on the Sabbath, knowing that He was breaking the law. Love is higher than good works or even righteous study. Plus you never know about strangers, as it says, you could be entertaining angels; or a person in true need, as this man obviously was. Good meditation in our times.